Atlanta’s Best Pizza: Where to Go (and What to Order) in the A

Atlanta might be known for wings, burgers, and soul food, but the city’s pizza scene is quietly excellent. Whether you’re in Midtown, Inman Park, Westside, or the burbs, you can find serious New York slices, Neapolitan pies, Detroit-style squares, and creative Southern-inspired toppings.

This guide focuses on where to find the best pizza in Atlanta, how different styles compare, and how to choose the right spot based on where you are, what you like, and who you’re with.

How to Think About “Best Pizza” in Atlanta

“Best” depends on a few factors:

• Style: New York, Neapolitan, Detroit-style, Sicilian, Chicago-ish, and classic “delivery” pizza all exist in Atlanta.
• Occasion: Quick slice, date night, group hang, family-friendly, or late-night grab.
• Location: Intown versus OTP (outside the perimeter) can really change your options.
• Dietary needs: Vegan cheese, gluten-free crust, and dairy-free options are easier to find than they used to be.

Before you pick a spot, it helps to know what style you’re craving.

Major Pizza Styles You’ll Find Around Atlanta

New York–Style

You’ll see:

• Thin, foldable slices
• Moderately crisp crust with a bit of chew
• Whole pies and giant slices, often available by the slice

Good for: quick lunches, late-night, and “classic” pizza cravings.

Neapolitan & Wood-Fired

These places typically offer:

• Soft, chewy crust with charred bubbles (“leopard spots”)
• Cooked in very hot wood-fired ovens
• Smaller, individual-size pies with simple toppings

Good for: date night, food-focused outings, smaller groups.

Detroit-Style & Pan Pizzas

What to expect:

• Thick, airy crust with crispy, caramelized cheese edges
• Often rectangular
• Sauce sometimes layered on top

Good for: sharing, hearty meals, something different from the usual slice.

Sicilian / Grandma-Style

You’ll mostly see:

• Thick, focaccia-like base
• Crispy bottom, fluffy interior
• Square or rectangular slices

Good for: feeding a group, leftovers, or when you want something filling.

Quick-Glance Guide: Best Pizza Spots by Vibe

Use this to narrow your search, then focus on specific neighborhoods.

Intown Atlanta: Where Locals Go for the Best Pizza

Midtown & Downtown

If you’re near Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or major offices, you’ll find:

• By-the-slice counters great for students and workers on lunch break
• Sit-down spots suitable for pre-game or pre-event meals (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre)

Tips:

• Around big events, call ahead or plan to eat early; pizza spots near venues get crowded.
• Many Midtown places offer takeout and delivery, which can be faster than dining in during peak times.

Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Area

This area is strong on Neapolitan and creative pies:

• Expect wood-fired ovens, shorter menus, and focus on ingredient quality.
• Many places have patios that line up well with a BeltLine walk or bike ride.

Good for:

• Small groups who want to share a few different pizzas
• Weeknight dinners where you also want a good drink menu
• Visitors staying in nearby BeltLine hotels or short-term rentals

Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland & Morningside

In these neighborhoods you’ll find:

• Longtime neighborhood pizzerias
• A mix of New York–style and hybrid American pizzas
• Family-friendly spaces where kids, couples, and groups all feel comfortable

If you live nearby, these are often the go-to spots for:

• Carryout on a weeknight
• Birthday dinners for kids and teens
• Watching a game with pizza and maybe a beer

Westside, West Midtown & Upper Westside

This part of town leans toward:

• Trendy, chef-driven pizza concepts
• Industrial-chic dining rooms and bar seating
• Good options before or after visiting breweries, galleries, or Westside Provisions District

Good fit if you:

• Want something beyond pepperoni—think local veggies, cured meats, hot honey, or seasonal specials
• Are meeting friends and want pizza plus a full bar

Eastside & Decatur: Pizza with a Neighborhood Feel

Decatur

Decatur Square and the surrounding streets are packed with good places to eat, and pizza is a standout here:

• You’ll find family-friendly pizzerias where sharing large pies is easy.
• Some spots offer great beer lists or wine programs, so you can make it a full evening out.

Why Decatur works well for pizza:

• Walkable from MARTA Decatur station
• Good mix of classic and modern styles
• Easy to combine with a visit to local shops or a park

Kirkwood, Edgewood & East Atlanta

These eastside neighborhoods typically offer:

• Laid-back, community-focused pizza spots
• Both takeout-focused counters and sit-down restaurants
• Options that work well for casual nights and regulars

Look for:

• Restaurants with porches or patios that allow kids or dogs
• Takeout windows or efficient online ordering if you’re nearby and just want to pick up on the way home

West & South Atlanta: Growing Pizza Options

West End & Southwest Atlanta

As more people move to the West End, Adair Park, and Cascade areas, pizza options have expanded:

• You’ll find a mix of classic American pizza and newer, more modern menus.
• Some places focus on carryout and delivery, aimed at nearby residents.

Tips:

• If you rely on delivery, check delivery boundaries and minimums—they can vary a lot in this part of town.
• For BeltLine outings on the Westside Trail, look for pizza within easy walking distance so you can pair food with your walk.

South Atlanta, East Point & College Park

Closer to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, pizza options tend to serve:

• Locals in East Point, College Park, Hapeville
• Travelers staying near the airport

Good for:

• Quick, familiar pizza before or after a flight
• Group orders when family is arriving or leaving town

If you’re hosting relatives flying in, it’s often easiest to:

1. Pick a pizza spot near your home, not near the airport (traffic and time can be unpredictable).
2. Place a large carryout order timed for when you expect to get back from pickups.

OTP (Outside the Perimeter): Suburban Pizza Standouts

Many of the metro area’s most-loved pizzerias are actually outside I-285. If you live OTP or don’t mind driving, it’s worth exploring.

Northside: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek

You’ll see:

• Family-run New York–style pizzerias in strip centers and main streets
• Upscale pizza restaurants in mixed-use developments and town centers

These spots are usually:

• Easier for families and large groups, thanks to parking and bigger dining rooms
• Well-suited for sports teams or birthday parties

West & Northwest: Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, Kennesaw

In these areas:

• Look for neighborhood staples that have been around a while—locals often swear by them.
• You can find Sicilian and pan-style pies alongside more standard crusts.

Tips:

• Call ahead for party-sized orders (multiple large pizzas) during weekends.
• Some places may still be cash-friendly or have fees for card minimums, so checking beforehand can help.

East & Northeast: Tucker, Stone Mountain, Lawrenceville

Here you’ll typically find:

• Affordable, family-friendly pizza restaurants
• Menus that combine pizza, wings, and pasta—good when not everyone wants the same thing

These are good choices when:

• You want a reliable takeout spot for regular weeknights
• You’re ordering for youth sports teams or school events

Ordering the Best Pizza in Atlanta: Practical Tips

1. Match the Style to the Situation

• Big group, hungry kids: Large New York–style pies or pan pizzas are usually the most cost-effective.
• Date night or foodie friends: Neapolitan or wood-fired places where you can share multiple small pies.
• Casual hangout with friends: Anywhere with a good balance of slices, shareable appetizers, and drinks.

2. Consider Traffic and Parking

Atlanta traffic can turn a simple pizza run into a long trip:

• If you’re crossing major interstates (I-75/85, I-20, GA-400) during rush hour, a “better” place might not be worth the extra time.
• For weekend evenings, give yourself extra time for parking in crowded areas like Midtown, Inman Park, or Westside.

In dense neighborhoods, you may need:

• Street parking (sometimes metered)
• Paid decks near restaurant clusters
• Short walks from residential areas

3. Think About Delivery Boundaries

Not every great pizzeria delivers everywhere. In Atlanta:

• Hills, interstates, and train tracks can create odd delivery boundaries.
• Some intown places only deliver within a small radius; OTP pizzerias sometimes deliver farther.

If you don’t see your favorite place on a delivery app:

• Call directly to ask about their own delivery or curbside pickup.
• Plan for carryout—many smaller spots prioritize takeout.

4. Plan Ahead for Popular Times

Peak times in Atlanta usually include:

• Friday and Saturday evenings
• Game days (Falcons, Hawks, United, big college games)
• Major events and concerts

To avoid long waits:

• Order online or by phone 30–60 minutes before you want to eat.
• For dine-in, consider earlier dinners (around 5–6 p.m.) or later nights if the kitchen stays open.

Dietary Needs: Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Pizza in Atlanta

Many Atlanta pizzerias now account for dietary preferences:

Vegan & Dairy-Free

You’ll often see:

• Vegan cheese options (usually on request)
• Plenty of vegetable toppings
• Sauceless pies that rely on olive oil and fresh veggies

If you’re vegan or dairy-free:

• Ask whether vegan cheese costs extra.
• Confirm that crust and sauces are fully vegan (some use dairy or honey).

Gluten-Free

Intown spots and newer restaurants may offer:

• Gluten-free crusts (usually for medium-size pies only)
• Clear labeling for gluten-free menu items

Important:

• Most places use shared kitchens and ovens, which means there can be cross-contact with gluten.
• If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, call ahead and ask specifically how they handle gluten-free preparation.

How to Find the Right Pizza Near You in Atlanta

To quickly narrow options:

1. Start with your neighborhood
   Decide if you’re staying within a 10–15 minute drive. In Atlanta, that local radius helps avoid major traffic tangles.

2. Pick a style

   • Want thin and foldable? Look for New York–style.
   • Want soft and charred? Search for Neapolitan or wood-fired.
   • Want thick and crispy edges? Look for Detroit-style or pan pizza.

3. Decide on dine-in vs. takeout

   • Dine-in: Check if they take reservations or if there’s a waitlist.
   • Takeout: Look for a place with clear pickup instructions and parking.

4. Confirm hours and payment
   Hours can vary a lot in Atlanta—some spots close earlier on Sundays or certain weekdays. Check:

   • Closing time
   • Last call for kitchen orders
   • Whether they accept all major cards

When Pizza Alone Isn’t Enough: Sides & Add-Ons

Most Atlanta pizzerias round out their menus with:

• Wings or tenders (especially New York–style and American pizza spots)
• Salads (commonly Caesar, Greek, or house salads to share)
• Garlic knots, cheesy bread, or bruschetta
• Desserts, often simple items like cannoli, tiramisu, or cookies

If you’re feeding a larger group:

• Add at least one tray of salad for every 2–3 large pizzas.
• Order one or two appetizer items if people will be snacking while you wait for late arrivals.

Using Atlanta’s Public Resources When Planning Pizza Outings

While pizza is a casual topic, Atlanta’s public agencies can be useful in practical ways:

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation
  For information about road closures and major events that may affect your drive to popular neighborhoods such as Midtown, Westside, or Downtown.
  68 Mitchell St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330-6165

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  If you’d rather avoid parking near busy intown pizza spots, MARTA trains and buses can help.
  Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service: (404) 848-5000

Checking traffic, transit, or parking options before you go can make pizza night smoother, especially if you’re meeting a group.

Atlanta doesn’t have just one “best” pizza place. Instead, it has clusters of excellent options in different neighborhoods and styles. If you focus on style, occasion, and location—and use the tips above for timing, traffic, and ordering—you can reliably find some of the best pizza in Atlanta whether you live here, you’re visiting, or you’re exploring the city slice by slice.