Where to Get a Great Slice in Atlanta: Your Guide to International-Style Pizza

Atlanta might be known for Southern cooking and soul food, but it’s also quietly become a serious pizza city. If you’re looking for a great slice in Atlanta—especially styles inspired by Italian, New York, Neapolitan, or other international traditions—you have more options than you might expect.

This guide walks you through:

• What “slice” usually means in Atlanta
• The main international pizza styles you’ll find
• Notable neighborhoods and districts for grabbing a slice
• How to choose the right slice spot for your taste, budget, and schedule
• Practical tips for locals, visitors, and families

What “Slice” Means in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta say they’re going out for a slice, they’re almost always talking about:

• By-the-slice pizza, often New York–inspired
• Available for walk-in, quick-service
• Sold individually instead of a whole pie
• Common in intown neighborhoods, especially near nightlife, offices, and campuses

You’ll still find plenty of traditional Italian sit-down restaurants and whole-pie pizzerias, but for many people working or going out in the city, “slice” = fast, affordable, single-serving pizza with an international twist.

Popular International Pizza Styles You’ll Find by the Slice

While every shop has its own approach, most “slice” places in Atlanta lean into international or regional styles such as:

New York–Style Slices

You’ll see these most often:

• Large, foldable slices
• Thin but sturdy crust
• Simple toppings like cheese, pepperoni, or mushroom
• Usually served from a display case and reheated to order

For anyone who grew up in the Northeast, Atlanta’s NY-style slice shops can feel pleasantly familiar, especially in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown.

Italian-Inspired & Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan and Italian-style spots in Atlanta usually focus on whole pies, but some offer a slice-style experience during lunch:

• Soft, blistered crust baked in a hot oven
• Simpler toppings like Margherita, Marinara, or prosciutto and arugula
• Often found in neighborhoods with a strong restaurant scene like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and West Midtown

These are ideal if you’re looking for a more traditional Italian approach, even if you’re not literally buying a single wedge-shaped “slice.”

Sicilian & Pan-Style Slices

A smaller number of places offer:

• Square or rectangular slices
• Thicker, airy crust with a crunchy bottom
• Heavier cheese and sauce, sometimes more filling than NY-style

These often appeal to people looking for a heartier, more substantial lunch or late-night bite.

Where to Look for Good Slices in Atlanta

Instead of focusing on individual businesses, it’s useful to know which parts of the city tend to have slice options clustered together. This makes it easier to combine pizza with errands, work, or a night out.

1. Downtown & Around Georgia State University

If you’re near Georgia State University or working in one of the Downtown office towers, you’ll find:

• Quick, walk-up slice shops catering to students and office workers
• A mix of New York–style slices and more American-style pies
• Plenty of lunchtime specials and fast service

This is a good area if you only have 30–45 minutes for lunch and want something reliable without a long sit-down meal.

2. Midtown & Arts District

Midtown is one of the best places for late-night slices thanks to:

• Proximity to nightlife and bars along Peachtree Street, Crescent Avenue, and nearby side streets
• Walkable access from MARTA Arts Center and Midtown stations
• Pizza spots that stay open late on weekends

Expect mostly New York–inspired slices, with some shops offering international toppings like Mediterranean vegetables, spicy Italian sausage, or different cheeses.

3. Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland & Old Fourth Ward

These intown neighborhoods combine sit-down international pizzerias and quicker slice options:

• Walkable areas near Ponce de Leon Avenue and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Mix of brick-oven Italian places, casual slice counters, and family-friendly restaurants
• Great for pairing a slice stop with a walk on the BeltLine or a visit to Ponce City Market

If you’re exploring ATL on foot or bike, this area is especially convenient.

4. Little Five Points & Inman Park

Little Five Points has a strong casual, alternative vibe, which extends to its pizza:

• By-the-slice counters popular with locals, artists, and visitors
• Plenty of vegetarian and sometimes vegan-friendly slice options
• Easy to combine with vintage shopping or a show at one of the local music venues

Inman Park, just next door, leans a bit more restaurant-focused, with some Italian spots that serve pizza in a more traditional, sit-down format.

5. West Midtown & Howell Mill Area

West Midtown has grown into a major restaurant district, and while it’s more whole-pie focused, you can still find:

• Restaurants with Italian and European-influenced pizza
• Some places that offer slices at the bar or during lunch
• A slightly more upscale or trendy atmosphere compared with student-oriented slice shops

This is a good pick if you’re meeting friends or coworkers and want pizza that feels more like a full dining experience.

How to Choose the Right Slice Spot in Atlanta

When you’re standing on the sidewalk or scrolling maps, a few practical filters can help narrow your options.

1. Decide What Style You Want

Ask yourself:

• Foldable, grab-and-go? Look for New York–style or by-the-slice counters.
• Soft, artisan crust and simple toppings? Search for Italian or Neapolitan pizza.
• Thick, filling slices? Check menus or window displays for Sicilian or pan-style.

If you’re unsure, most Atlanta slice shops post photos of their pizza in the window or online, which can help you decide quickly.

2. Consider Time of Day

Pizza service in Atlanta shifts a bit by time:

• Lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.):

  • Many Downtown and Midtown shops run slice combos (slice + drink).
  • Good for office workers, convention visitors, and students.

• Dinner (5–9 p.m.):

  • More places switch to whole pies and table service.
  • Some still offer slices at the bar or for takeout.

• Late night (after 10 p.m., especially Friday–Saturday):

  • Your best bet is Midtown, Little Five Points, and bar-heavy stretches where shops stay open late to catch the nightlife crowd.

3. Think About Dietary Needs

Many Atlanta pizza spots now make a point of accommodating different diets. Check menus or call ahead if you need:

• Vegetarian or vegan slices (often with veggie toppings, dairy-free cheese, or cheese-free options)
• Gluten-free crusts (more commonly available on whole pies than single slices)
• Halal or specific meat preferences (less common, but some places offer turkey or beef pepperoni instead of pork)

For detailed ingredient questions, asking directly at the counter is usually the fastest way to get clear information.

4. Factor in Parking & Transit

Traffic and parking can shape your pizza plans in Atlanta:

• Downtown & Midtown:

  • Paid decks and street parking; easier if you’re already on MARTA or on foot.
  • Good if you’re attending events at the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Fox Theatre, or Woodruff Arts Center.

• Intown neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Little Five):

  • Limited street parking; walkable once parked.
  • Easy to combine with BeltLine access if you’re biking or walking.

• West Midtown:

  • Mix of surface lots and deck parking, often shared among restaurants and shops.

Quick Comparison: Slice Options in Key Atlanta Areas

Tips for Getting the Best Slice Experience in Atlanta

A few small choices can make your slice stop smoother and more enjoyable:

For Locals

• Try different neighborhoods. Don’t stick to just one shop near home; the styles can vary a lot across the city.
• Check hours before heading out. Some spots are lunch-only on weekdays and stay open later only on weekends.
• Use carryout smartly. Many intown residents grab a few slices and eat in nearby parks like Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, or along the BeltLine when the weather’s good.

For Visitors

• Pair pizza with attractions.

  • Downtown slices before or after a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or State Farm Arena.
  • Midtown slices around a show at the Fox Theatre.
  • BeltLine-area slices while exploring Ponce City Market or local street art.

• Ask about house specialties. Many shops have a signature slice that reflects their international inspiration—for example, a white pizza with Italian cheeses, a Mediterranean veggie combo, or a spicy sausage slice.

For Families & Groups

• Check seating. Some slice counters are mostly stand-up or bar-style; if you’re with kids, you may want a place with booths or tables.
• Consider whole pies for value. For larger groups, ordering a whole pizza (or two) can be more economical than buying many individual slices, even in slice-oriented shops.
• Look at wait times. Intown restaurants by the BeltLine or in West Midtown can fill up quickly at peak dinner hours.

How to Find Slice Shops Near You in Atlanta

If you’re not sure where to start:

• Use map searches with terms like “pizza by the slice,” “New York-style pizza,” or “Italian pizza” and filter by distance from your location.
• Look for photos in listings to see if pizzas are displayed in a slice case (a strong sign they sell by the slice).
• Call ahead to ask:
  • “Do you sell pizza by the slice, or just whole pies?”
  • “Do you offer slices all day, or only at lunch?”
  • “Do you have vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options?”

For general help navigating the city, parking, or public transit to restaurant districts, you can contact:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 521‑6600

They can provide area maps, neighborhood info, and transit suggestions to help you plan a pizza outing around whatever else you’re doing in the city.

Whether you’re a longtime Atlantan hunting for a new favorite slice, a visitor needing a quick meal between attractions, or someone curious about how international pizza styles show up in Atlanta, the city offers plenty of options. Focus on the neighborhood that fits your plans, pick the style you’re in the mood for, and you’ll rarely be far from a solid slice.