Pizza in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Order, and How Locals Do It
When people search for “pizza Atlanta,” they’re usually looking for more than just a phone number. In Atlanta, pizza is its own food culture: New York slices, Neapolitan pies, Chicago-style deep dish, late-night college spots, family-friendly neighborhood joints, and everything in between.
This guide walks through how pizza works in Atlanta—styles, neighborhoods, what to expect on prices and delivery, plus practical tips whether you live here or are just in town for a few days.
Atlanta’s Pizza Scene at a Glance
Atlanta doesn’t have a single “official” pizza style. Instead, you’ll find:
- New York–style by the slice and whole pie
- Neapolitan and wood-fired with soft, blistered crusts
- Chicago-style deep dish and pan pizza
- Detroit-style thick, crispy-edged rectangles
- Southern-influenced pies (hot honey, pimento cheese, local sausage)
- Vegan and gluten-free–friendly options across the city
Atlanta’s pizza spots cluster around Intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, West Midtown, and around major hubs like Downtown and near Georgia Tech and Georgia State University.
Popular Pizza Styles You’ll Find in Atlanta
New York–Style in Atlanta
You’ll see large, foldable slices and thin-crust pies near:
- Downtown & Georgia State – convenient for office workers and students
- Midtown & Tech Square – busy lunch and late-night crowds
- Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village – more casual, hangout-style slice shops
What to expect:
- Order by the slice at walk-up counters
- Cheese, pepperoni, and a few specialties ready to go
- Quick service; often open late on weekends
Neapolitan & Wood-Fired Pizzerias
Neapolitan-style pizza has:
- Soft, chewy crust with charred bubbles
- Fresh toppings like mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto
- Typically individual-size pies
These are more common in:
- Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland / Morningside
- West Midtown / Howell Mill corridor
Expect:
- Sit-down service
- Wine and craft beer options
- Slightly higher prices but higher-end ingredients
Thick Crust, Pan, and Detroit-Style
If you’re looking for something heavier:
- Chicago-style deep dish and pan pizzas appear in select spots around Midtown and Buckhead
- Detroit-style (thick, airy, crispy-cheese edges) can be found in various intown neighborhoods and pop-ups
These are good for:
- Group dinners
- Game-day gatherings
- Leftovers—the slices reheat well
Pizza by Neighborhood in Atlanta
Atlanta is spread out, so it helps to think by area when searching for pizza.
Downtown & Surrounding Areas
Best for: Office workers, convention visitors, State Capitol area, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena events.
Common options:
- Slice shops near Peachtree Center and hotel corridors
- Casual spots within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center
- Pizzerias that cater to pre- and post-game crowds around the stadiums
You’ll generally find:
- Fast service
- Basic but reliable menus
- Lunch specials on slices and combos
Midtown & Tech Square
Best for: Students, office workers, and nightlife.
Around Midtown Station, Tech Square, and North Avenue:
- Multiple by-the-slice counters popular with Georgia Tech students
- Sit-down pizzerias with full bars, often showing sports
- Later hours on weekends
Expect:
- Heavy evening and late-night traffic on weekends
- Good options for delivery to dorms and condos
- Walkable options if you’re staying at a Midtown hotel
Virginia-Highland, Morningside, and Inman Park
Best for: Families, couples, and neighborhood dining.
These intown neighborhoods are known for:
- Cozy, family-friendly pizzerias
- Wood-fired and Neapolitan spots
- Patios ideal for mild Atlanta evenings
Common experiences:
- Kids’ menus or half-size pies
- Shared appetizers (garlic knots, salads, wings)
- Walkable access from neighborhood streets and Atlanta BeltLine segments
Old Fourth Ward, BeltLine, and Ponce City Area
Best for: BeltLine walkers, cyclists, and food hall explorers.
Near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Eastside BeltLine Trail, you’ll see:
- Pizza stands in food halls
- Trendy pizzerias experimenting with toppings
- Plenty of takeout options popular with locals who live in the new apartments and condos
This area is especially convenient if you:
- Want pizza plus other food choices for a group
- Need quick counter-service while exploring the BeltLine
- Prefer places used to heavy takeout and delivery volume
West Midtown, Upper Westside, and Westside Provisions
Best for: Date nights and group dinners.
Around Howell Mill Road and Westside Provisions District:
- Stylish pizzerias with wood-fired ovens
- Spots that pair pizza with cocktails and craft beer
- Later evening crowd, especially Thursdays–Saturdays
These places are ideal if you want pizza plus:
- A more polished dining room
- Nearby dessert or coffee options
- A walkable area with multiple restaurants in one cluster
Buckhead and North Atlanta
Best for: Shoppers, hotel guests, and families.
Around Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and along Peachtree Road and Roswell Road, you’ll find:
- Family-friendly pizza restaurants with booths and big TVs
- Delivery-focused shops serving the surrounding neighborhoods
- A mix of thin crust and heavier pan-style pies
Good to know:
- Suburban-style parking lots are common
- Many spots are comfortable for larger groups and birthday dinners
- Lunch specials on weekdays targeting nearby offices
Eat-In, Takeout, or Delivery in Atlanta
Dine-In Pizza
Dine-in pizza restaurants across Atlanta typically offer:
- Bar seating, plus tables and sometimes outdoor patios
- Televisions for watching Atlanta sports (Falcons, Hawks, United, Braves)
- Options to split checks for groups
Reservations are more likely:
- At popular West Midtown and BeltLine pizzerias
- On weekend evenings
- Before or after major games and concerts
Takeout
Most Atlanta pizzerias handle a mix of:
- Call-in orders
- Online ordering through their website or third-party platforms
- Walk-in orders while you wait
Tips:
- Friday nights can be very busy; call earlier if you have a specific time window
- Parking can be tight in intown neighborhoods; some places have designated pickup spots
- Ask for your pizza un-cut if you’re traveling longer—this can help keep the crust from getting soggy
Delivery
Delivery is widely available across Metro Atlanta, especially:
- Inside the Perimeter (I-285)
- Around college campuses and major residential corridors
You can usually choose between:
- The restaurant’s own drivers (where available)
- Major delivery apps covering most of the city
Common Atlanta realities:
- Heavy rain, summer storms, or big events can slow delivery
- Apartment complexes with gates or confusing layouts can add time—include gate codes and directions when you order
- Tipping is customary; many locals use a percentage of the order total or a set per-delivery amount
Price Ranges and Typical Portions in Atlanta
Prices vary by neighborhood and style, but a rough guide:
| Item | Typical Atlanta Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese slice (NY-style) | $3 – $5 | More with extra toppings |
| Specialty slice | $4 – $6 | White, veggie, meat-loaded |
| 12"–14" Neapolitan/wood-fired | $12 – $20+ | Often individual to share between 2 with sides |
| 16"–18" New York–style whole pie | $18 – $30+ | Feeds ~3–4 people |
| Deep dish / pan pizza (small) | $16 – $24+ | Heavier, feeds more than size suggests |
| Delivery fees | Varies | Restaurant vs. app-based; check before ordering |
Portion tips:
- One large NY-style slice can be a light meal
- A 12" Neapolitan pie is usually right for one hungry adult or two people paired with salad/appetizers
- Deep-dish pans are rich; fewer slices go a long way
Dietary Needs: Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free Pizza in Atlanta
Atlanta is increasingly accommodating to different diets.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Many intown pizzerias offer:
- Vegetarian pies with mushrooms, peppers, onions, olives, and arugula
- Vegan cheese and plant-based meats at select locations
- Tomato or olive oil–based pies without cheese
If vegan options matter to you:
- Call ahead or check recent menus; offerings change
- Ask if crusts, sauces, and pestos are made with any dairy or animal products
Gluten-Free & Gluten-Sensitive Diners
Common options include:
- Gluten-free crusts (usually small or medium sized)
- Cauliflower-based or other alternative crusts at some restaurants
Important:
- Many kitchens are not fully gluten-free and may have cross-contact from shared ovens and prep areas
- If you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, clearly state your needs and ask how crusts are handled and baked
Pizza for Events, Offices, and Parties in Atlanta
Atlanta’s pizza shops are used to serving:
- Office lunches across Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter
- Team and club events at local schools and universities
- Watch parties for big games
Options commonly available:
- Large order discounts or bundles (multiple pies, salads, and drinks)
- Half-and-half topping combinations to simplify ordering
- Scheduled delivery or pickup times
Planning tips:
- For large offices in towers (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead), give the suite number and elevator instructions
- Around big events (college football games, concerts, festivals), schedule orders earlier than usual
- For kids’ parties, cheese and pepperoni dominate—plan a few vegetarian options for adults
Late-Night Pizza in Atlanta
Late-night pizza access is concentrated around:
- Midtown (especially near Tech Square)
- Downtown areas with bar and club traffic
- Little Five Points and nearby nightlife spots
Patterns to expect:
- Hours may extend past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
- Menus may be more limited late (fewer specialty pies, more cheese/pepperoni)
- Lines can be long just after bar closing times
If you’re staying at a hotel:
- Check front-desk recommendations; they usually know which pizzerias reliably deliver late to that area
- Confirm delivery cut-off times—many kitchens close before the posted hours of the bar area itself
Practical Tips for Getting Great Pizza in Atlanta
- Think about traffic: If you’re driving to pick up, avoid peak rush hours on corridors like Peachtree Street, I-75/85 Connector, and I-285 if possible.
- Use MARTA when convenient: For Downtown and Midtown pizza runs, MARTA rail stations (like Peachtree Center, North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center) can be easier than parking.
- Call ahead for big groups: If you’re bringing 6+ people, especially on Friday or Saturday night, calling ahead helps the restaurant plan seating and dough prep.
- Check game and event schedules: On nights with big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park, nearby pizza spots get packed before and after.
- Save leftovers wisely: Atlanta’s heat and humidity can make pizzas soggy if left out; refrigerate promptly and reheat in an oven or skillet, not a microwave, for best results.
Finding Pizza Near Landmarks in Atlanta
Here’s how to search smartly depending on where you are:
- Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Look for spots in College Park and East Point, or consider delivery to airport-area hotels along Virginia Avenue and Camp Creek Parkway.
- Around Georgia Tech & Georgia State: You’ll find multiple student-focused slice shops and delivery-heavy pizzerias within short walking distance of campus housing.
- Near Piedmont Park and BeltLine Eastside Trail: Neighborhood pizzerias in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Old Fourth Ward are convenient for a park-day meal.
- Around Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza: Several family-oriented and takeout-friendly pizza restaurants serve the Buckhead hotel and shopping district.
Living in or visiting Atlanta means having plenty of pizza choices at almost any time of day, from quick slices between meetings to wood-fired pies on a patio along the BeltLine. If you focus on your neighborhood, your preferred style, and how you want to eat (dine-in, delivery, or grab-and-go), it’s straightforward to find pizza in Atlanta that fits your plans and tastes.
