+1 336-893-8217
Mission Pizza Napoletana, nestled in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem, NC, is not just an Italian restaurant—it’s a culinary haven for pizza aficionados and lovers of authentic Italian flavors. This exceptional eatery crafts each dish with meticulous care, showcasing a passionate commitment to genuine Italian cuisine, especially the artful tradition of Neapolitan-style pizza.
From the moment you step inside at 707 Trade St NW, you’re enveloped in an inviting atmosphere that balances the warmth of a neighborhood trattoria with the sophistication of a modern Italian kitchen. The space buzzes with energy, especially around the open kitchen counter where guests can watch owner and chef Peyton in action, bringing his imaginative and masterful creations to life. His attention to every detail—from the dough’s rise to the fresh local ingredients—transforms your meal into an engaging, multisensory experience.
The menu is a vibrant celebration of Italian culinary excellence. Start your meal with light yet flavorful options like the Green Salad, a fresh medley of mixed greens, red onion, grape tomatoes, sherry vinaigrette, and pecorino that primes your palate beautifully. The pasta offerings, including the hearty and spice-kissed Bucatini All'Amatriciana and the exquisitely simple yet comforting Spaghetti Al Pomodoro, uphold the rustic Italian tradition with every bite bursting with homemade authenticity.
However, the true stars are the pizzas. Whether you opt for the indulgently rich Bianca e Prosciutto, layered with fresh and smoked mozzarella, velvety ricotta cream, fragrant basil, and slices of San Daniele prosciutto, or the delicate Bianca Pizza showcasing a perfect trio of cheeses, each pie provides a sublime texture and flavor harmony. The crispy crusts boast a signature lightness and chewiness seldom found in typical pizzerias, elevating your dining to an artful ritual.
Beyond pizza, dishes like Cheese and Greens, the flavorful Meatballs, or the decadent Burrata reveal the kitchen’s depth and creativity. For the adventurous palate, seafood options like succulent Mussels and garlicky Lobster tantalize the senses, and the desserts—especially the luscious Tiramisu—offer a sweet finale that perfectly balances richness with delicate sophistication.
What customers consistently remark upon echoes the exceptional quality and immersive experience here. Richard Marvel praises the gourmet Pizzakase tasting as “exceptional from start to finish,” highlighting Peyton’s craftsmanship and the thoughtful curation of each course. James Drezner declares it “hands down the best pizza I've ever had,” describing the elevated engagement during the Pizzakase as a must-try experience. The intimate counter seating allows diners to connect directly with the kitchen’s rhythm and passion, turning a meal into a lasting memory.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of expertly crafted pizzas, the charm of rustic Italian flavors, or the vibrant, warm energy of its atmosphere, Mission Pizza Napoletana delivers a distinct culinary journey. It’s not just dining—it’s an authentic, taste-driven celebration of Italian tradition, creativity, and precision. For anyone visiting Winston-Salem craving more than just a meal, this is a destination worthy of your appetite and admiration.
Location: 707 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States
Phone: +1 336-893-8217
I had an outstanding experience at Mission Pizza during the gourmet pizzakase meal on November 15. The food was exceptional from start to finish. Peyton, the owner and chef, really impressed with the range of dishes he prepared — everything from a Northeastern-inspired oyster pizza to a fried-dough style pie. Each course showed real craftsmanship, and watching his attention to detail throughout the night added to the experience. The presentations were thoughtful, the pacing was on point, and the wine pairings could not have been better. Peyton also shared some stories about his travels and influences, which gave great context to the flavors and choices behind the dishes. This experience is all about trying new things and stepping outside the ordinary. Letting the chef take the lead and seeing where it goes made the night genuinely fun. Overall, a great time — highly recommended if you’re looking for something unique and expertly executed.
Hands down the best pizza I've ever had. Made a reservation for the Pizzakase at the counter. Getting to watch them make it and hearing their explanations on the inspiration of each dish as well as the origins of the ingredients elevated the experience even further. If it's in your budget I cannot recommend it enough. I will be coming back.
Best pizza I’ve ever had. We had the arugula salad, mussels, and a red and white pie, it was all coursed very nicely. Cool atmosphere, no bs they know the food speaks for itself.
My Husband and I had the Pizzakase on Valentine’s Day. It was 8 courses and all were so delicious! I highly recommend! The pizza crust alone is easily the best I’ve ever had. I can’t ever eat commercial pizza again. Reading some of the other reviews, I think some people didn’t know what to expect . It’s not your typical pizza place. We sat at the counter where we saw the food being prepared. I feel like the made the experience even more fun.
We dined as a group of 6 for the Pizzakase last evening. I have been anticipating this experience for quite some time as were our guests. Everything exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect amount of food as we left full, but not stuffed. Great service, great banter with the chef, explaining each of the courses, all around an incredible pizza experience!
My husband and I are foodies and esp pizza connoisseurs. Our favorite pizza is in Tulum called Checkpoint pizza. We haven’t found any Neapolitan pizza that is up to par until we found Mission Pizza! 10/10. We did the pizza-makase. The dough is next level. The ambiance is great. The staff is superb. Definitely recommend.
Best pizza I've had in the Southeast and it's not even close. Salads are wonderful too, and so are the small plates. Curated wine selection that fits the cuisine perfectly. We have driven from Raleigh just to go here multiple times. Almost glad it isn't closer or we'd be there twice a week. Nope, it's not your hole in the wall joint where you pick all the toppings. Who cares. Trust the chef. Let someone who KNOWS make you something you never knew you always wanted, and enjoy one of the best things you can put in your mouth.