Best Pizza Places for Families in the Triangle
Pizza night is sacred in our house, and we've tried just about every pizza spot in the Triangle with kids. From fancy Neapolitan to no-frills slices, here are the places that make family pizza night actually fun.
Raleigh
Trophy Pizza on Maywood Avenue (at Trophy Brewing) makes some of the best pizza in Raleigh, period. The crust is perfect, the toppings are creative but not weird, and the brewery setting means adults get great beer too. A large cheese pizza runs about $16, specialty pies $18-22. The outdoor patio is ideal for families.
Lilly's Pizza in Five Points has been a Raleigh favorite for decades. The pizza is thick, creative, and made with quality ingredients. Our kids love the Shirley Temple drinks and the laid-back Five Points vibe. It gets crowded (especially weekend evenings), but the wait is worth it. Large pizzas $18-24. Slices available at lunch for $4-5.
DeMo's Pizzeria and Deli near NC State has New York-style slices that are bigger than your kid's head. It's fast, it's cheap (slices $3-5), and it's perfect for a quick meal. Not much seating, so plan for takeout or a quick eat.
Mellow Mushroom on Falls of Neuse is covered in our Raleigh restaurant guide, but it deserves a mention here too. The gluten-free crust is one of the best we've had, and the funky atmosphere keeps kids entertained. Large pizzas $16-22.
Durham
Hutchin's Garage on W. Main Street does Detroit-style pizza, which means thick, crispy edges and a chewy center. Our kids are obsessed with the "Red Top" (pepperoni). It's also a bar, so go earlier in the day for the most family-friendly vibe. Pizzas $14-18.
Pop's Backdoor in the Durham Food Hall is an excellent option. New York-style slices, fast service, and you can pair it with other food hall options if someone doesn't want pizza (which, in our family, is never). Slices $4-5, whole pies $16-20.
Randy's Pizza has multiple Durham locations and is our go-to delivery option. The pizza is consistent, the online ordering is easy, and they usually deliver in under 30 minutes. Large cheese $14-16, specialty $17-20.
Cary
Pizzeria Faulisi in downtown Cary makes Neapolitan-style pizza that has won over our entire family. The margherita is simple and perfect. It's a smaller restaurant, so it can feel tight with a stroller, but the food quality is outstanding. Pizzas $14-18. Counter service keeps things moving.
Italian Pizzeria III on Kildaire Farm Road is a Cary institution. It's been around forever, the pizza is reliably good, and the prices are fair. Large cheese $13-15. Dine-in or takeout. Very casual, very family-friendly.
Chapel Hill
IP3 (Italian Pizzeria III in Chapel Hill, same family as the Cary location) on Franklin Street serves the same reliable pizza in a college-town setting. Slices available for quick meals.
Amante Gourmet Pizza has a few locations in the Chapel Hill area and serves solid pizza with a wide range of toppings. The build-your-own option is fun for kids. Large pizzas $15-20.
Best Pizza Night Strategy
After years of practice, here's our system:
Quick Reference
| Restaurant | Style | Location | Price | |—————-|———-|—————|———-| | Trophy Pizza | Artisan | Raleigh | $$ | | Lilly's Pizza | Creative thick | Raleigh | $$ | | DeMo's | New York slice | Raleigh | $ | | Hutchin's Garage | Detroit-style | Durham | $$ | | Pop's Backdoor | New York slice | Durham | $ | | Pizzeria Faulisi | Neapolitan | Cary | $$ | | Italian Pizzeria III | Classic | Cary | $ |
Every family deserves a great pizza rotation. These spots are ours.
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