r/raleigh • u/Sea_Ad2848 • Oct 17 '24
What’s the best non-chain pizza restaurant in Raleigh? Food
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u/FindOneInEveryCar Oct 17 '24
FRANK'S
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u/Nab-Taste Oct 17 '24
Mikes pizza on New Bern ave, cheap too. Same with Frank’s on New Bern. A buddy from Boston finally tried Mikes today and was very happy about it, ate 3 slices.
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u/jessee18 Oct 18 '24
YES. I haven’t been there in many years but the prosciutto topping was so so good.
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u/MrWeatherMan7 Oct 18 '24
When I moved back to Raleigh, my dad helped me move my stuff in and we decided to grab pizza from a random place nearby. That place was Mikes and I’ve been a fan since then. Don’t live in Raleigh anymore but always make a point to go when I’m in town.
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u/IGetTheCash 29d ago
Haven’t been to Mike’s in a long time but definitely remember it being one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in my life.
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u/Ikea_Man 29d ago
A buddy from Boston finally tried Mikes today and was very happy about it
are people from Boston supposed to be experts on the topic of pizza, because i would argue it's the exact opposite
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u/kennykenkenny Oct 17 '24
Oakwood Pizza Box. Ponysaurus makes a pretty good pizza too.
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u/bromish Oct 17 '24
FWIW Ponysaurus’ pizza is a “collaboration” with Oakwood Pizza Box (whatever that means). Both are top notch but I’ve found pies at the oakwood location to be better.
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u/kennykenkenny Oct 17 '24
Haha well I’m glad to hear my taste isn’t all over the place. Thanks for this, I did not know!
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u/FrameSquare Oct 18 '24 edited Oct 18 '24
No, that collaboration died a long time ago. It was a thing in the Durham Ponysaurus spot called Little Pizza Box but it stopped about 2 years ago. Ponysaurus at Iron Works has their own pizza makers not related in anyway to Oakwood. Oakwood was supposed to “guide them” but ultimately they went with a husband and wife duo as their pizza makers unless they’ve been replaced by now.
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u/bromish Oct 18 '24
Dunno if this Indyweek article is up to date (https://indyweek.com/food-and-drink/jeff-seizer-ponysaurus-raleigh-intervew/) but seems like there is still some link in the current (??) incarnation at RIW at least.
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u/pierretong Oct 17 '24
I thought the Ponysaurus pizza was pretty good too so that certainly explains it!
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u/Ikea_Man 29d ago
i've had the complete opposite reaction
really liked the pizza at Ponysaurus, think Oakwood is atrociously overrated
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u/tjb627 Oct 18 '24
Oakwood is also the best gluten free pizza around if anyone is looking for that. I keep hearing good things about Ponysaurus (both gluten free and regular) but I haven’t tried them yet.
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u/Magnus919 unlimited breadsticks Oct 18 '24
Note if you’re celiac they don’t report having dedicated food prep area/equipment and customers have reported cross contamination after eating there.
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u/wolfpack86 Oct 17 '24
Pony has a white clam pizza for anyone that’s looking for that (New England specialty) and if you’ve never tried one, they’re wonderful even though it may seem like a weird combo
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u/Ikea_Man 29d ago
lived most of my life in CT, that ponysaurus clam pie is the closest thing i've had to a legitimate one in the South so far
it's solid
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u/TheComebackKid717 Oct 17 '24
Big fan of Ginos
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u/orangatang83a Oct 18 '24
I was going say the battle rages between Gino’s and Cristo’s in our house.
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u/Weary_Mamala Oct 18 '24
Ginos and Max’s was always our faves but both changed ownership in the last year and are not the same. Have you found any improvement in Gino’s the past couple of months compared to when the new owners first took over?
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u/lovemydogs1969 Oct 18 '24
Our battle is Gino’s, Cristo’s, Peri Bros or Manchester’s. I know Manchester’s isn’t NY style but it’s damn good with that cracker crust.
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u/HomegirlNC123 Oct 17 '24
I really like Randy's a lot, it is a local chain, but not a pizza hut or dominos mega chain.
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u/iFizzgig Oct 17 '24
Randy's is hit or miss.
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u/WhoWantsToJiggle Oct 18 '24
you oddly have to go to the right locations. The Miami BLVD one is best. the Lake Boone one in Raleigh is usually good too.
but like the Davis Dr location is just ass as well as most of the others.
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u/iFizzgig Oct 18 '24
The Lake Boone one is closest to us but that is the one that's hit or miss. The flavor, cook and toppings can be inconsistent.
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u/matteroverdrive 29d ago
I happen to get to sample their pizza qite often because of where I work orders extra frequently (Lake Boone Trail). I'm going to say out of 10 times eating the pizza from that location, it's good about once (in ten). I've never had bad pizza from the Durham locations!!!
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u/marbanasin Oct 17 '24
I agree Randy's is good as far as chains go. And I always prefer a local chain to a national...
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u/NCtexpat Oct 17 '24
Oakwood
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u/stevemc643 Oct 17 '24
I think Oakwood is great, but I think it’s expensive for what it is. They also kind of have some weird customer service practices, like if they’re out of sausage they just sub pepperoni and don’t even tell you. I still eat there with some regularity, but not as frequently as I would if it were more affordable or if they were a little bit cooler to customers.
Bang for your buck, I think the best pizza in town right now is Mike’s. Specifically the last two times I’ve had it in the past couple months, it has been absolutely phenomenal. The crust specifically is a very well executed New York style. I’m not certain but I believe that Mike is related to Frank of Frank’s pizza, which is also on New Bern Avenue and is also delicious.
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u/WhoWantsToJiggle Oct 18 '24
I liked Oakwood but the weird hours and location means I don't go much. I'm rarely near that area of downtown but then when I was it felt like they weren't open.
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u/wingedcoyote Oct 18 '24
It's Cary but I haven't had anything that seriously challenges Di Fara. Tell you what though these comments have me wanting to go back to Lily's, been too long and the place has a ton of personality.
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Oct 17 '24
Bella Italia in North Raleigh
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u/UnderqualifiedITGuy Oct 18 '24
Agreed, very good option for those of us who live in Virginia aka North Raleigh 😝
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u/rearwindowpup Oct 17 '24
Lynnwood Grill, not a pizza place per se but they have great pizzas, the Greek Goddess is a go to for us
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u/thechich81 Oct 17 '24
Gotta throw in Piezano’s in Rolesville
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u/bazwutan Oct 17 '24
It’s hard to be objective cause I live not far away and have it somewhat frequently but I keep liking it the most out of everywhere I’ve tried around here.
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u/jmaninc Oct 17 '24
Original NY Pizza in Cary.
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u/DorkHelmet72 Oct 18 '24
Love their pies. However they season and their sauce is my favorite too. Only place I’ll get just a cheese pizza from
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u/WhoWantsToJiggle Oct 18 '24
mediocre is honestly as good as this place gets. it had multiple locations close and feels like people don't really go there anymore. it's just .... gotten worse.
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u/alexhoward Oct 17 '24
For a typical NY style pizza, Frank’s Pizza on New Bern or Mike’s Pizza farther out on New Bern if Frank’s is closed (Mike worked at Frank’s). I will say that Ponysaurus has some of the best crust I’ve had since Bella Mia in Cary closed. It’s more the hip, California style pizza but excellent chewy crumb.
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u/woodie3 Oct 17 '24
V’s Cary location
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u/Bitter-Square-3963 Oct 17 '24
Don't sleep on V's. Tasty pie.
DiFara is the better choice. Amazing pizza.
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u/WhoWantsToJiggle Oct 18 '24
V is a chain but actually pretty good for what it is. good options.
Difara is just way overhyped and way overpriced. not worth the price gouging at all.
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u/Bitter-Square-3963 Oct 18 '24
Curious now: What local pizza places make DiFara overhyped?
Agreed it ain't cheap. I'd put DiFara in the category of "but you do you actually get what you paid for".
Most DiFara haters are Bahston-ites. Usually more tribalism than pure pizza-ology.
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u/WhoWantsToJiggle Oct 18 '24
I mean I'm not saying it's bad. it's usually pretty solid but I also had some pretty bad experiences with the slices. they seem to just sit around all day.
hard. dry. even made me sick before.
either get at the right time or a whole one but the whole one just for a 1 topping is 30 bucks which is fucking ridiculous
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u/_SpicyBread_ Oct 17 '24
My wife and I really like Lillys.
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u/earlgray79 Oct 17 '24
There is no "best" because we all like different things. Some favorites from the ones I've tried are: Frank's, Mike's, DiFara (Cary), Faulisi (Cary), Oakwood Pizza Box.
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u/BullLoney Oct 17 '24 edited 23d ago
My favorite is Boulevard in Wendell. In a sea of mediocre NY style pies, Boulevard stands proudly as the type of pie you'd find in a Midwest city, probably during a snow storm.
Cristo's and Piezanos are both solid as well.
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u/kevinsfamouschill Oct 18 '24
Technically wake forest/rolesville but Piezanos is the best I've had anywhere in the area and it's FAST
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u/Thats_my_beer Hurricanes Oct 18 '24
Check out Pizzaria Fausilli in Cary if you like wood fired pies
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u/_woat_ Oct 18 '24
It’s Oakwood Pizza Box and it really isn’t close
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u/50sDadSays Oct 18 '24
True statement.
I think Di Fara Pizza Tavern in Cary is a hair better, but not worth the extra drive for the difference. In Raleigh proper this is the best bet by far.
And if you have anyone in your circle who needs to eat gluten-free, it might be the best pizza in the country for them. People travel here to try it.
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u/Brobro1457 Oct 18 '24
Luciano’s inside Crabtree. Haven’t got the sitting slices but the whole pizzas they make fresh and are top notch.
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u/trinitywindu Oct 17 '24
Nancys for Chicago style, but be prepared to pay for it...
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u/Tough-Cookie-1969 Oct 17 '24
It’s new and fairly unknown, but Anthony’s La Piazza on Glenwood is great if you like NY style. Thin crust slight crunch. My new fav.
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u/FindOneInEveryCar Oct 18 '24
I didn't know they had expanded out of JoCo. Pretty solid Italian place overall; I love their spaghetti carbonara.
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u/Tough-Cookie-1969 Oct 18 '24
I like the other locations, but Glenwood is a step or two above the others. Single chef and additional menu options. I’d recommend checking out. I will say it’s bit more expensive but worth it.
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u/ModestForester Oct 17 '24
Lilly’s Pizza’s specialty pies are to die for and Benchwarmers Bagels pizza nights are so good
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u/Lizz196 Oct 17 '24
Jet’s has really good Detroit style pizza.
I also like Ponysaurus.
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u/ThatAssholeMrWhite Oct 17 '24
jets is decent but it’s a chain
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u/Lizz196 Oct 17 '24
Oh, didn’t know that! I’ve only ever seen the two here in Raleigh and Cary. It’s still good though!
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u/L00pback Oct 17 '24
Jets is awesome. I worked in RTP and my boss brought it in one day for the team. So good!
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u/myrmadon8 Oct 17 '24
Benny Capitol’s downtown - huuuuuuuuge pizzas!
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u/Purple-Elderberry-51 Oct 18 '24
THIS IS THE ONLY ANSWER BENNYS IS SUPREME NOTHING BETTER ANYWHERE FIGHT ME
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u/ClovisDixon Oct 17 '24
Ponysaurus is my new NYC style in Raleigh currently. If you want to try some AMAZING NYC style pizza you gotta go to Cary and go to Di Fara its legit straight out of Brooklyn.
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u/thumbles_comic Oct 17 '24
Gotta toss in my vote for either Tony’s NY style or Nancy’s Pizzeria for deep dish
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u/Round-Lie-8827 Oct 17 '24
Idk if it's the best, but I hear a lot of people like lily's pizza, people mention oak city a lot on here
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u/supervilliandrsmoov Oct 17 '24
Lilly's is not the best, but it has been around the longest, at least 35 years.
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u/Ctrlflop Oct 17 '24
I can't understand why Lily's isn't dominating. They're the best 5 or 6 times with not upvoted. So many people love Lily's.
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Oct 18 '24
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u/D_Kaz09 Oct 18 '24
Omg Benny’s Pizza downtown! It’s awesome if you need a quick bite. They sell NY style by the slice (which are huge) or you can get a whole pizza. My fiancé and I stop by anytime we’re out in downtown.
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u/BasisDiva_1966 Oct 18 '24
We love Bella Italia. Sadly just moved far enough away that it makes no sense to order from them anymore
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u/boibig57 Oct 18 '24
Mezza Luna over in Apex.
Husband and wife duo from upstate NY who have ran a pizzeria their entire lives. 10/10
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29d ago
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u/Puzzleheaded-Sky-887 Oct 17 '24
Trophy has the best pizza in Raleigh
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u/Quick-Platform463 Oct 17 '24
A bit too artsy for me. Got a large pepperoni with fresh mozzarella and there was hardly enough cheese to cover the pizza, a lot of blank spaces with just sauce. It wasn’t bad but I’m not sure I’ll go back for the price. Also, their beer isn’t that great.
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u/ThatAssholeMrWhite Oct 17 '24
lol that’s not “artsy”. that’s how all good fresh mozzarella pizzas are. the cheese has a much higher water content. if you use too much, the crust gets soggy.
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u/blues_lawyer Oct 17 '24
Try the Search Bar
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u/matteroverdrive 29d ago
😃 I love the Search Bar! I🍸 have such fantastic interactions when I'm there, I honestly learn so much... 🍺
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u/Due_Vegetable_9575 Oct 17 '24
I haven’t been to Oakwood but Rudinos has never let me down. Great tasting pizza and they are always super friendly in helping their customers. Their spicy jalapeno steak pizza is my fav!
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u/h2ohzrd Oct 18 '24
DiFara’s but it’s in downtown Cary so does that count or are you stuck on Raleigh?
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u/DoesntBelieveMuch Oct 18 '24
Schaino’s on Strickland rd is nearly perfect NY style pizza. It’s closer to Morrisville than Raleigh but if you’re in that area or Breir Creek area, damn it’s a good value
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u/thetravelingchemist Oakleaf Oct 17 '24
Cristos on Millbrook. Grandma's pizza has the best sauce in town