Manicomio Pizza has the wonderful slogan of, Where the pies are hot, the smiles are plentiful, and every visit feels like coming home, and we can attest to all three! This locally owned and operated Ashville pizzeria is located in the heart of downtown. They are best known for pizzas, which are served by the slice or the pie, but they also have a nice broader selection of menu items for any of your party who don’t want a cheesy slice of goodness. They also have a fantastic setting to enjoy your food, should you choose to dine in rather than take out.
You will find this Asheville restaurant located on Biltmore Avenue just south of its intersection with Patton Avenue, across the street from the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. They have a simple gray facade, but walk through the front door and you will be greeted in a very warm and inviting atmosphere. Maniciomo Pizza has an open kitchen concept with the prep area and counter just before you alongside fresh example pizzas. You will find tables at the front of the restaurant as well as booths along the side of the wall opposite the kitchen. On any but the worst weather days, however, we recommend asking for a seat on their patio out back. The outdoor, multi-level dining patio offers a gorgeous, private area to dine at and is lit at night with a variety of pretty outdoor lights.
But while the dining spaces are nice and comfortable, the real reason people come here is for the food! Manicomio Pizza specializes in New York-style pizza and entrees. This means their pizza come served crispy, very cheesy, and very thin. You can order by the slice (you can even walk in and grab a quick slice to go if you’re looking for a quick snack before something like a performance at the nearby Wortham Center for the Performing Arts), or you might choose from one of their House Pizza selections that are available as a Medium, Large, or Extra Large pie. Options on this menu include the Quattro Formaggio which is a four-cheese pizza featuring smoked mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and mozzarella; or go for the meat with Manicomio Pizza’s Meat Lovers featuring pepperoni, house sausage, bacon, and carved ham.
Not feeling pizza? Consider choosing one of these popular non-pizza entrees on the Manicomio Pizza’s menu:
Meat Calzone
This is a large calzone that is verifiably packed with meat and cheese. You’ll bite into sauteed pepperoni, house sausage, carved ham, ricotta, and mozzarella. This calzone, and all of their other calzones, come served with a side of pasta sauce that is perfect for dipping.
Eggplant Rollatini
This is a fantastic vegetarian entree for pasta lovers. Here, eggplant is house-breaded and stuffed with ricotta, mascarpone, and mozzarella. These thick chunks are then topped with pasta sauce and mozzarella and then baked to a perfect crispiness and served with a large side of pasta.
Note that Manicomio Pizza also serves its own desserts and has a sizable beer menu.
Insider Tips:
-Manicomio Pizza does not have its own delivery service — but did you know that Asheville kind of does? Check out the local company Kickback Delivery which has its own dispatchers and drivers that work and have worked closely with Manicomio Pizza and other popular restaurants and shops in the Greater Asheville area.
-If you’re 21 and up, consider Manicomio Pizza as a destination after a little pub hopping at the popular bars just north of the location. Places like The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, Rankin Vault Cocktail Lunge, and Imperial are just a few of the more bustling bars located on College St. and Patton Avenue. Pair your favorite drinks at these spots with an evening bite at Manicomio Pizza for a fun date night out.