Nashville may be best known as the Music City, but it could also be known as the Pizza City.
I visited Nashville for a few days recently, 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. I had 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.
Located at 3rd and Commerce, just off the bright lights of Broadway in the downtown area is an Italian restaurant named Villa Castrioti. The place has been around since 1989 with a few locations around the Nashville area. Ratings were outstanding, the location was convenient, but more importantly, the pictures of their pizza had me hooked as a 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. Part of the place features fun local themed art murals while another section brings you into a what I call upscale fancy. The sections are tied together with candle lit tables and a bar in the middle. 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 pizza, and I like a wide variety of styles, but I have an affinity for New York style slices. To get a New York slice that is just right takes special skill, and it was evident that Villa Castrioti knows what they are 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
Words with Pizza - Featuring Marty the Pizza Guy 
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