The search for decent pizza in Leland can feel like a gamble, a soggy-crust roulette played after a long day at the river. But there is a surprising spread here, stretching from the fire-oven perfection across the bridge at Cugino Forno to a pub slice best enjoyed with your wallet in your front pocket.

We even found a taproom where the dog-friendly atmosphere and the well-balanced draft list nearly outshine the pie, and a spot serving squid ink tuna puttanesca that will make you forget the drive. It’s a lot of territory to cover on one stomach.

Consider this your map.

Wheelz Pizza of Leland

Highlights
Easy online ordering
Hot, delicious pizza
Fair price for large
Great sourdough crust
Friendly, helpful staff

I ordered online from Wheelz Pizza of Leland on a Tuesday when my will to cook had abandoned me entirely. The process was painless, which I appreciated because I had already expended my daily decision-making budget on whether to wear shoes. The large pizza arrived hot, and the sourdough crust had that slight tang and sturdy chew that makes you feel virtuous even while eating cheese. The price felt fair, which in this economy is practically a miracle. The staff were friendly on the phone and in person, though I did not test their patience much. I ate three slices standing over the sink. It was a good decision.

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Cugino Forno Wilmington

Highlights
Chewy, crunchy crust perfection
Bright, subtly sweet tomato sauce
Lively, welcoming dining atmosphere
Excellent gelato dessert offering
Fire-oven baked fresh dough

Cugino Forno Wilmington sits on the other side of the river, but I crossed it without complaint after hearing about their crust. I am glad I did. The crust achieved that rare balance of chewy and crunchy, with charred bubbles that tasted of the fire oven. The tomato sauce had a bright, subtle sweetness that did not shout over the cheese. The dining room felt lively and welcoming, and I lingered longer than I planned because the gelato appeared and I have no defenses. The dough is baked fresh in a fire oven, and you can taste the heat in every bite. I left with a full stomach and a small sense of accomplishment.

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Dough House Pizza Co.

Highlights
Crispy, well-spiced pepperoni
Balanced sauce and crust
Quality ingredients throughout
Consistent, reliable preparation

Dough House Pizza Co. came recommended by a friend whose pizza opinions I trust more than my own. The pepperoni arrived crispy at the edges, curled into little cups of grease that I consider a sign of respect. The sauce and crust achieved a balance that did not favor one over the other, which sounds dull but is actually rare. The ingredients seemed quality throughout, and the preparation felt consistent, like someone had made this pie a thousand times. I went back two weeks later and got the same result. That reliability is worth more than flash. I ate in my car because the parking lot was full, but the pizza did not mind.

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Tarantelli's

Highlights
Friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming staff
Cozy yet upscale dining room
Skirt steak and pappardelle shine
Attentive service with expert guidance
Worth planning reservations ahead

Tarantelli's feels like a place you should dress up for, but they let me in wearing a wrinkled shirt, and I appreciated that. The dining room manages to be cozy and upscale at once, with soft lighting that made me feel like I had made better life choices than I had. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming, and they guided me through the menu with an expert hand. I did not order pizza, which feels like a betrayal for this article, but the skirt steak and pappardelle shone so brightly that I forgot my primary mission. The service was attentive without hovering. Reservations are wise; I made one and felt smug. I left planning my next visit.

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Fat Tony's Italian Pub

Highlights
Attentive server, memorable birthday
Worth the wait for handmade pizza
Fresh crust, sauce, and cheese
Cozy riverwalk seating and views
Calzone exceeded all expectations

Fat Tony's Italian Pub sits along the riverwalk, and I ended up there on a birthday, not mine, but my friend's. The server was attentive and remembered the occasion, which made the table feel special. The pizza took some time, but the wait was worth it because the crust, sauce, and cheese all tasted fresh and handmade. The calzone exceeded every expectation I had, and I had set the bar high because I am a glutton. The seating by the river offered a nice view, though the breeze kept stealing my napkin. I left with a full stomach and a slight chill. I would do it all again.

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Floriana Wilmington | Italian

Highlights
Elegant special-occasion atmosphere
Attentive, friendly service
Delicious mussels and calamari
Perfect bass and Chitarra
Memorable limoncello cake

Floriana Wilmington is the kind of place where you feel like you should whisper, but I did not, and no one shushed me. The atmosphere is elegant, suited for special occasions, and I felt underdressed in my usual uniform of jeans and indecision. The service was attentive and friendly, and the mussels and calamari arrived fresh and flavorful, making me wonder why I ever order salad. The bass was cooked perfectly, and the Chitarra pasta had a texture that made me slow down and appreciate each bite. The limoncello cake ended the meal on a bright, citrusy note. I paid the bill without flinching, which is rare. I would return for a celebration, or just a Tuesday.

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Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub Downtown

Highlights
Late-night pizza worth trying
Tasty pies, questionable service
Open past eleven for groups
Solid crust, risky atmosphere

Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub Downtown is open past eleven, which is when I found myself there after a show that ran long. The pizza was worth trying, with a solid crust and toppings that did not disappoint. The service, however, was questionable; our server seemed to have other places to be, and I felt like a minor inconvenience in their evening. The atmosphere felt a bit risky, like the kind of place where you keep your wallet in your front pocket. But the late-night slice satisfied a hunger that had been building for hours. I left with a full stomach and a vague sense of unease. I might go back, but I will bring a friend.

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BRUNSWICK BEER XCHANGE

Highlights
Friendly dog-friendly taproom
Knowledgeable staff, excellent service
Well-balanced draft beer selection
Monthly comedy show worth seeing

BRUNSWICK BEER XCHANGE is technically a taproom, but I include it because they serve pizza, and I was too hungry to be picky. The space is dog-friendly, which means I got to pet several dogs while drinking a well-balanced draft beer. The staff knew their beer, and they guided me toward a selection that matched my mood, which was complicated. They have a monthly comedy show, and I caught one, laughing harder than I expected. The pizza was not the main event, but it held its own. I sat at the bar, felt the warmth of the place, and considered staying for another round. I did. The service remained excellent. I left slightly drunk and fully content.

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Benny's Big Time Pizzeria

Highlights
Clean, upscale, homemade menu
Daily desserts from pastry chef
Creative customizable pizzas
Great location near lake trail

Benny's Big Time Pizzeria sits near the lake trail, so I walked there to justify the calories. The place felt clean and upscale, with a homemade menu that made me feel like I was in someone's well-organized kitchen. The desserts come from a pastry chef, and I tried one, and it was excellent. The pizza is customizable, which appeals to my control issues, and I built a pie that I would proudly serve to guests. The location near the trail made the whole experience feel like a mini adventure. I sat by the window, watched the walkers go by, and felt smug about my life choices. The staff were pleasant. I will return.

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Nils Mediterranean Cuisine Wilmington, NC

Highlights
Warm, inviting ambiance
Fresh, vibrant flavors
Attentive, knowledgeable service
Handles picky eaters well
Ideal for any occasion

Nils Mediterranean Cuisine is not in Leland, but I drove to Wilmington because I heard good things, and I was not disappointed. The ambiance is warm and inviting, like a friend's house that happens to serve excellent food. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, and the staff knew the menu well, offering suggestions that made me feel cared for. They handled my picky eater companion with patience and grace, which deserves a medal. The space works for any occasion, from a quick lunch to a longer dinner. I had the falafel, and it was crisp and herby. I left feeling like I had made a new friend. I will go back on purpose.

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Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar

Highlights
Simple menu, outstanding flavors
Informative, attentive staff
Accessible parking across street
Squid ink tuna puttanesca

Quanto Basta is a small Italian eatery and wine bar, and the name means 'enough', which is fitting because they know exactly how much to give. The menu is simple, but the flavors are outstanding, and I ordered the squid ink tuna puttanesca, which sounds intimidating but tasted like the sea had been tamed and served politely. The staff were informative and attentive, explaining the dishes without making me feel ignorant. Parking is across the street, which is easy, and I appreciated not circling the block like a vulture. The wine list was well chosen, and my glass paired nicely with the pasta. I lingered, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. That is the best kind of meal.

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Bridgewater Wines+Dines

Highlights
House made vodka sauce
Exemplary service throughout brunch
Global wine selection organized well
Perfect pairings for gatherings
Ideal spot for private events

Bridgewater Wines+Dines is where I ended up for brunch, and they served me a vodka sauce that I would cross state lines for. The sauce was house made, creamy and rich, and I sopped it up with bread like a professional. The service throughout brunch was exemplary; our server refilled coffee without being asked, which is my love language. The wine selection is global and well organized, and they helped me pick a bottle for a gathering I have been avoiding. The space is ideal for private events, and I saw a group celebrating something, and they looked happy. I left with a full stomach and a slight buzz. I would return for dinner, and I probably will.

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