Where to Eat Pizza in Chattanooga
I’m slowly making my way through every possible facet of Chattanooga’s food and drink scene. So far I’ve covered breakfast, brunch, happy hour, burgers, coffee, dessert, and more. Next up: pizza. Where are some of the best places to eat pizza in Chattanooga?
I’ll be honest: pizza is not in my top three favorite foods, maybe not even my top five. But I don’t dislike it, and I’ll certainly never say no to a slice. I definitely like a good pizza enough to explore the many different places to get pizza in Chattanooga. You know, for “research.” Fortunately, Boyfriend is a pizza aficionado, and was happy to accompany me on many of my restaurant visits.
Eating pizza in Chattanooga
What’s your go-to pizza? I’m a Hawaiian girl, and I will fight for pineapple on pizza as long as I live. It’s the perfect sweet, savory, and salty combo with ham or Canadian bacon and juicy pineapple. I’m not the biggest fan of veggies on my pizza. I’ll take my veggies in a salad or roasted on the side, thank you.
There’s a wide variety of pizza styles in Chattanooga. Whether you like New York, Neapolitan, Chicago, or even Detroit-style (yeah, that’s a thing!), you’ll find it in the Scenic City.
Here are some of the best places to eat pizza in Chattanooga!
Which one is your favorite?
Pizza Bros // This is Boyfriend’s top pick for pizza in Chattanooga, and it ranks in my top three. Try Pizza Bros’ authentic New York style pizza by the slice (cheese, pepperoni, or daily special) or by the 16-inch pie. Order one of their specialty pies or build your own—either way, it’ll be delicious. If you happen to catch their chicken bacon ranch special, get a slice of that. I’m also a huge fan of their “Jack & Chicken” chicken parmesan sandwich.
Home Slice // Have no fear, vegan pizza lovers! Home Slice Pizza has your vegan pizza needs covered, from cauliflower wings, vegan breadsticks, build-your-own and specialty vegan pizzas. In addition to their vegan-friendly offerings, their menu includes subs, wings, garlic knots and other snacks, and thick, chewy crusts on their pies.
Pizzeria Cortile // If more Neapolitan style pizza is your preference, head to Pizzeria Cortile on Dayton Blvd in Red Bank. Each wood-fired pie is about 12 inches, with a soft, chewy crust. Start off with some arancini or wings, and finish with a cannoli. You might recognize the people and pizza from the food truck Local Slice!
Fiamma // Fiamma has been firing and serving Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizzas since 2016. The owner even went to pizza school with the Association of Neapolitan Pizza Makers (who knew that was a thing?)!
Slowrise Pizza (Market South) // Situated in Chattanooga’s new food hall Market South, Slowrise Pizza specializes in “pizza by the cut,” which is baked in large rectangle trays and sliced into squares. It’s thick, airy, and crispy on the outside, which is super different from many other pizza styles in Chattanooga. I was pleasantly surprised by the Tie-Dye pizza when I first went. Pair your pizza with a beer from Five Wits Brewing (also in Market South).
New York Pizza Department // This spot is a little off my usual path, but I gave it a chance a few weeks ago, and I’m glad I did! As the name suggests, this NYPD offers New York style pizza on a wonderfully thin crust. I enjoyed my Hawaiian pizza (naturally), but next time I want to try one of their pastas or calzones.
Community Pie // A Chattanooga classic! Community Pie was actually one of the very first places I ate at when I moved to the Scenic City in 2015. Their Drunk Pig pie is hard to beat. Remember that Detroit-style pizza I mentioned? This is where you can find it! In addition to pizza, Community Pie has a variety of pastas, salads, sandwiches, and other Italian favorites—gelato included.
Alleia // I didn’t know Alleia offered pizzas the first couple of times I dined there. But then I wised up and tried one, and they’re quite tasty. So if you ever want to switch it up from their (incredible) pasta, choose from any of their 10 pizzas. I can personally vouch for the prosciutto, arugula, and smoked mozzarella pizza.
Southside Pizza // Swing by Southside Pizza on Main Street for a New York-style slice or two, or to take a big pie home to share. Or hang around and enjoy your pizza on their patio and take hundreds of photos in front of the giant pizza mural. It’s okay, we’ve all done it.
Lupi’s // Lupi’s is pretty much a Chattanooga staple; they were the first restaurant to make hand-tossed pizza. It’s been around since 1996, and has locations in downtown Chattanooga, Hixson, Ooltewah, Cleveland, and East Brainerd. If you don’t have time to stay and eat, grab one of their take-and-bake pizzas to have at home.
Crust // Ironic name for a place whose style is minimal on crust. Crust is the place for those of y’all who like cracker-thin pizza crust. What I like most about Crust is the size options: 12-inch, 16-inch, and a “quad,” which is a quarter of their 16-inch pizza. Also, they were awesome and made half of their “Sleestak” without mushrooms for me, and half with for Boyfriend.
Lookout Winery // As the name suggests, you can enjoy a glass (or three) of wine while eating some delicious Neapolitan pizza. Lookout Winery is a bit of a drive from downtown, Southside, or North Chattanooga, but it’s a nice change of pace from other options. Plus, the view of the Tennessee River off the back patio is pretty nice.
Pie Slingers Pizza // If you have time to drive a bit, head down to Rock Spring, Ga., to Pie Slingers Pizza. While you’re there, enjoy a cold beer from Phantom Horse Brewing Company right next door, and maybe play a few classic arcade games while waiting for your made-to-order pizza.
Honorable mention: Goodfellas Pizza. This is the newest pizza joint in Chattanooga, and I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet (hence the honorable mention). It’s located off King Street, over by WanderLinger Brewing Co. Enjoy some New York style pizza or a calzone, and then head downstairs to Wiseguy Lounge for some whiskey and cocktails.
No matter what style of pizza you prefer, you’ll soon find your favorite place for it in Chattanooga—if you haven’t found it already.
What’s your favorite style of pizza and toppings?
The Best-Kept Secrets: Chattanoogas Hidden Gems for Pizza Lovers - Exploring Chattanooga - Digital Chattanooga
March 21, 2024 @ 9:27 am
[…] From the thin, crisp crusts of New York to the fluffy and rich bites of Chicago deep-dish, Chattanooga embraces a world of pizza styles. Residents and visitors have the luxury of choosing from New York, Neapolitan, Chicago, and Detroit-style pizzas, ensuring there’s something for every palate (Scratch Made Southern). […]