The Best Pizza in Carolina Forest: 3 Local Favorites You Need to Try

Carolina Forest has quickly grown into one of the most vibrant dining hubs on the Grand Strand. While you’ll find everything from coastal seafood to upscale steakhouses here, nothing brings neighbors together quite like a great neighborhood pizza spot. Whether you're picking up dinner after a long day, meeting friends for a casual night out, or fueling up after youth sports practice, the search for the best pizza in Carolina Forest almost always leads to three standout favorites: Gino’s Pizza, Scotto’s Pizzeria, and River Oaks Pizzeria.

Each offers its own personality, flavor profile, and loyal following. If you’re exploring Carolina Forest restaurants or simply looking for reliable pizza near Carolina Forest SC, this guide will help you decide where to go next. 🍕

Gino’s Pizza

📍 Gino’s Pizza – View on Google Maps

Gino’s Pizza has the feel of a true neighborhood classic. Walk in and you’ll notice the welcoming counter-service layout, the smell of fresh dough baking, and the steady rhythm of regular customers picking up their usual orders. It’s casual, friendly, and dependable in the best way possible.

The menu leans heavily into traditional New York–style pizza, with large foldable slices and a crust that strikes a balance between crisp and chewy. Their cheese pizza is a local staple, but the pepperoni and meat lovers pies are especially popular with families. Beyond pizza, Gino’s also serves hearty calzones, strombolis, wings, and classic Italian subs that make it easy to feed a group.

What makes Gino’s stand out is consistency. It’s the kind of place where residents return week after week because they know exactly what they’re getting. Portions are generous, service is quick, and takeout timing is reliable even during busy evenings.

Best for:
Families, quick takeout nights, youth sports teams, and anyone craving classic New York–style pizza without leaving Carolina Forest.

Scotto’s Pizzeria

📍 Scotto’s Pizzeria – View on Google Maps

Scotto’s Pizzeria brings a slightly more traditional Italian restaurant atmosphere to the Carolina Forest dining scene. It feels like a step up from a typical slice shop, with comfortable seating, attentive service, and a menu that goes beyond pizza while still keeping it center stage.

Their pizzas feature a well-balanced crust and generous toppings, but Scotto’s really shines when you explore the full menu. Favorites include baked ziti, chicken parmesan, garlic knots, and specialty pizzas loaded with fresh vegetables or premium meats. The white pizza and specialty combinations are especially popular among locals who want something different from a standard cheese pie.

One of the things that makes Scotto’s unique is its versatility. It works equally well as a relaxed sit-down dinner spot or a convenient takeout option. Many Carolina Forest residents treat it as their go-to Italian comfort food destination.

Best for:
Casual date nights, sit-down family dinners, and anyone who wants both pizza and classic Italian entrees in one stop.

River Oaks Pizzeria

📍 River Oaks Pizzeria – View on Google Maps

River Oaks Pizzeria has built a strong reputation among locals who appreciate bold flavors and generous portions. Located just minutes from Carolina Forest, it’s a convenient choice for residents throughout the area and easily earns its place among the top picks for pizza near Carolina Forest SC.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a steady mix of families, golfers coming off nearby courses, and locals grabbing dinner after work. The menu includes a wide variety of specialty pizzas, along with wings, pasta dishes, salads, and subs that make it easy to customize your meal.

A standout feature at River Oaks Pizzeria is the range of topping combinations available. Their specialty pies offer creative flavor pairings without losing the classic pizza foundation people expect. Portions are hearty, which makes this spot especially popular for group meals and leftovers the next day.

Another advantage is location convenience. For residents on the River Oaks side of Carolina Forest or those commuting toward Myrtle Beach, it’s often the quickest and easiest option for a quality pizza night.

Best for:
Group dinners, takeout on busy evenings, and anyone who enjoys specialty topping combinations with generous portions.

How to Choose Between These Carolina Forest Pizza Favorites

With three strong options nearby, choosing the best pizza in Carolina Forest really depends on what kind of night you’re planning.

If you want classic New York–style slices and fast takeout reliability, Gino’s Pizza is hard to beat. It’s a neighborhood staple that delivers exactly what people expect from a traditional pizza shop.

If you’re looking for a sit-down Italian dinner experience with pasta, entrees, and specialty pizzas all in one place, Scotto’s Pizzeria offers the most variety and a slightly more restaurant-style atmosphere.

If portion size, creative toppings, and convenient access near River Oaks matter most, River Oaks Pizzeria is an excellent choice that consistently delivers value and flavor.

Many locals rotate between all three depending on the occasion, which says a lot about the strength of the Carolina Forest restaurant scene.

A Local Pizza Scene Worth Exploring

One of the best things about living in or visiting Carolina Forest is having multiple dependable pizza options within just a few minutes’ drive. Whether you're planning a casual family dinner, picking up food after a long beach day, or introducing friends to the neighborhood, these three pizzerias each bring something unique to the table.

If you’re new to the area or simply working your way through the top Carolina Forest restaurants, make it a goal to try all three. Locals often have a favorite, but most agree that each spot deserves a place in the weekly rotation.

Exploring places like Gino’s Pizza, Scotto’s Pizzeria, and River Oaks Pizzeria is part of what makes the Carolina Forest lifestyle feel connected, convenient, and community-focused.

Local Resource Contact

Brian Staub
[email protected]
Beach Properties Group Keller Williams
601 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 385-6630
https://beachpropertiesgroup.com/