Get a taste of Italy with a Southern coastal twist at celebrity chef Vivian Howard's creation, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, which offers farm- and sea-to-fork Italian fare in the charming, renovated South Front District near historic downtown Wilmington. The star of the popular PBS series, “A Chef’s Life,” Chef Howard has been named one of Food & Wine’s “20 Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink. She has been recognized as a James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast semifinalist and was also named Best Television Personality by the James Beard Foundation.

The best word to describe acclaimed chef Vivian Howard’s big-hearted restaurant in Wilmington’s South Front neighborhood is fun. From the giant mural of a Parmesan cheese being grated to the Southern Fried Chicken Parm appetizer that’s topped with hot honey, Stracciatella, and pickled peppers nothing at Benny’s Big Time is taken too seriously, minus the deliciousness of the food. This is kind of place locals visit on a weekly basis for all the nostalgia of takeout pizza night but with a chef’s spin.

Celebrity chef Vivian Howard has officially opened Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria near downtown Wilmington. The star of the popular PBS series, “A Chef’s Life,” rose to fame with her first restaurant, The Chef & Farmer, located in Kinston, N.C., and was recently named one of Food & Wine’s “20 Most innovative Women in Food and Drink.” Howard has been recognized as a James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast semifinalist and was also named Best Television Personality by James Beard Foundation.

206 Greenfield St | Wilmington | vivianhoward.com/bennysbigtime. If you’re looking for pizza that packs a huge punch of flavor, then Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria really takes the cake (or… pie?) The thin, crispy crust is topped with just the right amount of sauce and a mouthwatering cheese blend unlike any other pizza in town and high quality toppings that only highlight the freshness and flavor of all the ingredients involved. Grab yourself a giant slice or a more reasonably sized pizza pie.

Guests who visit Benny's Bigtime Pizzeria can expect farm- and sea-to-fork Italian cuisine that ranges from wood-fired pizza, homemade pastas, big salads and smaller, shareable dishes. The restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Vivian Howard, star of the Daytime Emmy Award-winning PBS series, “A Chef’s Life," James Beard Foundation winner of Best Television Personality and Best Chef Southeast semifinalist.

During the VIP Kickoff on Friday night, it was the Anatra Alla Cacciatora Pizza from Benny’s Big Time that had us coming back for seconds… and thirds (and maybe fourths—no judgment!). You can’t beat a good slice, and this one starring duck was quite impressive. Olivero’s crispy lasagna was another big hit in our book, as was Covey’s slow-roasted pork cheek with sour cherries, maple and crispy oats.

Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington at 206 Greenfield Street, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria is a popular spot for pizza lovers. One of the reasons Benny’s stands out is due to their commitment to using fresh and high-quality ingredients. They source their ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, ensuring that the pizzas are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Chef and the Farmer in Kinston spurred a PBS show and culinary fame for Vivian Howard. Her casual pizza entry in Wilmington’s hip east side is called Benny’s Big Time (Benny Knight is her husband and partner). Unfortunately my visit to Benny’s was before they opened for the day but I was able to take the below photo of their gorgeous pizza ovens.

Benny’s is owned by Chef Vivian Howard, a James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Southeast semi-finalist. Howard also stars on the TV Series documentary “Somewhere South.” Come see what all the big, fun, tasty, and Italian fuss is about at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. 206 Greenfield Street, Wilmington | (910) 550-2525 | vivianhoward.com/bennysbigtime

In Wilmington’s trendy South Front District, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria brings a taste of Italy to the coast with its farm- and sea-to-fork Italian fare. Offering wood-fired pizza, homemade pastas and more, Benny’s menu brings a Southern coastal twist to traditional Italian dishes with signature specialties like Southern Fried Chicken Parm.

We were incredibly excited to dine at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, one of celebrated chef’s Vivian Howard’s restaurants. We have previously eaten at two of her other locations, including Chef and the Farmer, as featured on the PBS show. Our excitement was quickly tempered, though, from the moment we stepped inside.

After a full day of walking, it was time to wind down the evening with a late dinner at Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. This restaurant, located a couple of miles from the core of downtown Wilmington in the South Front District, is the newest concept from celebrity Chef Vivian Howard. We arrived around 8:30 p.m.

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria is a local spot for delicious pizza and a fun atmosphere. It is owned by celebrity chef Vivian Howard who specializes in authentic Italian pizza with a Southern coastal twist. This means no matter what you choose to eat, you will surely have a very satisfying meal.

You can find pizza (Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria) and innovative plant-based fare (The Green House). CheeseSmith and Fork N Cork are also there, as are comfort food hot spots Nippy's Soul Food and Casey's Buffet, which was named one of the best buffets in the country this year.

Celebrity NC chef and superstar Vivian Howard opened up Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria in Wilmington and continues to slay. Their cocktails, appetizers, and pizzas are superb. If you love pizza (I mean, who doesn’t?), you have to give Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria a visit.

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria – Benny’s is owned by local NC restauranteur Vivian Howard. You may know her from her TV show or cookbooks, but her food is legit. We love both Benny’s and her other fantastic restaurant The Chef and the Farmer in Kinston, NC.

Benny’s Big Time offers one of the best experiences for those of us living with celiac disease. With clear options, friendly service, and consistent protocols, it’s a must-visit if you want to enjoy a good gluten-free pizza in Wilmington, NC.

- Rating: 4.3/5 (372 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 206 Greenfield St. Wilmington, North Carolina - Categories: pizza, italian- Read more on Yelp. You may also like: Most common restaurant cuisines in Wilmington

Nestled in the South Front District, Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria combines rustic charm with top-notch pizza. The Tony Pepperoni pizza and chicken parmesan are fan favorites.