After being awarded the Triad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Benny Adelina's Pizza is the perfect example. One of the most loved foods in America is the pizza. As a matter of fact, according to a most recent poll, pizza is officially America's favorite food. And the most popular pizza here is the Pepperoni Pizza. But where can you find the largest Pepperoni Pizza in America? One of the places is Benny Adelina's, located at the West Lake Shopping Center next to the Kroger in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Benny Adelina's is known for its oversized New York-style pizza. The New York style pizza is characterized by its thin, crisp-edged yet pliable crust, and is the dominant style for slices, because of being ideal for folding and eating on the go.  A whole pizza at Benny Adelina's is 28 inches in diameter, which is described as being like the size of "3 normally large pizzas". One slice from a 28" Benny Adelina's pizza is considered a full meal. For context, standard pizza sizes typically range from 6-8 inches for a personal size to over 18 inches for extra-large. Benny Adelina's opened in the Summer of 2014 and is part of a New York-style pizza chain founded in 2011 by two Virginia Tech Alumni in Blacksburg, Virginia. Benny's aim was to be more than just a pizza shop, but to become a central gathering spot for students and residents in college towns and revitalized downtown areas. Benny Adelina's, besides being the home of its large 28-inch pizzas, it is one of the homes of the famous "Virginia's Slice". A slice of pizza so big that you need two paper plates to be able to serve it. Yet a substantial slice designed for a quick and satisfying meal, at an affordable price. A friend of mine invited me to Benny Adelina's for pizza and what I found there was more than just the largest pizza in America and the famous "Virginia's Slice." I found the realization of the dream of the pizza chain founders'. I found how a slice of one of the best pizzas that I have ever tasted and seen being made, cooked and served by friendly and knowledgeable staff who provided exceptional customer service, had become a gathering spot for people of all ages and relationships, spending quality time together, enjoying an exciting meal. When we arrived at the West Lake Shopping Center, the place looked very clean and well-maintained. In front of the restaurant it had a large light blue sign that read "PIZZA." Then on the window next to the door it had engraved over a shape of a pizza design: Benny Adelina's ... Home of the Virginia Slice." There was an outdoor dining area with round tables with blue colored umbrellas and chairs.There was another outdoor dining area with nicer outdoor furniture under the porch ceiling. Inside, the restaurant was very clean and yet rustic looking at the same time. Again, very well maintained. It had tables and chairs throughout, and was decorated with a Community Bulletin Board, a collage on a wall with photos taken at the restaurant of customers with their giant slice of pizza, and other framed articles about the pizza chain and about the restaurant. As we arrived, two young ladies, Paige and Makenzie gave us a warm and friendly welcome and took our order from behind the ordering counter. My friend ordered one of their special of the day slice and I ordered a pepperoni slice and asked if they could make it pepperoni and mushroom (my favorite) and they most graciously complied. I was impressed with the quality of the dough and of the ingredients used for the toppings. My friend treated the first round of a slice and a Dr Pepper and I liked it so much that I treated a second round. By the time we had finished eating the second round I was extremely full. I don't know how one could eat a whole pizza. Then my friend treated for ice-cream sandwiches for dessert. What a wonderful meal we had. I highly recommend this place for not only the largest slice of pizza you will ever have but also for the best pizza, an excellent customer service, and an amazing dining experience in a fun and relaxing environment. read more

See all

The pizza was good, but nothing else there was. The 2 booths tables were filthy. And they wobbled horribly. The booth seats have gapping holes in them. Actually all of the tables were wobbling. Finally found one that wouldn't spill the drinks. All of the tables needed cleaning. The chairs wobbled too. Simple fixes that can & should be done. Sitting at the high bar wasn't available because the staff were using it to stack pizza boxes. There is very little light in there so having the walls & ceiling painted so dark isn't helpful or pleasant. Makes the place feel dirty. The decor is an afterthought. Where the vintage albums can be cool. There's no rhyme or reason to how they're hung. The 3 person staff were rather inattentive to us. And we were the only people in there at the time. I gave a rating of 3 stars because the pizza is really good. It's just a shame that the restaurant isn't up to par. Everything is an easy fix. Someone only needs to care enough. read more

The pizza is on steroids. The slices are enormous. The restaurant is in a strip mall by Kroger and the library. We have ordered pizza's for parties before. The pizza is very good. I would order slices more often than a full pizza. The pizzas are gigantic. There is ample parking. read more

See all

It's been over a month since my family and I stopped by for a pizza and I still think about it, lol. It is different, but roll with it, you won't be disappointed. Huge pizzas and they are delicious. read more

Still loving Benny's! Easy menu, quick service. Get a slice or a whole pie, but be aware the slices are bigger than your head and the whole pie is so big it might not fit in your car! Large beverage selection (not fountain), but it's fun to browse the bottles and cans and pick something you like. My sons love it, our lake guests love it. We usually stop for a slice on our way into town. Staff are all masked right now and they are asking you to be as well unless you're eating. Several outdoor tables give you the option of indoor/outdoor dining. If you're looking for something a little more fun than a chain delivery place or a frozen pizza from the grocery store - head over here. Always big slices, always good. read more

See all

I hate to be negative, as we have a Benny's in our town in NC. I was forced to post this bc the clown that made this "pizza" was either blind, overvaxxed, or homeless. We ordered three slices to-go this past sunday. We were leaving town, needed something quick to feed the kid on the way home. Three slices placed in one box. The kid's piece was on the bottom, which was ruined bc the paper plates were stuck to the cheese from the slices placed on top of the slice of cheese. The word "CORKY" comes to mind. So that was really stupid, just use another box and take some pride in your presentation. We got to the pizza. I mean, its gotta be the same ingredients, right? Good not great but def solid pizza chain. Pizza tasted totally different, sauce was off-tasting, tasted cheap, like from a big can of "Acme Sauce", overcooked, not enough cheese, and just tasted as rough as it looked. We threw the slices out the window, not the box. Can't believe they messed up pizza THAT badly, for this pizza worshipping family to throw it out the window. Thats bad. Just look what we attempted to eat, in the photo attached. Go somewhere else till they get it together and begin to actually take some pride in their slices. read more

Im not too sure how i feel about this pizza. My friend raved about it so my expectations were pretty high. The size...now thats the best thing about the pizza. Its huge!!! 28" to be exact. It literally covered my entire head in a photo. The flavor...hmmmmm. I tried the pepperoni and the crust was way to thin for my liking. The pizza pretty much didnt taste like much after it was no longer piping hot. The price was surprising...my friend called in for 2 larges and luckily they calles him back and said the credit card machine was down and he had to pay with cash. He asked how much it was and they informed him $68 for two large 1 toppings. Of course we went with 1 large and it was enough for 4 people. Overall...the size was astounding and the flavor was aaaaaaahhhhhh...okay. read more

See all

Best pizza around the lake! The slices are massive. The pizzas are so large that you have to turn the box sideways to get out the door. My kids love going there and the pizza is awesome ! read more

We were looking for a quick bit to eat and so glad we found this (right next to the Kroger)! My daughter and I split one slice of mushroom pizza (one slice was about equal to two typical slices). The pizzas are HUGE here (an entire pie is 28"!). The sauce and cheese were perfect (although not much flavor on the garlic mushroom) and the crust was fresh and delicious in every way. We will certainly be back! read more

Biggest pizza I've ever ordered in my life. That's definitely their selling point. The pizza was still hot when we picked it up. We got pepperoni and sausage on half and mushroom garlic on the other. The cheese pull was legit and the topping was amazing. Wished the crust was a bit thinner but i don't think it would have hold the topping if it was. All in all... I liked it. read more

Benny Adelinas - That's a normal 16oz naked juice... for size comparison. - Pizza Near Me - Hardy, Virginia

Great pizza!! One slice is enough. Hot and fresh to order. I do wish the dough was a little more well done but it was great!!! A whole pizza would feed 7-10. read more

Benny Adelinas - One slice cheese, pepperoni, sausage - Pizza Near Me - Hardy, Virginia

by far the WORST customer service I have come across in Virginia. Started by messing up on a internet order, but did send a gift certificate but when I tried to use it they acted like I was lying about having the gift certificate, had me read the whole thing over the phone, then once that ordeal was over they wanted to over-charge me for a so-called "automatic" 15% tip; even though I was NOT eating inside (pickup order). After I told them that was insane they hung up on me! Yes, you read that correct - they hung up on me! Never have I experienced such an insult. In the past I have spent big money ordering from several of their locations for office events, well that just ended today! Never again will a single cent of my earnings be spent at Benny's. Zero stars - I can only hope they go out of business. On a side note, the pizza is only a tourist trap anyhow, people marvel at the size, it isn't that special otherwise. Tell your friends, I sure am!!! read more

Love Benny's! Best pizza near the lake! We get it to go and heat it up on the oven all week! Definitely visit them! Check your pizza before you leave sometimes it over done .. read more

Benny Adelinas - Benny's pizza is the best - Pizza Near Me - Hardy, Virginia

We had their pizza for so many pizza parties this season. They're perfect. They can cut it into squares if you ask and they're really nice.

I can't bring my kids to this pizza place until the employees stop playing loud music on the outside speaker while the manager is not working. Playing music with the N word, sh1&, and f&8k in it doesn't bring in families to the business, it makes them take their money elsewhere. read more

Came in from out of town and ordered four slices for $20. The employee was rude and the pizza wasn't any better. The garlic mushroom was canned mushroom. The pepperoni was store bought. The sausage was mediocre. The sauce was non existent on all of them. Very disappointed. read more

I freaking love this place! Awesome pizza with great customer service. HUGE slices with fresh ingredients. Just plain tasty! Give them a try and you'll become a loyal friend! read more

Benny Adelinas - Pizza Near Me - Hardy, Virginia

This is my favorite pizza joint. One slice and I'm full. People are great, very clean, Pleasant atmosphere.

Huge pizza, great crust... not sure how they make it so big AND so enormous, and I don't care, just keep doing it. High turnover place though, we visit the lake year round and rarely see the same people behind the counter. read more

Classic greasy thin slice of pizza. Not great service. But, it'll always get the job done of making me fat and happy.

If you order a medium pizza and drive 30 minutes to pick it up, the least the restaurant could do is tell you that their only size is a 28" novelty pizza. "We currently don't have green peppers" should have discouraged my phone order but I was hungry. Pizza was undercooked and not good. $38 for a pepperoni and mushroom pizza, one piece gone and the rest discarded. Drive another 30 minutes or go hungry. read more

Don't waste time reading the reviews - just go in, order pizza, and experience the deliciousness for yourself. read more

Benny Adelinas - Yes - that's one pizza. No photoshop involved. - Pizza Near Me - Hardy, Virginia

See all

Decided to get pizza. We had no idea we would need a pickup truck to haul it. These things are huge! When I saw the size of these things I was worried that the crust would suffer. While it was a little soggy in the middle, it was surprisingly good. The service was great and they have a good selection of drinks in the cooler. They don't have ice there. A fun place...we will definitely go back. read more

Good pizza, HUGE! friendly staff and you can buy by the slice. Convenient for a quick stop in.

This place has the best pizza imaginable! Whatever their secret is, I hope they always continue to make it that way! All of the workers are so friendly and strike up a conversation if they're not too busy. The Slices are huge and worth the money! :) read more

Updating my review after several years...the "forced" tipping is no longer an issue. Great new toppings constantly rotated. Simple place, enormous slices, unique flavors...it's a repeat destination for us now. read more

Very good (and HUGE) pizza, and extremely friendly staff. Wouldn't get pizza anywhere else around the lake!

Benny's makes my favorite pizza, hands down. The sauce is perfect, and the simple toppings are so satisfying! Not to mention, you get to experience the novelty of the Virginia Slice. The prices are great too. Love it! read more

The best pizza in SML & Roanoke. I would much rather drive 30 minutes from Bedford to either location than to eat at any pizza place 5 minutes away in town. The crust is worth it. read more

Great pizza with monthly special toppings, the only problem is getting the pizza box in the van. Garlic mushroom is super yummy.

Family of 5 looking for a quick meal, found this place and it worked out very well. For us, it was a really god experience and we recommended it to some local friends.. Food - really good pizza, particularly enjoyed the crust. Slices are huge and my kids liked it Customer service - really nice and relaxed staff. Facility - excellent. This place has a really nice interior styling, really contemporary and interesting. You can sit outdoor as well. Nice and clean. Value - excellent. Coming form Northern Virginia the food that you get for the price is remarkable. Would recommend to friend - Yes, we actually did it. read more

Had the 28" pepperoni for the first time this weekend, and it was great! Very good crust. Our crew was amazed by the size of the pie.

Benny's pizza is as big on flavor as it is in size. We have been waiting for a good Pizza here at the lake since we moved here from New Jersey. Their thin crust pizza, sauce and mozzarella brings back memories of some of our favorite pizzerias up North. They are limited on toppings but have a quality product. read more

Nothing great, pizza was fair at best. Sauce was scarce, crust was thin and somewhat tasty. Service wasn't too friendly.

Hours say open until 9 yet it's 8 the kid at the counter tells me he can make a pizza "If I really wanted one, but it will take 45 minutes." Yeah, won't waste my time driving here from Rocky Mount again. Nice novelty, bit I don't expect it to be here next summer. read more

We were driving to Salem for pizza. Not anymore we have found great pizza closer to home Benny's.

As a New Yorker that has lived in the area for over two years, this is the closest I've come to NY style pizza since being in VA. They even have garlic powder which is not readily available in most VA pizzerias but is a must for me. I've been to A TON of Pizzerias all over SW VA and this is definitely the best. The staff is beyond friendly. I go often even though it's a 30 minute drive from my house, and I recommend highly! Even my Mom who's 66 and has been a NY'r her entire life loves this pizza! read more

Do yourself a favor, if you want pizza go here. All of the other pizza places in the area are horrible and this place is amazing. I'm not just saying that either ALL of the other places are terrible. I am from NY and this is the only place that I have found that comes anywhere close to as good. The slices are huge and taste great. My family and I have started going there every Friday, we like it so much. The menu is not too big and they don't really let you choose toppings that is the only complaint that I would have about it. The pizza is so good that just a plain pepperoni slice is all I need though The slices are huge too. My wife and I usually get a slice each and we are stuffed, we get one slice for our two daughters and have them cut it in half and that is enough read more

This was very disappointing. Their restaurant in Roanoke, Benny Marconi's, serves the best NY style pizza around here by far, but this new place falls short. The crust was crunchy like a cracker - it tasted more like a pizza shell than hand-rolled dough. I suspect they use way too much cornmeal. Aside from that the pizza was dry. Just not good. Thought a bit of olive oil might help, but they did not have any, and there was no ice for the soda. Wow. Perhaps they will get better once they are opened for a while, but I will not be back. read more

Staff not friendly at all!! Did not even speak when we walk in, our first time there had no clue what to do til we spoke to them first! Then they we too busy playing with our food putting it on each other. Pizza was really good though, was not a pleasant atmosphere, sold only can drink or bottles.never spoke when we left either, if this is how you treat tourists will not recommend this for anyone! read more