A popular Charlotte pizzeria is among Southern Living’s best new restaurants of 2023
A popular Charlotte pizzeria has caught the attention of Southern Living, making its list of “The South’s Best New Restaurants Of 2023.”
Bird Pizzeria, tucked in a small takeout space in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood, keeps its East Coast style pizza simple. Hungry diners can order one of three pies: plain (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil), white (fresh mozzarella, ricotta, butter garlic, olive oil, basil) or vegan (tomato sauce, your choice of veggies, finished with basil and an aged cheese alternative). A variety of toppings are available as add-ons, and kale Caesar salad is available to pair with it.
The national magazine said, “If a meal is a reflection of the love that went into it, then Bird Pizzeria certainly mirrors the passion of the Thompson family. When married couple Kerrel and Nkem Thompson opened the petite pizza spot in Charlotte, it was the clear result of the strength of their partnership. They were the restaurant’s only full-time employees for its first five months. And though the couple moved from Chicago, they’re proudly serving up East Coast-style pies with thin, blistered crusts.
“Kerrel makes the signature dough from a custom blend of organic flours. The menu itself is purposeful and tidy: Add toppings like hot honey, kale, or a mix of portobello and white mushrooms to a red, white, or vegan base. Orders can be placed ahead or made directly at the walk-up window. Either way, slices are best eaten by folding the crispy crust onto itself.”
The pizzeria made the leap from pop-up to brick-and-mortar in late 2021 and has grown a solid following since then. But plan ahead to get a taste: The restaurant is only open Wednesday-Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Special orders for catering and lunchtime are an option, too — just email 48 hours in advance at contact@birdpizzeria.com.
Outside of Charlotte
One more North Carolina restaurant made the list — Queeny’s in Durham. If you’re traveling that way and want to check it out. Southern Living described the space perched above the Kingfisher cocktail bar as a “bookstore, podcast studio and community space for gatherings ranging from disco nights to book clubs” that “turns out playful, affordable diner food and cocktails.”
Another bonus? “Nearly everything on the menu is under $10,” the magazine said.
Bird Pizzeria
Location: 510 E. 15th St., Charlotte, North Carolina, 28206
Cuisine: pizza
How to order: Order online for pickup.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 9:28 AM.
