In Shelby, North Carolina, locals will passionately debate the merits of different barbecue joints, argue over which diner serves the best breakfast, or discuss whether a certain chain qualifies as a true Shelby staple. But when it comes to sparking the most spirited discussions, nothing compares to the quest for the town’s best pizza.
Bella Verona Italian & Greek
$ | (704) 406-9868 | WEBSITE
You go to Bella Verona when you want a pizza that some call the best in Shelby, and some Italian or Greek classics to go with it. Which means they have both stromboli and delicious calzones on the menu. There’s a cozy dining room in an unassuming location, and all of the food—from the grilled chicken salad to the wings with homemade ranch to one of our favorite Alfredo dishes in town—is consistently good.
Toscanos Bistro
$ | (980) 404-0896 | WEBSITE
The location next to the Earl Scruggs museum might not scream destination dining, but the steady stream of locals heading inside is the first clue that behind those doors is a warm, always-welcoming bistro with Greek meatballs, Cajun pasta, and generous salads. The interior is about as unpretentious as the exterior, but it’s the food that has earned this place a loyal following of regulars. We like to get the Gyro platter topped with extra tzatziki and a side of Greek-style meatballs on the side.
It’s like a savory complement to an already flavorful plate, and it makes a satisfying enough meal on a Monday evening to comfort even the weariest of souls.
Pizza Hut
$ | (704) 487-1123 | WEBSITE
Known best for their great food at low prices, Pizza Hut is built for families, and the pizza comes out fresh and delicious. As the name implies, they do indeed have pizza, including a very good thin crust pepperoni pizza. It’s the family-friendly side of the menu that we like a lot, including the perfectly cooked breadsticks, delightful brownies, and solidly executed customer service.
Pizza Inn
$ | (704) 482-2441 | WEBSITE
The casual and well-regarded restaurant Pizza Inn positions itself as a pizza buffet destination, but it occasionally leans wholeheartedly into creative topping territory. The broad buffet includes pepperoni pizza, ham and pineapple, bacon cheeseburger pizza, and a unique cracker crust—and there’s a solid salad bar that’s adequate. It’s extremely popular for its friendly service and satisfying variety—and the buffet is kept well-stocked during peak dinner hours.
There are heavy family-friendly vibes, with a bright, accommodating, and kid-welcoming space. The staff is super-positive, and with that there’s a loyal following of regulars.
Italian Garden Restaurant
$ | (704) 434-9290 | WEBSITE
Pizza is the name of the game at Italian Garden Restaurant, so much so that there’s an entire portion of the menu dedicated to it. You can keep it classic with cheese pizza, venture into the unexpected with Alfredo sauce, or go all out with a chicken parm or Sovulaki platter.
Whatever you decide on, it’ll come out hot and fresh, with friendly service from servers like Isabella and Tamara and a ticket to the kid-friendly atmosphere inside where you can relax with your family, like a regular enjoying a wonderful meal after a while. There’s good parking in Shelby, with free spaces and high chairs available.
Jammin J’s Pizza Factory
$ | (704) 600-6182 | WEBSITE
This Shelby standout is part pizza joint and part family arcade with a clean interior, lots of arcade games, and a heavy reliance on entertainment and kid-friendly design—all in a welcoming, affordable setting. But that doesn’t mean that eating here is all fun and no flavor. Instead, you can expect to get tasty renditions of pizza classics, like the meat lovers pizza with all the toppings, a wide variety of dessert options, and a buffet available for under $11.00.
Just don’t be surprised when you also find friendly staff providing warm welcomes and thank-yous or music adding to the atmosphere.
Angelo’s Pizza Co
$ | (704) 481-2896 | WEBSITE
In what feels like a converted walk-in drive-thru space in Shelby, Angelo’s Pizza Co is straightforward pizza at its finest. Their pizzas come in just about every combination—including a popular large version if you can’t choose between the classic pepperoni, smoky bacon, or sweet pineapple—and the cheeseburgers come out on the grill juicier than a summer tomato.
And even though their no-seating setup by what resembles a quick-service counter might not sound ideal, it makes for a really convenient stop on the way home from work.
Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille
$ | (704) 487-0016 | WEBSITE
Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille has been a Shelby staple for years, and there’s still a line out the door almost every Tuesday night. Everyone’s here for the same thing—the BBQ Chicken Pizza, the Strawberry Spinach Salad, and that turkey sandwich with cranberry cream cheese on ciabatta (doubt us, we dare you) served with the thinnest, crispiest crust in town. This is a casual spot with a lively, bustling dining room set to a soundtrack of downtown views and happy chatter.
It’s a perfect snapshot of Shelby throughout the seasons. Show up on a quieter evening and you can probably grab a seat right away.
Campus Pizzeria
$ | (704) 313-7380 | WEBSITE
“It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” You’ve heard that line, probably in reference to a personality or a dilapidated car. It also applies to Campus Pizzeria, a restaurant tucked away with all the sidewalk appeal of a study hall. This is textbook pizza done well, from the Bulldog pizza with its nice thin crust and full of toppings to the Ziti dish that comes with a large salad and garlic butter sticks.
The menu reads like a greatest hits compilation, but that’s not a bad thing—the crust is decent, the ingredients are quality (though some fake cheese may disappoint), and the portions are generous enough for next-day leftovers. Even on a Friday night, you can usually walk into this old-style pizza parlor and find a clean, not-very-loud table, helped by the friendly staff who provide outstanding service.
Verona’s Of East Dixon Blvd
$ | (704) 313-7101 | WEBSITE
We often go to Verona’s of East Dixon Blvd for dinner in the cozy dining room up front because of the great Italian plates like lasagna and the baked ziti, as well as a solid menu of classic hits and nearly every pasta dish imaginable. When we’re feeling particularly indecisive, we’ve come to rely on the “Specialty Pastas” menu with more out of the ordinary combinations, like a manicotti alfredo that combines creamy sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese.
