Nashville’s Top Pizza Spots: Best Places for Neapolitan, NY-Style & More!

Nashville isn’t just about hot chicken and honky-tonks—it’s also home to some seriously delicious pizza! Whether you’re craving crispy New York-style slices, authentic Neapolitan pies, or something totally unique to Music City, there’s a pizza joint here ready to blow your mind. 🍕🔥 From hidden gems to legendary pizzerias, we’re diving into the best pizza spots in Nashville that will have you coming back for more!

Greg Knotek, Gio’s Pizza – Linked from Yelp

This content is taken from the upcoming book Nashville Local’s Guide for Visitors and Newbies, which you can support on Kickstarter by clicking the link above. This article may contain affiliate links, which compensate me a bit for my time at no extra cost to you.

Pizza is not Pizza is not Pizza

Pizza isn’t just food—it’s an experience! Each style offers its own unique flavors, textures, and traditions, making it one of the most diverse and beloved dishes worldwide. Here are some styles:

🍕 Buffalo-Style – A cross between NY-style and Chicago-style, featuring thick, airy crust, cup-and-char pepperoni, and sweet tomato sauce.

🌿 California-Style – A thin-crust pizza topped with fresh, seasonal ingredients and unique flavors.

🧀 Chicago Deep Dish – A buttery crust loaded with cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and toppings, baked in a deep pan.

🍺 Chicago Tavern-Style – A thin, crispy-crust pizza cut into squares, originally served in bars after Prohibition.

🔥 Coal-Fired – Similar to Neapolitan, but baked at a higher temperature for a smokier flavor.

🏙️ Detroit-Style – A square-shaped pizza with a thick, airy crust, crispy edges, and cheese spread to the sides.

🇬🇷 Greek-Style – A thick, oily-crusted pizza, baked in a pan and topped with heavy tomato sauce and lots of cheese.

🍞 Grandma Pizza – A thin, square pizza with a crispy bottom, simple tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella.

🍅 Neapolitan – The original Italian pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a thin, soft crust.

🔥 New Haven-Style – A coal-fired pizza with a charred, crispy bottom and chewy texture—often served without mozzarella.

🗽 New York-Style – Large, foldable slices with a thin, crispy crust, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

🇮🇹 Roman-Style – Comes in two varieties:

• Pizza al Taglio – Rectangular, baked in trays, and sold by weight.
• Pizza Tonda – Super thin, crispy, and baked at high heat.

🥖 Sicilian – A thick, fluffy, focaccia-like crust, often topped with tomato sauce and cheese.

🧀 St. Louis-Style – A cracker-thin crust with Provel cheese, cut into squares—but sadly, not found in Nashville.

Whatever style you choose, pizza is always a classic crowd-pleaser. 🍕🔥😊

Top Pizza Spots Downtown

Downtown Nashville has a fantastic variety of pizza spots, offering everything from Neapolitan-style to Detroit-style and Chicago deep-dish. Here are some of the best places to check out:

• Taste of NY – New York-style pizza, featuring thin, foldable slices with fresh mozzarella and a signature sauce. Located at 530 Church St, Nashville, TN.
• Emmy Squared Pizza – Detroit-style pizza with crispy, cheesy edges and thick, airy crust. Located in The Gulch.
• Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar – Artisan-style pizza with fresh ingredients and creative toppings. Located on Church St in the L&C Building. Also has brunch from 11 AM – 4 PM, Friday – Sunday.
• Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria – Thick-crust, pan-style pizza with bold flavors and unique toppings. Located on Broadway Pl.
• Mellow Mushroom – Stone-baked pizza with a chewy, slightly sweet crust. Located on Lower Broad. A small southern chain that originated in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Michaelangelo’s Pizza – A cozy, welcoming pizzeria in Downtown Nashville, serving handcrafted pizzas with fresh ingredients and a wood-fired crust. Located at 205 22nd Ave N, Nashville, TN.
• Sicilian Pizza – Sicilian-style pizza, featuring thick, square-cut slices with a crispy bottom. Located on Union St.
• Al Taglio – Roman-style pizza, known for its airy, crispy crust and rectangular slices. Located on 5th St.
• DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana – Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, following the strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Known for its wood-fired crust, fresh ingredients, and traditional Italian flavors. 5055 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN in Assembly Hall.

I will also cover Pinsa, which is a bit different than pizza, although it looks very similar.

Locals View of the Top Pizza Spots

Nashville’s pizza scene is just as impressive as its music, offering everything from thin NY slices to deep-dish indulgence and wood-fired artisan pies. Whether you’re after hidden gems or buzzy hotspots, Music City delivers bold flavors, creative toppings, and expert craftsmanship. Here’s a look at some of my favorite spots in town and nearby! 🔥

🗽 Pinky Ring Pizza – New Haven-style apizza with a charred crust. Try the Madtown (meatballs, peppadew peppers) in Madison.

🔥 Roberta’s Pizza – Brooklyn-style wood-fired pies inside Urban Cowboy Public House. Try the Bee Sting (soppressata, chili, honey).

🚚 Flour & Forge Food Truck – Mobile pizzeria serving bold flavors like Thai Chicken & Ghost PepperJack—watch your pie bake through their see-through side!

🍕 Sky King Pizza – Locally sourced, wood-fired pizzas with rotating specials in Kingston Springs. Great spot for a cozy winter night at the bar.

🍺 Smith & Lentz Brewing & Pizza – Sourdough-fermented pizza paired with craft beer. The Spicy Marg & hot honey Pepperoni Pie are must-tries!

📍 5 Points Pizza – NY-style pizza, known for thin, foldable slices and garlic knots—locations in East & West Nashville.

🧀 Emmy Squared – Detroit-style deep-dish pizza with crispy, cheesy edges—find them in The Gulch, Germantown, and Green Hills.

🍝 Sal’s Pizza – A classic NY-style joint in Mt. Juliet, featuring greasy, foldable slices, pasta, and subs.

🌙 Midnight Oil – Late-night pizza in The Nations—try the Sweet Heat & Buffalo Chicken. Pizza by the slice into the wee hours!

🧀 Gio’s Chicago Pizza – The go-to for deep-dish pizza, packed with thick crust, chunky tomato sauce, and layers of cheese.

🇮🇹 Tutti Da Gio – Authentic Sicilian pizza with high-end cheese and fresh ingredients. Grab an arancini while you’re there!

Where will you grab your next slice?

Top Pizza Spots By Style

Picking the best pizza spots in Nashville is no easy task—this city serves up every style imaginable, making it tough to crown a single champion! 🍕 Whether you’re craving the airy, crispy crust of a Neapolitan pie, the deep, cheesy layers of a Chicago-style slice, or the thin, foldable perfection of New York-style pizza, Nashville has a spot that does it right. Some places specialize in wood-fired artistry, while others lean into classic comfort food with over-the-top toppings. The diversity of pizza in Music City means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but that’s exactly what makes exploring Nashville’s pizza scene so exciting. Let’s dive into the best places for every craving! 🔥🍕

Buffalo-Style

Buffalo-style pizza is a cross between NY-style and Chicago-style, featuring a crispy yet chewy texture, extra cheese, and a bold, slightly sweet sauce. Michaelangelo’s brings this distinctive Upstate New York flavor to Music City, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers looking for something different.

Michaelangelo’s Pizza is the only spot in Nashville serving Buffalo-style pizza, a regional favorite known for its thicker, airy crust, sweet tomato sauce, and cup-and-char pepperoni. Located at 205 22nd Ave N, Nashville, TN, this cozy pizzeria offers a variety of handcrafted pizzas, made with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven

California-Style

California-style pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust and creative, fresh toppings, often featuring seasonal ingredients and a lighter approach compared to traditional styles. While Nashville isn’t a hotspot for California-style pizza, there are a few places where you can find West Coast-inspired flavors. The only spot specializing in this type is the chain California Pizza Kitchen in the Cool Springs Galleria, Franklin.

Chicago Deep Dish

Although many people assume Chicago Deep Dish is a thick crust pizza, it is actually a very thin crust presed into a deep pan with sides that are vertical. If you’re craving Chicago-style deep-dish pizza in Nashville, here are some top spots to check out:

• Gio’s Chicago Pizza – Known for its true Chicago-style pizza, with a 5-star rating on Facebook. It is also my favorite in the city. In the community kitchen on 27th Ave & Alabama St and to go only.
• 312 Pizza Co – A Germantown favorite, run by a family from Chicago, serving authentic deep-dish pizza with homemade sauce and fresh ingredients. This would be my number 2 spot for this style of pizza.

Local’s Tip: If you are jonesing for a Chicago Deep Dish, these are the only two spots I can recommend. Leave yourself extra time, as these pizzas will take 45 minutes to an hour to cook.

Each of these places brings a taste of Chicago to Music City, so you can enjoy that thick, cheesy, saucy goodness without leaving town!

Chicago Tavern Style

Chicago tavern-style pizza is a thin-crust, crispy pizza that is cut into small squares rather than traditional slices. Unlike the famous deep-dish pizza, tavern-style pizza has a cracker-like crust that is rolled out thin and baked until golden brown. The toppings, often including sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella, are spread generously to the edges, ensuring every bite is flavorful. This style originated in Chicago taverns in the 1940s, where bars served it as a snack to encourage patrons to stay and drink longer. The square-cut pieces made it easy to grab and share, earning it the nickname “party-cut pizza.” Today, it remains a Chicago staple, loved for its crispy texture, bold flavors, and nostalgic roots.

If you’re looking for Chicago tavern-style pizza in Nashville, here are some top spots to check out:

• Gio’s Chicago Pizza – Known for its authentic Chicago-style pizza, including deep dish and tavern-style thin crust. Customers love the crispy crust and fresh mozzarella. Located at 4611 Alabama Ave, Nashville.
• Dicey’s Tavern – A standout for crispy, thin tavern-style pizza with customizable toppings like hot honey and cup pepperonis. Located at 425 Chestnut St, Nashville.
• 312 Pizza Co – A Chicago-born family-run spot offering authentic Windy City flavors, including thin-crust tavern-style pizza alongside deep dish. Located in Germantown.

Local’s Tip: Many local spots, like New Heights Brewery, also carry 312 Pizza Co’s tavern pizza.

Each of these places brings a taste of Chicago to Music City, serving up thin, crispy, square-cut pizzas with bold flavors.

Coal Fired

Both coal-fired pizza and Neapolitan pizza share similarities in their high-temperature baking methods, but they have distinct differences in flavor, texture, and tradition. If you’re looking for coal-fired pizza in Nashville, Nicky’s Coal Fired in the Nations is the go-to spot!

Local’s Tip: If you are bringing friends or family, go to their site and get the $25 off $75 or more coupon.

Detroit-Style

If you’re craving a thick Detroit-style pizza in Nashville, here are some top spots to check out:

• Emmy Squared Pizza – Famous for its crispy, cheesy edges and thick, airy crust.
  • In the Gulch: 404 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN.
  • In Green Hills: 3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN.
  • In Germantown: 1121 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN.
• Pastaria – While known for Italian cuisine, they also serve Detroit-style pizza with fresh ingredients. Located at 8 City Pl, Nashville, TN.
• TailGate Brewery – A craft brewery and pizzeria serving Detroit-style pizza with creative toppings like hot honey, taco pizza, and Thai chicken pizza. Nashville locations are:
  • Headquarters (7300 Charlotte Pike)
  • Music Row (1538 Demonbreun St)
  • Germantown (915 3rd Ave N)
  • East Nashville (811 Gallatin Ave)
  • Tanger Outlets (4060 Cane Ridge Pkwy, Ste 615).
    
    Tailgate also has locations in Hendersonville (248 Sanders Ferry Rd), Murfreesboro (210 Stones River Mall Blvd), and Chattanooga (1464 Market St).
    
    Local’s Tip: Pizza is half price at all of their locations and they have a more traditional style pizza, as well.

In addition, Jet’s Pizza (various locations) does a great Detroit-Style pizza. It is a chain, of course, but they do deliver.

Grandma Style

If you’re looking for Grandma-style pizza in Nashville, GaGa’s Grandma Pies @ Stay Golden is a great spot to check out. They specialize in thin, square-cut pizzas with a crispy bottom, simple tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella, staying true to the classic Grandma pizza style. This business does pop ups aroudn town. Follow their instagram for information on days.

Greek Style Pizza

If you’re looking for Greek-style pizza in Nashville, here are some great spots to check out:

• Marco Polo’s Pizza – A local favorite serving Greek-style pizzas alongside classic Italian options. Located at 2721 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN.
• Express Pizza & Gyros – A great spot for Greek-inspired pizzas and gyros. Located at 1734 Jefferson St, Nashville, TN.
• Greko Greek Street Food – While not a traditional pizza spot, they serve Mediterranean-style flatbreads with Greek flavors. Located at 704 Main St, Nashville, TN. Also a great option for more traditional Greek food.

Neapolitan

Nashville has some fantastic spots for Neapolitan-style pizza, where you can enjoy thin, wood-fired crusts, fresh ingredients, and that perfect balance of chewy and crispy. Here are some of the best places to check out:

• Pastaria – A modern Italian eatery serving authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Bella Napoli Pizzeria – A cozy spot known for its traditional Neapolitan pizzas, made with imported Italian ingredients.
• City House – A Germantown favorite offering wood-fired pizzas with a creative twist.
• Bella Nashville Pizzeria – A local gem specializing in true Neapolitan-style pizza, with a focus on simplicity and flavor.
• DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana – Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, following the strict guidelines of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Known for its wood-fired crust, fresh ingredients, and traditional Italian flavors. Locations:
  • Germantown – 1012 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN
  • Assembly Food Hall – 5055 Broadway Pl, Nashville, TN
  • Bellevue – 8129 Sawyer Brown Rd #401 (One Bellevue Place)
• Il Forno – A wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria, originally a mobile pizza truck, now a full restaurant serving traditional Naples-style pizza with fresh ingredients.

New Haven Style

Nashville has embraced New Haven-style pizza, a coal-fired, thin-crust pizza known for its charred, crispy bottom and chewy texture. Two standout spots bringing this Connecticut classic to Music City are Estilo and Pinky Ring Pizza.

• Estilo – Specializing in New Haven-style apizza, Estilo offers a perfectly charred, smoky crust, thin melted mozzarella, and a tangy San Marzano tomato base. Their motto, “In Crust We Trust,” reflects their dedication to high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Located in Mt. Juliet, Estilo is a takeout-only spot, making it easy to grab a handcrafted pizza on the go.
• Pinky Ring Pizza – A cozy pizzeria in Madison, Pinky Ring serves expertly crafted New Haven-style pies with bold toppings. Their New Haven Red pie is a standout, featuring crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and Pecorino Romano cheese. They also offer creative options like the Madison Hot Pickle, with white sauce and smoked provolone.

Both spots bring a taste of New Haven to Nashville, offering authentic coal-fired pizzas with rich flavors and crispy textures.

New York-Style

Nashville has some fantastic spots for New York-style pizza, where you can grab a thin, foldable slice with that perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese. Here are some of the best places to check out:

• Five Points Pizza East – A local favorite known for its authentic NY-style pies, garlic knots, and craft beer selection.
• Five Points Pizza West – The same great pizza as the East location, but on the west side of town!
• New York Pizza – A classic spot serving thin-crust, foldable slices that feel straight out of NYC.
• Pizza Perfect – A long-standing pizza joint with great NY-style options with a mediterranean flare.

Unfortunately, our best Brooklyn style pizza joint, Joey’s House of Pizza, is catering only now. His brother Manny, of Manny’s House of Pizza, is also closed.

Roman Style

Nashville has a few great spots for Roman-style pizza, offering both Pizza al Taglio (rectangular, crispy-bottomed slices) and Pizza Tonda (thin, round, cracker-like crust). Here’s where you can find them:

• Al Taglio – Specializes in Pizza al Taglio, featuring a light, airy crust with specialty toppings. Located in Downtown Nashville.
• Bella Nashville Pizzeria – Offers Pizza Tonda, with a thin, crispy crust baked at high temperatures. Located in Nashville Farmers’ Market.

Roman-style pizza is known for its high hydration dough, long fermentation process, and crispy texture, making it a unique alternative to traditional Neapolitan or New York-style pizzas.

Sicilian

Whether you are seeking a taraditional deep dish Sicilian or interested in a potato pizza on focaccia (called Sfincione), I have you covered:

• Sicilian Pizza – A well-known spot specializing in thick, fluffy Sicilian-style pizza with a crispy bottom. Located at 327 Union St, Nashville, TN.
• Sicilian Pizza Airport – Another location of Sicilian Pizza, serving classic Sicilian pies near the airport. Located at 2614 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN.
• Mangia Nashville – An Italian eatery known for authentic Sicilian flavors and thick-crust pizzas. Located at 701 Craighead St, Nashville, TN.
  
  Local’s Tip: Forgo the pizza and join Mangia for the weekend feast. You will be glad you did.
  
• St. Vito Focacceria – Specializing in Sfincione, a unique Sicilian-style pizza with embedded fontina cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a crispy, airy crust. Located at 605 Mansion St, Nashville, TN.
  
  Local’s Tip: Be sure to try a slice of the potato sfincione.

Top Pizza Spots for … Pinsa?

Pinsa is a Roman-style flatbread that is often mistaken for pizza but has a lighter, airier texture and a crispy crust. The dough is made with a blend of wheat, soy, and rice flours, which results in a low-gluten, highly digestible base. Unlike traditional pizza, pinsa dough undergoes a long fermentation process (up to 72 hours), making it fluffier and easier to digest.

🔍 How Pinsa Differs from Pizza

• Shape: Typically oval rather than round.
• Crust: Crispy on the outside, soft inside, with a cloud-like texture.
• Flour Blend: Uses wheat, soy, and rice flours, making it lower in gluten.
• Fermentation: Longer fermentation (48–72 hours) for better digestibility.
• Hydration: Higher water content, resulting in a lighter, airier dough.

🍕 Where to Find Pinsa in Nashville

• PennePazze – A local spot serving authentic pinsa with gourmet toppings and fresh ingredients. Located at 3826 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN. PennePazze is know for communal table dining.

Pinsa is gaining popularity in the U.S. as a healthier alternative to pizza, thanks to its low-calorie, low-fat, and highly digestible qualities.

Local’s Tip: Skip the counter and order ahead, or from your seat, on their app.

Pizza By The Slice

No article on Nashville’s pizza scene would be complete without a mention of pizza by the slice! This curated list highlights the best places in Nashville to grab a quick, delicious pizza slice, whether you’re craving NY-style, gourmet flavors, or late-night eats. 🍕🔥 Each spot offers something unique, from classic foldable slices to bold, creative toppings.

📍 Pizza Perfect – 1602 21st Ave S & 357 Clofton Dr, Nashville, TN – Serving handmade pies since 1983, this spot offers thin-crust pizza by the slice with a variety of toppings.

🌙 Midnight Oil – 1310 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN – A late-night pizza joint in The Nations, serving bold-flavored slices like Sweet Heat & Buffalo Chicken into the wee hours.

🗽 5 Points Pizza – 1012 Woodland St & 4100 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN – A NY-style favorite, offering thin, foldable slices and garlic knots at both their East & West Nashville locations.

🚚 Till Five Pizza – 825 Murfreesboro Pike & 2450 Music Valley Dr, Nashville, TN – Open late, offering by-the-slice pizza for $7.99.

🧀 Taste of NY – 530 Church St & 15541 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN – A classic NY-style pizza spot, offering 15% off on select orders.

🔥 Two Boots Pizza – 1925 Broadway, Nashville, TN – A New York-style pizza joint with bold flavors and creative toppings. Try The Kitty, featuring hot chicken from Hattie B’s, jalapeños, and blue cheese—a true Nashville twist!

These spots are great for a quick slice, whether you’re grabbing lunch or fueling up after a night out!

Final Thoughts

With so many top-tier pizzerias around town, the hardest part won’t be finding great pizza—it’ll be choosing which place to visit first! So grab a slice, explore new flavors, and let your taste buds lead the way. 🍕🔥😊

Drop a comment if you have any suggestions and use the contact page if you would like to suggest an article for the site.

Peace and Grace,