Beach Bites: Anto's Pizza & Italian Market

A New Pizzeria in Conway Offers More Than Just Great Pizza

Conway, South Carolina, is home to a new pizzeria that promises to bring a unique blend of flavors and personal touches to the local dining scene. Opened in October 2024, this establishment has quickly become a favorite for pizza lovers looking for both traditional and innovative options.

Owners Anthony Ludovici-DeBrigida and his wife, Carly, have been serving up pies that reflect their deep connection to family, community, and their shared love for food. While the location on 3rd Avenue is new, Carly has long been part of the area, having graduated from Coastal Carolina University. Anthony, originally from Pennsylvania, brings years of experience in the pizza industry, having worked in Florida before returning to the field.

“This is our first pizzeria, us owning it,” Anthony explained. “I’ve been in the industry a long time, my family and everything. I spent 10 years in Florida before this, got back into the pizza industry and opened a shop for someone else. So this is our first one here.”

Anthony initially planned to focus on Roman-style squares, but as he connected with the community, he expanded his menu to include classic New York-style pizzas. The red menu on the wall still only lists Roman squares, as it was created before the pizzeria officially opened.

The atmosphere of the pizzeria is warm and welcoming, with family photos, cherished friends, and even memories of dolphins adorning the walls. The owners’ story is deeply tied to these elements. Anthony and Carly met at a dolphin research center in the Florida Keys, where he worked for 10 years. There, they trained dolphins, bluebirds, and sea lions.

Their love for family is reflected in the menu, with each item named after someone important in their lives. One such dish is the "Carly," a quattro formaggi pizza featuring mozzarella, provolone, pecorino Romano, Stracciatella, and cracked black pepper. Another standout is the "Pat’s Hot Honey Pep," a charred Roman-style crust topped with pepperoni, ricotta, hot sauce, hot honey, mozzarella, fresh basil, and pecorino. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, airy, and crisp textures.

Beyond pizza, the pizzeria also stocks its shelves with Italian imports from a supplier near Philadelphia, ensuring authentic flavors for customers. The owners are passionate about giving back to the community, particularly through their work with animals. They collaborate with Summer Safe Haven, a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from euthanasia lists. By hosting adoption events and displaying fliers, they help find forever homes for these animals.

Small details make the experience even more memorable. Customers can take home custom mini pizza magnets that feature real images of Anthony’s creations. Scanning the magnet with a smartphone brings up the menu, offering a fun and interactive way to explore the offerings.

For Anthony, the focus is on quality over quantity. “We could do what everybody else did, but then it would just be what everybody else does,” he said. “I’d rather make 150 pizzas and sell out and make sure that every pizza that goes out and make it as perfect as it can be, for me, rather than just put out 300 pies a day.”

Anto’s pizzeria is more than just a place to grab a meal—it's a reflection of the owners' passion, values, and dedication to their community. Whether you're craving a classic New York pie or a Roman-style square, there's something for everyone.

The pizzeria is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until they sell out. Located on 3rd Avenue in Conway, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a slice made with heart.