The Absolute Best Deep Dish Pizza in Charlotte [Updated 2025]

From my countless tastings and reviews—12 deep-dish pizzas to be exact—I’ve developed a keen sense for what makes a truly remarkable slice.

Charlotte’s pizza scene has blossomed in recent years, and deep dish options are more prevalent than ever.

I’ve scoured the city, enjoying each unique twist that local pizzerias bring to the classic Chicago-style pie.

Join me as I take you on a delicious journey through my top picks, where flaky crusts, rich sauces, and gooey cheese collide to create unforgettable flavors.

Benny Pennello's

Highlights
Giant slices galore
Late-night cravings satisfied
No-frills pizza experience
High quality at great price
Pleasant seating available

At Benny Pennello's, deep dish pizza isn't just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate! Upon entering, I was immediately struck by its no-frills charm, which instantly feels like an invitation to let loose and indulge. The ambiance is relaxed, perfect for enjoying a slice (or three) without a hint of pretension.

Now, let’s talk about the pizza. Picture this: giant slices galore, each loaded with layers of rich sauce, bubbling cheese, and toppings that burst with flavor. It’s deep dish done right—comforting, hearty, and downright satisfying. I came in wanting something to fuel my late-night cravings, and Benny's did not disappoint.

When it comes to quality, Benny Pennello's delivers without breaking the bank. My wallet appreciated that as much as my stomach did! Plus, there’s plenty of seating, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends after a long day. If you're on the hunt for delicious deep dish pizza in Charlotte, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Benny Pennello's a try—your taste buds will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best pizza in Charlotte.

Sal's Pizza Factory

Highlights
Best specialty pizza in Charlotte
Consistent quality over visits
Mixed reviews on garlic knots
Thick and hearty crust
Pricey additional toppings

Sal's Pizza Factory is truly a gem in the heart of Charlotte for deep dish enthusiasts! Upon entering, I was greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked dough and savory tomato sauce, teasing my taste buds before I even placed my order. I opted for their acclaimed specialty pizza, and let me tell you—I was not disappointed! The crust was thick and hearty, perfectly crispy on the outside while being fluffy on the inside.

Each bite revealed layers of zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and an explosion of toppings that made it a true force to be reckoned with. They boast a consistency in quality that I appreciated during my visits, and it’s clear that Sal's has perfected their craft. However, I must admit, the garlic knots fell a bit flat in comparison to the star of the show—the pizza!

While some might find the additional toppings a touch pricey, I believe it's a worthwhile investment for that extra punch of flavor. Overall, Sal's Pizza Factory is a delightful pit stop for anyone seeking a memorable deep dish experience in Charlotte. I'll definitely be returning for another slice! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Charlotte.

Pie In the Sky Pizza

Highlights
Always hot and ready
Excellent customer service
Great quality meat pizzas
Accommodating for orders
Declining experience noted

Review of Pie In the Sky Pizza

During my culinary quest for the best deep dish pizza in Charlotte, I found myself at Pie In the Sky Pizza. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the warm aroma wafting through the air. The pizza was truly always hot and ready, a delightful promise they deliver on without exception.

The excellent customer service I encountered made my visit even more enjoyable. The staff was eager to share recommendations and ensure I had the perfect dining experience. I decided to try their signature meat pizza, and wow, was it a treat! Rich flavors and generous portions of quality meat ensured that each slice was utterly satisfying.

However, not everything was sunshine and rainbows. I noticed that my experience differed slightly from past visits; the consistency seemed to decline just a notch. While still a must-try, it’s worth acknowledging the potential for variability in future orders. Overall, Pie In the Sky Pizza remains a solid contender in the realm of deep dish pizza in Charlotte, combining great flavors with a cozy atmosphere. If you haven’t yet, grab a slice and experience pizza heaven for yourself!

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Rock Hill SC.

Bisonte Pizza Co.

Highlights
Friendly waitress service
Mixed food temperature issues
Good NY style pizza
Wings praised by customers
Inconsistent dining experience

At Bisonte Pizza Co., I was immediately greeted by the friendly waitress service, setting a warm and inviting tone for my visit. As I settled in, I was excited to dive into their deep dish option, but found myself surprised by some mixed food temperature issues. While the pizza emerged from the oven piping hot, other elements of the meal felt a tad lukewarm.

Now let’s talk about the pizza. Although Bisonte is renowned for its NY style pizza, their deep dish certainly has its charm. The crust was delightfully thick and buttery, providing a satisfying foundation for the rich, tangy sauce and generous toppings. Each bite was a delectable experience, though it did lean more on the Chicago-style side of things rather than a true deep dish.

Moreover, my fellow diners raved about their wings, which are often highlighted as a must-try. However, I did notice some inconsistent dining experiences around me, with other patrons expressing mixed feelings about their meals.

Overall, Bisonte Pizza Co. is a solid choice for pizza lovers, especially if you appreciate a friendly atmosphere!

You might also want to check out the best casual restaurants in Charlotte.

Hawthorne's New York Pizza and Bar 7th Street

Highlights
Authentic NY style pizza
Friendly and attentive staff
Excellent to-go service
Family-friendly atmosphere
Highly recommended by visitors

Hawthorne's New York Pizza and Bar 7th Street is a delightful gem tucked away in Charlotte, renowned for its authentic NY style pizza. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, who made me feel right at home. Their warmth set the stage for a fantastic dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the deep dish pizza! This pie is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The crust is golden and buttery, perfectly formed to cradle a bounty of scrumptious toppings. Layer upon layer of gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and fresh ingredients created a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. Each bite was a delightful surprise!

One of the things that truly impressed me was their excellent to-go service. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a stellar meal without the dining fuss. Plus, the family-friendly atmosphere made it ideal for both casual dinners and celebratory gatherings.

Overall, if you find yourself in Charlotte and craving a slice of heaven, head to Hawthorne's. It’s a pizza experience that you won’t want to miss! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best fried chicken in Charlotte.

Geno D's Pizza

Highlights
Amazing hot honey pepperoni pizza
Perfectly cooked crispy crust
Great family-owned atmosphere
Excellent customer service
Flavorful and diverse options

Review of Geno D's Pizza: A Deep Dish Delight in Charlotte

Stepping into Geno D's Pizza, I was instantly enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere of this fantastic family-owned spot. The aroma of pizza wafted through the air, teasing my senses and whetting my appetite. I opted for the amazing hot honey pepperoni pizza, and wow, was it a glorious choice!

This deep dish’s crispy crust, cooked to perfection, provided a delightful contrast to the rich, gooey layers of cheese and succulent pepperoni. Each bite was a harmonious blend of saucy, spicy goodness, with that sweet hint of honey elevating it to a whole new level of indulgence.

What truly sets Geno D's apart, though, is their exceptional customer service. The staff was friendly and attentive, genuinely excited to chat about their menu, which features a plethora of flavorful options. It's clear they take pride in their craft.

In my quest for the best deep dish pizza in Charlotte, Geno D's left a lasting impression—the combination of wonderful flavors, a cozy environment, and outstanding service makes it truly memorable. If you’re a deep dish enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to visit!

You might also want to check out the best ice cream in Charlotte.

Intermezzo

Highlights
Excellent service
Welcoming vibe
Delicious Sarma and Piroska
Underwhelming pasta prices
Notable crepes

Intermezzo in Charlotte is a delightful hidden gem that deserves a spotlight in the world of deep dish pizza. As I stepped through the door, I was immediately embraced by a welcoming vibe that set the tone for my visit. The service was nothing short of excellent, with attentive staff eager to share their culinary recommendations.

Now, let’s talk pizza. I tried their deep dish option, which was a true testament to the art of pizza-making. The crust was perfectly flaky, providing a delightful contrast to the generous layers of cheese and hearty toppings. Each slice was a comforting, gooey delight, making me forget the outside world for just a moment!

While I indulged in Sarma and Piroska (which were fantastic, mind you), I couldn’t help but feel that their pasta dishes could use a bit more of a price-friendly approach. However, let’s not dwell on that—after all, pizza is the star here.

Though I also sampled their notable crepes, it was the deep dish that truly left a lasting impression. If you’re in search of an unforgettable slice, Intermezzo should be on your must-try list! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Southpark Charlotte.

Wheelz Pizza of Midtown Charlotte

Highlights
Friendly and welcoming staff
Fresh, high-quality ingredients
Impressive sanitation score
Popular food truck presence
Great variety of pizza options

When I strolled into Wheelz Pizza of Midtown Charlotte, there was an immediate warm and inviting atmosphere, bolstered by the friendly and welcoming staff. As a deep dish enthusiast, I was eager to dive into their culinary offerings. The aroma alone had me drooling!

One of the standout aspects of Wheelz is their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s evident that they pride themselves on sourcing top-notch products; every slice was a testament to this dedication. The deep dish crust was perfectly golden and thick, cradling a symphony of gooey cheese, zesty sauce, and an impressive medley of toppings.

Not only does Wheelz offer a diverse variety of pizza options, but their reputation for excellent hygiene and an impressive sanitation score also put me at ease; it’s always refreshing to see restaurants prioritize cleanliness.

As a bonus, they often operate a food truck, making it easy for the community to access their delightful offerings. If you’re in Charlotte and in the mood for a deep dish pizza that delivers flavor and quality, Wheelz Pizza is the place to be—I left with a big smile and an even bigger slice! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Charlotte.

Pizzeria Omaggio

During my visit to Pizzeria Omaggio, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of their signature deep dish pizza. With a perfectly baked crust that cradled layers of gooey cheese and a savory, robust sauce, each bite was a delightful surprise. The toppings were fresh and generously applied, showcasing their commitment to quality. The ambiance was cozy, making it a great spot for pizza lovers. If you’re seeking a deep dish that balances rich flavors with a buttery, flaky crust, look no further than Pizzeria Omaggio—it’s a slice of heaven in the heart of Charlotte! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best salads in Charlotte.

House of Pizza

At House of Pizza, I was welcomed by the sizzling aroma of freshly baked dough that instantly excited my palate. The deep dish here boasts a rich, buttery crust that cradles a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and sweet, savory tomato sauce—definitely a crowd-pleaser! Each slice was a delightful balance of crispy outside and warm, melty goodness inside. Topped with fresh ingredients, this dish exceeded my expectations, making it hard to resist going for seconds. If you’re on the hunt for a hearty slice of deep dish heaven in Charlotte, look no further than House of Pizza!

You might also want to check out the best donuts in Charlotte.

Luisa's Brick Oven Pizzeria

At Luisa's Brick Oven Pizzeria, I discovered a delightful twist on the classic deep dish. The crust was a crispy yet tender marvel, cradling layers of rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese that melted in my mouth. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, enhanced by fresh toppings that danced on my palate. What truly impressed me was how the pizza maintained its heartiness while remaining light, making it impossible to stop at just one slice. If you’re on a quest for deep dish perfection in Charlotte, Luisa’s definitely deserves a spot on your pizza pilgrimage! 🍕

You might also want to check out the best burger in Charlotte.

Inizio Pizza Napoletana

Stepping into Inizio Pizza Napoletana felt like a warm embrace from Italy itself. Their deep dish is a delightful twist on tradition—boasting a crispy, golden crust that cradles layers of rich sauce and decadent cheese. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with fresh ingredients that sing in harmony. The seasoning is spot-on, elevating this pie to new heights. It’s not just pizza; it’s an experience! For those craving comfort food with flair, look no further. Inizio has certainly carved out a special place in my heart (and stomach) for the best deep dish in Charlotte.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Noda Charlotte.