ASHEVILLE - This summer, Asheville Citizen Times searched for the hottest pizza slices, asking readers to chime in on their favorite local places dishing out the best.
The first round of 36 restaurants was narrowed down to the Top 10 in round two, with only one eatery taking the number one spot on the final results list.
North Asheville's 828 Family Pizzeria earned the most votes, winning the readers' choice poll.
Brian Lane, co-owner, expressed his gratitude for the customers who've supported the family-run restaurant for decades.
"We couldn't be happier to have landed in Asheville on Merrimon Avenue and have met so many dear people over the years who have become friends. Thank you for keeping us going," Lane said.
The top five ranked restaurants,
in order of most votes, were:
- 828 Family Pizzeria.
- Fahrenheit Pizza and Brewhouse.
- Beer City Pizza.
- White Labs Brewing Company.
- All Souls Pizza.
Here's a taste of what diners can enjoy at 828 Family Pizzeria.:
Family recipes passed down from a New York-Italian pizzeria
Brian Lane owns and operates the restaurant with his brother, Dominic, and mother, Christine. The siblings are fourth-generation pizza makers, carrying on a tradition that began with their great-great-uncle Patsy at Patsy's Pizzeria in Harlem, New York, in 1933.
In 1994, their father, Marco Lacagnina, relocated the family from Queens, New York, to Asheville, where Patsy's daughter lived and ran a pizzeria that later closed.
Lacagnina and Christine Lane took over, opening the New York-style Italian restaurant at 946 Merrimon Ave., and using the founder's name before later changing the business name to 828 Family Pizzeria.
"When we moved here, I had no idea I'd be a pizza guy when I grew up," Brian Lane said. "After watching my parents do what they did and the sacrifices they made and the fact that we made nothing into something, I had great pride in it and didn't want it to end. I wanted to be a part of it and continue it."
On the menu: 828 Family Pizzeria
The family recipes were passed down through the generations and are still used at the Asheville restaurant.
The tried-and-true menu has plenty for diners to try, whether in the mood for pizza, calzones, stromboli, salads, pasta and traditional classics served with a bit of homestyle nostalgia.
Lane said that the straightforward menu, quality ingredients, and standing as a mom-and-pop restaurant are part of what keeps diners coming back.
"It's important for the community that we're still here. They love seeing familiar faces in here," Lane said. "The consistent, great product that we put out, that's always a great price, make people feel safe here."
Pizza sizes are 12" individual, 16" medium and 18" large.
Lane said the bestselling pizza is the simple but consistently delicious cheese pizza, topped with fresh, low-fat mozzarella. It costs $14 to $22.50.
The Greek and Kale specialty pizzas come in next as the most-ordered and customer-loved. They cost $17 to $30.
Custom pizzas are available. Lane's favorite combination is pepperoni, red onion, jalapeño and feta cheese.
Guests may choose the homemade sauce of their choice, which includes alfredo, pesto and garlic habanero.
Not to be overshadowed, another big hitter at 828 Family Pizzeria is the lasagna, made with ricotta and mozzarella cheese with marinara or Bolognese sauce. It costs $9.50 or $16.50.
"The marinara we have, we make daily. Nothing comes out of a can. You're getting real, homemade recipes that we grew up with both at the restaurants and at our houses," Lane said.
828 Family Pizzeria
Where: 946 Merrimon Ave., Asheville.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Info: For more, visit 828pizzeria.com or call 828-285-0709.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry, including the James Beard Awards, Michelin Guide, restaurant openings, closings and other hospitality industry news and events. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: We asked. You answered. This pizza restaurant was voted Asheville's best
