Your Guide to Pizza in Atlanta: Styles, Neighborhoods, and Where to Start

If what you typed was “Do Pizza Atlanta,” chances are you’re really asking: Where and how do I do pizza in Atlanta? What’s worth trying, how does the scene work, and what should I know as a local or visitor?

Atlanta has turned into a serious pizza city, with everything from classic New York slices to creative Southern-inspired pies. Here’s how to navigate it like you live here.

How Atlanta “Does” Pizza

Atlanta doesn’t have one single signature pizza style. Instead, it’s known for variety and neighborhood identity:

• Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, West Midtown) lean trendy, with wood-fired and Neapolitan spots, creative toppings, and buzzy atmospheres.
• Suburbs and OTP (Outside the Perimeter) lean more toward family-style pizzerias, New York–inspired slices, and carryout favorites.
• Many places offer gluten-free or dairy-free options, but they vary widely, so it’s smart to check menus in advance.
• Late-night pizza is common in Downtown, Midtown, and near colleges like Georgia Tech and Georgia State.

If you’re visiting, you can realistically plan a pizza “tour” by neighborhood and taste completely different styles in one weekend.

Popular Pizza Styles You’ll Find in Atlanta

Atlanta’s pizza scene pulls from all over. Here are the styles you’ll most often run into.

1. New York–Style Slices

You’ll see thin, foldable slices, often sold by the slice and whole pies, especially:

• Near college campuses (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory)
• Around Downtown and Midtown for office workers and nightlife crowds
• In strip centers and neighborhood spots all around the metro

Best for:
Quick lunch, late-night, casual meetups, feeding a group without overthinking it.

2. Neapolitan and Wood-Fired Pizza

Neapolitan-style pizza is big in Atlanta’s intown food neighborhoods, focusing on:

• Soft, chewy crusts with leopard-style charring
• Simple but high-quality toppings
• Individual-sized pies baked in very hot wood-fired ovens

You’ll find these especially in:

• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward
• West Midtown
• Virginia-Highland
• Midtown

Best for:
Date nights, foodie travelers, anyone who loves a soft, blistered crust and carefully sourced ingredients.

3. Detroit-Style and Pan Pizza

Detroit-style and thick-crust pan pizzas have grown in popularity across Metro Atlanta:

• Thick, airy crust with crispy edges
• Cheese often baked to the pan edge
• Sauce sometimes drizzled on top

You’re likely to find pan or Detroit-style options in:

• West Midtown / Upper Westside
• Eastside neighborhoods
• Some suburban pizza bars and breweries

Best for:
Sharing with a group, cold-weather comfort food, or when you want something richer than a standard slice.

4. Chicago-Style and Deep Dish

While Chicago-style isn’t as common as New York or Neapolitan, Atlanta does have a few deep-dish options scattered around the metro:

• Expect longer bake times (30–45 minutes in some cases)
• Often popular for sit-down dinners or sport-watching outings

Best for:
Hearty, filling meals when you have time to sit and wait for a thicker pie.

5. Southern-Influenced & Creative Pies

Because this is Atlanta, you’ll occasionally see:

• Hot honey, pimento cheese, smoked meats, or collard green toppings
• Locally sourced produce from Georgia-area farms
• Rotating seasonal or “chef’s special” pies

You’ll find these especially in:

• BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods
• Trendy developments like Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and The Works

Best for:
Food lovers who want a local twist and don’t mind exploring something beyond pepperoni and cheese.

Where Pizza Fits Into Atlanta Neighborhoods

Downtown & Midtown

Who it’s for:
Office workers, convention visitors, Georgia Tech and Georgia State students, concertgoers, and nightlife crowds.

You’ll typically find:

• Slice shops for quick lunches and late nights
• Pizza spots near Peachtree Street, MARTA stations, and major hotels
• Mix of delivery, takeout, and dine-in options

If you’re staying near Peachtree Center, CNN Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Fox Theatre, you’ll be within a short walk or ride to multiple pizza choices.

Eastside (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points)

This is where a lot of visitors and newer residents go to “do pizza” and nightlife at the same time.

Expect:

• Trendy wood-fired and Neapolitan options
• Easy BeltLine access, especially near Ponce City Market and Krog Street
• Walkable streets where you can grab a slice and then head to a bar, brewery, or dessert spot

If you’re on or near the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine, pizza is usually within a 5–10 minute walk.

West Midtown & Upper Westside

This area has become a restaurant and food hall hub, great for groups and after-work plans.

You’ll find:

• Pizza in mixed-use developments and food halls
• Creative pies and some thick or pan-style options
• Nearby breweries that either serve pizza or are next door to slice spots

Parking is generally easier here than in intown neighborhoods further east, which appeals to families and larger groups.

Intown Residential Neighborhoods (Grant Park, Reynoldstown, Kirkwood, etc.)

These areas feature cozy neighborhood pizzerias:

• Places that locals frequent for takeout, weeknight dinners, and kids’ soccer team meals
• Smaller spaces that may offer delivery within a limited radius
• Good options if you’re staying in an Airbnb or visiting friends intown and want something laid-back

Suburbs & OTP (Sandy Springs, Decatur, Marietta, Smyrna, etc.)

If you’re outside the Perimeter (I‑285) or in close-in suburbs:

• Expect many family-owned pizzerias and regional chains
• Lots of carryout and delivery centered around neighborhoods and shopping centers
• Easier parking, larger dining rooms, and more kid-friendly setups

Decatur (especially the downtown square area) feels almost like an intown neighborhood with walkable streets and multiple pizza options in a small area.

Dine-In, Delivery, or Takeout: How Atlanta Likes Its Pizza

Atlanta residents mix all three, depending on traffic, weather, and the day of the week.

Dine-In

Best suited for:

• Weekends and evenings in Midtown, Inman Park, West Midtown, Decatur
• Meeting friends near MARTA stations or the BeltLine
• Date nights when you want apps, drinks, and dessert with your pizza

You’ll often see:

• Indoor and patio seating, especially popular in spring and fall
• Long waits at peak times in trendy neighborhoods, so calling ahead or joining a waitlist can help

Delivery

Delivery works well if you’re:

• Staying at a hotel in Downtown or Midtown
• In a residential neighborhood inside or just outside the Perimeter
• Avoiding traffic or bad weather

Tips:

• Many places use third-party delivery apps, but some accept direct phone or online orders.
• Delivery times can vary a lot during big events (Falcons, Hawks, United games, major concerts, festivals), so plan ahead if you’re near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia Tech.

Takeout / Curbside

This is a favorite for locals:

• Order ahead by phone or online
• Park briefly in a designated curbside spot or small lot
• Grab your pizza and head home or to a nearby park

This works especially well in neighborhoods with limited seating or in busy intown corridors where dine-in waits can be long.

Price Ranges: What to Expect in Atlanta

Here’s a rough sense of typical pricing across the city. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, size, and toppings.

In higher-rent areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown, expect prices on the higher side, especially for specialty pies and craft cocktails.

Dietary Needs: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan in Atlanta

Many Atlanta pizzerias now try to accommodate special diets, especially intown and in high-traffic areas.

Gluten-Free Considerations

You can often find:

• Gluten-free crusts as an add-on option
• Cauliflower or alternative grain bases at some spots

However:

• Not every place can guarantee no cross-contact with gluten, especially slice shops and busy kitchens.
• If you need strict gluten avoidance, call ahead and ask how they handle dough, ovens, and shared surfaces.

Vegan and Dairy-Free Options

Common Atlanta-friendly options include:

• Cheese-free pies with vegetable toppings
• Vegan cheese at select intown and BeltLine-adjacent restaurants
• Plant-based sausage or pepperoni at some modern pizza bars

If you’re vegan and staying near:

• Eastside BeltLine, Midtown, or Decatur, you’re more likely to find dedicated vegan-friendly menus.

Halal, Kosher, and Other Requirements

Options here are more limited and often clustered in specific parts of Metro Atlanta. If you have religious or cultural dietary rules:

• Look for pizzerias clearly labeling halal or kosher ingredients.
• Consider areas with more diverse dining scenes, such as parts of Northeast Atlanta, Decatur, and certain suburban corridors.

Calling ahead is important if your requirements are strict.

When Is the Best Time to Get Pizza in Atlanta?

Lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.)

• Downtown and Midtown slice shops are busiest with office workers and students.
• Many places run lunch specials—personal pies, slices with salad or drink, etc.

Evenings (5 p.m.–9 p.m.)

• Popular for families and date nights.
• Intown spots can have waits, especially Fridays and Saturdays.

Late Night

• Concentrated mostly around:
  • College areas
  • Midtown, Downtown, and some music/club corridors
• Check closing times; not every neighborhood shop runs late.

On major event nights (sports games, concerts, festivals), order early or be ready for crowds and longer waits.

How to Choose a Pizza Spot in Atlanta

When you’re staring at a list of choices, use these local-focused filters:

1. Where are you staying or starting from?

   • If you’re near a MARTA rail station or the BeltLine, walking to a nearby pizzeria might beat driving and parking.

2. What style do you want?

   • Quick slice and go? Look around Downtown, Midtown, or near campuses.
   • Sit-down, wood-fired experience? Aim for Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, Decatur.

3. Who’s in your group?

   • Kids and bigger families: look for suburban or neighborhood shops with parking and ample seating.
   • Friends’ night out: consider places tied to breweries, food halls, or bar districts.

4. Dietary needs?

   • If gluten-free or vegan is a must, focus on intown neighborhoods and call or check menus before heading out.

5. How much time do you have?

   • Before a show or game, slice shops or quick-service spots are safer than deep dish or thick pan pizzas that take longer to bake.

Practical Tips for “Doing Pizza” in Atlanta

• Plan around traffic: If you’re crossing town at rush hour, a 15-minute drive can turn into 45. Sometimes it’s easier to pick a spot near where you already are rather than chase a “must-try” across the city.
• Check parking: Intown neighborhoods may have limited lots or paid street parking. Suburbs usually have easier parking.
• Consider MARTA and walkability:
  • Areas around Midtown, North Avenue, and Five Points stations offer pizza within a comfortable walk.
  • The Atlanta BeltLine connects multiple pizza-friendly districts.
• Call ahead for larger groups: If you’re a big party, especially on a weekend, a quick phone call can confirm space and wait times.
• Use parks and green spaces: On nice days, some locals grab takeout pizza and head to places like Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, or Grant Park for an informal picnic.

If you’re in Atlanta and wondering how to “do pizza,” the short answer is: decide your neighborhood, pick your style, and let the city’s variety do the rest. Whether you’re a local trying a new spot or a visitor exploring intown districts, there’s almost always a pie nearby that fits your plans.