Wilson is many things to many people. For families cheering at a Little League game, or students grabbing a slice between classes, it’s community. For barbecue purists, it’s hallowed ground. And for pizza lovers, it’s a destination. From classic New York-style slices to wood-fired Neapolitan pies, here are the places that define Wilson’s pizza scene.
Mama Mia Pizza & Italian Restaurant
$ | (252) 206-1200 | WEBSITE
The Italian-American spot has been a local staple for years and remains a neighbourhood favourite. There are classic dishes like the garlic knots and pizza alongside heartier options such as cheese steak, meatball sub, and manicotti. The menu, while not strictly authentic, blends familiar comfort with Italian-American flavours—think creamy cheesecake and rich tiramisu for dessert.
The space, with its warm and cozy vibe, feels very much like Mama Mia’s now—the interior provides a welcoming atmosphere for special occasions, courtesy of dishes like the hearty gyros and comforting manicotti.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (252) 206-7000 | WEBSITE
Tuesday evening at Papa John’s. A family of four sharing an epic cheese stuffed crust pizza, the kids fighting over the last jalapeño bite. They call it The Feast. A group of college students celebrating a midterm, laughing over meatball pizzas with pepperoni and spinach. Two regulars who’ve tried every location in town, insisting this one stands out from all the others. Papa John’s is that reliable neighborhood spot.
It’s a place for anyone craving generous portions at reasonable prices, where you can lose track of time over mind-blowing cheeseburger pizza with that unique sauce. Ralph, the manager with the great attitude, makes sure everyone feels helped. Just make sure you come hungry.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (252) 294-6600 | WEBSITE
When we were growing up, pizza was a pretty basic but tasty meal. You’d have cheese pizza at birthday parties as a kid. You’d have delivery pizza at midnight as you got older. Now you have pizza after work because you’re pretending to be responsible. At Marco’s Pizza pizza isn’t a basic dish. Pizza is crafted with the right balance of sauce and cheese, toppings thoughtfully added. Pizza is perfectly executed in the Pepperoni Magnifico, sweet brownies waiting beside it.
Pizza is the foundation to a truly satisfying meal here—a neighborhood spot that does far more than the bare minimum. A Wilson must.
Pizza Hut
$ | (252) 243-5900 | WEBSITE
Every town in North Carolina should have a straightforward, satisfying pizza joint. Those places where if you live nearby, you probably order from them at least once a week because it’s just so damn convenient and so damn tasty. Pizza Hut in Wilson is one of those. It’s a reliable chain restaurant right in town that’s been serving generous-topped pizzas at reasonable prices for years.
The veggie lovers pizza with added pineapples is something you’ll end up grabbing for your first meal of the day (or picking up through the drive-thru), and the same goes for their pan pizza. A no-brainer that will make you glad this spot’s in your neighborhood.
Pinos Pizza
$ | (252) 265-0600 | WEBSITE
Pino’s Pizza is a spot specializing in serving authentic pizza and simple Italian-American fare. It bucks the fancy, overpriced, gourmet pizza trend by serving big, satisfying dishes like the Pinos Special pizza and Stromboli with its great marinara sauce (smaller options are also available). As such, it’s not the kind of place you leave feeling hungry.
It’s perfect for a quick family meal, but it’s equally good for crowding a bunch of old friends around a table and catching up over a couple of pies.
Italian Pizza and Subs
$ | (252) 991-5011 | WEBSITE
Italian Pizza and Subs is on a main Wilson thoroughfare and it feels completely at home in the community. There are pizzas to grab for takeout or bigger and more satisfying pies such as the Sicilian variety and stromboli. Stop in for a quick slice at the counter or come early to secure one of their spacious family tables. It’s a large dining room, FYI. You might find a few happy families here on weekend nights but regardless of who you’re with, you’re likely to leave full and content.
Italian Pizza & Subs
$ | (252) 243-5004 | WEBSITE
Italian Pizza & Subs is tucked away in Wilson. For years it was the hidden gem that every pizza lover in the area was searching for. Craving for. Only it was a restaurant, not a slice. That doesn’t matter though. It’s a little more discovered now but it’s just as good. This is proper pizza direct from the New Jersey tradition. Their crust is legendary. As is their sauce. As are their mushrooms. As is everything really. This is one to go out of your way to get to.
Armando’s Pizza and Tacos of Wilson
$ | (252) 281-4797 | WEBSITE
A friend is playing word association with me. “Wilson,” she says. I close my eyes, smile, and begin to speak softly. “Pepperoni.” “Crisp crust.” “Friendly staff.” I take a deep breath before exhaling… “Armando’s.” This place is at the heart of what Wilson pizza is today, having served the area for years. Predominantly a take-out spot, there’s also the option to grab a slice or a whole pie to go. It’s ideal for a quick lunch, a family dinner, and a reliable meal.
And something very satisfying to enjoy at home.
Pizza Inn
$ | (252) 291-2105 | WEBSITE
A family restaurant, in the eyes of many, is a chaotic and cacophonous circus. While this is an accurate description for some, it’s a slightly different scene at Pizza Inn on a weekend morning. This Wilson eatery often plays host to parents sipping coffee and picking on a lovely slice of taco pizza, pre-game room. Outside of Saturday mornings it makes for an extremely pleasant spot for a couple of plates from the breakfast buffet and a slice full of that.
Sal’s I Love NY Pizza
$ | WEBSITE
New York pizza is a thing. Most people know this nowadays so, to be honest, it’s quite long saying it over and over again. So from now on we’ll refer to these places as NYPs because it’s easier. Sal’s I Love NY Pizza is an NYP restaurant, from the same owner who takes pride in the food. Its focus is on classic pizza—but not solely so—with the menu featuring favorites like the Stromboli with Pepperoni & Black Olives.
The pizza here is really very nice, as is the setting of a local business in Wilson. It’s a great and casual spot for a family meal or for a quick bite with a friend. Just don’t go expecting fancy décor, because pizza.
O’Cools Sports Bar
$ | (252) 291-4242 | WEBSITE
O’Cools Sports Bar sounds a bit like the team your uncle bet his paycheck on in the ’98 playoffs, only for them to fumble the final pass and lose the game while your aunt called the bookie to complain. Thankfully, it’s not. It’s actually the name of this sports bar in Wilson. This is a decent little spot if you’re of the sports-loving persuasion and fancy some wings and a drink. Don’t expect to be blown away, but to be pleasantly satisfied.
