Best Pizza in Virginia Beach: Top Spots Ranked [2026 Guide] | Arteflame

Introduction

Finding the perfect slice in Virginia Beach can feel like a treasure hunt. While the city is famous for its boardwalk and seafood, the pizza scene has quietly exploded with wood-fired artisans and classic boardwalk slice shops competing for the top spot. We have eaten our way through the city to separate the tourist traps from the local legends. But we didn't stop there—we also discovered that the secret to restaurant-quality pizza isn't just about where you buy it, but how you cook it. Below, we review the top spots and reveal how you can outperform them in your own backyard.

• Quick Summary: The Top 3
• The Top Rated Spots
• Price & Style Comparison
• The "Searing" Technique
• Why We Call It "Social"

Best Pizza in Virginia Beach: Top Spots Ranked [2026 Guide]

Key Takeaways

• North End Pizza: Best for thick, hearty crusts after a long beach day.
• Hearth: The go-to spot for artisanal, wood-fired pies and craft pairings.
• Dough Boy's: The quintessential boardwalk experience with California-style influence.

Where to get the best Pizza in Virginia Beach?

The best pizza in Virginia Beach is defined by fresh, locally sourced ingredients and high-heat cooking methods. Top locations like North End Pizza and Hearth distinguish themselves through signature dough fermentation and wood-fired techniques that create the perfect balance of crispy crust and tender toppings.

North End Pizza
In our testing, North End Pizza stood out for its durability. This isn't a flimsy slice; it is robust and loaded with toppings. We found the sauce to be slightly sweeter, which pairs perfectly with their salty, generous cheese blends. It is the ideal stop if you are hungry after surfing.

Hearth
When we visited Hearth, we immediately noticed the difference the wood-fired oven makes. The char on the crust was impeccable. We recommend this spot for date nights or if you appreciate gourmet toppings like hot honey or prosciutto. It is less about volume and more about flavor complexity.

Dough Boy's
We love the location and the vibe here. Situated right in the action, Dough Boy's offers a California-style crust that is lighter and crispier. In our experience, their specialty pizzas are creative, and the atmosphere captures the true vacation spirit of the city.

Comparison: Which Pizza is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Pizza at Home

I used to think my backyard pizza nights were a success, until I realized I was essentially baking my dough on a low-heat grate instead of searing it. The result was always a bit soggy in the middle, lacking that signature pizzeria crunch that only extreme heat can provide.

You do not need an industrial kitchen to get that "Hearth" quality char. You can achieve steakhouse-level searing and pizzeria-quality crusts right at home using the Arteflame.

The "Searing" Technique

The reason your home oven fails to replicate the best pizza spots in Virginia Beach is temperature. Using an Arteflame grill provides three distinct advantages:

1. 1,000°F Sear: The center of the Arteflame reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This allows you to flash-sear the dough, creating that coveted leopard-spot char on the bottom while keeping the inside fluffy.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Unlike a traditional pizza oven where you can only cook the pie, the Arteflame cooktop allows you to grill your sausage, peppers, and onions simultaneously on the flat cooktop while the pizza cooks, ensuring every topping is hot and fresh.
3. Social Grill: The fire is the center of the party. You aren't hiding in the kitchen; you are cooking live in front of your guests.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to feed a crowd quickly, you can always visit a Costco nearby on Northampton Blvd. Buying fresh, uncooked pizzas from Costco is a fantastic base to start with. However, we found that taking that base and finishing it on the Arteflame Pizza Oven accessory transforms a budget meal into a gourmet experience, adding a wood-fired flavor profile that a standard oven simply cannot replicate.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it fundamentally changes how you host. Its round design invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. We have found that the cooking process becomes part of the entertainment, turning a standard dinner into an interactive event where everyone gathers around the warmth of the fire.