Best Pizza in Durham NC (Updated Fall 2023)

I’m here to tell you which ones are the best, after tasting twelve pizzas from all around the city. As always, my assessment was serious and thorough (though I admit that enjoying a pizza usually brings out the fun in me!).

So, without further ado, it’s time to give a shout-out to the top spots for pizza in Durham NC. If you’re as passionate about pizza as I am, you won’t want to miss what I have to say!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of North Carolina

#1 best pizza place in Durham - Hutchins Garage

#1 Hutchins Garage

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4-9PM
Wednesday: 4-9PM
Thursday: 4-9PM
Friday: 4-10PM
Saturday: 3-10PM
Sunday: 3-9PM

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)


The restaurant itself is cozy and has a great atmosphere. You can tell that the owners genuinely care about their customers and they’re always friendly. On my last visit, they even let me sample four different types of pizza before I settled on one!

The pizza dough is made in-house daily, so it’s always fresh – plus the secret blend of spices used for their sauce gives the pies a unique flavor. A great selection of classic toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms and onions are available to choose from.

I’m a big fan of trying out new things, so I was pleased to find some innovative options on their menu too. The ‘Donatello’ monstrosity is definitely worth mentioning – with cheesy garlic breadsticks, tater tots, mozzarella sticks and peppers all piled on top of the pizza base! Now that’s what I call deliciousness!

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Durham NC then Hutchins Garage should be your go-to spot. Not only will you find incredible tasting food here (trust me, I’ve tried it!) but you’ll also get great service and a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy it in too. What more could you ask for?

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Durham!

#2 best pizza place in Durham - Cugino Forno Durham

#2 Cugino Forno Durham

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 11AM-9PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Offers dessert


The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the staff were friendly and accommodating. The pizzas come in large, thin-crust slices with a variety of inventive toppings. I tried the ‘scorchio’ pizza – a delicious combination of spicy fennel sausage, roasted bell pepper, and fresh mozzarella.

The highlight of my experience at Cugino Forno Durham was the ‘dixie darlin’ pizza! This novelty concoction had pulled pork, mac & cheese, bacon, coleslaw, crispy fried onions, and barbeque sauce. It was absolutely divine – an absolute must for anyone visiting Cugino Forno Durham.

To top it all off, they even have vegan and gluten-free options available – something I haven’t seen many other pizza places offering before!

All in all, I would highly recommend Cugino Forno Durham to anyone looking for some of the best pizza in Durham NC!

#3 best pizza place in Durham - Pizzeria Toro

#3 Pizzeria Toro

Open Hours
Monday: 4-11PM
Tuesday: 4-11PM
Wednesday: 4-11PM
Thursday: 4-11PM
Friday: 4-11PM
Saturday: 11AM-11PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Has insanely good dessert
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options


From the moment I walked into Pizzeria Toro, I was amazed at their selection. They had everything from their standard margherita pizza to a variety of specialty pies. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and they were able to recommend the perfect pizza for me based on my preference in toppings.

The pizza itself was something to behold! The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, with just enough charring to give it that delicious smoky flavor. The sauce was tangy yet savory, and when combined with the fresh mozzarella cheese, made for a delicious bite every time.

To top it off, all the ingredients used were incredibly fresh and flavorful. Every ingredient seemed to melt together in my mouth as I savored each bite – truly something special!

If you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Durham NC, then look no further than Pizzeria Toro! It’s definitely worth a visit (or two… or three…) if you’re ever in town. Trust me – you won’t be disappointed!

#4 best pizza place in Durham - Pompieri Pizza

#4 Pompieri Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30-9:30PM
Wednesday: 4:30-9:30PM
Thursday: 4:30-9:30PM
Friday: 4:30-10PM
Saturday: 11:12AM-10PM
Sunday: 11:12AM-9PM

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Offers dessert
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has a kid’s menu


When I first arrived, the decor was amazing – like a legit Italian pizzeria, only with a more modern twist. The brick oven and tiled walls were so bright and inviting.

The menu selection was fantastic with classic pies like Margherita, Neapolitan, and even variations on Pompieri’s own creations. Definitely “out of this world” good!

The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about their pizzas and toppings. As I waited for my order to arrive, they shared stories of past customers and answered all my questions about the quality of their ingredients.

When my pizza arrived…wow! It looked amazing! Perfectly cooked with just the right balance of ingredients. The cheese was ooey-gooey and the sauce flavor hit in all the right spots – definitely one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in my life.

If you’re looking for an unbelievably delicious pizza experience, then Pompieri Pizza is your place! Tell ’em Edward sent you 😉

#5 best pizza place in Durham - Sofia's Pizza

#5 Sofia’s Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-2PM,5-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-2PM,5-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-2PM,5-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-2PM,5-9PM
Friday: 11AM-2PM,5-10PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 5-9PM

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Nice tourist spot


As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with old-fashioned decor and delicious smells wafting through the air.

I ordered the “Sofia’s Special” pizza, which came with a generous helping of cheese, olives, mushrooms, and Italian sausage. As soon as it arrived at my table, my mouth started watering. The pizza was cooked to perfection—the crust was light and fluffy while the toppings were fresh and flavorful.

To top off what turned out to be a wonderful experience, the waitstaff were incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable about their menu. Overall, my visit to Sofia’s Pizza was one of the best meals I’ve had in Durham NC!

#6 best pizza place in Durham - Pie Pushers

#6 Pie Pushers

Open Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 11AM-9PM
Saturday: 11AM-9PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Serves alcohol
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert


The smell of fresh-baked crust filled the air as soon as I stepped in the door. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere with plenty of seating for groups, couples, or those dining alone such as myself. As I scanned the menu, my mouth began to water. I quickly decided on their famous pepperoni and mushroom slice.

The slice was huge! The thin-crust pizza was cooked perfectly with a golden-brown color on top. It was loaded with fresh-sliced pepperoni and mushrooms and had just the right amount of cheese. Best of all, it had that perfect balance between sweet and savory flavor that can only come from great pizza sauce.

If you’re looking for an authentic pizza experience then you must try Pie Pushers! This place is definitely a hidden gem in Durham NC – it’s hands down some of the best pizza I’ve ever had!

#7 best pizza place in Durham - Italian Pizzeria

#7 Italian Pizzeria

Open Hours
Monday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Tuesday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Wednesday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Thursday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Friday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Saturday: 10:30AM-9:45PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert


The experience starts off right as soon as you walk in the door. The smell of bubbling cheese and freshly-baked dough wafts through the air. The decor of the restaurant is also really fitting – it’s authentic and charming, making you feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian pizzeria!

The star attraction here is, of course, the pizza. There’s no shortage of options on their menu – from classic Margherita to interesting options like the prosciutto and fig pizza. Every pie I sampled was delicious! The crust was crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of toppings for a truly unique flavor experience. They clearly take pride in their pizzas – each one is crafted with care and had its own distinct flavor.

I can confidently say that Italian Pizzeria is serving some of the best pizza in Durham NC – definitely worth a visit if you’re craving a good slice!

#8 best pizza place in Durham - Randy's Pizza

#8 Randy’s Pizza

Open Hours
Monday: 10AM-8PM
Tuesday: 10AM-8PM
Wednesday: 10AM-8PM
Thursday: 10AM-8PM
Friday: 10AM-8PM
Saturday: 10AM-8PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol


The first thing I noticed when I walked through the doors was that it had a great atmosphere. The decor was inviting, and the staff were friendly and welcoming.

The pizza itself was top notch! The crust was crispy and light, the cheese was flavorful, and the toppings were plentiful. But what really made this pizza stand out from the rest was the sauce. It had just the right amount of kick to make my taste buds dance!

The prices are also very reasonable considering the quality of food they provide. And with their large portions, you’re sure to get your money’s worth every time you come here.

If you’re ever in Durham NC and looking for some excellent pizza, then Randy’s Pizza is definitely a place you should check out. You won’t be disappointed!

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 26 more pizza places in Durham!

#9 best pizza place in Durham - Bella Napoli pizzeria & Italian grill

#9 Bella Napoli pizzeria & Italian grill

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9:30PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9:30PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9:30PM
Thursday: 11AM-9:30PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-10PM
Sunday: 12-9:30PM

Benefits
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert


At first, I was skeptical about their claim to have some of the best pizza in town. But after sampling some of their classic pies, I can definitively say that they did not disappoint!

The crust was perfectly crunchy yet pillowy – exactly how a pizza dough should be. And the choice of toppings was stellar – from traditional to creative combinations, there was something for everyone. I especially enjoyed the Italian Sausage & Pesto Diavola and the Prosciutto & Arugula pies – both had a fantastic balance of flavors that left me wanting more!

The atmosphere in Bella Napoli pizzeria & Italian grill was warm and inviting; it felt like a cozy family-style restaurant. The staff was very friendly and helpful in recommending which pies to try, making our visit even more enjoyable.

I’d highly recommend Bella Napoli pizzeria & Italian grill as one of the best places to get pizza in Durham NC! If you’re ever looking for an amazing pizza experience, this is one place you must try!

#10 best pizza place in Durham - Mellow Mushroom Durham

#10 Mellow Mushroom Durham

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-10PM
Tuesday: 11AM-10PM
Wednesday: 11AM-10PM
Thursday: 11AM-10PM
Friday: 11AM-11PM
Saturday: 11AM-11PM
Sunday: 12-9PM

Benefits
  • Nice tourist spot
  • Great place to watch sports
  • Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Offers dessert


This pizza really hit the spot for my taste buds. It’s unique flavor combinations melded together to create a delicious blend of flavors. The crust was light and fluffy with just the right amount of chewiness. The sauce was flavorful with just the right hint of sweetness, while the toppings were fresh and varied.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect if you’re looking for a chill spot to get some great grub with friends. From the cozy booths, to the upbeat music playing in the background, it has all the makings of a classic pizza joint. Not to mention they have some pretty tasty local craft beers on tap so you can wash down your slice with something special!

All in all, Mellow Mushroom Durham is easily one of the best pizza joints in Durham NC and I would definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re ever in town.

#11 best pizza place in Durham - Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria - Durham Food Hall

#11 Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria – Durham Food Hall

Open Hours
Monday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 11AM-9PM
Wednesday: 11AM-9PM
Thursday: 11AM-9PM
Friday: 11AM-10PM
Saturday: 11AM-2PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Has some vegetarian options
  • Offers dessert


First of all, the ambiance is amazing. Sitting inside the Durham Food Hall makes it feel like you’re in a true Italian pizzeria. The staff was friendly and had great recommendations that fit our preferences.

We ordered one of their specialty pies, the Quattro Formaggi with Prosciutto. It had four different kinds of cheeses (mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, gorgonzola, and pecorino romano), as well as prosciutto and arugula. I must say it was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted! The cheese was melted perfectly and the prosciutto was crispy and flavorful. The crust wasn’t too thick or too thin – perfect for a pizza connoisseur like me!

And last but not least we enjoyed one of their delicious gelatos for dessert. They have an impressive selection of flavors with something to fit everyone’s tastes. We chose the pistachio gelato which was creamy and sweet – definitely worth mentioning!

In conclusion, Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria – Durham Food Hall serves some of the best pizza in Durham NC. From the fantastic atmosphere to their delicious offerings, this is hands down one of the best places to get pizza in town!

#12 best pizza place in Durham - Italian Pizzeria Restaurant Roxboro Rd

#12 Italian Pizzeria Restaurant Roxboro Rd

Open Hours
Monday: 11:30AM-8PM
Tuesday: 11:30AM-8PM
Wednesday: 11:30AM-8PM
Thursday: 11:30AM-8PM
Friday: 11:30AM-8PM
Saturday: 11:30AM-8PM
Sunday: Closed

Benefits
  • Offers dessert
  • Has a kid’s menu
  • Serves alcohol


The first thing I noticed was the old-world charm. The decor reminded me of a classic Italian restaurant, and it set the tone for a great night out.

When it came to the pizzas, I could hardly contain my excitement. The crust was thin and perfectly crisp, with just enough chewiness. The sauce was flavorful and zesty – not too acidic or overpowering. But, of course, it was the toppings that really wow’d me. Each pizza had its own unique flavor combination that paired wonderfully together – things like pepperoni and roasted red peppers; sausage and onions; even some vegan options!

Overall, my experience at Italian Pizzeria Restaurant Roxboro Rd was amazing. I can easily say that it has some of the best pizza in Durham NC – something I’ve been searching for a long time!

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