Pizza Palace in Atlanta: Where to Go for International-Style Pizza (and What to Expect)
If you’re searching for “Pizza Palace” in Atlanta, Georgia, you’re probably looking for a casual spot with great pizza, a welcoming atmosphere, and maybe a bit of that international flair that goes beyond basic cheese and pepperoni.
Atlanta’s pizza scene blends New York slices, Neapolitan-style pies, Mediterranean toppings, and global flavor combinations, so it helps to know what to look for, how to choose a place, and how to navigate options across the city’s neighborhoods.
Below is a practical guide to finding a “Pizza Palace”-type experience in Atlanta, understanding what “international cuisine” looks like in local pizzerias, and making the most of your visit—whether you live here, are just visiting, or are planning a group outing.
What People Mean by a “Pizza Palace” in Atlanta
When Atlantans say they’re looking for a “Pizza Palace”, they usually mean:
- A casual, family-friendly pizza restaurant
- Plenty of toppings and styles, often including international or gourmet options
- Dine-in seating, usually with delivery and takeout
- An approachable price point and group-friendly menus
In Atlanta, these types of spots often fall under “International Cuisine” because pizza here frequently includes:
- Italian-inspired classics (Margherita, Quattro Formaggi)
- Mediterranean toppings (feta, olives, spinach, gyro meat)
- Latin, Middle Eastern, or Asian-influenced flavor combinations (tandoori-style chicken, shawarma toppings, spicy chili sauces)
- Halal-friendly or vegetarian-heavy menus in some areas
So even if the restaurant isn’t literally named Pizza Palace, you’ll find many places that serve the same role: big menu, global-style pizzas, and room for families and groups.
Where in Atlanta You’re Most Likely to Find “Pizza Palace”-Style Spots
Pizza and international cuisine overlap in many Atlanta neighborhoods. If you’re trying to stay close to a particular area, here’s how the scene generally looks:
Intown & Central Areas
Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park
These neighborhoods lean toward:
- Neapolitan and artisan pizza with imported ingredients
- Pizzerias that mix Italian and global small plates
- Good options if you want pizza before or after a concert, Hawks game, or a visit to the Georgia Aquarium
You’ll often find:
- Brick ovens and thin-crust pies
- House-made sauces and unique topping combinations
- More options for wine, craft beer, and cocktails alongside pizza
East and Northeast Atlanta
Decatur, North Druid Hills, Chamblee, Doraville
These areas tend to feature a mix of:
- Greek- and Mediterranean-influenced pizza places, often family-run
- Restaurants that offer pizza plus other international dishes, like pasta, gyros, or kabobs
- Easy access from I-85 and I-285, useful for commuters and families
If your idea of a “Pizza Palace” includes huge menus and big portions, this side of town is a solid bet.
North Atlanta & Perimeter Suburbs
Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Perimeter Center, Roswell Road corridor
Here you’ll see:
- Family-friendly pizza restaurants near apartment communities and office parks
- Lunch specials aimed at office workers
- Spots that often deliver to hotels in the Perimeter area
Westside & Upper Westside
West Midtown, Riverside, Smyrna-adjacent corridors
In these areas, pizza tends to mix with:
- Trendy, industrial-style restaurants
- Places that do pizza plus wings, sandwiches, and salads
- Good options before heading to events at venues in West Midtown
Typical Menu Features at an Atlanta “Pizza Palace”-Type Restaurant
Most Atlanta pizza restaurants that feel like a “Pizza Palace” share a common set of offerings. Expect to see:
Pizza Styles
Common crust and style options:
- New York–style: Large, foldable slices; good for quick meals
- Hand-tossed / American-style: Medium thickness, the most common style for families
- Thin crust: Crisper, often paired with more gourmet or international toppings
- Sicilian or pan: Thick, airy crust, cut into squares (less common but available)
International and Global Toppings
You may see:
- Mediterranean flavors: Feta, kalamata olives, spinach, artichokes, gyro or shawarma meat, tzatziki drizzle
- Italian-inspired specialties: Prosciutto, arugula, buffalo mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes
- Spicy global twists: Jalapeños, banana peppers, hot chili oil, spicy sausage blends
- Veg-forward options: Roasted peppers, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, eggplant
Many Atlanta pizzerias will label items as “Greek,” “Mediterranean,” “Italian,” or “International” to signal this kind of variety.
Beyond Pizza: What Else Is Usually on the Menu?
A “Pizza Palace” experience in Atlanta frequently includes:
- Pasta dishes (spaghetti, baked ziti, fettuccine Alfredo)
- Salads (Greek salad, Caesar, house garden salad)
- Appetizers (garlic knots, cheesy bread, fried pickles, wings)
- Calzones and stromboli
- Desserts (cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake, or simple brownies and cookies)
- Soft drinks; some also carry beer and wine, especially in city of Atlanta limits
Price Ranges and Portions in Atlanta
Exact pricing will vary, but typical expectations for an Atlanta pizza restaurant:
| Item Type | Common Range (Atlanta) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal / 10" pizza | Usually budget-friendly | Good for solo diners or lunch |
| 14"–16" large pizza | Mid-range family pricing | Often feeds 2–4 people |
| Specialty / gourmet pie | Slightly higher than basic pies | Premium toppings and cheeses |
| Lunch slice + drink deal | Lower, weekday specials common | Popular near offices and schools |
| Family combo (pizza, etc) | Value-oriented for groups | Good for family dinners or game nights |
Atlanta restaurants frequently run weekday lunch specials and carryout-only deals, so it’s worth checking menus or calling ahead if you’re ordering for a group.
Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery Options in Atlanta
When you’re planning a visit, it helps to know how Atlanta pizza places typically operate:
Dine-In
Most “Pizza Palace”-style spots offer:
- Casual seating, often with TV screens showing sports
- Family tables and sometimes high chairs for children
- Walk-in seating; reservations are usually not required except for very large groups
If you’re trying to eat before a game or concert, allow extra time—traffic and parking can be unpredictable around Downtown and Midtown on busy nights.
Takeout
Common features for takeout:
- Order by phone or online ordering platforms
- Designated pickup counters near the entrance
- Curbside pickup in some suburban areas (especially along Roswell Road, Cobb Parkway, and other major corridors)
Delivery
Across most of metro Atlanta, you can expect:
- Direct restaurant delivery in denser areas
- Coverage by major third-party delivery apps
- Delivery boundaries often shaped by interstates (I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285) and neighborhood clusters
If you’re staying in a hotel or short-term rental, confirm the exact address and suite/room instructions in your order to avoid mix-ups—especially in large complexes or mixed-use buildings like those in Midtown and Buckhead.
Dietary Considerations at International-Style Pizza Spots
Atlanta’s larger and internationally focused pizza restaurants often try to accommodate a range of diet needs, but offerings vary by location. Common options include:
Vegetarian and Vegan
You may find:
- Cheese-heavy vegetarian pies with plenty of vegetables
- Some locations offer vegan cheese or can make a cheeseless vegetable pizza
- Salads that can be prepared without cheese or meat on request
If vegan options are essential, it’s best to call ahead and ask what’s available that day.
Gluten-Sensitive and Gluten-Free
Many pizza restaurants in Atlanta now offer:
- Gluten-free crust options (usually in one size, often smaller)
- Build-your-own pizzas using gluten-free bases
Crusts are often baked in the same oven as regular pizzas, so if you have a medical-level sensitivity to gluten, clearly state your needs and ask what precautions the kitchen takes.
Halal-Friendly and Other Needs
In areas with more international and immigrant-owned restaurants, you may find:
- Halal-certified meats at some locations
- Menus that combine pizza with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or Mediterranean dishes
Because these details vary significantly, the most reliable approach is to call the restaurant directly, especially if you need specific handling or certification.
Parking, Traffic, and Timing Tips for Atlanta Pizza Visits
Atlanta’s layout affects how you plan a pizza outing, especially during busy hours:
Parking
- Intown neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Little Five Points) may offer:
- Street parking (metered or time-limited)
- Paid decks or lots nearby
- Suburban corridors (Sandy Springs, Decatur area, Northlake) commonly have:
- Free surface lots in shopping centers or strip malls
If parking is important—for example, if you’re bringing kids or older relatives—calling ahead to ask about on-site parking can save time.
Traffic Timing
Atlanta traffic patterns to consider:
- Weekday evening rush (roughly 4–7 p.m.) can slow your trip to dinner
- Event nights near major venues (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Fox Theatre, Gas South Arena) can add delays and reduce parking availability
- Heavy rain or storms can quickly impact travel time across the metro area
If you’re ordering delivery, expect longer quotes on Friday and Saturday nights and during big sports events.
How to Choose the Right Atlanta Pizza Spot for Your Situation
When you’re trying to find the right “Pizza Palace”–type restaurant in Atlanta, a few questions can guide your choice:
1. Are You with Family, Friends, or a Large Group?
For kids and mixed-age groups, look for:
- Booths and big tables
- Kid-friendly menu items like plain cheese pizza, chicken tenders, or simple pasta
- Noise-tolerant dining rooms (many casual pizza spots welcome families and groups, especially in early evening hours)
If you’re planning for 10 or more people, call to ask:
- Whether they can push tables together or reserve a section
- How long large orders typically take during peak times
2. Do You Want Classic or Adventurous, International-Style Pizza?
If you want global flavors:
- Scan menus for keywords like “Mediterranean,” “Greek,” “Italian specialties,” “shawarma,” “gyro,” or “tandoori”
- Check if they offer specialty pizzas with unique sauces (pesto, white sauce, chili-infused red sauce, etc.)
If you prefer basics:
- Look for clear listings of cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and plain vegetable pies
- Check whether they offer half-and-half pizzas, which are useful for satisfying different preferences at one table
3. Do You Need Late-Night or Quick Service?
- Some Atlanta pizza spots near college campuses or nightlife districts stay open later.
- Quick service is more common at places that:
- Sell pizza by the slice
- Emphasize carryout and delivery
If you’re catching a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after dinner, make sure to:
- Choose a restaurant relatively close to an interstate
- Allow extra time for both traffic and airport security
Practical Next Steps for Finding Your “Pizza Palace” in Atlanta
To narrow down your options and get exactly what you want:
Decide on a general area
- Staying near Midtown hotels? Look for pizzerias in Midtown or Old Fourth Ward.
- Near I-285 or the Perimeter? Check Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Chamblee.
Decide what matters most
- International toppings and variety? Focus on Mediterranean or Italian-style menus.
- Budget-friendly for a group? Look for large-pie specials and family combo meals.
- Diet needs? Call first about gluten-free, vegan, or halal options.
Call or check the menu before you go
- Confirm hours, especially on Sundays and holidays.
- Ask about current specials, delivery area, and parking if needed.
Plan around Atlanta traffic
- If you’re heading to or from major attractions (Downtown museums, stadiums, major venues), add buffer time before you’re hungry.
Atlanta offers plenty of restaurants that fit the spirit of a “Pizza Palace” under the International Cuisine umbrella: generous portions, global toppings, and casual dining that works for families, friends, and visitors. With a little planning around neighborhood, traffic, and menu style, you can find a spot that feels just right for your next pizza night in Atlanta.