Carmella’s Pizza Grill S Tryon Review: Charlotte, NC

I’ve Been Coming Here Since Around 2015

I first discovered Carmella’s sometime around 2015, as it’s located just a few minutes away from where I live. Since then, I’ve visited this location more than 50 times, maybe even 100, but who’s counting, right? Either way, 50 or 100, that’s enough times to know that I love this pizza joint. As I’ve pointed out in my Benny Pennello’s Pizza Review, I’m originally from Brooklyn, NY, but moved to Charlotte about 15 years ago, so when it comes to pizza, I’m a tough judge! I know what good pizza tastes like, and Carmella’s is far beyond average!

Carmella’s has been around much longer than I’ve been going there. The business says it started in 2003 at a former Carmel Road location, and the South Tryon restaurant has been operating for years. Today, Carmella’s has locations on South Tryon, Montford Drive, and in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The Pizza Is Why I Keep Coming Back

The pizza is made to order with fresh ingredients, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find better pizza.

I was just there this past week; it was another 5-star visit as usual.

If you’re going for pizza, Carmella’s sells whole 14-inch and 18-inch pies along with slices from an 18-inch pie. The menu also includes specialty pizzas, and there’s a weekday lunch special built around slices if you’re stopping in earlier in the day.

The Menu Goes Far Beyond Pizza

Pizza is what I know Carmella’s best for, but the menu goes way beyond that. They have wings, starters, salads, burgers, cold and hot heros, specialty sandwiches, strombolis, calzones, pasta, baked Italian dishes, grilled cheese, pitas, sides, desserts, and a kids menu. The menu also includes weekday lunch specials, and Carmella’s offers catering for parties, corporate events, weddings, and other gatherings. Use the menu below to jump to a category or search for a specific dish.

Carmella's Pizza Grill Inside and Out

I remember pulling up for the first time many years ago, just a few years after they opened, and from the outside, I just didn’t expect much; it seemed a little boring, but once I stepped inside, it was a whole different world where you’re instantly welcomed.

Inside, there’s open seating, a bar counter, TVs, and plenty of room to sit down instead of treating Carmella’s like a takeout-only pizza spot. The photos below show the difference between what you see when you pull up and what the place actually feels like once you’re inside.

Pizza, Drinks, Sports, and a Good Time

Since I live so close, I usually just swing by and pick up a few slices to go, but every now and then I hang out, enjoy my time, have a few drinks, maybe catch a Hornets or Panthers game, and call it a night. Not only is the pizza on point, but it’s also a good time. I love the staff at this location and the atmosphere.

Carmella’s also leans into the sports-bar side of the business, and the company promotes sports viewing along with its bar service. The current site also offers online ordering, delivery, reservations, catering, and private-party options, so there are a lot more ways to use the place than just walking in for a slice.

If you’re local, just moved to Charlotte, or just visiting, Carmella’s is the place to go for great pizza, drinks, and meeting people. It’s casual enough to stop in for a few slices, but it’s also the kind of place where you can hang out, have a few drinks, catch a game, and enjoy the atmosphere. If it’s your first time, I’d come hungry and give yourself a little time to enjoy the place instead of just rushing in and out.

The South Tryon Location Is the One I Know

I visited the S Tryon location and haven’t been to the other 2 locations yet, but I definitely plan to. The other two current locations are on Montford Drive in Charlotte and on US-21 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Montford opened in 2017, while the South Tryon location has been part of Carmella’s Charlotte presence for years. This review and my 5-star rating are for the South Tryon location because that’s the one I’ve personally visited over and over again.