Sometimes the best food isn’t found in flashy dining rooms or trendy hotspots — it’s tucked into neighborhoods you might not stumble across unless someone tips you off. That’s exactly the kind of place a popular online food community recently set out to find when it ranked the best “hole-in-the-wall” pizza spots in every state.
For North Carolina, the top honor landed right here in Wilmington.
Pizzeria Don Luca, located in the Brooklyn Arts District, was singled out as the standout pizza destination in the state. The recognition highlights restaurants that keep things simple on the surface but deliver something special where it counts — in the kitchen.
Don Luca fits that description perfectly. It’s a casual, counter-service spot inside a century-old building on North Fourth Street, where the focus is clearly on the food rather than frills. The pizza starts with hand-tossed dough and continues with sauces made in-house, meats sliced by hand, and cheese grated fresh every day. That attention to detail is a big part of what keeps people coming back.
The menu balances familiar favorites with creative twists. Classic pies like Margherita, Hawaiian, and Hot Honey Pepperoni share space with more playful options. There’s a veggie-forward pie that loads up the produce, a Pickle Bacon Ranch pizza that has developed a loyal following, and bold specialty pies like Buffalo chicken, jalapeño popper-inspired creations, and a deeply savory mushroom pizza finished with miso, sesame, and herbs. It’s the kind of menu that encourages repeat visits just to try something new.
The food isn’t limited to pizza either. Their baked chicken wings have become a fan favorite, and guests can pair everything with beer or wine while enjoying the laid-back outdoor seating.
Beyond the food, Don Luca’s recognition also speaks to what’s happening in the Brooklyn Arts District as a whole. The neighborhood continues to grow as a creative, walkable area filled with local businesses, and spots like this have become part of its identity. What was once a quiet corner of Wilmington is now drawing attention well beyond the city limits.
For locals, the statewide nod simply confirms what many already knew. And for visitors or newcomers, it’s a reminder that some of Wilmington’s best experiences are found just off the main path — if you know where to look.
In a city known for its food scene, Pizzeria Don Luca proves that sometimes a small, unassuming spot can make the biggest impression.