Kicking off with best pizza in Myrtle Beach, this culinary scene is a true treasure trove of flavors, ranging from classic styles to innovative twists that will leave you wanting more.
From traditional New York-style to Chicago-style and Neapolitan-style pizza, Myrtle Beach’s pizza culture is a melting pot of flavors and textures that cater to every palate.
The Rise of Pizza Culture in Myrtle Beach: Best Pizza In Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, a coastal town in South Carolina, has witnessed a significant rise in pizza culture over the years. The area is home to numerous restaurants, each offering a diverse range of pizza options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. From traditional Italian-style pizzas to innovative, locally-inspired creations, the pizza scene in Myrtle Beach is indeed a culinary revolution.
Diverse Local Restaurants Serving Pizza
Myrtle Beach boasts a wide array of local restaurants serving pizza, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Here are five distinct types of establishments that stand out in the area:
- Family-owned Italian restaurants, such as Bella Italia and Mama Mia’s, offer traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in brick ovens.
- Gourmet pizza places, like Brick Oven Pizza and Pieoneer Pizza Company, provide creative, artisanal pies featuring unique toppings and flavor combinations.
- New York-style pizzerias, such as Lombardi’s Pizza and Joe’s Pizza, serve classic slices and whole pies with a crispy crust and a light coating of sauce.
- Food trucks, like Pizza Palace and Myrtle Beach Pizza Co., offer portable, delicious pizzas that can be enjoyed on-the-go or at local events.
The pizza establishments in Myrtle Beach offer unique flavor profiles and ingredients that set them apart from others. Here are two examples of distinct pizza styles found in the area:
- Local Shrimp and Pineapple Pizza: A popular pizza at The Crab Catchers restaurant features succulent shrimp, juicy pineapples, and crispy bacon on a tangy BBQ sauce base. The combination of flavors and textures is a testament to the area’s coastal influence.
- Italian Sausage and Pepper Pizza: At Bella Italia, a classic Italian sausage and pepper pizza is topped with spicy Italian sausage, crunchy bell peppers, and onions on a rich tomato sauce base. The pizza’s bold flavors are reminiscent of traditional Italian cuisine.
Specialty Toppings and Signature Pies in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s diverse dining scene boasts a unique blend of seafood, BBQ, and Southern favorites on its pizzas. This fusion has created a distinctive flavor profile, setting the city’s pizzerias apart from others. From the ocean’s bounty to the Lowcountry’s hearty flavors, every bite is a taste of the region’s character.
The use of seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels, adds an exciting twist to traditional pizza toppings. BBQ enthusiasts will delight in the slow-cooked meats, including pulled pork and brisket, combined with tangy sauces and crispy onions.
Seafood and BBQ pizzas, in particular, showcase the city’s ability to balance contrasting flavors, creating unforgettable taste experiences.
Southern favorites like fried chicken and collard greens are also given a pizza makeover, resulting in innovative and mouth-watering creations.
Seafood Delights
When it comes to seafood pizzas, Myrtle Beach pizzerias go all out, showcasing a range of flavors and textures. Some popular options include:
- The Shrimp-n-Parm: a mouth-watering combination of succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese.
- The Scallop Supreme: featuring tender scallops, tangy artichoke hearts, and a hint of garlic.
- The Mussel Masterpiece: a hearty topping of mussels, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, all on a rich garlic sauce.
BBQ Bonanza
BBQ lovers will adore the city’s pizzerias, which often feature slow-cooked meats and tangy sauces. Some notable examples include:
- The Pulled Pork Pleaser: a mouth-watering combination of tender pulled pork, crispy onions, and tangy BBQ sauce.
- The Brisket Bonanza: featuring slow-cooked brisket, crispy bacon, and a hint of smoked paprika.
- The Meat Lover’s Delight: a hearty topping of pulled pork, sausage, and pepperoni, all on a rich BBQ sauce.
Southern Favorites, Best pizza in myrtle beach
Myrtle Beach’s Southern roots are evident in its pizzerias, which often feature comfort food-style toppings. Some notable examples include:
- The Fried Chicken Fix: a finger-lickin’ good combination of crispy fried chicken, tangy slaw, and creamy mayonnaise.
- The Collard Green Craze: featuring tender collard greens, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic.
- The Chicken Tikka Topping: a flavorful combination of chicken tikka, creamy yogurt sauce, and crunchy cilantro.
Signature Pies
Some pizzerias have taken it to the next level by creating signature pies that showcase the city’s unique flavor profile. Some notable examples include:
| Pie Name | Description |
| The Lowcountry Legend | Combination of shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a garlic sauce with a hint of smokiness. |
| The Southern Comfort | Fried chicken, collard greens, and crispy bacon on a rich mayonnaise sauce. |
| The BBQ Bonanza | Pulled pork, sausage, pepperoni, and tangy BBQ sauce on a crispy crust. |
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites in Myrtle Beach’s Pizza Scene
Myrtle Beach is home to a vibrant pizza culture, with a wide range of options available to suit every taste and budget. However, some of the best pizza spots in Myrtle Beach are often hidden from the mainstream scene, making it a treasure hunt for pizza enthusiasts to discover these local favorites.
Top Secret Neighborhood Spots
While many tourists flock to the well-known pizza chains and restaurants in Myrtle Beach, there are several top-secret neighborhood spots serving the best pizza in town. Here are a few examples:
- Salina’s Pizzeria – Located in a quaint neighborhood near the beach, Salina’s Pizzeria offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a family dinner or a romantic night out. Their menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes, including mouth-watering pizzas made with fresh ingredients and topped with unique combinations of flavors.
- Casabella Pizza – This family-owned pizzeria is a local favorite, serving up delicious pies with a focus on homemade sauces and locally sourced toppings. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring that their dishes are always fresh and exciting.
Both of these restaurants offer a unique dining experience that is worth seeking out. They may not be as well-known as some of the bigger chain restaurants, but they offer a level of authenticity and quality that sets them apart from the crowd.
Local Food Trucks Serving Artisanal Pizzas
In recent years, food trucks have become a staple in Myrtle Beach, offering a wide range of cuisines and flavors on the go. Artisanal pizzas have become a particular favorite among locals and visitors alike, with many food trucks specializing in these handcrafted pies. Here’s why visiting local food trucks is a must-do experience for pizza lovers in Myrtle Beach:
Myrtle Beach’s local food trucks offer a unique and authentic dining experience that is hard to find in larger restaurants. By supporting local businesses, you’re contributing to the growth and development of the community, and getting to enjoy high-quality food that’s made with love and care. Many of these food trucks have won awards and have a loyal following among locals, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Some popular food trucks serving artisanal pizzas in Myrtle Beach include:
- Pizza Joint – This popular food truck offers a range of unique pizza combinations, from classic margherita to more adventurous options like BBQ chicken and bacon.
- Wood Fired Pies – As its name suggests, this food truck specializes in wood-fired pizzas cooked to perfection in a mobile oven. Their menu features a range of traditional and gourmet toppings, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
These food trucks may not have a fixed location, but they’re always popping up at events and festivals across the city. Keep an eye out for their schedule and make sure to give them a try when you visit Myrtle Beach.
Creating the Perfect Pizza in Myrtle Beach
Creating the perfect pizza in Myrtle Beach requires a combination of fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and a dash of creativity. From classic margherita to gourmet masterpieces, this guide will walk you through the essential ingredients and techniques to achieve pizza perfection in the heart of the Grand Strand.
### Essential Ingredients for Making the Best Pizza in Myrtle Beach
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
| — | — | — |
| Caputo “00” flour | 2 cups | A high-protein, finely milled flour ideal for Neapolitan-style pizzas |
| Water | 1 cup | Fresh, filtered water at room temperature |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Unrefined sea salt or kosher salt for flavor and texture |
| Active dry yeast | 1 tsp | Rapid rise or instant yeast for quick fermentation |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing and finishing |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | A hint of sweetness to balance flavors |
| San Marzano tomatoes | 2 cups | Juicy, flavorful tomatoes crushed by hand or pureed |
| Mozzarella cheese | 8 oz | Fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for melting and stretch |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup | Chopped, fragrant basil for garnish and flavor |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup | Aged, grated parmesan for salty, nutty flavor |
### Achieving the Perfect Pizza Crust
The perfect pizza crust is a delicate balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. To achieve this, follow these techniques:
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Combine flour, water, salt, yeast, sugar, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Mix using a stand mixer or by hand until the dough forms a shaggy mass. Gradually add San Marzano tomatoes, incorporating them fully into the dough.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes, until it becomes smooth, shiny, and elastic. Use a dough scraper or a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Proof the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Crust
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a disk using a rolling pin or your hands.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Add toppings, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated wood-fired oven or a domestic oven at 500°F (260°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
[Image 1: A perfectly baked Neapolitan-style pizza with a golden crust and melted mozzarella cheese]
[Image 2: A close-up shot of the crispy crust, with a delicate balance of crunch and chew]
Ending Remarks
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the best pizza in Myrtle Beach is a must-try experience that will leave you craving for more. With its rich history, diverse flavors, and passion for quality, Myrtle Beach has solidified its place as a pizza lover’s paradise.
Essential FAQs
What is the best pizza style in Myrtle Beach?
The best pizza style in Myrtle Beach is a matter of personal preference, but popular options include classic Neapolitan-style, Chicago-style deep dish, and New York-style thin crust.
Where can I find the best pizza in Myrtle Beach?
You can find the best pizza in Myrtle Beach in various local establishments and restaurants, including Mellow Mushroom, New York Pizza, and Baked in the USA.
What are some popular toppings for pizza in Myrtle Beach?
Popular toppings for pizza in Myrtle Beach include classic favorites like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, as well as local specialties like seafood and BBQ.
