If you’re the sort of person who enjoys a lukewarm slice of sadness on a Tuesday, or perhaps finds solace in the soggy depths of a microwaved Hot Pocket, then this article is almost certainly not for you. You’d be better off reading a pamphlet on the proper way to fold a fitted sheet, or perhaps contemplating the existential dread inherent in the ever-increasing price of eggs. But continue reading if you’re looking for the best pizza in Raleigh.

I, along with a team of remarkably resilient researchers embarked on the perilous mission to find the best pizza in Raleigh. We’ve tasted the good, the bad, and the truly horrifying, all in the name of uncovering the city’s best pizza

Best Pizza in Raleigh

One encounters abominations covered in corn, pizzas that taste vaguely of despair, and establishments that seem to believe cardboard is a legitimate topping. But, amidst the culinary carnage, a few beacons of hope flickered. A few pizzerias dared to defy the odds, to rise above the mediocrity, to offer… dare I say it… good pizza. So, if you’re still with me, if your appetite for both pizza and despair remains unsated, then continue reading to find the best pizza in Raleigh.

Happiness, like a good pepperoni pizza, can be surprisingly dangerous.

Oakwood Pizza Box

610 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604

Oakwood Pizza Box is a busy neighborhood spot where one can procure pizza, the sort with a thin crust, reminiscent of the New York variety, or a square, thicker and crispier version. The crust, it is said, is a little dry but generally agreeable, avoiding the common pitfalls of being either overly brittle or distressingly limp. For those with a particular dietary constraint regarding gluten, a rice flour-based crust is available, and it is said not to taste like cardboard, a detail that, while perhaps not the stuff of epic poetry, is undoubtedly of some consequence to those individuals.

The atmosphere is casual and low-key, meaning unless one is Danny DeVito, one is unlikely to require a disguise or a particularly elaborate alibi for a visit. Do be warned, however, that securing a parking spot in the vicinity can be a minor challenge. A new, carry-out location is, I hear, on the horizon, which may alleviate the need for the more burdensome aspects of a visit.

Cristo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria

1302 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

Cristo’s offers what they call New York-style pizza. Whether New York is aware of this association remains, as many things do, a mystery. Their pizzas are of the thin-crust and Grandma varieties, and feature a wide array of toppings. Some also rave about their thicker crust Sicilian varieties, with an oiled pan-baked foundation that offers a bottom that is both greasy and firm, a combination that might be described as uncomfortably efficient. The establishment itself is known for its casual atmosphere and the friendliness of its service.

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

2030 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610

Frank’s has been serving Italian-American fare in Southeast Raleigh for a considerable length of time – over four decades, if the local gossip is to be believed. Their specialty is New York-style pizza, crafted with a homemade crust and sauce. Each slice bows gracefully without collapsing entirely, a testament to a delicate balance of crust and topping. Frank’s also provides a selection of other Italian dishes, including such staples as lasagna and spaghetti, as well as stromboli, calzones, and appetizers. Sandwiches and salads are also available, should one desire something of that nature. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a popular choise for dine-in or takeout.

Gino’s Pizza

6260 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

Gino’s Pizza specializes in New York-style pizza. These pizzas, you understand, are of a generous size and possess a thin crust, upon which a variety of toppings can be placed. The crust possesses a certain resilience that can sometimes feel less like a delightful chew and more like a prolonged, arduous negotiation. Gino’s also offers other Italian-inspired dishes, such as pasta, sandwiches, and calzones. The prices are quite reasonable, which, in these uncertain times, is a welcome thing indeed.

Peri Brothers Pizza

7321 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615

Peri Brothers Pizza, a family-owned establishment, offers, as their specialty, New York-style pizza. These thin crust pizzas are available in a variety of sizes, adorned with a wide selection of toppings. But they also have thick Sicilian Grandma Style pies loaded with cheese and toppings. A lingering sensation of fullness, a faint scent of oregano that clings to the air, and perhaps a subtle feeling of regret follows each slice. Peri Brothers also provides a selection of other Italian-inspired dishes, including pasta, subs, and calzones, all at reasonable prices.

Ponysaurus

Iron Works Dr Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604

Enjoy 18 beers on tap alongside specialty pizzas, tempting bites, and refreshing frozen cocktails in this brewery. The pizzas are presented in a size that suggests a commitment to the endeavor of eating, measuring a respectable fourteen inches in diameter (with a slightly smaller, twelve-inch option for those with a particular dietary predilection regarding gluten). And though this is a brewery, the pizzas are not merely an afterthought, a forlorn crust tossed haphazardly onto a table. Look for familiar pies such as the Margherita, as well as more interesting toppings. For those with a bolder palate, or perhaps a more masochistic inclination, the Hot Sopressata Pie promises a certain piquancy, a sensation not unlike the feeling of being unexpectedly jabbed with a rather warm knitting needle.

Here are more places to eat and things to do near Ponysaurus.

Timber

627 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608

Timber Pizza, a small but well-regarded chain of establishments, is known for its wood-fired pizzas. These pizzas possess a slightly smoky flavor and a perfectly crisp crust, the result of being cooked in a wood-fired oven. They are further distinguished by a variety of interesting and unique topping combinations, which are as palatable as they are unusual. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, a place where one might, if one were so inclined, enjoy a pizza with friends or family.

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

827 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603

At Trophy, one may encounter hand-made pizzas adorned with the most unexpected and delightful combinations of toppings. Accompanying these gastronomic marvels is a veritable menagerie of house-brewed beers, each a testament to the brewer’s artful hand. And should one find themselves on the expansive patio, blessed with the warmth of the sun or artificial heat, a most agreeable atmosphere of relaxation is sure to envelop them.

For those who find themselves in the vicinity on a Monday or a Tuesday, a variation known as Detroit-style pizza makes a temporary appearance, offering a different approach to the pizza experience.

If you’re looking for more breweries after all of that pizza, there are plenty in Raleigh.

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Where do you go for the best pizza in Raleigh?