Everybody loves pizza, and there are plenty of pizza places in Nashville. But which ones are the best? Here are the City Cast Nashville’s favorite pizza spots in town, from classic NYC slices to creative toppings. Do you disagree? Email me!
In this former New Yorker’s opinion, Smith & Lentz is the closest Nashville gets to a proper slice. They do not, however, sell slices — the whole pies come as the pizza gods intended, on an elevated metal stand to be shared at the table. Try the sausage and kale, or go simple with the white pie (extra ricotta, please!) while washing it all down with a house-brewed pilsner. — Whitney Pastorek
Nicky’s Coal Fired in The Nations has Tennessee’s only coal-fired oven, which makes their pizza extra delicious. They have a great selection of red and white pies, and I love the interior’s industrial feel. And kids eat free on Mondays! — Margaret Kingsbury
Pizza Perfect and I share a birth year: 1983! This Nashville institution, founded by two immigrant brothers from Iran, has locations in Hillsboro Village and Bellevue, and is easily the restaurant I’ve eaten at most often. The pizza always hits the spot; my favorite is the deluxe vegetarian. — MK
Last year, I toured all the local pizza places to find the best gluten-free pie. There was one clear winner: Emmy Squared. It’s the only gluten-free pizza in Nashville with a thick, deep-dish crust, and wow, is it amazing. I hear their regular pizza is solid, too, with Detroit-style and regular options. There are four locations around town. — MK
Venito’s Pizza is located at the intersection of Harding Place and Trousdale, right next to a gas station and the train tracks, where my beloved Mamma Mia’s used to be. It’s a tiny little Italian joint, with cheap fare, great salads, and slices that will remind you of a time when pizza was simple. — Marie Cecile Anderson
Led by Sean Brock, Sho Pizza Bar in East Nashville’s Riverside Village blends traditional Neapolitan and Japanese techniques. They obsess over the details in the best way, from imported Italian flour to a wood-fired oven fueled by local hickory and oak. I highly recommend the Salumi, topped with beef pepperoni, fresh oregano, asiago, and a chili-honey drizzle. Don’t sleep on the Caesar salad! After early success, they’re already exploring a West Nashville expansion. — Daniel Sumstine
This Dickerson Pike joint wins for pure creativity: From lemon pepper chicken to chili crisp, street tacos, and oxtail, they’re willing to put just about anything on their hand-stretched dough. Their full menu also features pasta and fish dishes likely to please the less adventurous eaters among us. — WP
This Gallatin Pike newcomer is about to get some stiff competition up the street (Pizza Lolo soft opens this weekend, y’all!), but for now, you can’t beat their $3 pizza-by-the-slice, all day and all night — except for happy hour, when the price drops to $1. You’ll need those slices once you settle onto their charming, dog-friendly patio and accidentally have one too many Italian margaritas. — WP
It’s very good pizza. It’s available at three locations, by the slice or as a whole pie. Just eat it. You won’t be mad. — WP
