Peach State Pies: Discovering the Best Pizza in Georgia

Yes, there’s certainly more to explore when it comes to Georgia’s pizza scene! Beyond the standout pizzerias mentioned, there are other exciting elements of Georgia’s pizza culture that reflect the state’s creativity, diversity, and community spirit. Here are some additional insights that highlight the richness of pizza in Georgia:

Atlanta’s Artisanal Pizza Movement:

Positive Things In Georgia

Atlanta has seen a boom in artisanal pizza over the past decade, with a focus on wood-fired ovens, local ingredients, and traditional pizza-making techniques. Restaurants like Varuni Napoli are known for their commitment to Neapolitan-style pizza and using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Varuni Napoli’s “Chiattona Benni” pizza, featuring sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella di bufala, has become a fan favorite and reflects the pizzeria’s dedication to authentic Italian flavors combined with Southern hospitality.

Another popular spot in Atlanta is Ammazza, which brings a modern twist to traditional pizza by combining Italian techniques with creative, locally inspired toppings. Their “Norcina” pizza, with pork sausage, roasted garlic, and ricotta, is a perfect example of how Georgia’s pizzerias are pushing boundaries with unique flavor combinations.

Pizza with a Southern Twist:

Several pizzerias across Georgia have embraced the state’s Southern roots, incorporating local ingredients like peaches, pecans, and smoked meats into their pies. Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria in Atlanta, originally from Nashville, is known for its pizzas with a Southern twist. Their “Smokin’ Herb” pizza, topped with grilled chicken, jalapeños, smoked sausage, and barbecue sauce, reflects the Southern love of smoked meats and bold flavors.

Another Georgia staple, Your Pie, which started in Athens and has expanded across the state, offers customizable, brick-oven pizzas with unique toppings that nod to Georgia’s agricultural heritage. The “Nat,” featuring basil pesto, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken, is a popular option that blends traditional pizza with fresh, local flavors.

Pizza and Beer Pairings:

Georgia’s thriving craft beer scene pairs perfectly with the state’s pizza offerings. Many pizzerias, particularly in Atlanta, Savannah, and Athens, focus on curating excellent craft beer menus to complement their pizzas. In Savannah, Moon River Brewing Company offers both craft beer and wood-fired pizzas, combining two of Georgia’s greatest culinary loves in one spot. Their “Meat Lovers” pizza, paired with one of their locally brewed ales, has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Similarly, Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards in Decatur offers its own craft beers alongside a creative pizza menu. Their “BBQ Chicken Pizza,” with smoked chicken, barbecue sauce, and a hint of honey, is perfectly paired with their house-brewed beers, offering a full dining experience for pizza and beer enthusiasts.

Pizza for the Health-Conscious:

In line with Georgia’s growing interest in health-conscious dining, several pizzerias are catering to those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Places like Glide Pizza in Atlanta offer gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice. Athens’ Automatic Pizza also offers vegetarian and vegan options, with fresh, locally sourced vegetables featured prominently in their pizzas. This focus on accommodating dietary needs reflects Georgia’s inclusive and progressive food culture.

Late-Night Pizza Culture:

Georgia’s late-night pizza scene is alive and well, particularly in college towns like Athens and in bustling neighborhoods around Atlanta. Pizzerias like Little Italy in Atlanta’s Midtown area have built their reputations on being the go-to spots for late-night slices. Popular with students, concert-goers, and night owls, these pizzerias serve up classic New York-style pizza well into the early morning hours, giving people a place to fuel up after a night out.

In Athens, Clocked!, known for its burgers, also offers late-night pizza specials that draw crowds after a long evening of live music or football games. The late-night pizza culture is deeply ingrained in college towns and urban areas, adding to the state’s overall pizza-loving vibe.

Pizza for a Cause:

Georgia Breweries

Georgia’s pizza community is also known for its involvement in charitable efforts and local initiatives. Many pizzerias participate in fundraising events and community outreach programs. For example, Mellow Mushroom, which has several locations across Georgia, has long been involved in supporting local schools, charities, and nonprofits through pizza nights and events that give back to the community. This spirit of giving reflects Georgia’s hospitality and the way pizzerias here serve not only as places to eat but as integral parts of their communities.

Pizza Festivals and Events:

Georgia also hosts several pizza-centric events and festivals that bring together pizza lovers from all over. Atlanta’s Pizza, Pints & Pigskins event is a popular annual gathering where local pizzerias, craft breweries, and food trucks showcase their best pizzas and brews. Similarly, the Slice of Summer Festival in Sandy Springs offers a family-friendly environment where attendees can enjoy pizza from local vendors, live music, and activities.

These events highlight Georgia’s love for pizza and provide a great opportunity for pizzerias to showcase their creativity while allowing pizza lovers to sample the best slices the state has to offer.

Famous Pizza Stories:

• Antico Pizza and Celebrity Connections: Antico Pizza Napoletana in Atlanta has gained a reputation not only for its incredible Neapolitan pizzas but also for attracting high-profile guests. From local athletes to international celebrities, Antico has become a celebrity hotspot. Despite the hype, Antico has remained committed to its roots, focusing on creating an authentic Italian pizza experience for all diners.

• Your Pie’s Rapid Expansion: Your Pie started in Athens in 2008 and quickly became a success due to its unique concept of customizable pizzas baked in a brick oven. Founded by Drew French, Your Pie now has dozens of locations across Georgia and beyond, becoming one of the most successful Georgia-born pizza franchises. French’s mission was to bring quality, fast-casual pizza to a wide audience while still maintaining a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Your Pie’s expansion and success story exemplify how Georgia’s pizza scene has grown to influence the broader food landscape.

Pizza and Southern Hospitality:

One thing that distinguishes Georgia’s pizza scene is its blend of Southern hospitality with top-tier pizza-making. Many of Georgia’s pizzerias are known for their welcoming environments, where customers feel like family. Places like Fellini’s Pizza and Vinnie Van Go-Go’s emphasize casual, relaxed dining that encourages people to stay a while and enjoy their pizza at their own pace, whether dining on a patio or taking in the views of a busy downtown street.

Georgia’s pizza culture is a vibrant and growing part of the state’s overall culinary landscape. From trendy urban spots to family-friendly pizzerias, the variety of styles, ingredients, and atmospheres ensures that there’s a slice for everyone. Whether you’re craving a traditional Neapolitan pie, a Southern-inspired creation, or a late-night slice after a night out, Georgia’s pizza scene has something to offer all pizza lovers.

Any Great Stories?

Georgia Wineries

Yes, Georgia’s pizza scene has several notable stories that highlight its unique place in the culinary world. From celebrity connections to innovative pizza concepts, here are some famous pizza stories from Georgia:

Antico Pizza Napoletana’s Rise to Fame and Celebrity Guests:

Antico Pizza Napoletana, often credited with putting Atlanta on the map as a pizza destination, has a fascinating story of passion and dedication. Founded by Giovanni Di Palma in 2009, Antico brought authentic Neapolitan pizza to the city at a time when few restaurants in the Southeast were offering such a concept. The pizzas are cooked in a 900-degree wood-fired oven imported from Italy, and the focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients made Antico an instant hit.

What makes Antico even more famous is its celebrity connections. Over the years, the pizzeria has become a hotspot for celebrities, athletes, and musicians. Famous guests have included pop stars like Justin Bieber and sports icons like Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the influx of high-profile customers, Antico maintains a humble, casual environment where diners sit at communal tables and enjoy pizzas fresh from the oven.

Di Palma’s dedication to authenticity has earned Antico international acclaim, with the restaurant consistently being ranked as one of the best pizzerias in the country. Its influence also helped spur Atlanta’s pizza renaissance, inspiring other restaurateurs to experiment with artisanal, wood-fired pizza in the city.

The Creation of Your Pie in Athens:

Another great story from Georgia’s pizza scene is the rapid success of Your Pie, a build-your-own pizza concept founded in Athens by Drew French in 2008. French’s inspiration for Your Pie came during his honeymoon in Italy, where he experienced traditional brick-oven pizza. When he returned to the U.S., he wanted to create a pizza experience that combined the speed and customization of a fast-casual restaurant with the quality of an artisanal, brick-oven pizza.

Your Pie was a pioneer in the fast-casual pizza industry, offering customers the chance to customize their own pizzas, which would then be quickly baked in a high-temperature oven. The concept took off in Athens, and French expanded the brand rapidly across Georgia and other states. Today, Your Pie has over 70 locations across the country, making it one of the fastest-growing pizza franchises in the U.S. The franchise’s origin story in Athens is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit found in Georgia’s food scene.

Fellini’s Pizza: A Casual Atlanta Institution:

Founded in 1982, Fellini’s Pizza has become an iconic part of Atlanta’s dining scene. Known for its thin-crust pizza and relaxed, patio-style dining, Fellini’s is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The pizzeria’s story is rooted in the vision of its founder, Clay Harper, who wanted to create a laid-back, welcoming environment where people could enjoy great pizza in a no-frills setting.

Fellini’s Pizza grew from a single location to multiple spots across Atlanta, each one featuring the same casual, friendly vibe. Over the years, it became a gathering place for all types of people, from college students to professionals. It’s also known for being open late, making it a popular choice for those looking for a post-concert or late-night slice.

Fellini’s gained some media attention when it was reported that rapper T.I., a native of Atlanta, was a regular customer, bringing even more attention to its already legendary status. The pizzeria has become a beloved institution, known not only for its food but also for embodying the spirit of Atlanta’s community-driven dining culture.

Varuni Napoli’s Pizza and NFL Partnership:

Georgia Foods

Another Georgia pizza success story is Varuni Napoli, which has earned a reputation for its high-quality, authentic Neapolitan pizzas. Founded by chef Luca Varuni, who trained in Italy, the pizzeria has become a staple in Atlanta’s thriving food scene. Varuni Napoli uses traditional pizza-making techniques, with imported Italian ingredients, including flour, tomatoes, and mozzarella, ensuring the most authentic Neapolitan pizza experience.

In 2020, Varuni Napoli gained national attention when it became the official pizza of the Atlanta Falcons. This partnership showcased the growing recognition of Varuni Napoli’s quality and the increasing popularity of its pizzas among both locals and athletes. Luca Varuni has also made a name for himself with his charismatic personality and dedication to teaching others about authentic Italian cuisine, further cementing Varuni Napoli as a standout in the Atlanta food world.

Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria and its Atlanta Expansion:

Originally from Nashville, Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria made waves when it expanded to Atlanta in 2019. Known for its hip, urban vibe and creative pizzas, Slim & Husky’s quickly became a hotspot in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood. The founders, Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and EJ Reed, opened their first location in Nashville in 2017, focusing on creating pizzas that blended unique Southern ingredients with traditional pizza flavors.

One of Slim & Husky’s most famous pies is the “Cee No Green,” topped with mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and Canadian bacon, named as a playful nod to avoiding vegetables. The restaurant also offers pizzas with toppings like Nashville hot chicken, barbecue sauce, and pimento cheese, which reflect the Southern roots of the founders.

Slim & Husky’s made headlines for its focus on both quality food and community engagement. The founders are passionate about revitalizing underserved neighborhoods, particularly Black communities, by opening restaurants that not only serve delicious food but also provide jobs and promote economic development. Their Atlanta expansion has been widely celebrated, and Slim & Husky’s has become one of the most exciting pizza success stories in Georgia.

Mellow Mushroom’s Origins in Atlanta:

The Mellow Mushroom, a Georgia-based pizza chain with locations all over the U.S., began its journey in Atlanta in 1974. Founded by three college students, Mellow Mushroom initially aimed to cater to the laid-back counterculture vibe of the era, serving up high-quality, stone-baked pizzas with a focus on fun and creativity.

The chain’s eclectic décor, featuring murals and colorful art, along with its unconventional toppings like tofu, tempeh, and artichoke hearts, helped Mellow Mushroom stand out. It became famous for appealing to pizza lovers looking for something unique. Over time, the brand expanded rapidly but maintained its quirky, counterculture ethos. The first Mellow Mushroom location, originally on Spring Street in Atlanta, remains a beloved part of the city’s pizza history and is an enduring example of how pizza and creativity can go hand in hand.

Pizza for a Cause: Georgia Pizzerias Supporting Local Communities:

Many pizzerias in Georgia are known for giving back to their communities. For example, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, pizzerias like Antico Pizza and Varuni Napoli provided free meals to healthcare workers and first responders. Others, like Your Pie and Fellini’s, frequently participate in fundraisers for schools, sports teams, and local charities. This tradition of supporting the community reflects the strong sense of Southern hospitality that is a hallmark of Georgia’s food culture.

Georgia Pizza

These famous pizza stories from Georgia showcase how the state has grown into a dynamic hub for pizza, blending tradition, innovation, and community. From celebrity-frequented spots to fast-casual concepts that have expanded across the country, Georgia’s pizza scene continues to thrive and inspire both locals and visitors alike.

Georgia’s pizza festivals are a must-visit for pizza lovers, offering a chance to sample the best slices from top pizzerias, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate the state’s vibrant food scene. Here are some of the best pizza festivals in Georgia:

1. Atlanta Pizza Festival

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Overview: The Atlanta Pizza Festival is one of the biggest pizza events in the state, bringing together pizzerias from across the city and beyond to showcase their best pies. Held annually at a popular outdoor venue, this family-friendly festival offers a wide variety of pizza styles, from Neapolitan and New York-style to deep dish and wood-fired creations. Attendees can purchase a ticket that allows them to sample slices from multiple vendors and vote for their favorite pizzas.
• Highlights: Live music, pizza competitions, craft beer pairings, and activities for kids. Many of Atlanta’s top pizzerias, such as Antico and Varuni Napoli, participate in the event.
• Website: Typically announced on social media platforms and local event listings.

2. Slice of Summer Pizza Festival

• Location: Sandy Springs, GA
• Overview: Slice of Summer is a summer pizza festival that takes place in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta. This festival is all about celebrating summer with pizza, beer, and live music. It offers a variety of pizzas from local pizzerias, food trucks, and vendors serving both classic and creative pies. It’s a great event for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back afternoon of pizza and fun.
• Highlights: Outdoor games, pizza-eating contests, cold beverages, and plenty of seating to enjoy a slice in the summer sunshine.
• Website: Typically announced through event organizers or the city of Sandy Springs’ events page.

3. Pizza, Pints & Pigskins

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Overview: Pizza, Pints & Pigskins is a unique festival that combines three things Atlantans love: pizza, craft beer, and football. Held in the fall, this event features dozens of local pizzerias offering pizza samples alongside craft breweries that pour some of the best local beers. With the college football season in full swing, attendees can enjoy watching games on big screens while munching on their favorite slices.
• Highlights: Pizza samplings, craft beer from Georgia breweries, live football screenings, and fun tailgate-style games.
• Website: Check local event listings and social media platforms closer to fall for details.

4. Great Southern Food Truck Rally

• Location: Various cities in Georgia (Atlanta, Savannah, etc.)
• Overview: While not exclusively a pizza festival, the Great Southern Food Truck Rally is a celebration of food trucks, many of which serve fantastic pizza. The rally showcases a wide variety of mobile food vendors, including pizza trucks that offer everything from classic margherita to creative, fusion-style pizzas. This festival takes place in various cities across Georgia, including Atlanta and Savannah, offering a fun and casual way to enjoy pizza on the go.
• Highlights: Food truck competitions, live entertainment, craft beer, and plenty of pizza options served hot and fresh from food trucks.
• Website: Typically promoted through local event organizers and city websites.

5. Marietta Pizza Expo

• Location: Marietta, GA
• Overview: Marietta, a historic town just northwest of Atlanta, is home to its own pizza expo. This smaller, community-focused festival features local pizzerias from Marietta and Cobb County, showcasing their unique offerings. The Marietta Pizza Expo often takes place in the downtown square, bringing together locals and visitors for a day of pizza, music, and fun.
• Highlights: Pizza-making demonstrations, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• Website: Check with the Marietta Downtown Development Authority or local listings.

6. Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival (Featuring Pizza)

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Overview: Though primarily focused on grilled cheese sandwiches, the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival also features pizza vendors who showcase creative and fusion pizzas with grilled cheese elements. This festival is popular for those who enjoy comfort food, and it draws vendors who take classic dishes like pizza and put a twist on them.
• Highlights: Food competitions, grilled cheese and pizza mashups, craft beer, and live music.
• Website: Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival

7. Pizza on the Square Festival

• Location: Fayetteville, GA
• Overview: Pizza on the Square is a local festival held in the charming town square of Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta. This event focuses on pizza from local vendors and restaurants, with an emphasis on community, local flavors, and family-friendly fun. It’s a smaller, more intimate festival, making it perfect for those looking to experience great pizza without the big crowds.
• Highlights: Local pizzerias, live entertainment, and games for kids.
• Website: Typically promoted through Fayetteville’s events calendar.

8. Athens Pizza Week

• Location: Athens, GA
• Overview: During Athens Pizza Week, local pizzerias across this college town offer special deals and feature limited-edition pizzas. It’s a week-long celebration of pizza, where residents and students alike can explore different pizza styles, flavors, and creative toppings offered by the town’s many pizza spots. Popular restaurants like Automatic Pizza and Ted’s Most Best usually participate in this delicious event.
• Highlights: Exclusive pizza specials, student-friendly pricing, and creative new pizza styles from participating restaurants.
• Website: Announced through the city of Athens or local food event organizers.

Georgia Pizza

These pizza festivals and events offer a great opportunity for food lovers to explore Georgia’s diverse pizza scene while enjoying live entertainment, local craft beers, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic slice or something adventurous, these festivals are the perfect place to experience some of the best pizza the Peach State has to offer.