Luna Pizza Cafe in Clayton, NC

If you’re anywhere near Clayton, NC, and you think you’ve had great pizza, it’s time to raise the bar. Tucked away in this growing town is a culinary surprise that locals are fiercely proud of—Luna Pizza Café—a place where Italian authenticity meets small-town heart, and every bite tells a story.

This isn’t your average pizza joint. It’s a dream realized by former East Carolina University professor Richard, who took a life-changing leap after an immersive pizza-making course in Florence, Italy. He returned from his 39-day Italian adventure with a vision: to open a cozy, upscale Neapolitan-style pizza café that would rival anything he’d tasted abroad. And with the help of seasoned restaurant pro John Jefferson—who also traveled to Italy to master the craft—Luna was born.

After launching their first location in Greenville in 2017, Luna Pizza Café found its second home in Clayton in July 2024, quickly earning over 100 glowing reviews. From its warm, modern atmosphere to the irresistible smell wafting from the brick oven, it’s a spot that invites you to settle in and savor the moment.

🍕 Why Locals Are Obsessed

Let’s start with the star of the show - the pizza. Luna serves up authentic Neapolitan pies, with cold-fermented dough, organic tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and thoughtfully chosen toppings like truffle oil, crisp eggplant, prosciutto, and even hot honey. Crowd favorites include the Greek (a feta-forward Mediterranean delight) and The Crisp Eggplant, a vegetarian winner with satisfying texture and flavor.

But Luna isn’t just about pizza. Try the Involtini, a baked eggplant dish rolled with three cheeses and topped with their signature pomodoro sauce—it’s a must. Pair it with one of their Italian-inspired cocktails (Aperol Spritz, anyone?) or enjoy a bottle of wine—especially on Mondays, when bottles and carafes are half price. Wednesdays are family-friendly with specially-priced kid-sized pizzas during “Family Night.”

🚚 Luna on Wheels: The Food Truck That Brings the Flavor

As if two locations weren’t enough, Luna has also taken their talents on the road. Their custom-built food truck, complete with a real brick oven, travels across the state for private events, festivals, and even weddings. It’s a hit at everything from upscale soirées to neighborhood parties—offering the same high-quality food you’d get in the restaurant, just on wheels.

❤️ Behind the Scenes: A True Passion Project

What makes Luna truly special is the team behind it. Richard and John aren’t just co-owners - they’re collaborators in the kitchen and stewards of service. Even as they expand their personal lives (John and his wife, Stephanie, recently celebrated their daughter’s 5th birthday and are relocating to Clayton), they remain deeply involved, ensuring every dish and every guest experience hits the mark.

Their mission? Simple: to make a visit to Luna the best hour or two of your day. Whether you’re there for a quick lunch (available Thursday–Sunday), a casual dinner, or a memorable date night, Luna delivers with warmth, quality, and a touch of European sophistication.

💬 What Locals Are Saying

The buzz around Luna isn’t just hype—it’s backed by rave reviews from diners who’ve made it their go-to. One local wrote, “Luna Pizza Cafe is a true gem… perfectly crispy crust, fresh ingredients, and amazing flavors that transport you straight to Italy.” Another self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur from Long Island shared, “We know great pizza—and this is the real deal.” One reviewer even admitted they were hesitant to post because they didn’t want to share their best-kept secret, calling Luna “by far the best restaurant in Clayton.” With praise for both the food and the warm, attentive staff, it’s clear this place has built more than a customer base—it’s built a community of true fans.

🌟 Final Bite

Luna Pizza Café isn’t just a place to eat - it’s a place to connect, celebrate, and taste the kind of care that comes from chasing a dream across continents. With a commitment to authentic recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and friendly service, it’s no wonder this Clayton gem is quickly becoming the go-to spot for pizza lovers and foodies alike.

So next time you're tempted to grab a chain pizza—don't. Head to Luna instead. You’ll be greeted like a regular, even if it's your first time. And trust us: it won’t be your last.