Tennessee might be famous for hot chicken and barbecue, but the state has quietly become a surprising pizza destination. From Memphis to the Smoky Mountains, relaxed pizzerias are serving up pies that rival anything you’d find in bigger cities.
Whether you’re craving New York-style thin crust or thick, chewy slices piled high with toppings, these eight spots prove that great pizza and a chill atmosphere go hand in hand.
1. Pizza Palace (Knoxville)
Walking into Pizza Palace feels like stepping back in time to when pizza joints were neighborhood gathering spots. The aroma of baking dough and bubbling cheese hits you the moment you open the door. This Knoxville institution has been perfecting its recipe for decades, and the results speak for themselves.
The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, flavorful dough. Locals swear by the classic pepperoni, but adventurous eaters love the specialty combinations that change with the seasons.
2. Broadway Pizza (Memphis)
Memphis has given the world blues music and incredible barbecue, but Broadway Pizza adds another reason to visit this soulful city. This legendary spot has been slinging pies since way back, earning a devoted following that spans generations. The moment you walk in, you know you’ve found something authentic.
Hand-tossed crusts are the foundation here, spun fresh throughout the day by pizzamakers who’ve mastered their craft. The sauce is rich and tangy, made from a recipe that’s remained unchanged for years.
Mismatched chairs and faded posters create a comfortable environment where everyone fits in.
3. Luigi’s Pizza (Clarksville)
Don’t judge this book by its cover. Luigi’s sits in an unassuming strip mall, the kind of place you might drive past without noticing. But military families stationed at nearby Fort Campbell and longtime Clarksville residents know better. They’ve been coming here for years, drawn by consistently excellent pizza that never disappoints.
The menu keeps things simple with classic toppings done right. Hand-tossed dough gets topped with quality ingredients that taste fresh and flavorful. The cheese melts perfectly, creating those satisfying cheese pulls that make pizza lovers happy.
What keeps people returning isn’t just the food but the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere. The owners treat customers like family, remembering your usual order after just a few visits.
4. Peaceful Side Social (Townsend)
After a day hiking through the Smoky Mountains, nothing hits quite like wood-fired pizza and cold craft beer. Peaceful Side Social understands this perfectly, offering a cozy retreat where outdoor enthusiasts can refuel and relax. The rustic setting matches the mountain surroundings, with reclaimed wood and comfortable seating that invites you to stay awhile.
The pizza here showcases creativity alongside classic options. Seasonal ingredients from local farms make their way onto specialty pies that change throughout the year. The crust has that perfect char from the wood-fired oven, adding a smoky depth that complements the fresh toppings beautifully.
The craft beer selection deserves special mention, featuring local breweries and hard-to-find options that pair wonderfully with the food.
5. Sorelles Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (Eagleville)
Small-town Tennessee doesn’t get much more charming than Eagleville, and Sorelles fits right into this friendly community. This family-run spot brings authentic Italian flavors to rural middle Tennessee, proving you don’t need a big city to find exceptional pizza. The homemade approach shows in every bite, from the hand-stretched dough to the carefully seasoned sauce.
The crust here deserves serious praise. It’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold generous toppings without getting soggy. Each slice has that satisfying chew that marks well-made dough, and the edges develop beautiful golden-brown bubbles in the oven.
Traditional Italian toppings share menu space with American favorites, giving everyone something to love.
6. Five Points Pizza (Nashville)
East Nashville’s hip food scene includes plenty of trendy spots, but Five Points Pizza keeps things refreshingly simple. This neighborhood joint focuses on what matters most: thin-crust New York-style pizza that tastes authentic and satisfying.
The thin crust crackles when you fold it, exactly as proper New York slices should. Cheese stretches in those long, satisfying pulls that pizza lovers dream about. The sauce-to-cheese ratio hits that perfect balance where neither overwhelms the other.
You can grab a slice for lunch or order a whole pizza for dinner.
7. Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria (Nashville)
This Nashville success story started with three friends who wanted to create something special for their community. Slim & Husky’s has grown beyond its humble beginnings, but the original mission remains: serving creative, delicious pizza in a welcoming environment where everyone belongs.
Unique topping combinations set this place apart from traditional pizzerias. The menu features bold flavor profiles that work surprisingly well together, from sweet and savory mixes to unexpected ingredient pairings. The crust provides the perfect foundation, neither too thin nor too thick, with a satisfying chew that holds up to generous toppings.
Local art decorates the walls, and the beer selection features craft options from Tennessee breweries. It’s the kind of place where solo diners feel comfortable and large groups can spread out, creating a truly inclusive dining experience that reflects Nashville’s diverse, creative spirit.
8. Tennessee Pizza Company (Seymour)
Sometimes the best pizza comes from the most unexpected places. Tennessee Pizza Company in Seymour might not look fancy, but this local gem has earned a devoted following through consistently excellent pies and genuine neighborhood charm. Regulars know to arrive early on weekends because word has spread about the quality coming out of this kitchen.
Classic flavors reign supreme here, executed with care and quality ingredients. The sauce has that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The dough is made fresh daily, resulting in a crust that’s flavorful enough to enjoy even the bare edges.
Whether you prefer simple cheese or loaded supreme, every pizza gets the same attention to detail.