When people talk about eating in Nashville, hot chicken and towering plates of barbecue usually dominate the conversation. But over the last decade, Music City has quietly developed a serious pizza obsession. Because we aren't bound by strict regional traditions like Chicago or New York, our local pizzaiolos have the absolute freedom to experiment, adapt, and perfect their own styles.

Whether I'm looking for a quick, foldable slice after a show or a blistered, wood-fired pie paired with a local craft beer, I never have to look far. If you want to eat like a local, you have to venture out into the neighborhoods. Here are the absolute best spots to grab a pie in Nashville.

Slim & Husky's Pizza (North Nashville) Starting out on Buchanan Street, this locally founded spot isn't just a restaurant; it’s a modern Nashville institution. Founded by three Tennessee State University grads, Slim & Husky's pairs custom-built, artisan pizzas with an incredible hip-hop and R&B soundtrack. The vibe is infectious, and the food matches the energy perfectly. I always go for one of their signature rectangular pies, piled high with fresh, locally sourced toppings and finished with one of their house-made drizzles—the jalapeño cilantro ranch is completely addictive. With nearly 5,000 glowing reviews, it’s clear the rest of the city agrees with me.

Five Points Pizza East If you ask a local where to find a proper New York-style slice, they will almost undoubtedly point you to East Nashville. Five Points Pizza has mastered the art of the large, foldable slice with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between chewy and crisp. Their walk-up window is legendary for late-night cravings, but sitting down inside the bustling dining room for a whole pie and an order of garlic knots is my preferred weekend ritual. The habanero cream sauce pie is a spicy, savory standout that you simply have to try if you appreciate a little heat.

Bella Napoli Pizzeria Tucked away in the cobblestone courtyard of Edgehill Village, Bella Napoli feels like a miniature Italian vacation right in the heart of the city. The moment you walk in, the scent of the wood-fired oven hits you. They serve true Neapolitan-style pizza here, meaning the dough is made with imported double-zero flour and fired at blistering temperatures for just a couple of minutes. The result is a soft, airy crust with beautiful char marks along the edges. Their classic Margherita, featuring sweet San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, is arguably the most authentic you'll find in Tennessee.

Smith & Lentz Brewing and Pizza It is a well-known fact that craft beer and pizza are natural best friends, but Smith & Lentz elevated this pairing to an entirely new level. Originally operating purely as a brewery, they eventually added a kitchen and began churning out spectacular wood-fired pies. The crust here has a distinct, sourdough-like tang that sets it apart from anything else in town. Sitting on their patio on Main Street with a crisp local pilsner in one hand and a slice of their spicy pepperoni in the other is one of my favorite ways to spend a Friday evening.

Plan Your Pizza Run

If you're planning your own pizza tour of Nashville, keep a few practical things in mind. The pizza scene here leans heavily toward the casual side. You won't need to stress about booking reservations weeks in advance, though places like Bella Napoli and Five Points do fill up quickly during peak Friday and Saturday dinner hours. To avoid a long wait, I highly recommend visiting for an early supper around 5:00 PM, or grabbing a weekday lunch.

Pricing is remarkably approachable across the board. You can easily grab a massive, satisfying slice at Five Points for under five bucks, while full, artisanal pies at places like Slim & Husky's or Smith & Lentz will typically run you between $15 and $25, depending on your toppings.

Nashville's food identity is expanding rapidly, and pizza is leading the charge in some of our most vibrant neighborhoods. The next time you find yourself in town, I encourage you to step off the neon-lit Broadway strip, head out into East or North Nashville, and grab a slice. You might just find your new favorite pie. Be sure to let me know which spot you hit first!