When it comes to pizza, Nashville more than holds its own with a vibrant mix of classic pizzerias and modern spots that celebrate both tradition and creativity. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a new place to try on your next evening out, you’ll find plenty of delicious options in and around the city.
Let’s get to it.
Five Points Pizza East
Everyone around here raves about Five Points Pizza East, and it’s easy to see why. Scents of scratch-made dough and garlic knots hit you the moment you walk in. Red vinyl booths line the walls, usually filled with families and friends eyeing up those famous New York-style slices.
What stands out is the crust—a thin, foldable base with a light char along the edges and a chewy back crust perfect for dunking. The menu focuses on time-tested classics: pepperoni, Margherita, white pies, plus rotating specials such as a vodka-cream sauce with prosciutto. You won’t find gluten-free or cauliflower crusts here; instead, they do a “slice of the day” that adds a fun twist.
Pair your pizza with a local craft beer or a refreshing house-made basil lemonade. Whether you pop in at the walk-up window for a quick slice, linger over lunch in the cozy dining room or grab dinner to go, the atmosphere stays lively and welcoming. Parking can be tight, so consider rideshare or arriving early – the friendly bustle is part of the charm.
NY Pie (Nashville West)
At the Nashville West location, NY Pie has built a loyal following with its authentic New York-style pies. Thin, chewy crusts come straight from a brick oven, featuring just the right amount of crisp and char. Toppings range from classics like pepperoni and sausage to signature pies such as the NY Special—a blend of meats and vegetables—and a Greek pie loaded with spinach, feta and olives.
Every dough ball is stretched and tossed by hand, and Italian tomatoes anchor the sauce. Specialty options include Sriracha Chicken and a creamy white pie, plus house-made meatballs on the side. Portion sizes are generous, making it easy to feed a small group without overspending.
The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of counter service and table seating. A small patio offers fresh-air dining on sunny days. Parking is straightforward and you can even grab a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal. For those who appreciate classic, well-made pizza in an unfussy setting, NY Pie should be on your list.
Slice of Italy
On weekdays and weekends, Slice of Italy delivers authentic thin-crust pizza with dough made fresh daily. The menu covers New York-style classics like the loaded Supreme, a zesty Greek Style pie, and the house specialty that combines half pizza and half stromboli. You’ll also find gluten-free options and a Sicilian thick-crust that holds up to hearty toppings.
If you want something beyond pizza, the kitchen turns out homemade pastas such as Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Parmigiana. Hearty salads and toasted subs round out the choices. Thanks to the BYOB policy with no corkage fee, you can bring your favorite wine without any extra charge.
The atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with cozy indoor seating or a flower-lined patio under gentle lamp light. The family- and veteran-owned spot stays open until nearly 3 a.m. on weekends, making it easy to grab a late-night slice. Don’t leave without a made-to-order cannoli—it’s a perfect finish after a casual lunch or laid-back dinner.
Taste of NY pizza
If you’re craving real New York-style pizza, Taste of NY Pizza delivers in both flavor and variety. Their thin, foldable slices feature a crisp edge and chewy center, similar to what you’d find in Manhattan. For a heartier option, the Sicilian-style squares offer a thick, buttery base that stands up to generous toppings.
The menu spans classics like pepperoni, sausage and veggie-loaded supreme pies, as well as creative choices such as hot honey pepperoni and a meatball-pepperoni duo. Each pie starts with scratch-made dough and daily-shredded cheeses. You can finish your slice with a drizzle of basil and garlic oil for extra flavor.
The downtown Church Street location has an urban vibe and serves quick slices, though seating is limited. If you need more space for families or groups, head to Nippers Corner or Brentwood, where you’ll find roomy dining areas. They also offer a gluten-free crust and side dishes like garlic knots or tiramisu. With late weekend hours and a laid-back family-friendly atmosphere, Taste of NY Pizza keeps everyone happy.
Pizza Perfect
Since 1983, Pizza Perfect has been a neighborhood staple, serving both New York-style thin crust and Sicilian thick-crust pies in Hillsboro Village and West Nashville. They make their dough and sauce from scratch every day, which gives each bite a fresh, homemade taste. Classics like Margherita and pepperoni sit alongside signature creations, including Dante’s Chicken with habanero kick and a bacon cheeseburger pizza.
Vegetarian and vegan eaters will find options, and the menu also features salads, subs, pastas, wings and garlic knots. Lunch at the Hillsboro Village location is especially popular thanks to a $12 deal for two sizable slices and a drink—a quick, satisfying break in the day. The covered patio and casual dining room offer a relaxed spot to enjoy your meal.
Over in Bellevue, the space is tailored for families with a game room, a spacious party area and five local craft beers on tap. Easy parking and wallet-friendly prices make takeout or catering a breeze when you’re feeding a larger group. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner or a late-night treat, Pizza Perfect lives up to its name.
Bella Napoli Pizzeria
Edgehill Village’s Bella Napoli Pizzeria serves up genuinely authentic Neapolitan pies in just 90 seconds, thanks to a domed brick oven fueled by Tennessee oak. The crust arrives thin and leopard-spotted, with a slight char that delivers real flavor.
Their Margherita showcases DOP San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, while the Salsiccia pie—topped with Italian sausage, broccoli, and garlic—earns nods from Zagat chatter for “Best Pie in Tennessee.” Pizzas come uncut, so crust and cheese remain as the pizzaiolo intended.
Inside, exposed brick walls and an intimate dining room create a cozy setting. Step into the string-lit courtyard to enjoy live music and bring your pet along. Gluten-free crust and approachable pasta and appetizer options ensure most palates are covered.
Family owned and just minutes from downtown, Bella Napoli keeps prices around $15 per pizza. Whether you’re sharing a midday family lunch, an evening out with friends, or a late-night treat, this Edgehill Village gem balances casual comfort with expertly crafted pizza.
Folk
In East Nashville, Folk has built its reputation on handmade sourdough crusts and fresh, local toppings baked in a wood-fired oven. The clam pizza, finished with a white wine cream reduction, parsley, and shaved bonito, remains a highlight. Seasonal pies rotate often—past features include Royal Red shrimp and lamb meatballs.
The dining room occupies a beautifully restored 1930s building, filled with greenery and natural light. Evenings fill quickly, especially during happy hour, though reservations are available. A small patio offers a breezy option, and the bar pours natural wines alongside low-ABV cocktails.
Though there isn’t a gluten-free pizza, several sides and small plates accommodate different tastes. Service stays attentive and friendly, reflecting a genuine local spirit. Prices feel moderate given the quality, and the atmosphere works for family dinners, casual dates, or solo outings. If you value creative flavor combinations and want to support a local East Nashville business, Folk should be on your list.
Roma Pizza & Pasta
Here in Nashville, Roma Pizza & Pasta strikes the balance between neighborhood comfort and scratch-made Italian. All dough arrives fresh daily, creating a homey texture you’ll taste in every slice. The classic Margherita shines on its own, while the Meatball Feast layers meat sauce, provolone, parmesan, and chopped meatballs in every bite. For a fuller experience, the King’s Feast covers the pie with assorted meats, never greasy or overwhelming.
The space offers cozy booths, bright décor, and friendly counter service. Whether you stop by for a quick lunch or linger for a casual dinner, the vibe stays welcoming. You can round out your meal with salads, calzones made from scratch, or house-made tiramisu.
A selection of beer and wine complements the menu, and carryout remains reliable when you’re feeding a crowd. With fair prices and familiar Italian flavors, Roma makes for an easy go-to spot in Nashville.
Sal’s Family Pizza of Brentwood
Out in Brentwood, Sal’s Family Pizza serves classic New York style pies with scratch-made dough and hand-shredded cheese. Pepperoni or Margherita pizzas get an extra lift from these fresh foundations, and the 36-inch “Godfather” party pizza has become a local favorite for larger groups.
Inside, holiday decorations and a no-frills dining room create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Booths fill up at dinner time, though parking is easy and carryout moves fast. Beyond pizza, you’ll find pasta, calzones, hearty meatballs, and tossed salads if you want variety.
Moderate prices and generous portions keep families and neighbors coming back. The staff moves orders along smoothly, even on busy weekend nights. With comfortable seating, convenient parking, and a menu built on homemade recipes, Sal’s Family Pizza remains a Brentwood staple for Italian-American favorites.
Melissa’s Sir Pizza
At Melissa’s Sir Pizza, rectangular pies come with toppings stretched to the edges and cut into perfect squares. The classic pepperoni and cheese adheres to the original Sir Pizza style, and the house “Sir Pizza Special” piles on sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Ask for extra-crispy crust to boost that satisfying crunch.
Inside, neon and retro posters bring an upbeat 80s vibe. Lunch buffets move quickly, and to-go or delivery orders are ready in about 20 minutes. Regulars love Tuesday’s buy-one-get-one-half-off deal and the weekday lunch buffet for its fast turnaround.
The menu also lists pasta dishes, wings, and hearty sandwiches for a complete meal. Family-run and community oriented, Melissa’s Sir Pizza offers both value and nostalgia. Whether you dine in with neighbors or opt for home delivery, you’ll find familiar flavors and friendly service.
Brooklyn Pizza and Cafe
Located on Nolensville Pike, Brooklyn Pizza and Cafe serves up thin, hand-tossed New York style pies straight from a brick oven. Step up to the counter and choose from the garlic-olive oil White Pizza, the feta-topped Greek, or crowd-pleasers like the Music City and Double Pepperoni.
Slices start at just $5.99, and even specialty pies stay under ten dollars. Gluten-free crusts and halal meats make sure everyone in the family can join in. Daily lunch specials and wallet-friendly prices mean this spot is a go-to for quick bites or feeding a crowd.
Inside, cozy booths and vibrant neon signs mix with local artwork for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Regulars praise the scratch-made dough and real mozzarella, while friendly staff keep orders moving through the lunch rush and late-night Fridays. Beyond pizza, the menu includes chicken wings, hearty pastas, classic Italian subs, and desserts such as cannoli and tiramisu. If you want genuine New York style slices without splurging, this neighborhood café delivers every time.
IL Forno
Just a few blocks south of downtown, Il Forno brings genuine Neapolitan pizza to Chestnut Hill. A 900-degree brick oven imported from Naples produces thin, chewy crusts with gentle blistering. Dough made from scratch daily using “00” flour becomes the foundation for classics like Margherita and Prosciutto, plus seasonal pies topped with local produce.
Founders Chef Egi and Jannah Franciosa opted for an industrial-chic design featuring polished wood tables and a dramatic Sophia Loren mural. The open kitchen keeps the energy high, whether you’re dining with family, catching up with friends, or marking a special occasion.
Beyond pizza, the menu offers house-made pastas, crisp salads, and rich desserts such as panna cotta and tiramisu. Entrees and starters typically bring the check to around $30 per person, and takeout is available if you’d rather enjoy dinner at home. For wood-fired pies rooted in authentic Italian tradition, Il Forno is a standout choice near Nashville.
