When it comes to great pizza, Lake Norman has a lot of choices.
So what’s good pizza like? Imagine you walk into a gas station to grab a soda, and you walk out with your drink and a winning lottery ticket. It’s like that. Serendipitous, marvelous, and dare I say, life-changing. After being spoiled by the taste of the perfect slice, you won’t want to settle for just any old pie—but not to worry.
We’ve curated a list of the Best Pizza in Lake Norman, so your tastebuds can rest easy.
The Best Pizza in the Lake Norman Area
Meadow’s Italiano
What happens when a highly skilled 5-star Chef and his business-savvy best friend decide to open a pizza place? You get the best damn pizza at the lake: Meadow’s Italiano!
Chef David Cavalier is a formally educated culinary genius who spent the early part of his career working in some of the most recognizable fine dining restaurants in the country. He even spent some time as the Executive Chef on a billionaire’s motor yacht! You might say Chef David can hold his own in just about any kitchen in the world. Together with his friend and business partner, Jayson Poluka, the team opened what I can only describe as Lake Norman’s best-kept secret (as far as pizza goes!)
From the wood-fired oven to the artisan bread and premium-quality meats, Meadow’s Italiano excels at everything they do. Plus, they’re just really good people. Make sure Meadow’s Italiano is on your list of pizza spots to visit soon!
823 Oakridge Farm Hwy
Suite 1-A
Mooresville, NC 28115
Mandolino’s Artisan Pizza
In Italy, pizza-making is regarded as an art form; it’s said that a meticulous hand and attention to detail are what make the perfect pizza. Here in Lake Norman, there’s no pizza more artistic than at Mandolino’s Artisan Pizza. Brought to you by the owners of Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, you can rest assured that every pie will be crafted with care. Using only fresh, carefully-sourced ingredients, Mandolino’s sheet-pan pizza is scratch-made, brick oven baked, and served “grandma style.” The menu features a number of specialty pies, all boasting brilliant flavor combinations like shrimp with chile oil and lemon arugula, or pulled pork with red onion and BBQ sauce. If you’re feeling creative, you can even build your very own pizza! With two bases and over 20 different toppings to work with, you could try something new at each visit. To heighten your experience, we recommend pairing your pie with a fresh salad and some dessert, or a glass of wine, if you fancy. For a beautiful pizza that tastes as incredible as it looks, head to Mandolino’s on South Main St. in Davidson.
208 S Main St
Davidson, NC 28036
Alino Pizzeria
As far as family meals go, pizza is a great choice. It’s quick, simple, and will please even the pickiest of eaters. When paired with an equally wholesome atmosphere, a pizza dinner can become a fond memory that warms the heart for years to come. At Alino Pizzeria, you’ll find exactly that. With award winning hand-tossed pizza, gorgeous outdoor seating, and an easygoing vibe, Alino is the perfect spot to enjoy a casual meal with your loved ones. In addition to the classic Margherita and Toscana style pizzas, you’ll also find loaded pies, such as the Personalizzare. Packed with artichokes, cremini mushrooms, sweet peppers, spicy peppers, caramelized cipolline onions, cherry tomatoes, spicy salami, pepperoni, ham, and sausage, this pie will be sure to satisfy your hunger. Take advantage of the atmosphere by enjoying one of the many imported beers and wines offered at Alino, or end your night with a cool and creamy cup of gelato. If you’re ready to make a new memory, make your way to Alino Pizzeria at Merino Mills in Mooresville.
Get to know the owner of Alino Pizzeria in episode 76 of the podcast, and read about him in our blog article!
500 S Main St #401
Mooresville, NC 28115
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
Tradition is golden in the culinary world. Only the most tried-and-true methods can withstand the test of time, and inter-generational recipes are destined to be good. But that doesn’t mean that everything trendy and modern is bad—in fact, genius ideas breathe new life into stale, old conventions. In this battle between OG and avant-garde cuisine, join the ceasefire and taste the best of both worlds at Inizio Pizza Napoletana. Led by their mission statement “old world technique, new authentic experience,” Inizio flaunts a dedication to tradition while offering a contemporary take on flavor. Their wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with ingredients imported directly from Italy, but you can expect to find much more than just pepperoni and cheese. Inizio’s menu is packed with signature pies, such as the Pistacchio, which is topped with–you guessed it–pistachio pesto sauce and freshly cracked pistachios! If you didn’t go nuts for that one, consider the Capricciosa, made with artichoke, prosciutto, mushrooms, san marzano tomato sauce, and buffalo mozzarella. These pizzas are drool-worthy, but don’t just take our word for it. Taste for yourself at Inizio in Birkdale Landing, or at their Charlotte and Dilworth locations.
16627 Birkdale Commons Pkwy
Huntersville, NC 28078
Brooklyn South Pizzeria
Mamma mia, that’s-a one tasty pizza! And the cannolis are good, too. Family owned since 1998, Brooklyn South is a comforting neighborhood pizzeria that’s serving up style by-the-slice pizza and other hearty Italian classics like ziti and parmigiana. Experience the hospitality of an authentic New York-Italian family while you enjoy Nonna’s original thin-crust pizza, topped with fresh mozzerella, crushed tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. If you want to go the extra mile, have your pizza served grandpa-style with caramelized onions and bread crumbs. For a homey meal and service that makes you feel like you’re one of their own, head to Brooklyn South in the Peninsula Village Shopping Center on Jetton Rd. in Cornelius. Bon appetit!
Brooklyn South also made our list of the most popular restaurants in Cornelius!
19400 Jetton Rd # 201
Cornelius, NC 28031
Brickhouse Tavern
Looking for a restaurant whose character is as spectacular as its food? Say hello to Brickhouse Tavern. Surrounded by the rich art and history of Davidson, Brickhouse is perhaps the most unique establishment on this list. The used-to-be cotton mill, decorated with pieces from local artists, perfectly reflects the free and funky spirit of its hometown. Brickhouse has become a community landmark through its commitment to charity events and outreach efforts, so you can feel good while you eat! You’ll be met with an eclectic menu with everything from calamari to tacos, and over 70 different beers! The star, however, is the pizza. Hand-tossed and made with only the highest quality ingredients, Brickhouse pies are as good as they come. Get the Brickhouse special: marinara, fresh mozzarella, green pepper, white onion, sautéed mushrooms, Italian sausage, and pepperoni—we won’t hold it against you if you don’t end up sharing.
209 Delburg St
Davidson, NC 28036
Slice House Pizza
Next up is another locally owned and operated joint that prides itself both on its commitment to Carolina farmers, and its mastery of New York-style pizza. Every bite you take at Slice House Pizza will be bursting with freshness, thanks to their locally sourced ingredients and house-made dough. With recipes passed down from Italian-born Nonna Maria, you’ll also feel like you’ll also feel like you’re tasting a piece of history. Along with American classics such as Meatlovers and Hawaiian, Slice House also serves up some more unique creations including the Chicken Parmigiana, topped with breaded chicken. In addition, Slice House lets you bring your own ideas to life. Who doesn’t love a good BYO? If all of this pizza talk has worked up your appetite, quell your cravings at Slice House on Old Statesville Rd. in Huntersville.
101 S Old Statesville Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
It’s arrivederci for you, Pizza Hut. Time for the small businesses of Lake Norman to shine! We hope that with the help of this article, you’ll venture out and experience the best pizzas that the neighborhood has to offer.
Cheers, Lake Norman!
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