DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina: Meet The Chef

We sat down with Executive Chef Greg Norton of DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina. Dining at Di Fara Pizza Tavern is a vibrant experience, bringing the legacy of Brooklyn’s iconic pizzeria to the Triangle with a lively tavern atmosphere. Their New York-style pizzas, crafted with a New York WaterMaker to replicate authentic Big Apple dough, feature premium ingredients like hand-cut pepperoni, fresh basil, and a signature Sunday sauce, delivering a crisp, flavorful crust. Many consider Di Fara’s the best in North Carolina for its meticulous adherence to the original 1965 Brooklyn recipes, high-quality toppings, and a perfect balance of cheese and sauce, earning accolades from locals and critics alike.

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

My mornings start early with a cup of coffee and reviewing prep and inventory reports from the previous night. I walk through the kitchen before we open, connect with the team, and make sure everything is dialed in. At the end of the day, I wind down with my family and a cold draft beer in a frosted mug — it’s my way to decompress and reflect.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

DiFara Pizza Tavern has been honored as the Best Pizza by multiple publications. That recognition means a lot — it’s a testament to our team’s hard work and our dedication to quality and tradition.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

My favorite chef will always be my uncle, Dom DeMarco, founder of the original Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. He taught me to respect every ingredient and never cut corners. My advice to aspiring chefs: master the fundamentals, stay humble, and always taste your food.

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

What do you typically cook at home? 

At home, I’m definitely the chef — not my wife, Valerie. I love grilling meat on the barbecue while our kids swim in the pool. It’s simple, it’s joyful, and it’s where some of my best ideas come from.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I’m loving the return to scratch-made everything — real dough, fresh ingredients, time-honored techniques. People are valuing craftsmanship again, and it’s pushing everyone to bring their A-game.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

I once tried anchovies and honey on a crispy flatbread — sounds wild, but the salty-sweet combo actually worked. I’m always open to trying new flavor pairings, but pineapple on pizza? That’s a hard no in our house.

What drink do you enjoy most?

A cold draft beer in a frosted mug — no frills, just classic and refreshing.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

One of the most memorable is Reggie Jackson. As huge Yankee fans, that visit meant the world to us. He shared how much he loves our pizza - it was surreal watching Mr. Wonderful himself eating our pizza!

What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

You can follow us at @difarapizzatavern.

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina

Why should readers visit DiFara Pizza Tavern In Cary, North Carolina?

At DiFara Pizza Tavern, you’re tasting decades of tradition — handcrafted dough, imported Italian ingredients, and recipes rooted in one of the most iconic pizzerias in the country. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, we treat every guest like family and every pie like it’s going to be judged by Dom himself.

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