Finding the Best Pizza in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to Every Style 🍕

Atlanta might be known for traffic and TV production, but anyone who eats out here knows the pizza scene is serious. Whether you’re craving a quick by-the-slice joint near Georgia Tech, a wood-fired Neapolitan pie in Inman Park, or late-night delivery in Buckhead, you have strong options in almost every neighborhood.

This guide walks through the best pizza in Atlanta by style and area, along with practical tips on ordering, parking, and what to expect so you can actually enjoy your slice without surprises.

How to Choose the Best Pizza in Atlanta for You

Before jumping into specific spots, it helps to think about:

• Style: New York–style slices, Neapolitan, Detroit, Chicago deep-dish, Sicilian, or creative “New American” pies.
• Vibe: Family-friendly, date-night, sports-bar energy, or grab-and-go.
• Location: Intown neighborhoods vs. OTP (outside the Perimeter).
• Practical needs: Parking, late-night hours, gluten-free options, counter-service vs. full-service.

Once you know what you’re after, Atlanta’s pizza options fall into a few clear categories.

Classic New York–Style Pizza in Atlanta

If your idea of the best pizza in Atlanta is a huge, foldable slice with a thin, chewy crust, these New York–leaning spots are good starting points.

Slice Shops & Casual NY-Style

These are the places where you can walk in, point at the display case, and walk out with a hot slice in a couple of minutes.

Key things to know:

• Slices vs. whole pies: Many intown shops sell both. Slices are fastest; whole pies are best if you’re feeding a group.
• Peak times: Expect lunchtime and after 6 p.m. rushes, especially near colleges and nightlife.
• Parking: In areas like Midtown and Old Fourth Ward, assume street parking or paid decks.

Look for shops that offer:

• Large, thin-crust slices with minimal flop
• Simple classics like cheese, pepperoni, and white pies
• A few “special” slices in the case (spinach, meat lovers, veggie-heavy)

If you’re staying or living in central areas such as Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, or around Georgia State University, you’ll find New York–style options within a short drive or walk.

Neapolitan & Wood-Fired Pizza in Atlanta

For many locals, the best pizza in Atlanta is coming out of a wood-fired oven. These pies usually have:

• Leopard-spotted, blistered crust
• Softer center
• Simple toppings like Margherita, Diavola, or prosciutto and arugula

What to Expect at Neapolitan Spots

• Sit-down dining: These are often full-service restaurants; expect to be seated and order from a server.
• Cooking time: Pizzas cook quickly, but waits can build at peak hours (Friday and Saturday night).
• Price point: Usually higher than basic slice shops, but still in line with other sit-down spots in Intown Atlanta.

Neighborhoods where wood-fired Neapolitan–style pizza is easy to find:

• Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• West Midtown / Westside
• Decatur
• Grant Park / Summerhill

These areas are also walkable and lined with other bars and dessert spots, so you can easily make a night of it.

Detroit-Style, Sicilian & Thick-Crust Favorites

Atlanta has leaned into thick, crispy-edged, pan-style pizza over the last few years. If you like more crunch and a substantial bite, look for:

• Detroit-style: Rectangular, airy dough, caramelized cheese edges, sauce often drizzled on top.
• Sicilian-style: Thick square slices with a pillowy interior and browned bottom.

When Detroit or Sicilian Might Be Your Best Bet

• Feeding a crowd at home (these reheat well in a toaster oven or air fryer).
• You want something that travels better than a delicate Neapolitan pie.
• You like bold toppings and lots of cheese.

You’ll find Detroit and Sicilian options sprinkled across:

• West Midtown
• Edgewood / Reynoldstown
• East Atlanta
• OTP hubs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Smyrna, and Alpharetta

These spots often offer both dine-in and carryout, and some lean heavily into takeout and delivery.

Chicago-Style & Deep-Dish in Atlanta

If you’re a Chicago transplant or just love a knife-and-fork pie, you can find deep-dish in Atlanta, though options are fewer than NY or Neapolitan.

Deep-Dish Basics in Atlanta

• Prep time: Often 30–45 minutes after you order, so call ahead if you’re on a schedule.
• Size: Even a “small” can be filling for two people.
• Travel: Deep-dish usually travels better than ultra-thin pies and stays hot longer.

You’ll typically find deep-dish or Chicago-inspired pizza in central intown neighborhoods and a few OTP clusters. When you call, ask:

• How long deep-dish currently takes
• Whether it’s better to dine in or carry out at that time of day
• If reservations are recommended

Best Pizza in Atlanta by Neighborhood

Because Atlanta is so spread out, the “best” pizza for you may depend mainly on where you’re starting from. Below is a quick neighborhood-focused guide.

Intown Core (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park)

These areas are ideal if you want options without driving far.

• Downtown / GSU / Centennial Park: Fast-casual slice shops and delivery-heavy chains, convenient if you’re at a hotel or event.
• Midtown: A mix of New York–style spots, Italian restaurants, and late-night slices near the bars and theaters.
• Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine Eastside Trail: Popular for wood-fired pizza, plus some modern, creative pies with seasonal toppings.
• Inman Park: Strong cluster of Neapolitan-style and polished Italian restaurants serving pizza alongside pasta and small plates.

Parking may be tight or paid; MARTA trains and BeltLine walks are often easier in this zone.

Eastside (Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, Edgewood, Decatur)

These neighborhoods are pizza-heavy, with a lot of local favorites.

• Virginia-Highland & Poncey-Highland: Cozy neighborhood spots, great for date night or a casual group dinner.
• Edgewood & Reynoldstown: Trend-forward places including Detroit-style and creative topping combos.
• Decatur (City of Decatur): Walkable square filled with family-friendly pizzerias, beer-focused spots, and sit-down Italian restaurants that take pizza seriously.

Street parking is more available here than in Midtown, though Decatur Square often uses meters or pay stations.

Westside (West Midtown, Home Park, Upper Westside)

Westside has grown into a major destination for restaurants, including some of the city’s most talked-about pizzerias.

• West Midtown: Wood-fired and Neapolitan options, along with modern American restaurants that feature gourmet pizzas.
• Home Park (near Georgia Tech): Student-focused slice shops and delivery places with good pricing for large groups.
• Upper Westside / Bolton: A mix of neighborhood favorites and newer concepts, often with convenient parking lots.

This area is car-friendly, with many shopping-center style parking lots and decks.

Southside (Grant Park, Summerhill, West End, College Park)

South of I-20, you can still eat very well without heading north.

• Grant Park & Summerhill: Polished pizza-focused restaurants and modern spots near the new Summerhill development.
• West End / Adair Park: More carryout-focused places, plus a growing number of sit-down eateries as redevelopment continues.
• College Park & Hapeville: Easy access to pizza if you’re staying near the airport, including family-friendly restaurants that cater to travelers and locals.

Here, you’ll typically find easier parking and a slightly more relaxed pace.

OTP (Outside the Perimeter): North, East, West

If you live or are staying OTP, you don’t need to drive into Midtown for good pizza.

• North (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta): Many neighborhood pizzerias, Italian restaurants with brick ovens, and local mini-chains with loyal followings.
• West (Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta): Suburban staples serving New York–style, Sicilian, and delivery-friendly pies, often in larger shopping centers.
• East (Tucker, Stone Mountain, Conyers): Mix of classic American pizza joints and international spots that sometimes combine pizza with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern menus.

OTP pizza is often more spacious, with parking lots and larger dining rooms, making it easier for big families or teams.

Special Diets: Gluten-Free, Vegan & Dairy-Light Options

Atlanta’s better pizza spots have started to accommodate more dietary needs. If this is important to you, it’s worth calling ahead.

Gluten-Free in Atlanta Pizza Shops

Many pizzerias now offer:

• Gluten-free crusts (often small or medium size only)
• Cauliflower crusts at more casual or chain-style spots
• Separate preparation areas vary; cross-contact can be an issue

When you call:

• Ask if crusts are gluten-free or just “gluten-friendly.”
• Ask if they use a shared oven or can cook on a dedicated pan.
• Confirm if any toppings (like meatballs or sausage) contain breadcrumbs.

Vegan & Dairy-Free Options

Across Atlanta, vegans and the dairy-sensitive can usually find:

• Dairy-free cheese substitutes (often soy or nut-based)
• Plenty of veggie toppings (mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, artichokes)
• Red-sauce only or olive-oil + garlic white pies you can customize

Some intown neighborhoods—especially around Little Five Points, Edgewood, and Decatur—tend to be more likely to carry dedicated vegan options or plant-based meats.

Dine-In vs. Takeout vs. Delivery in Atlanta

How you get your pizza can matter as much as where you get it.

Dine-In

Best for: Neapolitan and wood-fired pies, date nights, fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Consider:

• Wait times: Friday and Saturday nights can get busy; reservations, when offered, are helpful.
• Parking: Many intown favorites rely on street parking or shared decks with validation.

Takeout

Best for: Thick-crust, pan-style, and New York pies that travel decently.

Tips for takeout in Atlanta:

• Call ahead during major events (concerts, sports games, or big festivals).
• Ask how long the current wait is before you leave home.
• Bring an insulated bag or keep the box flat on your car seat to preserve the crust.

Delivery

Atlanta has strong coverage from major delivery platforms along with many restaurants that run their own drivers.

• Intown neighborhoods: Broadest coverage, including more niche spots.
• OTP areas: Heavier reliance on big chains but still some quality local options.

Always double-check:

• Your address details, especially if you’re in a large apartment complex or hotel downtown.
• Estimated delivery time; heavy rain and rush hour can slow everything down.

Family-Friendly vs. Late-Night Pizza in Atlanta

Different needs, different “best pizza” answers.

Family-Friendly Pizza Spots

If you’re bringing kids or a larger group:

• Look for places with booths, high chairs, and kids’ menus.
• OTP pizzerias and Decatur-area spots often cater to families.
• Ask if they accept reservations for larger parties.

These restaurants usually serve:

• Classic topping combos that appeal to picky eaters
• Personal-size pies or slice options
• Options like garlic knots, salads, and pasta

Late-Night Pizza

For pizza after concerts, Hawks games, or nights out in Midtown:

• Focus on slice shops and delivery-focused spots near nightlife hubs.
• Hours can vary widely, so check current closing times before heading out.
• Beware of heavy crowds right after bars close; food lines can be long.

Neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and East Atlanta Village are more likely to have late-night options within walking distance of bars and venues.

Quick Comparison: Finding Your Best Pizza in Atlanta

Use this simple guide to match your mood with the right type of Atlanta pizza spot:

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta’s Pizza Scene

To actually get the best experience—beyond just the “best pizza”—keep these Atlanta-specific tips in mind:

• Mind the traffic: If you’re crossing the city to get to a popular spot, plan around weekday rush hours (roughly 4–7 p.m.).
• Check for events: Major events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Fox Theatre impact parking and wait times at nearby pizzerias.
• Ask about specials: Many spots offer weeknight deals, lunch specials, or slice-and-drink combos that aren’t always obvious on the menu board.
• Call for large orders: If you’re ordering several pies for a party or office, call earlier in the day to confirm timing, especially on Fridays.
• Reheating: For leftovers, use a skillet or 375°F oven instead of the microwave to keep the crust from turning rubbery.

If your search is “Best pizza Atlanta,” the real answer depends on the style, vibe, and part of the city you’re in. The good news is that from Decatur to Westside and from Grant Park to Alpharetta, you can find a pizza that fits what you’re craving—without having to cross the entire metro just for a decent slice.