One Tennessee pizzeria hides a nostalgic arcade upstairs, so your post-pizza plan is already sorted. Another bakes its pies in a rotating, circular wood-fired oven. I didn’t know pizza ovens could spin, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
The surprises kept coming as I dug in. One spot serves its pies with views of a famous mountain. Another builds its crust on sourdough, while a third pairs slices with sundaes and cones.
What I love most is the range. You’ll find Neapolitan crusts, foldable New York slices, and thin, smoky pies from hand-built ovens. Some are big-city favorites, and some sit in small college towns.
So I mapped out a pizza road trip across the whole state. A few names may surprise you. Which crust style would get you in the car first, and how far would you drive for it?
1. DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, Nashville
Nashville is famous for music, but the wood-fired ovens here deserve their own encore. The pies follow the Neapolitan tradition, which means soft centers, charred edges, and simple toppings that stay out of the way.
If you’re new to the style, start with the Margherita D.O.P. It’s the classic test of any Neapolitan pizzeria, and it’s vegetarian too.
The D.O.P. label points to protected Italian ingredients. That’s a fancy way of saying the kitchen cares about where the tomatoes and cheese come from.
Imported ingredients are a big part of the appeal here. Pair them with the heat of a wood fire, and you get a crust with real character.
Neapolitan pizza cooks fast, and so does the service. Ordering happens at the counter, so you won’t spend half your lunch break waiting.
Solo diners fit right in, and so do bigger groups. Families will find high chairs and changing tables, which makes a pizza night with little ones much easier.
Got a pup along for the ride? Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, so your four-legged friend can watch you eat with deep longing.
Timing matters if you want a calm meal. Weekend evenings and Monday nights get busy, while weekday afternoons tend to be quieter.
Vegetarians get plenty of choices from a full meatless menu. You can also round things out with small plates and dessert.
Can’t stay? Takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup are all options. That makes it an easy pick for a hotel room feast after a long day downtown.
The restaurant sits just north of downtown, close enough to fold into a day of sightseeing. Parking includes a lot and street spaces, though some of it is paid.
Hours run from late morning through the evening seven days a week. Friday and Saturday stretch an hour later for night owls.
2. Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Memphis
Memphis knows barbecue, so it takes nerve to open a pizza joint on Main Street. Aldo’s pulled it off by going big with New York-style pies you can fold in half.
The pizzas here are large and loaded. Sausage lovers, take note, because the toppings don’t hold back.
Can’t pick a pizza? Plenty of folks split a pie down the middle, pairing the Memphis pie with a classic Margherita.
That Margherita has a crispy crust that gives a satisfying crunch. It’s a good way to judge the kitchen before you branch out.
Sandwiches share the menu if someone in your crew isn’t in a pizza mood. The menu also includes sandwiches and other options beyond pizza.
Plant-based eaters get a real seat at the table. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody is stuck picking at a side salad.
The room itself is quirky, with unusual decor and plenty of space to spread out. Big games on the screens make it a popular stop for sports fans too.
Delivery comes with thoughtful extras like plates, napkins, Parmesan, and red pepper packets. It’s a small touch that saves you from digging through kitchen drawers.
Reservations aren’t taken, so walking in is the plan. Weekend evenings and Wednesday nights draw the biggest crowds.
Parking downtown can be tricky, with paid lots and street spots. Give yourself a few extra minutes, or grab a ride and skip the hunt.
The doors open daily from late morning until late evening. That makes it handy for a lunch break or a post-Beale Street slice.
3. A Dopo Sourdough Pizza, Knoxville
Sourdough isn’t just for toast anymore, and Knoxville is better for it. A Dopo builds its pizzas on a naturally tangy sourdough crust, then sends them through a wood-fired oven.
The result is a crust that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. There’s a slight sourdough tang that sneaks up on you in the best way.
The tomato sauce keeps things simple. When the crust is this good, the toppings don’t need to shout.
You’ll find a varied lineup of pies, so it’s worth reading the menu slowly. The staff know the food well and can help you choose.
Save room for gelato. It’s a sweet finish that cools things down after a pie fresh from the fire.
Vegan and vegetarian diners have full menus to explore. That’s a big plus if your group has mixed eating styles.
The space works for date nights and family dinners alike. High chairs are available, and there’s a private dining room for larger gatherings.
Here’s a heads-up: this is a dinner-only spot. Doors open in the late afternoon, and Sunday starts a little earlier than weeknights.
Expect a wait on busy nights, especially weekends and Mondays. Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner, so book ahead if you can.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is. Just know that sourdough crust tastes best when you eat it soon after it leaves the oven.
Parking is usually easy, with free and paid options nearby. The restaurant sits just north of downtown, close to the Old City area.
If you’ve never had sourdough pizza, this is a fine place to start. Fair warning, regular crust may feel a bit plain afterward.
4. Mr. T’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Chattanooga
Pizza and ice cream under one roof sounds like a kid’s dream menu. In Chattanooga, Mr. T’s makes it real, with Lookout Mountain views tossed in for free.
Don’t expect anything fancy from the outside. This is a small, unassuming shop that puts its energy into the food.
The dough and sauce are made in house. That shows up in a light, tender crust and a sauce with plenty of flavor.
Fresh cheese tops it off nicely. It’s the sort of pizza that tastes like someone actually cares about it.
Then comes the second half of the name. Sundaes and cones wait for you after dinner, so dessert decisions are basically made for you.
Families have it easy here. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a relaxed, clean dining room.
The shop sits close to popular attractions near the base of Lookout Mountain. That makes it a smart stop before or after a day of sightseeing.
Service moves quickly, with ordering at the counter. You can eat inside, grab a seat outdoors, or take your pizza to go.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options are available, including dairy-free cheese and customizable pizzas. Even plant-based eaters can join the pizza party.
Delivery is available too, including no-contact drop-off. That’s handy if your feet are tired from climbing around the mountain.
Weekend afternoons and evenings get busy, along with Thursday and Friday nights. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually calmer.
Hours start mid-morning most days and run into the evening. Sunday opens a little later, so plan your post-church pizza accordingly.
Parking is usually plentiful, which is a relief in a tourist area. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, so bring your pup along.
Want the full experience? Order a pie, finish with a cone, and look up at the mountain for a few minutes.
5. Scratch Brick Oven, Johnson City
Somebody built this oven by hand, and you can taste the effort. Scratch Brick Oven in downtown Johnson City fires its thin-crust pizzas in a hand-built, wood-fired oven.
The name is a promise, and the kitchen keeps it. Many items are made in house, including homemade meats.
Smoked meats show up as toppings, which gives the pies a bold, savory edge. It’s a fun twist on the usual pepperoni routine.
The crust is thin, but it still has substance. It holds up nicely under quality toppings without flopping.
Quirky is the word for many of the combos here. If you like trying something new, this menu is your playground.
Not into meat? Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean you won’t miss out.
Ordering happens at the counter, and there’s no table service. That keeps things relaxed and moving at a laid-back pace.
The space has a cool, offbeat feel. The staff are friendly, and the mood is easy whether you come alone or with friends.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and delivery isn’t offered. Show up, grab a seat inside or outdoors, or take your pie home.
Friday and Sunday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons are a quieter time to swing by.
Parking is free, with an on-site lot and street spaces nearby. Dogs are welcome outside if your pup wants to come along.
Downtown Johnson City makes a great backdrop for a pizza stroll. Grab a slice, then wander the nearby streets afterward.
6. Mikes Pizzeria – Traditional Wood Fired Neapolitan style, Murfreesboro
Neapolitan purists might gasp, but homemade ranch is on the menu here. Mike’s in Murfreesboro serves traditional wood-fired pizza with a side of Southern comfort.
The pies follow classic Neapolitan methods. That means a quick bake in a wood-fired oven and a soft, charred crust.
Then there’s the ranch, made in house. Dip your crust in it, and you’ll understand why it earned a spot in the description.
Can’t decide on toppings? Half-and-half pizzas work well, like pepperoni on one side and veggies on the other.
Vegetarians have a full menu to browse. Small plates and dessert round things out if you want more than pizza.
The mood is calm and quiet, which feels rare these days. It’s a nice change from loud, crowded chain spots.
Service is quick, and ordering happens at the counter. Good customer service is a big part of the appeal here.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy nights. Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually quiet. That’s a good window for a relaxed lunch.
Hours run from late morning to evening Monday through Saturday. Sunday opens in the early afternoon.
Parking is free and usually easy to find. The spot sits right on Memorial Boulevard, a main road through town.
Delivery, takeout, and catering are available too. Ordering ahead makes a game-night pizza run super simple.
7. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, Gatlinburg
Hiking the Smokies burns a lot of energy, and Gatlinburg has a tasty fix. Big Daddy’s serves wood-fired, thin-crust pies that come out piping hot.
The crust is thin and crispy, with a smoky flavor from the fire. It’s a welcome reward after a long trail day.
Toppings are generous here. Think pepperoni, bacon, and banana peppers piled high.
Pizza isn’t the only choice. Sandwiches and salads share the menu, so picky eaters are covered.
Save room for a chocolate chip cannoli. It’s a sweet finish that makes the drive back to your cabin a little happier.
Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs. There’s even a kid-size cheese bread to go.
Vegans and vegetarians have full menus too. Mountain trips with mixed diets just got easier.
Big Daddy’s is a small local chain, and this location sits on River Road. It’s close to the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.
Service is fast, which matters when the whole family is hungry. You can eat inside or grab a seat outdoors.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and delivery isn’t offered. Takeout works well if you’d rather eat back at your rental.
Friday evening is the busiest time. Mornings tend to be quieter, especially on Sunday and Monday.
Parking is usually plentiful, with free lots and street spaces. That’s a nice surprise in a busy tourist town.
Free Wi-Fi helps if you need to check trail maps or plan tomorrow’s adventure. Doors open daily at late morning and run into the evening.
8. Salvo’s Pizza, Franklin
Checkerboard tablecloths are the universal sign that good pizza is coming. Salvo’s in Franklin brings an East Coast neighborhood feel to Middle Tennessee.
The room is bright, with an open kitchen where you can watch the action. It feels like a corner pizzeria you’d find up north.
The crust bakes up crispy, just right for folding. Portions are big, so you might take home leftovers.
Garlic knots deserve a spot on your order. They’re large, which is great news for garlic fans.
Beyond pizza, you’ll find Italian dishes on the menu. It’s a family-owned place with a homey, welcoming mood.
Vegan and vegetarian menus are available. Organic dishes show up too, which is a nice bonus.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy nights. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds.
Mondays and weekday mornings are quieter. Doors open early, so a mid-morning pizza is totally possible.
Delivery, takeout, and catering are all options. No-contact delivery is available if you’d rather stay in.
Parking is usually easy, with free lots and street spaces. The restaurant sits along Hillsboro Road, not far from downtown Franklin.
9. Four Brothers, Clarksville
Most pizza ovens sit still, but this one spins. Four Brothers in Clarksville bakes its pies in a rotating, circular wood-fired oven.
That spinning oven helps create a thin, crispy crust. The edges come out nicely blackened, with plenty of flavor.
The house pizza sauce gets a lot of love. It’s bright and tasty, and it pairs well with fresh toppings.
Don’t skip the cheese bread. Cheese sticks are on the menu too, if you want a snack before the main event.
Special diets are welcome here. Cauliflower crust and vegan cheese are both options.
The space has a modern industrial look. It’s clean, casual, and easy to settle down in.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. The staff are pleasant and helpful if you have questions.
This location sits on Profit Drive in the Tiny Town Road area. College students and families both stop in.
Reservations aren’t taken, so just show up. Friday evening is the busiest stretch of the week.
Weekday mornings are usually quiet. Doors open mid-morning most days, so an early lunch is easy.
Sunday hours are shorter and end in the early evening. Plan ahead if you want a weekend pie.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. Delivery and takeout are available when you’d rather eat at home.
Want to show off a little? Tell your friends the oven spins, then watch them ask to go.
10. Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria, Jackson
A pizzeria named after a famous painter had better get creative. Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria in Jackson delivers with off-the-wall specialty pies and local art on the walls.
The pizzas are wood-fired, with a golden, crispy crust. Fresh mozzarella shows up in generous amounts.
Want something bold? The Caribbean Jerk pizza brings a spicy twist and plenty of cheese.
Prefer the classics? The Margherita keeps it simple and lets the fresh ingredients shine.
Garlic knots arrive soaked in garlic butter. They’re packed with flavor, so maybe skip any close conversations afterward.
Fresh salads are also available, offering a lighter option alongside pizza. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available.
Local artwork gives the dining room a fun, artsy feel. The patio is a great spot when the weather cooperates.
Picasso Bistro & Pizzeria serves lunch and dinner, with pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and desserts on the menu.
Friday evening is the busiest time. Late mornings and early afternoons are usually calmer.
Hours run late on Friday and Saturday nights. That makes it a solid pick for late-night pizza in West Tennessee.
Reservations are accepted, and curbside pickup is available. Parking is free and easy to find on Stonebridge Boulevard.
11. Pizzeria Cortile, Red Bank
Just north of Chattanooga, Red Bank hides a little slice of Naples. Pizzeria Cortile serves wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza in a neighborhood setting.
The pies are cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives them a lovely char. Fresh ingredients and a wide selection of toppings let you build your dream pizza.
Mozzarella sticks here are homemade. That’s a big step up from the frozen kind you might be used to.
Save room for the cannoli. They’re made from scratch, and they make a sweet ending to your meal.
Specials change things up, so check what’s new when you visit. It’s a fun way to try something different.
Vegetarians have a full menu to explore. Small plates are also available for sharing.
The mood is laid-back and easygoing. It’s the kind of neighborhood joint where you can relax and take your time.
Table service keeps things simple. Service is quick, and the people working here are known for being friendly.
Plan your trip carefully, because the schedule is limited. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
Tuesday and Thursday mornings tend to be quieter. That’s a nice window for an early lunch.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is available. Catering is an option too, if you’re feeding a crowd.
Parking is usually easy, with free lots and street spaces. The spot sits right on Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank.
12. Woodfire Pizza Kitchen, Martin
Dinner and a game of Pac-Man used to be a dream date, and Martin still believes in it. Woodfire Pizza Kitchen pairs handcrafted pies with a nostalgic upstairs arcade.
The pizzas are wood-fired and made by hand. They come out of the oven with that smoky, charred touch fire lovers crave.
The specialty pie names are half the fun. Look for the Tennessee Humidity, My Aunt Lou-Shele, and Dad’s Favorite.
There’s also the Kenn-Tenn Folk Margherita. That name is a wink at the nearby Kentucky line and local roots.
Can’t choose just one? Order a few and share them with your group.
Pizza fans who moved from the Northeast speak highly of the pies here. That’s no small compliment from people raised near New York and New Haven.
Once you’re full, head upstairs. The arcade is a perfect way to work off a few slices and settle family rivalries.
Kids get their own menu and high chairs. The arcade makes this a top pick for birthdays and family nights.
Table service keeps things relaxed. Service is quick, so hungry gamers won’t wait long.
Small plates and dessert round out the menu. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times. Weekday afternoons are much calmer.
Hours run from late morning to evening seven days a week. Friday and Saturday stay open an hour later.
Delivery isn’t offered, but takeout is. Parking is free and usually easy to find.
Martin is home to the University of Tennessee at Martin, so this spot draws a lively mix. Grab a pie, hit the arcade, and chase that high score.
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