Nashville may be famous as Music City, but its pizza scene deserves just as much attention. Villa Castrioti brings authentic Italian pizza to downtown Nashville with classic recipes, fresh ingredients, and slices worth seeking out.
I visited Nashville for a few days, unsure of what I would find in their world of pizza, but I quickly found pizza is as popular here as hot chicken and barbecue. There were an overwhelming number of places to choose from, so I had to do some good research to find what might be good. I was quite happy with what I found.
Just steps away from the neon lights of Broadway at 3rd and Commerce you’ll find Villa Castrioti. The place has been around since 1989 with a few locations around the Nashville area. Excellent reviews, a prime location, and irresistible pizza photos made Villa Castrioti my top choice.
Reading about Villa Castrioti made me a little nervous initially. The menu featured not only pizza, but also veal, seafood, and other artistic platters. I felt it might not be a place for me because it definitely falls into the realm of fine dining, which is typically outside of the places I usually find myself at. Additionally, everything I read said they recommend making reservations. It’s not that I can’t clean up nicely to go to nice places, it’s that I just usually don’t.
BUT, the reviews all said the pizza is incredible, so I figured I would take a chance by just showing up unannounced, dressed in less than what I’d call “fancy.” I walked right in and got a table with no issue and quickly found even though it is considered a fine dining establishment, the place seemed “just right” for what I like. The atmosphere comes off as very comfortable and very welcoming with the classic southern hospitality so often referenced when visiting the area.
The decor is a vibrant fusion of uniqueness best described as modern fine dining combined with an old school Italian restaurant vibe. Local-themed murals fill one room, while another offers an upscale, elegant dining experience. It’s what I call upscale fancy. Candlelit tables and a central bar connect the dining rooms, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. For the nice atmosphere and extensive excellent reviews, the place is surprisingly affordable when you look at the menu.
All of the above is nice, but the big question is how it tasted…
This is some of the best pizza I have ever had.
It was simply an amazing taste that wowed me in a way I haven’t experienced in a long while. This is what I refer to as a “destination pizza” (a place worthy of traveling to just to try it). The hand tossed brick oven cooked crust was perfectly crisp, but soft and airy above it at just the right thickness. Their own crafted house sauce carried a deep, rich, perfectly balanced flavor that tasted like it had simmered for hours. The cheese was melted just right, tying everything together in a way that felt like the chef created it with a magic wand.
I love every pizza style, but New York-style slices will always be my favorite. Villa Castrioti proves true New York-style pizza takes skill – and they absolutely know what they’re doing. The pizza is incredible here, and it was about as perfect as you can get.
When I was finished eating, the server asked me how I liked it. I replied with, “Is the manager here?” Thinking something was wrong, she introduced me to the co-owner, Joe Clarke. Clarke had a look of concern which turned into a big smile when I told him the pizza I just ate was among the best I’ve ever had. He gave me a tour of the kitchen and introduced me to Joshua Pullen, his head chef. Very kind, very friendly, and as mentioned earlier, a demonstration of southern hospitality at it’s finest.
Owner, Joe Clarke (left), Head Chef, Joshua Pullen (Center), Me (right)
This place is amazing.
I don’t usually rate pizza places on a number scale, but if I did, Villa Castrioti would get an 11 out of 10. I will definitely make a trip back there just to get another bite of these slices.
If you find yourself in Nashville, this needs to be a stop on your list. The restaurant’s website link is included below. Check it out for locations and menus that will make you want to book a table tonight.
~ Marty the Pizza Guy ~
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Click Here for the Villa Castrioti Website
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