Westside Pizzeria in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re craving pizza on Atlanta’s west side, “Westside Pizzeria” probably sounds like exactly what you’re looking for. While specific restaurant names and lineups can change over time, Atlanta’s Westside, West Midtown, and nearby neighborhoods have developed a strong reputation for international-style pizza and global takes on classic pies.
This guide explains how to find and evaluate a pizzeria in Atlanta’s westside area, what “international cuisine” can mean in a pizza context, and how locals typically navigate the city’s pizza options.
Understanding “Westside Pizzeria” in the Atlanta Context
In Atlanta, the term “Westside” usually refers to areas like:
- West Midtown
- Parts of the Upper Westside
- Neighborhoods near Marietta Street, Howell Mill Road, and west of Downtown
A place called Westside Pizzeria would most likely be:
- A local pizza shop serving residents and nearby offices
- Positioned as international cuisine because of:
- Italian-style pizzas and pastas
- Global toppings or fusion dishes
- Imported ingredients (like Italian cheeses, cured meats, or specialty flours)
Because restaurant names, ownership, and locations can change, Atlanta diners usually:
- Search maps or delivery apps by name and neighborhood
- Check recent reviews and hours before heading out
- Confirm dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, since these can vary widely
What “International Cuisine” Means for a Pizzeria
In Atlanta, a pizzeria under the International Cuisine umbrella often goes beyond a basic slice shop. You might find:
Italian-Influenced Menus
Many spots lean into traditional Italian flavors, even if they aren’t formal Italian restaurants:
- Margherita pizzas with fresh mozzarella and basil
- Prosciutto and arugula toppings
- Caprese salads, bruschetta, or antipasti platters
- Pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti
Global and Fusion Toppings
Atlanta’s diverse food scene means pizzerias sometimes draw from various cuisines:
- Mediterranean-style toppings: feta, olives, roasted red peppers
- Latin-inspired options: chorizo, jalapeños, cilantro, crema
- Middle Eastern or Indian influences: spiced meats, paneer, yogurt sauces, or bold herbs
These fusion pies are popular with locals who want something different from standard pepperoni.
Multiple Crust and Baking Styles
An “international” pizzeria in Atlanta may highlight:
- Neapolitan-style: thin, soft, charred edges, usually baked in a very hot oven
- New York-style: large, foldable slices, moderate crust
- Roman or square pan pizzas: thicker, airy crust
- Wood-fired or stone-deck ovens that influence flavor and texture
If you’re picky about crust, look for clues like “wood-fired,” “Neapolitan,” or “New York-style” in the restaurant’s description.
Typical Westside Pizzeria Experience in Atlanta
Residents and visitors on Atlanta’s westside usually look for a few core things when picking a pizzeria.
1. Neighborhood Vibe
Westside-area pizza spots often serve a mix of:
- Local residents
- Georgia Tech students and staff
- Office workers from West Midtown and Atlantic Station
You’ll see everything from casual counter-service shops to sit-down pizzerias that work well for families, date nights, or small groups.
2. Eat-In, Takeout, and Delivery
On the westside, many pizzerias support multiple ways to order:
- Dine-in: Often with TVs, bar seating, or outdoor patios
- Takeout: Phone ordering or quick pickup for nearby apartments or offices
- Delivery: Through in-house drivers or popular third-party services
If you’re staying in a hotel near Atlantic Station, Georgia Tech, or the Westside Provisions District, delivery from a nearby pizzeria is often straightforward—just confirm that the restaurant’s delivery radius covers your address.
3. Portion Sizes and Pricing
Atlanta pizza portions are typically generous. Common patterns include:
- Large pies intended to feed 3–4 people
- By-the-slice service at some casual spots, popular with students and office workers
- Combo options like pizza plus salad or wings
Prices vary by crust style, ingredient quality, and location, with wood-fired or imported-ingredient menus often costing a bit more than basic slice shops.
Menu Basics: What You’re Likely to Find
Whether or not there’s a specific restaurant called “Westside Pizzeria,” a west-Atlanta pizzeria with an international focus will usually offer a mix like this:
Core Pizza Options
Classic American favorites
- Cheese
- Pepperoni
- Meat lovers
- Veggie
Italian-leaning specialties
- Margherita
- Four-cheese (often featuring ricotta or gorgonzola)
- Sausage and peppers
- White pizza with garlic and ricotta
Global or creative combinations
- Mediterranean (spinach, feta, olives, tomatoes)
- Spicy pies with imported meats or chili oils
- Seasonal options using local produce
Starters and Sides
You can usually count on:
- Garlic knots or breadsticks
- Salads (Caesar, house, Greek-style, or chopped)
- Wings (sometimes with international sauces or dry rubs)
Some spots add:
- Arancini (Italian rice balls)
- Meatballs in tomato sauce
- Charcuterie-style appetizers
Desserts and Drinks
Many Atlanta pizzerias round out the meal with:
- Tiramisu, cannoli, or gelato at more Italian-style places
- Cookies, brownies, or simple sweets at casual slice shops
- Beer and wine at restaurants with a full pouring license
- Soft drinks, Italian sodas, or espresso-based beverages in some locations
Dietary Preferences and Modifications
Like much of Atlanta’s restaurant scene, westside pizzerias are increasingly responsive to different diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Common accommodations include:
- Cheese-only or veggie-only pies
- Toppings like spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives, and tomatoes
- Some places carry vegan cheese or plant-based proteins
If you’re fully vegan, call ahead or check the menu to confirm:
- Whether the dough contains dairy or honey
- Availability of vegan cheese or sauce-only pies
Gluten-Conscious Choices
Some Atlanta pizzerias offer:
- Gluten-free crusts, usually in medium sizes
- Cauliflower crust as an alternative
For people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it’s important to clarify:
- Whether there is shared oven space
- Risk of flour cross-contact in the kitchen
Most restaurants can explain how they handle gluten, but levels of separation vary.
When You’re Visiting Atlanta vs. When You Live Here
How you approach a Westside pizzeria can differ depending on whether you’re a local or just in town briefly.
If You’re Visiting Atlanta
You might prioritize:
- Location near where you’re staying, such as:
- Downtown Atlanta
- Midtown and Arts Center
- West Midtown / Atlantic Station
- Straightforward ordering for groups and families
- A place that’s easy to reach by car or rideshare, since many Westside destinations are more car-oriented
Visitors often use hotel addresses near:
- Atlantic Station (e.g., 17th Street NW area)
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Downtown hotels on Peachtree Street
From these areas, westside pizzerias are typically a short drive away, but walking is less common outside small, specific districts.
If You Live in Atlanta
Locals usually care about:
- Consistency: A go-to spot with reliable dough, sauce, and service
- Takeout and delivery reliability during busy hours or after work
- Ease of parking or quick pickup access, especially around:
- Howell Mill Road
- Marietta Street NW
- Side streets connecting to West Midtown developments
Residents also pay attention to:
- Neighborhood safety and lighting for late pickups
- Traffic patterns at key times (for instance, rush hour along Northside Drive or I-75/85 connectors)
Practical Ways to Find a “Westside Pizzeria” in Atlanta
If you’re trying to track down a specific restaurant by that name—or just a good pizza place on the west side—these steps are commonly used by Atlanta diners:
1. Use Neighborhood-Based Searches
Search or filter using:
- “West Midtown pizza”
- “Upper Westside pizza”
- “Pizza near Howell Mill Road” or “pizza near Marietta Street”
This helps narrow things down to the area people refer to as the Westside.
2. Check Mapping and Delivery Apps
Most Atlantans rely on:
Map apps to see:
- Exact address
- Parking options
- Relative distance to home, office, or hotel
Delivery platforms to see:
- Delivery radius
- Typical wait times
- Recent menu updates
Because some restaurants rebrand or change names, you might find that what people call “Westside Pizzeria” informally is listed under a slightly different formal name.
3. Call Directly for Current Information
If you locate a candidate restaurant, a quick phone call can clarify:
- Hours of operation (especially evenings and weekends)
- Dine-in vs. takeout vs. delivery
- Availability of gluten-free or vegan options
- Parking instructions (street parking vs. shared lots vs. paid decks)
Simple Comparison Guide for Atlanta Westside Pizzerias
Use this quick reference when choosing where to go or order from:
| Factor | What to Look For in Westside/West Midtown Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Location | Proximity to West Midtown, Howell Mill, Marietta St, or your hotel/home |
| Cuisine Style | Classic American, Italian-inspired, or global/fusion-style pizzas |
| Crust Type | New York-style, Neapolitan, pan, or gluten-free/alternative crusts |
| Ordering Options | Dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery radius |
| Diet Options | Clearly labeled vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-conscious choices |
| Atmosphere | Casual slice shop, family-friendly restaurant, or date-night-friendly setting |
| Parking/Access | Free lot, shared deck, street parking, or walkable from nearby apartments or offices |
Safety, Zoning, and Local Business Context
While you don’t generally need to worry about legal details when ordering dinner, it can help to understand the local framework:
- Restaurants in Atlanta usually operate under permits from the City of Atlanta and inspections from the Fulton County Board of Health (or nearby county if just outside city limits).
- If you ever have concerns about food safety or cleanliness, residents typically contact:
- Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division
- 10 Park Place South SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Main phone (commonly listed publicly; confirm current number before calling)
- Fulton County Board of Health – Environmental Health Division
Most diners simply use reviews, personal experience, and word of mouth to judge whether a pizzeria is well-run and consistent.
Tips for Getting the Best Experience at a Westside Pizzeria
A few simple habits go a long way in Atlanta:
Order ahead during peak hours 🕕
Friday and Saturday nights can be especially busy; calling or ordering early helps avoid long waits.Ask about daily or lunch specials
Many pizzerias in office-heavy parts of West Midtown offer slice + drink or pie + salad deals.Confirm parking before you go
Some developments have validated deck parking, while others rely on limited street parking or shared lots.Check traffic
If you’re driving from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, consider rush-hour patterns on Northside Drive, I-75/85, or surface streets.Note closing times
Not all westside pizzerias stay open late; late-night pizza is more common around campuses and bar-heavy corridors.
If you’re in or around Atlanta’s Westside and searching for a place like “Westside Pizzeria,” use the neighborhood-focused tips above to identify a pizzeria that matches your preferred style, location, and dietary needs. With the city’s growing mix of internationally influenced pizza options, you can usually find something that feels both familiar and a little bit global—without leaving the west side of town.