In the Mountain State, the best pizza isn’t hidden behind flashy facades or trendy marketing.
It announces itself with steam rising from perfectly blistered crusts and the magnetic pull of locals who know where the true flavour is.
These nine unpretentious pizza joints may not win architectural awards, but they have captured the hearts, souls, and taste buds of West Virginians who recognise that true culinary greatness often comes in small packages!
1. Pizzas & Cream (Nebo)
That little white building with the ice cream cone painted on the side isn’t trying to impress anyone, but what goes on inside should be illegal in at least twelve states.
This unassuming roadside spot in tiny Nebo appears to be someone’s garage that accidentally became a restaurant, which is precisely what makes it so magical.
The pizza here comes out of their ovens with the perfect balance of crispy and chewy, making you wonder if they’ve mastered ancient pizza sorcery.
Locals travel from counties away for their hand-tossed creations, frequently adding, “Might as well get some ice cream while we’re here,” as if they needed an excuse other than the pizza itself.
The picnic tables outside may not scream luxury dining, but when you’re in pizza heaven under the West Virginia skies, you’ll wonder why anyone bothers with tablecloths and fancy lighting.
Location: 133 Nebo Walker Rd, Nebo, WV 25141.
2. Hill & Holler (Lewisburg)
Hill & Holler has mastered the art of wood-fired pizza in an environment that feels like your coolest friend’s cabin.
The weathered wood siding and stone foundation on the outside set the tone for what awaits inside: authentic pizza magic.
Their wood-fired oven produces crusts with the distinct char that pizza lovers crave—slightly smoky, perfectly crisp, and yet tender.
The ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, so your pizza isn’t just delicious—it’s also a virtual tour of West Virginia’s best produce.
The rustic interior, with its exposed beams, gives the impression that you’re eating pizza in a treehouse designed by someone with impeccable taste, which is exactly the vibe we all need in our lives.
Address: 886 Washington St W, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
3. Lola’s Pizza (Charleston)
Lola’s appears to be the type of place you’d drive past a hundred times before being dragged there by a knowledgeable friend, at which point you’d wonder how you’d survived so long without it.
This charming little white house, with its string lights and casual patio seating, may not scream “culinary destination,” but that’s part of its allure.
Inside, the magic happens in small batches—artisanal pizzas made with the care typically reserved for fine art or neurosurgery.
Their thin-crust pizzas achieve that elusive texture that is both crisp and pliable, the holy grail of pizza engineering.
The outdoor seating area, with its mismatched furniture and twinkling lights, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the best backyard party you’ve ever attended—if that party also served some of the state’s finest pizza.
Location: 1038 Bridge Rd, Charleston, WV 25314.
4. Pepperoni Grill (Charleston)
Pepperoni Grill, with its distinctive A-frame design and wooden facade, resembles a storybook cottage that decided to pursue pizza perfection.
This Charleston institution doesn’t waste energy on flashy gimmicks or trendy decor—all of that creative energy goes straight into their incredible pies.
The black and white striped awning may be the fanciest feature of the establishment, which is appropriate given that the pizza inside is doing all of the heavy lifting.
Their hand-tossed crusts have become legendary among locals, who frequently describe the texture with reverence typically reserved for religious experiences.
The cosy interior makes you feel like you’ve walked into someone’s living room—if that someone happens to be a pizza genius who decided to share their talents with the hungry masses.
5. DiCarlo’s Pizza (Wheeling)
DiCarlo’s bright red and white shopfront shines like a beacon of hope for Wheeling’s pizza-loving masses, promising satisfaction without pretence.
This no-frills restaurant serves “Ohio Valley-style” pizza, a unique approach in which the cheese and toppings are added after the sauce-topped crust has come out of the oven.
The end result is a distinct textural experience: a crispy, almost cracker-like crust that supports warm sauce and cool, melting cheese, creating a temperature and texture contrast that is completely addictive.
The interior is about as fancy as a high school cafeteria, but the pizza is so unique that people would queue even if it was served in an abandoned warehouse.
Their square-cut slices have fuelled generations of West Virginians, fostering the kind of loyalty that fancy restaurants with white tablecloths and sommelier recommendations can only hope for.
Location: 1311 Main Street, Wheeling, WV 26003.
6. Backyard Pizza & Raw Bar (Huntington)
Don’t be fooled by the sleek wood-and-brick exterior—Backyard Pizza may appear more polished than some of the other restaurants on this list, but it retains the essential unpretentious soul that makes pizza so great.
Their wood-fired oven produces crusts with beautiful leopard spotting (the charred bubbles that pizza lovers photograph like proud parents) and a depth of flavour that can only be achieved through intense heat and careful fermentation.
The name “Backyard” perfectly captures the welcoming, casual vibe that makes this place feel like you’re visiting a friend’s house—a friend who happens to make pizza that would make an Italian grandmother weep with joy.
Their inventive topping combinations push the envelope without delving into gimmick territory, striking the ideal balance between innovation and respect for tradition.
The space feels urban but comfortable, like the living room of a friend who effortlessly makes their home stylish and welcoming without trying too hard.
Location: 833 3rd Ave, Huntington, WV 25701.
7. Gino’s Pizza & Spaghetti House (Charleston)
Gino’s, with its cheerful yellow sign and brick facade, appears to be exactly what it is: a beloved community institution that has fed generations of West Virginians quietly and without fanfare.
Stepping inside transports you back to a simpler time—checkered floors, red booths, and an atmosphere that practically screams “neighbourhood pizza joint” in the best way.
The arcade game in the corner completes the time-capsule atmosphere, and you half expect to see kids dropping quarters while waiting for their family’s pizza to arrive.
Their thick, hearty crusts support generous toppings with the structural integrity of well-engineered bridges, ensuring that each bite contains the ideal balance of bread, sauce, and cheese.
This is comfort food in its most basic form, served in a setting that feels like a warm hug from your favourite aunt—familiar, unpretentious, and exactly what you need.
Location: 217 Lee St W, Charleston, WV 25302.
8. Mountain State Brewing Co. (Thomas)
Mountain State Brewing Co., housed in what appears to be a repurposed industrial building with rustic wooden elements, embodies Appalachian ingenuity.
Their flatbread-style pizzas emerge from the flames with beautifully blistered crusts that serve as the ideal canvas for their carefully curated toppings.
The brewery setting enhances the experience—few pleasures in life compare to eating a hand-crafted pizza while drinking a beer brewed just feet away from where you are sitting.
The vibrant mural outside depicting the West Virginia landscape serves as a reminder that you’re in the midst of something deeply rooted in place—this isn’t your typical pizza.
The rustic, cabin-like interior, with exposed beams and wood elements, creates an atmosphere that is both rugged and refined, similar to the state itself.
Location: 1 Nelson Boulevard, Thomas, WV 26292.
9. Pies & Pints (Fayetteville)
Nestled in a modest building that belies its culinary treasures, the original Pies & Pints location in Fayetteville established the standard for craft pizza in West Virginia before expanding to multiple locations.
Their outdoor seating area, complete with picnic tables and striped umbrellas, creates a casual, communal atmosphere that is ideal for their approachable yet sophisticated pies.
The magic happens when their hand-tossed crusts meet unexpected topping combinations that, once tasted, make perfect sense, such as grape and gorgonzola or Cuban pork.
Their beer selection is as thoughtful as their pizza menu, allowing for pairing possibilities that elevate both the food and drink to something greater than their parts.
The laid-back atmosphere makes this place feel like a secret clubhouse for people who take pizza seriously but not themselves—the ideal combination for memorable meals.
Location: 219 W Maple Ave, Fayetteville, WV 25840.
In West Virginia, pizza excellence is defined not by glamorous settings or fancy facades, but by the dedication of community regulars who are constantly drawn to the pure joy of well-crafted, no-frills flavours.
