Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Asheville’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 20+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Is your mouth watering yet?
Photo by Josh Loffer via @ashevillebrewingco
Local legends
828 Family Pizzeria, 946 Merrimon Ave.
Pizza has been this family’s tradition since 1933 — plus, readers voted it their favorite Asheville pizza in our pizza bracket back in March, making it a slice you can’t miss out on. Get classic pizza, calzones, strombolis, and other Italian favorites, or opt for one of the special recipe pies.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave., 77 Coxe Ave. + 1850 Hendersonville Rd., Ste. A
The original North Asheville spot is home to a dine-in theater so you can get your fill of film while you grab a legendary pie. The South Slope brewpub is where you’ll find the team crafting up some delicious beers, and the South Asheville locale devotes itself to delivery and pick-up.
Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, 42 Biltmore Ave.
Opened in 1994 in a 1920s appliance store, the taproom serves pizza by the pie and the slice, pours craft beers, and offers billiards and darts for a little entertainment. Settle in for a bit of local history while you take a bite.
Manicomio Pizza & Food, 27 Biltmore Ave.
Casual and quirky with a penchant for good pizza + a large dog- and kid-friendly outdoor patio. Get pizza by the slice or pie, house recipes or build-your-own (even build-your-own slice) with the option to choose gluten-free crust or sub vegan cheese.
PIE.ZAA Pizza, 46 Millard Ave.
The South Slope spot knows we all crave late-night pizza, and it’s here to deliver (or pick up or dine in). Open until 12 a.m., the pizza joint will cater to cravings any time of day with larger-than-life 28" pies.
Standard Pizza Company, 631 Haywood Rd. + 755 Biltmore Ave.
You’ve got all the classic toppings + more and can create any combo you fancy, but if you’re feeling adventurous, drop your eyes to the bottom of the menu for the Cuban — with ricotta, jalapeno, ham, and banana.
Keep an eye on Manicomio Pizza’s Instagram for the slice of the week.
Photo by Chris McDevitt via @manicomiopizzaavl
Fancier fare
All Souls Pizza, 175 Clingman Ave.
The RAD restaurant’s outdoor tables are the perfectly idyllic vehicle for wood-fired pizzas like Squash (squash + mozzarella, looking glass fromage, parmesan breadcrumbs, and chimichurri) or Greek (artichoke, olive, onion, fromage blanc, and mozzarella), plus rotating specials.
Contrada, 28 Wall St.
Here you’ll find pizzas both classic and creative, served in a tiny downtown space with a bit of European flare. Dine on the Margherita or the Americano for a traditional slice or go for something adventurous, like the Cicoria..
Strada Italiano, 27 Broadway St.
An elevated downtown dining experience, this restaurant has a cozy, old-world feel to it. And even though you can order elegant dishes like Tuscan Duck & Figs or an array of rich pastas, you can’t go wrong with the menu of creative hand-tossed pizzas.
New York-style
Del Vecchios, 333 Merrimon Ave. Ste. B + 1854 Hendersonville Rd. Ste. D
Fresh, New York-style Italian is the name of the game here. You can go for classic and traditional recipes, vegan cheese + gluten-free crust, and even Chicago deep-dish. And if you’re looking for something pizza-adjacent, grab a panini with house-made foccacia or rich, layered lasagna.
Fahrenheit Pizza & Brewhouse, 17 Lee St. S.
The family-owned neighborhood joint was founded by a father-son team who learned their craft from some pizza masters in NYC, and now they’re slinging pies and brewing beer. The pour-your-own system for the taps means you can try as many local brews as you like.
Favilla’s New York Pizza, 5 Regent Park Blvd. #107
Stop by for thin, crispy, and generous pies with an array of delicious choices in both New York style and a few Sicilian choices — plus, a varied pizza slice bar, pastas, subs, and a whole lot more.
Think outside the pizza box
Blue Mountain Pizza, 55 N. Main St., Weaverville
Small town charm, live music every night, and a location on Main Street that’s perfect for people-watching. You can build your own pizza with an extensive menu of toppings and sauces, but if you’re feeling like a slice a little later on, the shop offers take-and-bake options, where they’ll prepare the pizza and you can bake at home.
Papa’s Pizza, 429 New Leicester Hwy.
There’s no shortage of classic pizza preparations, parmesan subs (chicken, meatball + eggplant), and traditional pastas, but the menu also features lot of Greek specialties, like the Gyro Platters or Homemade Spanakopita.
Pizza Mind, 285 Haywood Rd. #10
A family-friendly spot with lots of creative recipes, like the Taco pizza — think refried beans, taco beef, and salsa verde — or the Jambalaya pizza — with Hickory Nut Gap Italian sausage, chicken, peppers, and Old Bay. But you can always enjoy the classics or build your own pie.
Tin Can Pizzeria Food Truck, various locations
You may have to chase the food truck around Asheville at breweries and concerts (or catch them on Wednesdays at New Belgium Brewing), but once you try the thin-crust creations, it’ll be worth the trip.
Pizza and a local brew is always a winning combination.
Photo via @whitelabsbrewingcoavl
If you can’t take the wheat (or cheese)
Black Bear Pizza, 3094 Sweeten Creek Rd.
The gas station spot delivers some big, fresh flavor. The extensive menu has lots of specialty pizza recipes, housemade meatballs, burgers, and wraps — but don’t miss out on the vegan cheese or the gluten-free or cauliflower crusts.
Fresh Wood Fired Pizza, 342 Depot St., Asheville + 100 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain
A lengthy specialty pizza menu of plenty of creative pies also offers a house-made gluten-free crust and vegan cheese. Make sure you browse the rotating selection of microbrews and the daily dessert offerings from the in-house baker and pastry chef.
Galactic Pizza, 339 Sardis Rd.
Explore a menu of creative recipes — and not just creative pizzas but appetizers and sandwiches too — then get your pizza with gluten-free crust or try the Asheville Vegan with Daiya vegan cheese and house-made vegan pepperoni.
White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S. Charlotte St.
This brewery has made pizza and beer a seriously delicious business. The team serves Neapolitan-style pizza (whose crust has been fermented for 72 hours) with just the right amount of wood-fired char — plus, you can sub vegan cheese, vegan sausage, and gluten-free crust.
