The 10 Best Pizza Spots Across Tennessee You Need to Try

Here’s a cozy and mouthwatering guide to the 10 best pizza spots across Tennessee, places I’ve been savoring in my mind ever since I first tried them. Each one is backed by reliable sources and offers a distinct experience deserving of a spot on your must-try list.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of thin crust or have a soft spot for creative toppings, there’s a corner of Tennessee ready to surprise you with a slice worth remembering.

1. City House, Nashville

It’s not every day you find a pizza spot landing itself in The New York Times’ top 22 in the country, but City House manages just that. Tucked in Germantown, this Nashville favorite rewrites the script on what Southern-Italian pizza can be. The first thing you notice is the aroma of wood-fired crust greeting you at the door.

Chef Tandy Wilson’s approach is refreshingly honest: blend Southern ingredients with Italian roots, then add a dash of creative energy. I remember tasting a pie with pork belly, greens, and a wispy fried egg, the kind of combination that works because it’s thoughtfully done. Each pizza feels unique, never leaning on tired tropes or over-the-top combinations.

City House’s menu rotates, influenced by what’s fresh and local, yet the thin, crisp crust remains your dependable friend. The atmosphere is casual but never careless. You can come here to celebrate or just to unwind after a long week. If you want proof, look at the consistent crowd and the regular nods from Southern Living and Axios. What stands out to me is how every visit feels like an introduction to something new, without ever losing that sense of comfort you want from a pizza night in Tennessee.

2. St. Vito Focacceria, Nashville

Few pizza experiences in Tennessee surprise quite like St. Vito Focacceria. Nestled in the lively Gulch area, this spot specializes in sfincione, a pillowy, Sicilian-style focaccia that tastes like a tribute to generations past. The airiness of the dough is the first clue you’re in for something different from the usual round pies.

Each tray emerges from the oven with toppings that catch the eye and ignite curiosity. The potato sfincione, for example, is a subtle powerhouse: creamy, brightened with lemon zest, and utterly satisfying. There’s a comforting sense of abundance in every slice, without any sense of heaviness.

St. Vito’s commitment to the art form is clear, both in the details and in the boldness of flavor. The ambiance is understated but welcoming, letting the food do most of the talking. I found myself lingering over each bite, finding new layers as I went, much like the best kind of conversation with a friend you haven’t seen in years. If you want Sicilian tradition with a modern twist, this is the place to try.

3. Sho Pizza Bar, Nashville

At Sho Pizza Bar, pizza is an exploration of cultures and technique. Located in Nashville, this spot feels like a study in contrasts: Japanese-inspired discipline meets the wild heart of Neapolitan tradition. The room buzzes with excitement as each pizza is shaped with almost meditative care.

What I remember most is the mochi-like chew of the crust, a texture that lingers in the mind long after your plate is empty. It’s not just a detail; it’s the result of a careful process, combining Japanese flour and Neapolitan fermentation. Toppings are balanced, never overwhelming, allowing the crust’s character to shine.

Sho’s vibe is sophisticated without pretension, encouraging conversation and curiosity. You feel the influence of chef Sean Brock in every aspect, right down to the choice of plates and lighting. For anyone who values craft and a sense of discovery, Sho Pizza Bar is a revelation that sets itself apart in the crowded Nashville scene.

4. Pinky Ring, Nashville

Pinky Ring grabs your attention the second you see a slice, oversized, boldly plated, and never shy about its personality. The shop itself channels a playful vibe, with bright colors and quirky details that make you want to stick around a little longer. It’s the kind of place where creativity doesn’t feel forced; it feels like a celebration.

Ricotta-heavy pies like the Madtown and Madison Hot Pickle steal the show. Each bite offers a contrast of creamy and tangy, with toppings arranged in a way that feels both precise and spontaneous. It’s not just about size here, it’s about the joy of a perfectly balanced, thoughtfully composed slice.

The counter service keeps things moving, but there’s never a sense you’re being rushed. I found myself chatting with the staff and fellow diners, sharing tips on which pie to try next. Pinky Ring proves that inventive combinations and a touch of humor can carry a pizza spot into must-visit territory, even in a city packed with options.

5. Five Points Pizza, Nashville

Five Points Pizza has the easygoing charm of a neighborhood staple. I’ve watched it grow from a local favorite to a citywide institution, with outposts in both East and West Nashville. Walk in and you’ll find classic NY-style pies on display, each one baked to a perfect golden finish.

The specialty pies pull no punches, featuring inventive toppings that never overshadow the basics. The crust is crisp but foldable, and the cheese blend strikes a balance that feels both familiar and fresh. The beer selection is always on point, with rotating taps and friendly, knowledgeable bartenders happy to offer suggestions.

There’s a certain comfort in how welcoming the place feels, whether you’re visiting with family or friends. Five Points manages to maintain a neighborhood vibe even as its reputation grows. That sense of belonging, paired with consistently good pizza, keeps me coming back every time I’m in Nashville.

6. Lupi’s Pizza Pies, Chattanooga

Step into Lupi’s and you instantly sense the heartbeat of Chattanooga’s food scene. This isn’t just a pizza place; it’s a community hub that’s been serving the city since 1996. I’ve always admired their commitment to local sourcing, ingredients from their own farm and trusted purveyors shape each pie.

The New York-style pizza here leans into fresh, honest flavors. Calzones are generously stuffed, and signature pies like the Lilian (with pesto, pepperoni, and feta) strike a rare balance between tradition and whimsy. The décor is wild and colorful, with murals and mismatched chairs making the space feel lived-in and loved.

What sets Lupi’s apart is the joy they take in feeding people well. From the friendly chatter at the counter to the open kitchen where dough is tossed with practiced ease, there’s a tangible sense of pride. If you crave pizza that tastes like it was made for you, there’s no better spot in Chattanooga.

7. A Dopo, Knoxville

A Dopo feels more like a dinner party than a typical restaurant. The wood-fired sourdough pizzas come out piping hot, each crust blistered and airy, hinting at a careful fermentation process. The lighting is soft, giving every meal a sense of intimacy and occasion.

Pies like the Margherita and Funghi showcase a level of detail that’s hard to overlook. Think truffle oil, taleggio, and speck woven together on a base that’s both tangy and chewy. Every ingredient earns its place, a sign of a kitchen that values both flavor and restraint.

The overall atmosphere encourages you to slow down and savor. Design choices, from slate platters to minimalist decor, contribute to an experience that feels intentional. A Dopo proves that good pizza can be both casual and extraordinary, and that’s a rare combination worth seeking out in Knoxville.

8. Hard Knox Pizza, Knoxville

Hard Knox Pizza throws a playful punch with every pie, its boxing-inspired theme echoing through the bold flavors and spirited decor. The walls are lined with gloves, photos, and stories, each adding to the sense that you’re somewhere with a strong point of view. The wood-fired oven crackles, promising a crust that’s always just a little bit smoky.

The La Motta and Veggie pies are standouts, each delivering a mix of textures and flavors that feel both daring and familiar. There’s a confidence to the combinations, never trying to impress with excess, but with just the right touch. Portions are generous, making it easy to share or go solo if you’re feeling hungry.

What I love is how the place balances energy with warmth. It’s lively, but you never feel lost in the shuffle. Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, Hard Knox makes pizza night feel like an event worth looking forward to.

9. Pizza Palace, Knoxville

Pizza Palace is a living piece of Knoxville history. Since 1961, it’s combined the soul of a classic drive-in with the comfort food traditions of Greek-American families. Pulling up in your car and ordering at the window feels like participating in a ritual that’s barely changed in decades.

The pizza here is dependable, cheese bubbling, crust golden, and toppings that stick to the basics. Their famous onion rings provide a sidekick that’s earned its own following, each batch crisped to golden perfection. There’s a sense of nostalgia in every bite, a taste of what pizza night meant before trends took over.

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Pizza Palace has charm that goes beyond food. The staff remembers regulars, and there’s a sense of continuity that feels rare these days. If you want a reminder of how comfort food endures, this place delivers, year after year.

10. DeSano Pizza Bakery, Nashville

DeSano Pizza Bakery honors Italian tradition in every detail, right down to the imported ingredients and wood-fired ovens. There’s an energy here that feels authentically Neapolitan, long communal tables, the smell of burning wood, and the sight of pizzas emerging golden and bubbling. It’s a place that celebrates simplicity: dough, sauce, and cheese done to exacting standards.

The menu follows the rules set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which means every bite adheres to a time-honored process. San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and Caputo flour are staples. The Margherita stands out for its balance and freshness, while specialty pies offer variety for adventurous eaters.

With a BYOB policy and a welcoming atmosphere, DeSano invites you to linger. The staff encourages questions and conversation, making each visit feel personal. When I want a taste of Naples in Nashville, this is the spot I trust most to deliver the real thing, every time.