Varasano’s Pizzeria in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re in Atlanta and searching for classic, New York–style pizza with an obsessive focus on dough, Varasano’s Pizzeria is one of the most talked‑about spots in the city. For locals, visitors, and anyone mapping out where to eat near Buckhead or Hartsfield‑Jackson, it’s a useful place to know—especially if you care more about crust and simplicity than loaded, over-the-top toppings.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to Varasano’s: what they serve, where they are, what the vibe is like, and tips to make your visit smoother.

Where to Find Varasano’s Pizzeria in Atlanta

Varasano’s has become a familiar name in Atlanta’s pizza scene, especially around Buckhead and the airport. Locations and hours can change, but Atlantans most often encounter Varasano’s in two main contexts:

• Inside Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• In-town, commonly associated with the Buckhead area

Because restaurant build-outs, partners, and food halls can shift over time, it’s a good idea to:

• Check posted signage when you’re at Hartsfield‑Jackson (particularly in the main terminal and concourses where local Atlanta brands are featured).
• Confirm current locations and hours by phone before making a long drive across the metro.

If you’re staying in central or north Atlanta—Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Brookhaven—Varasano’s is typically easiest to work into your schedule when you’re:

• Heading to or from the airport
• Already shopping or dining in Buckhead
• Looking for a recognizable Atlanta pizza name for visiting friends or family

What Style of Pizza Does Varasano’s Serve?

Varasano’s focuses on thin, New York–influenced pizza with a strong nod to Neapolitan techniques, baked at a higher temperature than a typical corner slice shop.

In Atlanta terms, think of it as:

• Crust-first pizza – Slightly chewy, with a developed flavor in the dough
• Moderate charring – Dark, blistered spots on the bottom and edge are common
• Relatively simple toppings – Fewer, high-quality toppings rather than piled-on combinations

Typical Pizza Features

Common characteristics you’ll notice on a Atlanta visit:

• Hand-stretched dough with a thinner center and puffed cornicione (outer rim)
• Balanced cheese and sauce instead of heavy, greasy layers
• Softer center than a typical delivery pizza; slices may fold easily

If you’re used to big delivery chains around metro Atlanta, this style may feel a bit lighter and more “artisan,” with more emphasis on texture and flavor of the crust than on weight and quantity.

Popular Menu Options and What to Expect

Menus can change, but Varasano’s usually offers a mix of classic pies and signature creations. Common categories include:

Classic-Style Pizzas

These are the pizzas most Atlanta diners start with:

• Margherita-style pies

  • Tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil
  • A good test if you want to judge the crust and sauce

• Cheese pizza

  • Straightforward, kid-friendly, and easy to share

Signature and Topped Pizzas

Expect a handful of more distinctive options, often featuring:

• Fresh herbs
• Imported or specialty cheeses
• Cured meats like prosciutto or Italian sausage
• Vegetable-focused combinations (arugula, roasted peppers, etc.)

Beyond Pizza

Depending on the specific Varasano’s setup you visit (airport vs. in-town), you may find:

• Simple salads
• Appetizers such as bread, olives, or small plates
• Desserts geared toward quick, shareable options
• Beer and wine service in non-airport locations, or drinks tailored to airport service

If you have allergies or dietary preferences, it’s typical in Atlanta restaurants to ask directly about:

• Gluten-sensitive options
• Nut and dairy ingredients
• Cross-contact in a small, high-heat kitchen

Most staff are used to these questions and can walk you through what’s feasible.

Atmosphere: What It Feels Like to Eat at Varasano’s

The exact feel varies by location, but Atlanta diners generally experience Varasano’s as:

• Casual and relaxed – Comfortable for jeans, families, and small groups
• Pizza-focused – The oven and pies are the main event
• Quicker than a full-service restaurant, but slower and more sit-down oriented than a typical fast-food chain

Airport vs. In-Town Experience

At Hartsfield‑Jackson (ATL):

• Designed for travelers on a schedule
• Seating depends on concourse and build-out
• Service speed is generally prioritized over lingering

In-town (Buckhead-oriented settings):

• More room to sit, chat, and share multiple pies
• Often a better choice if you want to taste the pizza at its best, rather than in a rushed, between-flights setting

Varasano’s vs. Other Atlanta Pizza Styles

Atlanta’s pizza landscape is broad—everything from deep-dish to late-night slices. Here’s how Varasano’s typically fits in for locals comparing options.

How It Compares

• Versus classic New York slice shops

  • Varasano’s tends to be more dough- and technique-driven, closer to a sit-down restaurant than a grab-and-go slice counter.

• Versus Neapolitan spots in Midtown or Inman Park

  • Similar commitment to crust and high heat, but usually a bit more New York in spirit—slightly crisper and more structured slices.

• Versus large delivery chains

  • Thinner, lighter, and more focused on subtle flavors than on heavy cheese and toppings.

This can help you decide if it’s the right choice depending on your mood:

Price Range and Portion Expectations

Exact prices depend on location and time, but for Atlanta standards:

• Individual pies are typically sized for 1–2 people depending on appetite.
• Costs are usually above basic delivery chains, but in line with other artisan pizza spots in Buckhead, Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward.

To manage costs if you’re in a group:

• Share larger pizzas and supplement with one salad.
• Split a couple of different pizzas so everyone can try multiple toppings.

In airport settings, expect slightly higher pricing than you might see in a neighborhood location, which is common across Hartsfield‑Jackson vendors.

Getting There: Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

If You’re Just Passing Through the Airport

Varasano’s is often on the short list of “Atlanta-born” brands people look for when they have a layover. To make it easier:

• Allow extra time during busy travel periods; lines can form at popular local spots.
• Check which concourse you’re in and whether you have time to ride the Plane Train to another concourse if needed.

If You Live in Atlanta or Are Staying In-Town

When planning a visit from neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Decatur, Grant Park, or West Midtown:

• Factor in Atlanta traffic, especially if you’re aiming for a specific time with friends or family.
• Consider pairing a visit with a trip to nearby shopping or nightlife in Buckhead, so the drive feels more worthwhile.

Ordering and Takeout Tips

Pizza like Varasano’s, with a thinner center and specific crust texture, tends to taste best right out of the oven. Still, many Atlantans order it for takeout. To improve your experience:

• Eat in when you can, especially for your first visit.
• If taking pizza home to neighborhoods further away (Sandy Springs, Decatur, or East Atlanta):
  • Crack the box lid slightly to reduce steam buildup.
  • Reheat in a hot oven or skillet rather than a microwave if it cools down.

Atlanta’s humidity and summer heat can also make boxed pizza steam faster, so quick transportation helps preserve the crispness.

Parking, Access, and Practical Details

Practical planning goes a long way in Atlanta. You’ll typically deal with:

• Airport location

  • Accessed from inside the secure area at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, so it’s only suitable if you have a boarding pass and have cleared TSA.

• In-town access

  • Usually connected with established commercial areas where parking may be garage-based or shared-lot.
  • Bring a parking ticket stub if you’re in a garage; some restaurants in Atlanta occasionally validate, depending on the building.

If you have accessibility needs, Atlanta restaurants are generally required to offer ADA-compliant entrances and restrooms, but it’s reasonable to call ahead to confirm ramp locations or the most accessible entrance, especially in older buildings or mixed-use developments.

When Varasano’s Pizzeria Makes Sense for Your Atlanta Plans

Varasano’s fits especially well if you:

• Want a recognizable, Atlanta-linked pizza name to introduce to visitors
• Care about texture and flavor of the crust more than heavy toppings
• Are flying through Hartsfield‑Jackson and prefer a local brand over a national chain
• Are spending time in or near Buckhead and want a sit-down pizza meal

If you’re craving deep-dish, overloaded toppings, or ultra-cheap slices, it may not match that specific mood. But for many Atlanta locals and visitors, it’s a solid example of the city’s internationally influenced, dough-focused pizza scene, and a useful option to keep in mind when planning where to eat.