The Home of the Blues, and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, Memphis has a rich cultural heritage of song, food, and revelry. With so many restaurants and bars to choose from, where should you go when you’re in the mood for pizza?
Fortunately, Memphis offers an epic selection of pizza places. I’ve rounded up the best pizza in Memphis, including traditional Neapolitan, thin-crust, hand-tossed, deep dish, and more. Plus, I’ve made sure to pick different places good for families, dates, and other situations, so you can find the restaurant that suits your specific needs. No matter how you like your ‘za, Grind City delivers. Check out my list of the best pizza in Memphis below!
Little Italy
Multiple locations
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When you’re in Memphis, but craving pizza from New York, head over to Little Italy. I brought some NY friends here, and they swear it’s identical to the ‘za from their home state! You can create your own pizza or choose one of their specialty pies. One of their more unique options (and one of my favorites) is Grandma’s Pizza, which features fresh garlic, basil, mozzarella, and plum tomato sauce atop a thin, square crust. Aside from pizza, they also have pasta, calzones, and salads. Little Italy has many locations throughout the state. Their Memphis spot is right off 79, on Union Avenue near South McNeill Street.
Aldo’s Pizza Pies
Multiple locations
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Aldo’s is a great choice both if you want to grab a quick lunch solo or if you and your friends feel like sitting down and chilling in a casual setting. Their weekday lunch special gets you a slice and a fountain drink for just $6. Their whole pies include both build-your-own and specialty options. Meat lovers should check out the Mr. T-Rex pizza, which includes a blend of pepperoni, sausage, and meatballs. Aldo’s has two Memphis locations. Their downtown restaurant is along South Main Street near Gayoso Avenue, while their East Midtown spot is along Cooper Street, just one block north of the I Love Memphis Mural.
Memphis Pizza Cafe
Multiple locations
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For over 28 years, Memphis Pizza Café has been serving up delicious thin and crispy pizzas. They have styles for everyone, including Vegetable Supreme, Ultimate Cheese, and a meat-heavy option simply titled “Hey, Meat!”. It’s a casual sit-down restaurant with a front patio that’s great for people watching. From Monday through Friday, they have a daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm. Memphis Pizza Café is popular, with four locations throughout the city. Their Overton Square location is on Madison Avenue, East Memphis is on Park Avenue, Germantown is along Farmington, and Collierville is on West Poplar.
Garibaldi’s Pizza
Multiple locations
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Garibaldi’s has been a cornerstone of Memphis culture since 1975. Their first restaurant opened near the University of Memphis, and over the years, they’ve expanded into two other locations. Their hand-tossed pizzas have a delectable golden-brown crust and loads of fresh ingredients. You can customize your pie or order one of their specialty options. If you’re a true pizza connoisseur, you’ll need to order Garibaldi’s Supreme, which includes, well, pretty much everything. You’ll find their flagship restaurant between Walker Avenue and Mynders Avenue. Their Germantown location is along West Street near the Methodist Germantown Hospital, and their East Memphis spot is along Mt. Moriah Road near Spottswood Road.
Ciao Baby Pizza
890 W Poplar Ave, Collierville, TN 38017
Phone: 901-457-7457
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Authentic Neapolitan pizza is pretty different from the American style, and it’s not always easy to make correctly, but Ciao Baby Pizza excels. True to tradition, their pizzas have pliable crusts with a soft center. It gives the flavors a chance to expand, creating bold, fresh tastes. I’m a fan of their three classics: Pizza Margherita, Pizza Bianca, and Pizza Marinara. Aside from pizza, they also serve cold sandwiches, wood-fired wings, and pasta. They’re just off Poplar Avenue, down the street from Bella’s Pizzeria, about two blocks south of La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant.
Broadway Pizza
Multiple locations
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Broadway Pizza is truly historic. They’ve been serving pizza steadily since they first opened their doors back in 1977. Founder Lana Jeanette Cox was a Native American from Arkansas who endured quite a lot of hardship during her early years but eventually found huge success with her business. Their flagship location is found on Broad Avenue, east of the Old Forest Arboretum and west of the Wiseacre Brewery. Their new second location is on Mendenhall near the Poplar Avenue intersection. Some of their most popular Legendary Broadway pizzas include the Broadway Special, Around the World Sausage, and Bar-B-Que & Shrimp. They also sell salads, sandwiches, and entrees such as Chicken Parmesan and Southern Fried Catfish.
High Point Pizza
477 High Point Terrace, Memphis, TN 38122
Phone: 901-452-3339
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High Point Pizza combines upscale, high-quality pizza with a friendly, welcoming environment. They’re my recommendation for casual dining with family and friends. They’re certainly not shy about toppings. They offer over 20 meats and veggies so you can customize your pie to your heart’s desire. Specialty options include Cajun Chicken, Four Meat, and a Bacon Cheese Burger. This neighborhood resto is found along High Point Terrace, just below the intersection with Sam Cooper Boulevard. They’re right next to Cheffie’s Café.
Elwood’s Shack
4523 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122
Phone: 901-761-9898
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I love stopping by Elwood’s at practically any time of day. They have an expansive menu with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. As far as pizza goes, they offer seven options. Seafood fans will love the Fish Pizza with trout, avocado, and pico de gallo. Other popular favorites include Elwood’s Meat, with meatballs and pepperoni, and Dink’s Favorite made with meatballs and onions. Head over to Sam Cooper Boulevard East, and turn north on Perkins Road. Elwood’s shack is at the corner of Perkins and Summer Avenue.
Pete & Sam’s
3886 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: 901-458-0694
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Created by Sam and his cousin Pete, this restaurant has been serving Memphis residents for several decades. Fun fact: Pete only owned the business for the first six months, but after he dropped out, Sam didn’t have the money for a new sign, so the original name stuck. It’s a relaxed, traditional sit-down restaurant with cushioned booths and softer lighting. They serve authentic Italian food, including spaghetti, fettuccine with clams, and seafood. Their pizza options feature both classic single-topping pies along with specialty options such as the Everything Supremo and the Blackened Chicken Alfredo. You’ll find them along Park Avenue, just a few blocks west of the University of Memphis Community Health Building. They’re between North Second Street and South Goodlett Street.
Coletta’s Restaurant
2850 Appling Rd, Memphis, TN 38133
Phone: 901-383-1122
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Coletta’s claims they’re the oldest restaurant in Memphis. While I don’t know if that’s totally true, the place is definitely steeped in fascinating history. They offer upscale but accessible meals for families and friends. Traditional Italian is what’s on the menu here. I’m a fan of their lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Their pizzas are thin and lightly crisped, with topping options including homemade Italian sausage, artichoke hearts, and more. The restaurant is located on Appling Road, just south of US Highway 64. They also have a location on South Parkway and a third on Madison Avenue in the University of Tennessee food court.
Isabella’s Pizza
2801 Bartlett Blvd, Memphis, TN 38134
Phone: 901-382-1007
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Isabella’s is where you should go for pizza when you’re in the Bartlett neighborhood. It’s a casual dining spot that focuses on two things: Fresh ingredients and friendly service. You can even watch them throw the dough! They have pizza pies, slices, rolled pizza, and even pizza bowls. Aside from traditional pizzas, I’m a fan of some of their more unique offerings, such as their BBQ Chicken Pizza and their Philly Steak Pizza. (Note that the specialty pizzas are only sold whole, not by the slice.) Isabella’s is located along Bartlett Boulevard near the Bartlett Towne Center. They’re about a block east of Brad’s Bar-B-Q and El Patron.
Lost Pizza Co. Memphis
2855 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: 901-572-1803
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I’m so glad I “found” the Lost Pizza Co. It’s a laid back, hip spot with cool décor and outgoing staff. Mississippi Magazine readers voted the place the Best Pizza in Mississippi seven years in a row. Their signature pizzas are loads of fun. Check out The Hot Chick, with homemade ranch and grilled chicken breast, or The Islander, with bacon, pineapple, and roasted red peppers. Their Memphis location is just off Poplar Avenue and North Humes Street, just a few blocks south of the Sears Hometown Store.
Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza
Multiple locations
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If you’re with a group of people who all want pizza, but everyone has different preferences, Pyro’s is the place to go. They offer a huge range of options, including multiple topping types and both gluten-free and cauliflower crusts. One specialty pizza found here I’ve never seen anywhere else is their Breakfast Pizza. It’s loaded with bacon, breakfast sausage, two kinds of cheese, potatoes, and a layer of spinach. You can order it any time during the day. No matter where you are in Memphis, a Pyro’s is likely nearby. They have three Memphis locations: Ridgeway Road, North Germantown Parkway, and Union Avenue.
Pizzeria Trasimeno
1350 Concourse Ave Suite 181, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-308-1113
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Pizzeria Trasimeno is another one of my favorite joints for authentic Neapolitan pizza. They’re committed to freshness, making their own dough, and letting it proof overnight. They also roast their own mushrooms and garlic. I’m a big fan of their specials. With their lunch combo, you can get an individual pizza and a soda for just $10. They also have happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm every Tuesday through Thursday. You’ll find Pizzeria Trasimeno on Concourse Avenue, right across the street from the Crosstown Concourse Parking Garage. They’re on the same block as Crosstown Arts and the Art Bar.
Fox Ridge Pizza
711 W Brookhaven Cir, Memphis, TN 38117
Phone: 901-758-6500
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Fox Ridge is where I suggest when people are looking to get together in a large group. The restaurant’s Party Room comfortably fits up to 20. It’s free, as long as you spend at least $200 on food and drink. Plus, you can bring your own cake and ice cream. (Of course, reservations are required.) I love the Fox Ridge Special, a pizza with sausage, pepperoni, BBQ pork, bell peppers, mushrooms, and more. If you’re not a meat lover, they also have a vegetarian option where you can choose up to five toppings. They’re found between Colonial View and White Station on West Brookhaven Circle. They’re around the corner from Chuckles Comedy House.