From traditional Italian to New York-inspired, Nashville knows how to throw a good pizza. So, if you prefer yours thin, crispy and classic, or fluffy and dripping with exotic toppings, Culture Trip’s local insiders have got the inside scoop on the city’s best pizza spots.
Folk
Pizzeria, Restaurant, American
Courtesy of FOLK Nashville
With exposed brickwork and paper lanterns strung from high ceilings, Folk is achingly hip in a good way. Friendly staff and a buzzing atmosphere mean you’ll have a top-notch experience long before your wood-fired pizza and organic wine have arrived. Chef-owner Philip Krajeck takes his pizza seriously, only using flour from carefully sourced mills and the freshest of ingredients. But it’s not all about the pizzas; customers return time and again for the innovative family-style dishes and bar snacks. The ever-changing menu and unique atmosphere make Folk a standout winner. Recommended by local insider Juliette Lefaivre
There are strict guidelines on how to cook up the perfect Neapolitan pizza – so strict that a lot of pizzerias don’t bother with them. The team at DeSano Pizza Bakery goes above and beyond to make sure its pies stand out from the rest. With large tables and a casual vibe inside, it’s a great stop for families and groups. Go classic with the Margherita DOP topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, basil, garlic, scamorza (cow’s milk cheese), mozzarella di bufala and pecorino romano, and finish it off with a home-made cannoli. Recommended by local insider Cristy Wicks
Renowned for its square-shape, Detroit-style pizzas with a crispy base, fluffy dough and cheesy frico crust (are you drooling yet?), Emmy Squared is the place to grab a slice, or five, when in The Gulch. The waffle fries and burgers are good, too, with the Le Big Matt named Nashville’s Best Burger by The Tennessean. It has a casual vibe and is excellent for groups, so bring along the whole crew. The local-favorite Colony Squared pizza comes with pepperoni, pickled chili and honey. Recommended by local insiders Chaney Curd and Juliette Lefaivre
Med Cuisine's veggie platter with hummus, tabouleh, falafel, pita, and rice. | Courtesy of Mediterranean Cuisine:
Five Points Pizza is a favorite in East Nashville for lunches or late nights. The pizza toppings will make your mouth water, with specialties that include vodka sauce, meatball and habanero cream pies. Kick things off with a sourdough garlic knot topped with pecorino and basil, before selecting a pizza from its drool-worthy menu. Its open-plan seating makes for a buzzy atmosphere when dining in, but if you’re in a rush or just in need of a snack post-tipple, its late-night slice window has got you covered. Recommended by local insider Juliette Lefaivre
With hip-hop on the speakers and graffiti on the walls, Slim and Husky’s comes with a side of chill. Locally sourced ingredients and local craft brews are served by people from the neighborhood – the owners run a community project supporting low-income residents. Choose from two sizes – slim and husky – and expect big flavors no matter what at this Nashville favorite. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso
Italian wood-fired pizzas crafted with Southern-inspired, local ingredients are the order of the day here. Try the Thoroughbred Hillbilly with white sauce, mozzarella, Benton’s prosciutto and arugula, or the Pepp in My Step with pepperoni, red onion and oregano. The names are as good as the flavors. Fairly new on the Nashville pizza scene (it opened in 2019), it has fast become a locals’ favorite. Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar
You’re spoiled for choice for dining options in Germantown, but City House stands out from the rest with its high-end offering. Take a seat at the pizza bar or a table on the patio, and attempt to choose from its delicious menu. Don’t expect to find your classic ham and pineapple here. The toppings, which include everything from octopus and chickpeas to pork belly and oregano, top perfectly chewy bases and delight any hardened pizza lover. Recommended by local insider Juliette Lefaivre
