The Bone Lick BBQ pizza at Pizzeria Vesuvius
1. Ammazza
Still considered an Old Fourth Ward newbie, this spot’s Napoletana-style wood-fired pizzas featuring fine Italian ingredients, like homemade meatballs, spicy sopressata, house mozzarella and fresh Roma tomatoes, often have patrons lined up out the door. 591 Edgewood Ave. SE, 404.228.1036
2. Varasano’s Pizzeria
For nearly five years, this award-winning Buckhead resto has gained international acclaim through Jeff Varasano’s methods of fermenting dough, three-minute flash baking and using all-natural ingredients for a result that is lightly-charred, thin-crusted and best enjoyed with minimal toppings. 2171 Peachtree Road NE, 404.352.8216
3. Antico Pizza
Though it opened in 2009, Antico has become an instant Westside staple, with eats that are officially world-renowned. Giovanni Di Palma’s pared-down menu of Naples-style pies (six traditional, four special) are baked in a blazing hot 900-degree Italian oven and served up at communal tables. Don’t forget to BYOB. 1093 Hemphill Ave. NW, 404.724.2333
4. Pizzeria Vesuvius
Posted up on an unassuming strip of Edgewood Avenue, this resto prides itself on made-from-scratch ingredients and house-cured meats—stop in for a taste of Neapolitan-style (like the Fico with prosciutto, fig spread, Gorgonzola dolce, arugula and balsamico) or New York-style (like the Hawaiian with Bone Lick BBQ ham, fresh pineapple and red onions) pie. 327 Edgewood Ave. SE, 404.343.4404
5. Sapori di Napoli
The Italian-born Florio brothers created this Decatur dining spot to be a “taste of Naples,” which also happens to be the name’s translation. We can’t get enough of their “pizzes,” with Tuscan-imported salami, bufala mozzarella and Piedmont-made sheep- and cow’s-milk cheese. (Bonus: They’ve got gluten-free ops as well.) 314 Church St., Decatur, 404.371.0001
Photography by: