Where To Find Great Pizza Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s pizza scene is far more than a quick slice before a game or concert. Across the city, you’ll find everything from New York–style slices and Neapolitan pies to Detroit-style squares and creative, chef-driven toppings. Whether you live in Atlanta or are in town for a few days, you can easily match your pizza cravings to a neighborhood, style, and budget.
Below is a practical guide to pizza restaurants in Atlanta: what styles you’ll find, where they’re concentrated, how to choose spots for different occasions, and what to expect when you go.
How Atlanta’s Pizza Scene Is Organized
You can think about pizza in Atlanta in a few helpful ways:
- By style: New York–style, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Detroit-style, Chicago-influenced, and creative “Southern” twists.
- By neighborhood: In-town hubs like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and West Midtown have dense clusters of pizza spots, with additional options in Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody.
- By occasion: Quick slices near MARTA and campuses, family-friendly dine-in restaurants, late-night options, and more upscale spots good for dates or celebrations.
Understanding these patterns makes it easier to decide where to go and what kind of pizza experience you want.
Popular Pizza Styles You’ll Find in Atlanta
1. New York–Style Pizza
You’ll see large, foldable slices all over the city, especially along major corridors and near nightlife areas.
Typical features:
- Thin crust, crisp on the bottom but flexible
- Sold by the slice and whole pies
- Common in Downtown, Midtown, Little Five Points, and near Georgia Tech and Georgia State University
These spots are often:
- Open late
- Walk-up counter service
- Good for a fast, affordable meal or a late-night bite after a concert or a game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
2. Neapolitan & Wood-Fired Pizza
Neapolitan-style pizza has a soft, chewy crust with puffed edges, baked quickly in a very hot, usually wood-fired oven.
What to expect:
- Individual-sized pies (often 10–12 inches)
- Slight char on the crust
- Simple, high-quality toppings (Margherita, marinara, prosciutto, arugula)
You’ll find this style in:
- Inman Park
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
- West Midtown and parts of Buckhead
These restaurants are often:
- Sit-down with table service
- Good for dates, small groups, and people who care about ingredients and technique
3. Sicilian & Detroit-Style Pizza
If you like thicker, airy crusts with crispy edges, look for Sicilian and Detroit-style options.
Common traits:
- Rectangular pans
- Thicker dough that’s still light
- Cheese baked to the edge for caramelized crust
You’re more likely to see these:
- In West Midtown, Grant Park, Decatur, and some suburbs
- On menus that also offer wings, salads, and craft beer
These are great for:
- Sharing with a group
- Game nights
- Takeout or delivery when you want something more filling
4. Chicago-Inspired & Deep Dish
While Atlanta is not primarily a deep-dish city, you can find:
- Chicago-inspired pies with substantial layers of cheese and sauce
- Some hybrid styles that aren’t strictly traditional but scratch the “deep, cheesy” itch
These are often:
- Sit-down restaurants
- Best when you have time to wait, since deep dish can take longer to bake (30–45 minutes is common)
5. Creative & Southern-Influenced Pizzas
A number of Atlanta pizzerias lean into local ingredients and Southern flavors, offering pizzas with:
- Pimento cheese
- House-made sausage
- Local vegetables from Georgia farms
- Hot honey, pickled peppers, or barbecue-style toppings
You’ll see these especially in:
- Edgewood
- Old Fourth Ward
- Reynoldstown
- Westside/West Midtown
These menus work well when:
- You’re with mixed groups of pizza “traditionalists” and adventurous eaters
- You want vegetarian-friendly or seasonal options
Key Atlanta Neighborhoods for Pizza
Downtown & Midtown
Best for: Office workers, students, visitors staying near major hotels, and event-goers.
What you’ll find:
- New York–style slice shops
- Casual dine-in pizzerias convenient to Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, and Georgia State University
- Late-night spots serving concert and game crowds
Why it’s useful:
- Easy access from MARTA’s Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, and North Avenue stations
- Many places cater to quick lunches and post-event meals
Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park
Best for: Walkable, neighborhood pizza nights.
Expect:
- Wood-fired and Neapolitan-focused restaurants
- Family-friendly spaces, with outdoor seating where available
- Pizzerias clustered near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
These neighborhoods are good if:
- You’re staying in a nearby Airbnb or boutique hotel
- You want to pair pizza with a BeltLine walk or a stop at Ponce City Market
Little Five Points & Edgewood
Best for: Slices, vegetarian options, and late-night crowds.
Typical venues:
- Casual, counter-service slice shops
- Spots popular with students and locals after shows at nearby music venues
Helpful if you:
- Prefer a relaxed, alternative vibe
- Want to grab pizza before or after nightlife in Edgewood or Little Five Points
West Midtown & Westside
Best for: Trendy, chef-driven pies and brewery-adjacent options.
In this area, you’ll find:
- Artisan pizzerias with elevated toppings
- Detroit-style and Sicilian pan pies
- Pizza within or near mixed-use developments and breweries
Good for:
- Group dinners before a show at Terminal West
- Combining pizza with brewery visits or other Westside attractions
Buckhead & Surrounding Areas
Best for: Sit-down dinners and family-friendly chains plus local spots.
What’s common:
- Mix of casual family pizzerias and more polished restaurants
- Easy car access and parking, particularly near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
If you’re staying in Buckhead:
- You’ll have options ranging from quick slices to full-service Italian restaurants that feature pizza alongside pasta and entrees.
Decatur & Eastside Suburbs
Best for: Neighborhood pizza with a small-town feel.
Decatur and nearby communities typically offer:
- Local, independent pizzerias around the square and along major roads
- Places that cater to families, with kids’ menus and outdoor seating where possible
Easy to reach:
- By MARTA rail to Decatur Station, then a short walk to the city square for multiple pizza choices
Types of Pizza Restaurants in Atlanta
To narrow things down, it helps to understand the format of pizza places around the city.
Quick Slices & Counter-Service Spots
- Order at the counter, pick up, and sit at casual tables or take your slice to go
- Often open late, especially in Downtown, Midtown, Little Five Points, and close to campuses
- Ideal for solo diners, students, and anyone on a tight schedule
Look for:
- Display cases of pies by the slice
- Short menus emphasizing classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and veggie
Full-Service Italian & Pizza Restaurants
- Host or server seating, with pizza alongside pasta, appetizers, and wine
- Common in Buckhead, Midtown, West Midtown, and Virginia-Highland
- Good for date nights, business dinners, or family outings where not everyone wants pizza
Expect:
- Larger menus, reservations in some cases, and a slightly longer meal
- More space, which can be helpful for groups and families with kids
Delivery-Focused & Takeout Spots
- Many Atlanta pizzerias prioritize delivery and takeout, especially in suburban areas and residential neighborhoods
- Third-party delivery platforms operate widely across the city, but many local restaurants also handle orders directly by phone
You’ll see:
- Smaller dining rooms or no dine-in at all
- Emphasis on reliability, timing, and family-size orders (large pies, wings, salads)
Pizza for Different Situations in Atlanta
Family-Friendly Pizza Nights
Neighborhoods with lots of families—such as areas around Morningside, Decatur, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody—typically offer:
- Booster seats, high chairs, and kids’ menus
- Build-your-own pizza options
- Lunch specials that work well for weekend outings
Tips:
- Call ahead to check wait times on Friday and Saturday evenings
- Ask about gluten-free crust or dairy-free cheese if you have dietary concerns
Pizza Before or After a Game or Show
If you’re heading to:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Fox Theatre
- Georgia World Congress Center
You’ll find pizza:
- In nearby Downtown and Midtown shops with fast service
- In mixed-use developments within walking distance of venues
Helpful strategies:
- Arrive earlier for dinner to avoid the immediate pre-event crowds
- Check in advance if your chosen spot has a bar area (often faster seating for smaller parties)
Late-Night Pizza in Atlanta
Night owls will find late-night pizza especially:
- Along Edgewood Avenue
- In parts of Midtown and Downtown
- Near college areas and music venues
What to know:
- Menus sometimes slim down late at night (fewer specialty pies, more basic options)
- Takeout windows or walk-up counters are common, particularly on weekends
Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
Many Atlanta pizzerias now offer at least one of the following:
- Vegetarian toppings (mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, spinach, specialty cheeses)
- Vegan cheese options
- Gluten-free or cauliflower crusts
If you have specific needs:
- Call ahead to ask whether they prepare gluten-free pizzas in a separate area (important for those with strong sensitivities)
- Ask about shared ovens if cross-contact is a concern
Practical Tips for Choosing a Pizza Restaurant in Atlanta
Use this simple guide to match your needs to the right type of pizza spot:
| Your Priority 🧠 | Look For This Type of Place in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Fast, inexpensive meal | Slice shops in Downtown, Midtown, or near campuses |
| Date night or celebration | Neapolitan or wood-fired spots in Inman Park, O4W, Virginia-Highland |
| Big group or family | Larger sit-down pizzerias in Buckhead, Decatur, and the suburbs |
| Late-night after bars | Edgewood, Little Five Points, parts of Midtown and Downtown |
| Creative, gourmet toppings | West Midtown and BeltLine-adjacent restaurants |
| Gluten-free or vegan needs | Call ahead to full-service or modern neighborhood pizzerias in in-town areas |
Getting To Pizza Restaurants Around Atlanta
A few transportation notes help when planning your pizza outing:
- MARTA Rail:
- Downtown/Midtown pizza is easiest from Peachtree Center, Five Points, Civic Center, North Avenue, and Midtown stations.
- To reach Decatur, use the Decatur Station on the Blue Line.
- Atlanta Streetcar:
- Connects parts of Downtown, which can help if you’re moving between hotels, attractions, and nearby pizzerias.
- Driving & Parking:
- Many spots in Buckhead, West Midtown, and the suburbs offer free or validated parking.
- In dense neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland, you may rely on street parking or paid lots, especially on weekends.
- Rideshare:
- Commonly used for late-night pizza or when you’re pairing dinner with nightlife and don’t want to park.
How to Quickly Find Pizza Near You in Atlanta
If you’re in the city and want pizza right now, you can:
- Use “pizza near me” search tools with location services turned on
- Filter by:
- Open now (especially important late at night)
- Delivery vs. pickup
- Price level and rating
- Call the restaurant directly to confirm:
- Current hours (some change seasonally or for events)
- Wait times for a table
- Delivery boundaries if you’re outside major corridors
Helpful Local Contacts and Information
While pizza restaurants themselves change over time, a few stable local resources can help you explore food neighborhoods and navigate the city:
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 521-6600City of Atlanta – ATL311 (for general city information, not restaurant reviews)
Customer Service Line: 3-1-1 within city limits or (404) 546-0311MARTA Customer Service (for getting to pizza spots via transit)
Phone: (404) 848-5000
These contacts can help with transportation questions, neighborhood info, and visitor guidance while you decide where to eat.
By narrowing in on your preferred style, neighborhood, and dining format, you can quickly find pizza restaurants in Atlanta that fit your schedule, budget, and taste. Whether you’re downtown for a game, exploring the BeltLine, or staying in the suburbs, there’s almost always a good slice—or a whole pie—not far away.