Only in Asheboro can you twirl forkfuls of hand-rolled pasta, savor a wood-fired pizza with a char-kissed crust, and finish with tiramisu so light it floats off the plate. These Italian eateries have quietly become fixtures across this North Carolina town. And while they’ve long been cherished by locals, they’re now drawing food lovers from all over. So we tasted our way through enough menus to bring you the best.
Sir Pizza
$ | (336) 629-9101 | WEBSITE
Most of Asheboro’s Italian spots are downtown or along the main strip, but Sir Pizza is an exception. Inside its unassuming storefront on a quieter side street is a cozy dining room where regulars who know good pizza fill booths with generous pies boasting crispy-chewy crusts and heaps of fresh toppings. While not a fancy night out, you’re here to enjoy hearty food, chat with the welcoming staff, and inevitably leave with leftovers.
Time Square Pizza Downtown
$ | (336) 629-4579 | WEBSITE
Like all good neighborhood pizzerias, Time Square Pizza Downtown is a community hub more than anything else. Even on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, the place has the warmth of a family kitchen thanks to the regulars who fill the worn wooden booths. Join them to savor a slice of grandma pizza with its crisp crust and generous toppings, or to dig into a chicken primavera salad (you’ll want to take home the fresh, tangy sauce by the quart).
On The Rock Diner
$ | (336) 521-9326 | WEBSITE
Despite its name, the standout dishes at On The Rock Diner in Asheboro are our favorites. Chicken wings get tossed with homemade hot sauce that’s so flavorful and spicy you could eat them by the dozen. The pizza, featuring fresh garlic, is so delicious you could devour a whole pie. If you must pay homage to the name, stick with the On the Rock burger for a satisfying classic. Just be sure to watch for potholes in the parking lot unless you want a bumpy ride after your meal.
Gorilla Pizza
$ | (336) 625-1210 | WEBSITE
At any time you visit, this Asheboro pizza joint is buzzing with a steady flow of families, local workers, and neighborhood regulars who have been coming here since before smartphones had touchscreens. They’re all here to catch up over Italian-American comfort classics like the cheesesteak special with seasoned fries and the large, delicious calzone, or the Stromboli that’s often called the best in town.
If Gorilla Pizza is full, grab a gift certificate for a post-movie meal and enjoy the same welcoming atmosphere with takeout pizza that’s surprisingly tasty.
Pizza Inn
$ | (336) 200-8770 | WEBSITE
You should focus on the buffet at this Asheboro pizza spot—we’re talking fresh pizzas, salad bar, and the dessert bar with sweet treats. They also have affordable staples, like the family-friendly pricing and attentive service. Be sure to come hungry—it’s a great value for the money.
Medo’s Italian Restaurant
$ | (336) 633-4125 | WEBSITE
Medo’s should be celebrated for its generosity. Portions are served as soon as you settle into this Asheboro spot (oftentimes alongside regulars who fill the cozy dining room), staff take your order with genuine warmth, and food arrives piping hot. It’s our pick when we’re in the area and want a hearty, satisfying Italian meal for around $20—namely the pizza with its amazing dough and cheese. Bring an appetite unless you’re okay with taking home leftovers.
Zeko’s Pizza II
$ | (336) 672-6110 | WEBSITE
Zeko’s Pizza II is Asheboro’s only family-run Italian spot. Expect generous plates of fried chicken salad, hefty Stromboli rolls, and fast, friendly service. You’ll order from their extensive menu, chat with the owners for a minute, and your food will be brought out fresh. Before you finish up, though, ask what they made that morning—if there’s any homemade marinara left, that’s your cue.
POSITANO
$ | (336) 628-4701 | WEBSITE
Save your Fridays—that’s when you should be ordering the lobster ravioli at Positano. The Friday special at this Asheboro gem features plump, house-made ravioli stuffed with sweet lobster meat, bathed in a creamy tomato sauce and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. As if that wasn’t enough, the dish is preceded by a basket of warm, complimentary bread and followed by a generous slice of tiramisu for dessert. But Positano doesn’t just have seafood pasta.
Any of their classic dishes, like the Alla Positano or create-your-own pasta with Tre P sauce, are worth visiting for—if not just for a sub-$25 meal that leaves you happily full.
Time square pizza
$$ | (336) 629-4579 | WEBSITE
Solid Italian-American classics await at Time Square Pizza, an Asheboro spot with a menu more varied than most takeout joints. The welcoming dining room is dotted with reminders of its Northern New Jersey inspiration, like an insanely large pizza fresh from the oven. Or you can stick with crowd-pleasers like the standout deep dish with its good crust and sauce or a plate of wings with just the right crunch.
It’s a great option when you need a place with reasonable prices and enough warmth to fit your entire family with about zero fuss.
Mona Lisa II Italian and American Family restaurant
$ | (336) 872-4065 | WEBSITE
This Asheboro Italian-American spot has two main draws: massive family-style portions, and a lineup of comforting classics done right. Come for lunch with a small group and split plates like the Large New York Stromboli packed with ham, pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella, or the Cajun Chicken Alfredo over linguine. The super tender grilled chicken that cuts with a fork gets the job done if you’re looking for something flavorful, but the Stromboli should be the priority here.