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Antico Pizza
Categories: Restaurants Pizza Restaurants Italian Pizza, Italian [Edit]
1093 Hemphill Ave NWAtlanta, GA 30318
Neighborhoods: Westside / Home Park, Georgia Tech
(404) 873-1272
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
682 reviews for Antico Pizza
Review Highlights
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"We got Vendura, and a Margherita and both were delicious." In 84 reviews -
"I love the San Gennaro (Sweet Red Peppers FTW." In 8 reviews -
"Superbly fresh ingredients make for one delicious pie." In 25 reviews
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678 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew D.
Alpharetta, GA
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
After a great afternoon at the East Atlanta Beer Festival I and my merry band of followers decide to complete the our trip down college memory lane by finding some pizza after an afternoon of day drinking. Unlike college with did not order from some local chain, we stepped up, WAY up to Antico Pizza. It was my first time and it won't be my last.
The sitting is communal, large wood tables that hold multiple parties at the same time. It reminded me of a brunch place I used to drag myself to on Sunday morning's in San Francisco and I love the concept. We were in a party of six and had no trouble grabbing a table in the front room. Which turned out to a blessing, since the entire restaurant had the thermometer set at Blast Furnace, but the front room occasionally got a little breeze from the front door, allowing you to breathe. Seriously, they aren't losing any money on the A/C bill, but I digress. They only have one bathroom for the entire place, so don't drink a lot of water before you go. It is BYOB without a corkage fee though , so I consider that a more than equitable trade.
My girlfriend and I shared two pizzas, the Fromaggio, which is four cheeses, garlic and basil. Confession: me the girl have an unhealthy obsession with basil, so that disclosure aside, it was amazing. Like a 4 year-old acting up in public, it had a charred bottom. Not burnt, just right. The basil was on top of the pizza, fresh and in large chunks, like taking a breath of fresh air on a mountain top.
The second pie we devoured was the San Gennaro, which is salsiccia, sweet red pepper, bufala, cipolline. Now I am from the midwest, so I only recognized one of those items, but all together, it was fine pie.
As a little added bonus, as we were leaving, they gave us a free pizza to go, the place was closing, they had an extra and we gladly accepted it. We had it for lunch (ok, that is a lie, we had it for breakfast, sorry mom) the next day. And it had some type of pepperoni maybe on it? Whatever it was, it was the best of the three. We are going back just to find out what it was and get it again, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
To Recap:
The Good: The pizza is the best in the city and I would know, I have eaten at all 476 places that serve it here. The setup with the communal tables is fun and any staff that gives me a free pizza as I am walking out the door, is second on my favorite person list only to Santa Claus.
The Bad: I am in my mid 30's and I felt like I was chaperoning a middle school dance. Come on Gen X'ers, let's take this place back from those damn kids! And let's get them to stay off my lawn while we are at it! Also, one bathroom is tough, one waste backet with a monutain of used paper towels is tougher. Empty that thing from time to time, you only have one to check on.
The Band This Restaurant Most Resembles: Luciano Pavarotti. The best there ever was. -
Review from David D.
Marietta, GA
5/24/2012
I had heard that the neighborhood streets around Antico were so congested with hipsters and their ravaging hunger to be trendy, that the residents' cats were occasionally being flattened by Vespas and Fiats. So, yeah, parking is an issue, and since there is no waiting list, seating is an issue as well. The last time I ate there we were forced to make a stack of canned tomatoes a table for our pizza while we stood shoulder-to-shoulder. Since money is obviously not invested in atmosphere I wonder why a single pizza can cost anywhere from $20 to $30. And don't let the diameter of the pie fool you. A typical guy with a healthy appetite can down one of these in less than 10 minutes. The only other time I lost $30 that fast was the one time I played Blackjack in a casino. Pizza in America is traditionally a blue-collar food, and if I am forced to stand and eat my dinner off of a stack of cans then I want to be paying blue-collar prices.
Still, it is good pizza, no doubt, and I recommend trying it at least once. But if you don't get there early, plan to take out. This place is good for the following:
If you want to try to impress your arrogant foodie buddy who has to one-up you on everything.
People who think skinny jeans are good idea
People who hate cats.
I give it five stars for food quality, but I'm taking away two for the costs and atmosphere. -
Review from Joe L.
Atlanta, GA
When your friends from China are bugging you to take them here, you know it must be good.
By the way this is a followup review now that Antico has been open almost 2 years since I first reviewed it (Thanks btw to all the people who gave me complements on that review).
So again, I've spent the last year working in CT, and commuting to NYC, eating tons of pizza along the way. Sally's, Pepe's, w.e. The list goes on. But Antico, despite it all is still my favorite pizza place. AND on top of that, the have the SECOND best cannolli that I have ever had (the best is at Modern Bakery in Hartford, CT).
I've now tried the Lasagna, Margerita, Diavalo and San Gennaro. If anything, the pizza has gotten better since I've first come here. And to all the people giving it less than 4 stars, please tell me a better pizza place in Atlanta.
The crust now holds its crunchy integrity throughout the meal, resisting the plentify juices from the meat and the sauce. The crust is still delicious, with a unique saltiness that makes you come back and take bite after bite of empty carbs.
The ingredients are still top full of flavor. Especially the sausage. Man, I wish Krogers sold Italian sausage that tasted like that. My favorite would have to be the San Gennaro pizza. Lots of meat, lots of flavor.
And to be honest, the last few times that I have been here, I have never been lacking for a seat (I come with groups of 2 or 3) and have never waited more than 10 minutes for a pizza (probably around 5 minutes). I don't find the lunch room to be extremely loud, and if you think it's too crowded, you can always sit out front where the sole table used to be.
And the cannoli, let me tell you, this cannoli is better than any that I have tried in NYC's or Boston's Little Italy. The cannoli is filled on order, and the crust isn't overly thick (like how it is in the big cities). The crust is the perfect texture, crisp, shattering when you bite into it. The only possible downside is that the ricotta filling has a slight pepperminty taste to it. I sure don't remember that being traditional.
Anyway, 5 stars goes to the best of it's kind. And Antico is the best of its kind in Atlanta.Listed in: ROTD
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2009 ROTD 3/15/2010
A little bit of background onmyself. Basically, this entire summer, i commuted between hartford… Read more »
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Review from Katie R.
Atlanta, GA
5/14/2012
I know some people swear by this place, but I find it meh.
Thought I would give it a second try after the huge line and stress of last time. Got there right before the rush (starts about 8pm) on a week night. However, the pizza was burnt on the bottom and sides and gooey and undercooked in the middle. They must have been rushing and had the ovens too hot. Awful.
Will not be giving it a third try. -
Review from Pam A.
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Antico twice. The first experience was great. The most recent was a bummer.
The first time we went I felt like I was transported to someone's Italian kitchen. We sat at the big table in the first room, had fun discovering the toppings that were laid out on the table, and had a great conversation with the two other couples that were also sitting at the table. Very unique, very awesome .
The second time, which was this last Saturday, it was pretty hectic. There were people everywhere, and they even had a police officer out in the street helping direct traffic in this area. We didn't have to wait in line to order pizza but because of that (and because there aren't pizza descriptions anywhere but on small, laminated menus) I did feel a little rushed on choosing a pizza. Our cashier definitely seemed annoyed that we were having trouble putting our order for 4 together.
After that, my group stood awkwardly near the beverage coolers since there was no where to sit. I headed to the kitchen area to try to find a place for us, but it was completely packed. It reminded me of going into the cafeteria for school lunch in 6th grade. I don't know about you, but sauntering around like a hawk and clamoring for a seat is not my idea of a great night out to eat.
Our pies were delivered fairly quickly, maybe a 5-10 minute wait. They didn't have plates so we had to eat off of brown paper napkins; I can do better than that at home. The pizza was pretty good, although the center of the pie got soggy and soupy.
Overall while the pizza was better than average, it's not worth the parking situation, feeling like sardines, and not being able to have a conversation with your friends because it's so freakin' loud. And certainly not when you're paying $18 for a cheese pizza. -
Review from Atiyah T.
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Well a co-worker swore that Antico made the best pizza ever so I went. Pizza was great, it didn't blow me away. I mean I'm from New York city, and that state has the best PIZZA! Antico was over-hyped.
I kinda felt like they were using the cheese sparingly, and the sauce was nothing special. Did I mention the seating is horrible it was like a cafeteria for first come, first serve. Me and my group waited until seats were available. -
Review from Rachel N.
5/1/2012
OMG, I did not know that pizza this good existed outside of New York, let alone outside of Italy. It's no frills godliness in dough format -- we went for the Margherita (no additions) and it was unreal -- really, the crust was chewy, light, charred, and magnificant -- and the sauce was bright and vibrant -- oh MAN I am dreaming of this right now and want it in my tum. We also went for the verdura (broc rabe, tomatoes, cheese), which was fine, not quite as fantastico, but still, the crust is alone is worth taking a trip to ATL.
Seriously. If you love yourself, as well as carbohydrates, even a little bit, you will get yourself to Antico ASAP. For 3 eaters, 2 pizzas is perfect -- they aren't leaden with cheese, so you can power through it and still walk afterwards. Oh, pizzas are $18-22 each. Oh, they now serve beer too! -
Review from Topher M.
Virginia Highland, Atlanta, GA
4/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
My favorite pizza place in ATL, Antico Pizza, is doing everything right. Their Neapolitan style pizzas are simply amazing. I've had the Margherita D.O.P., Capricciosa, and Diavola. The Diavola is one of my favorites and a standard whenever I go. It is on the spicy side so avoid if you suffer from acid reflux disease or chronic heartburn. During my latest visit I tried the Capricciosa and it instantly became my other favorite. It is a mushroom, artichoke, prosciutto, and bufala aphrodisiac and it is all sits atop of their perfectly charred oven baked dough.
The atmosphere is what puts Antico over the top. Family style dining is an understatement. Once you make it thru the line and place your order, you need to try to find a seat at one of the community tables in the kitchen. If a seat doesn't open up by the time your pizza is ready, don't worry... there are plenty of places to enjoy your pie while standing.
Antico is the perfect place to enjoy some pizza deliziosa with a box of wine and good friends. -
Review from Mick D.
Updated - 5/16/2012
Let there be no doubt: I still love the pizza. But the chaos of trying to find a place to sit and eat it with friends is starting to wear my appreciation a little thin.
Listed in: Pizza Places
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/9/2010
As I write this, there are 339 Yelp reviews for Antico, so I'm not sure I'll be able to add anything… Read more »
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Review from Doug C.
Lawrenceville, GA
4/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I am a huge fan of this place. I highly recommend the Diavola pizza and the Vesuvio Calzone.
This is my favorite pizza place in town though I have not made it to Verrazano's yet. -
Review from Dc F.
Atlanta, GA
5/11/2012
I've been to Antico twice so far, and for the most part find it wonderful. The ingredients are superb and crust - the weak link for many a pizza joint (chain or otherwise) - is near-perfect.
A few notes:
-Pizzas are abnormally expensive. Yes, the ingredients are superior to most others', but certainly not worth this premium. Expect to spend more than $20 on the pizza alone! Pies are large enough to serve 2-3 people.
-Desserts are decent. Neither spectacular nor authentic, but pretty good.
-They also sell pre-made sauces, soups and pastas from a refrigerated case.
-Sopressata is abnormally savory.
-Drink options are limited. Expensive, tiny bottles of sodas or waters, or water from the tap. Though a sign on the door clearly commands, "No outside beverages," many bring bottles of wine with them.
-Seating is quite limited. There is one table, around which perhaps 10-12 may sit, as well as space for another 5-10 on stools, so you'll be sharing a table with other clientele. Keep that in mind if you have an aversion to fedoras, facial hair and flip-flops, or those who sport such stylings... who might also be intoxicated and loudly discussing at length world affairs about which they know absolutely nothing beyond what Zooey Deschanel has told them to believe.
Overall, 7/10 -
Review from Alistair T.
Kansas City, MO
4/26/2012
Without doubt the best pizza I have ever eaten - absolutely delicious. Loved the family dining (you better be ready for it) and you also need to be willing to accept the no substitutions - honestly they do know best.
Every time I end up in Atlanta I wind up at Antico -
Review from theron t.
4/7/2012
Not much more to be said about how great this place is, so instead I'd like to give some pointers for this often times, very busy place. That way you're not standing around in the back room holding a gigantic sheet pan full of pizza and wondering where the hell you're going to sit and eat it.
1. If you have to go on the weekend, try to go after 2pm and before 5pm. This is the sweet window of seat grabbing availability. During the week, stay away from lunch time and post 5pm dinner rush.
2. This place is B.Y.O.B/W. Although they do serve Peroni. Your best bet is to grab a bottle of you favorite wine or beer if you want to have alcohol with your pizza.
3.Condiments like sweet/hot peppers, cheese, fresh garlic, etc. are up by the pizza ovens. Don't be scurred and experiment with some different condiment combos on your pie.
4. Listen for your number. Your going to be all excited, confused, and happy for your first trip. Try and pay attention.
5. Yes, that's how much it is for a whole pie. No, you can't get a slice.
6. You might think that the guys in the back making pizzas are smirking and laughing at the customers. Almost in a "I can't believe these people pay that much for pizza or look at the goofy SOB". They are. Who cares. The pizza is that good, just never look one of them in the eye for longer than 2 seconds. jk
7. The San Genarro is the truth. Start here if you don't have the palate of a hamster.
8. It might appear that the front little parking lot is the money spot, but it's not. Difficult to get in and out of. Check of the gravel lot caddy corner across the side street.
9. Try to save some pizza to take home. Antico cold pizza is the best cold pizza you can have.
10. Don't be nervous about the potential to be elbow to elbow with someone you might not know. We're all here for the same thing, the pie man! Just don't eat too fast and enjoy yourself. -
Review from Shelly G.
3/29/2012 1 photo
Just stepping into this place makes me feel hip and cool (something I don't feel often). The ambience is great during off-peak hours when you don't have to fight to the death for a seat. However, the dining room can get pretty toasty because of the ovens, so if you sweat easily then mentally prepare yourself for possible pit stains. The dining and kitchen/oven area is really just one room, so it can get a little awkward when the sweaty pizza bakers are just watching you eat. I actually feel pretty bad for them...they must feel like they're working in a sauna.
Anyway, the margherita pizza is just under $20. Not cheap, but not expensive, either.
I gave the place 4 stars because even though the simple margherita pizzas are delicious and taste fairly healthy (as far as pizzas go), the bottom is usually soggy or charred black. I don't know if Antico is merely emphasizing the "authentic, oven" experience or just really bad at taking them out of the oven in time, but if I want burnt food then I could just stay at home and eat my own cooking.
Overall, this place has a lot of hype, and I can see where it comes from. Lack of service and seating aside, their pizzas are good, the ingredients are fresh, and I get to dump all the parmesan I want onto each slice, which is most excellent. -
Review from Laurette H.
Atlanta, GA
5/11/2012
OVERRATED!!! Rude and arrogant cashiers (didn't know making $10/hr could make you feel so superior). Limited community seating, noisy, and so-so pizza. Not worth the money or trip. I grew up in NYC and have traveled the world and cannot believe people love this place. Sheep.
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Review from Erin G.
Berkeley, CA
4/15/2012 2 photos
What I ate: Pizza Verduro
Visit date: March 14, 2012
First time? Yes.
Yum! In honor of pie day, my friend and I hit up this pizza PIE place. The pizza verduro was delicious! It had broccoli rabe, pomodorini, garlic and mushroom -- all of the toppings tasted so fresh! There's a back room where you can watch them make pizzas (they toss dough and everything!) so make sure you head back there even if you're taking your pie to go. -
Review from David D.
Atlanta, GA
4/25/2012
I ate there last night and I have to say, I was disappointed. I have heard good things about this place but it was a let down. The people working there have no personality. They will not let you remove topping off your pizza and customize it. The pizza does taste pretty good, but the crust was over cooked and burnt on the bottom.
I spoke with the owner about my experience and he said that's the way they do there pizza (no subs on the pizza) and they are not changing. He could careless about my concerns and you can't even get a glass of water unless you pay for bottled water or get it out the sink.
PIZZA IS OVER PRICED AND I RECOMMEND FUOCO DI NAPOLI IN BUCKHEAD!! -
Review from Robert A.
Marietta, GA
4/19/2012
I am shamed into writing this review from all the peer pressure of my follow Yelpers. I only had the San Gennaro pizza so this review is a bit shallow. I will state that this is every bit as good as others have said it is. The crust was perfectly lightly charred. The ingredients tasted fresh and the overall taste and appearance was excellent. The place had a nice vibe to it although not upscale but very relaxed. Probably the best pizza I had in all of Georgia and if I'm in the area this place is worth the time and effort to return.
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Review from Mark H.
Baltimore, MD
Let me just preface this review by saying that Antico is as much about the experience as it is the pizza. This was my first visit and it will certainly not be my last. After getting a quick briefing from.the efficient and friendly young woman at the counter I ordered a sausage, red pepper, onion pizza. By the time I sat down at a long table and got my "sides" of hot peppers, garlic and parmesan ... My pizza arrived. It was served "Frank Pepe style" on a cookie sheet.
The ambiance was very cool ... Three brick ovens open to see were churning out pies, a couple guys in the "Dough Room" were constantly turning out fresh dough for the crusts, and young men and women were flying around the dining room handing out pies.
The quality of this pizza was fantastic. Bursting with flavor it was a joy to eat. I tend to like a thin and crisp crust, and Antico delivered on the thin, but the crust was a bit chewy. Having said that, it is clear that the pizza is exactly what they are shooting for. I loved it. When a chef can make you rethink what you "thought" you liked ... They are at the top of their game.
I went to grab a second diet coke and they cleared my pizza ... When I asked what happened, they immediately made me another pie. Great service. So I had breakfast for the next week.
On the way out I grabbed a lemon Italian seashell pastry. I cannot remember the name but it started with "sf" ... Take my advice and grab one, you will not regret it.
Lastly, the pies are one size .... Bring a friend. -
Review from dannie k.
Brooklyn, NY
5/7/2012
The best pizza Ive had outside of Florence. I love pizza, didnt realize how much til I was turned on to Antico's, I have been dreaming about about the spicy Diavolo Pizza!! Cant wait to go back and try more. And it's BYOB!!
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Review from Barry W.
Norcross, GA
4/26/2012
So after reading all the reviews about this place I decided to take a trip there this past Monday around 4pm. I was expecting a line but to my surprise the place was pretty empty. No line just walked to the counter and ordered the San Gennaro to go.
Go home and tried the pizza. It was okay but I was really expecting a lot more. The crust was very chewy and like the other reviewer they really skimped on the cheese and the sausage. For $21 bucks I really thought they would load you up with toppings. But, they did load the pizza up with red peppers to the point where I actually took some off.
This may be a lot of people's go to pizza but I think it is more hyped. Will I be back anytime soon....probably not. -
Review from Shawn J.
Snellville, GA
3/21/2012
Killer pizza and fun atmosphere. Nothing like sitting in the kitchen and enjoying the show.
These guys import most of their ingredients so you cant get more authentic Italian without being in Italy. -
Review from Tiff H.
Atlanta, GA
4/24/2012
Went on a Friday night around 6 and the place was packed. My friend ordered some Italian word I can't remember, just remembered there were 4 cheeses, tomato, and basil. And it was heavenly... Although it was awkward sitting on long benches wedged between two families... The pizza was good enough to drown out that awkwardness :) definitely plan to visit again soon!
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Review from Tom E.
I will make this short and sweet.
People in Atlanta are always battling about how this is the best pizza in town. They have a good arguement.
Like most popular places, if you are not there at a decent time, you will stand and wait for a long time. Thankfully I have found a time where I can go in and get my pizza before I am done drinking my first beer (because yes, it is BYOB)- and no I will not tell you when that time is, because I like to park in the actual lot and not in the back of McDonald's on Northside.
A simple menu, offering Napoli-style pizza and calzones. One size (note the prices on the menu compare Euros to USD, a common misconeption on the sizes) and usually run around $17-22 a pop. One item can fill up 2 large guys (but still hungry for some cannolis!). You order and sit down, they do a good job of finding you (if you can find a seat, which is scattered throughout 3 rooms). When I go, my pizza is usually done within 5 minutes- the quickest turnaround I have seen in the city (thank you to the 3X ovens in the back cranking out 850F+!!!).
The ingredients are fresh, and true to the Napoli style.
They also have some amazing desserts, check those out- and also they have fresh pizzas you can take home and cook yourself!
The drinks are bottle only, so if you are thirsty, I suggest a 12er or something along those lines.
This place is small and fills up quickly, so be wise! It is worth the wait! -
Review from Kristin G.
Austin, TX
5/5/2012
I have to give this restaurant 5 stars on 2 fronts. 1st, the food is amazing. Hands down the best pizza i have ever had. The capricciosa and the lasagne are delicious. 2nd, I left my phone at the restaurant by accident. The staff actually prevented a dishonest customer from taking the phone because she could not call it.
Thank you Antico for delicious food and preventing an out-of-towner from returning home with no phone!! -
Review from Brian K.
2/12/2012
I'm not generally a fan of Neapolitan pizza, but when it's on the dining agenda, I wouldn't go anywhere else in Atlanta except Antico. It's certainly the best Neapolitan pizza in the city, bar none. However, many would contend that it's the best in the country. Antico was named best pizza in the United States by the Festa Della Pizza in Naples in 2010.
Food: Antico offers approximately a dozen different pizzas, all of which are sizable enough to feed at least 2-3 people. My personal favorite is the Fromaggio, which includes four different cheeses, fresh garlic, and basil. The Margherita is another favorite when I'm accompanied by guests with more traditional palates. Antico uses san marzano tomatoes, which are considered by many chefs to be the very best in the world. Although they get less attention on Yelp, Antico also sells some of the best cannoli that I've ever ingested; both the shells and filling are made fresh daily. They do not have a liquor license, so all alcohol is BYOB and the vast majority of customers take full advantage of the opportunity.
Service: Contrary to some of the other reviewers, I've never had an issue with service at Antico. In particular, the girls that work the front counter have always been pleasant and willing to answer any questions. Yes, they may appear inpatient at times, but so would I if there was a line out the door. If you're looking for preferential treatment, then I'd recommend dining elsewhere. Antico has no shortage of customers and the management really has no qualms about offending an occasional customer. It's just the nature of the beast, folks.
Atmosphere: A visit to Antico is a chaotic but completely unique experience. Once your order is placed, you're responsible for finding a seat at one of a handful of communal tables, which are located in the actual kitchen. Clientele is eclectic and the mood is incredibly lively.
Cost: Moderately pricey, but fully commensurate with the food quality. Pizzas range between $18 and $21.
Other: As others have noted, Antico does not allow any substitutions. I personally don't have a problem with this, particularly considering that they make this perfectly clear on the menu. Also, they do run out of dough on most days, so you should consider calling beforehand if you plan to dine after 9 PM. -
Review from Heejoo J.
Atlanta, GA
4/10/2012
Finally got a chance to get some pizza here and I have to say the pizza was just mediocre. Honestly, I'm not really sure what all the hype is about this place. The "hip" atmosphere? Big crowds of people packed into a room with hot brick ovens, workers yelling out order numbers, piles of trash on the tables from previous diners, those looking for a place to sit waiting awkwardly at the side and staring at the people eating? I don't know... Security guards standing outside the restaurant also doesn't help with the vibe of this place. The only cool thing was that this place is BYOB.
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Review from Shannon H.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2012
One of my favorite pizza places.... EVER! Get the Diavola (it has these amazing little Calabrian hot peppers on it, spicy deliciousness) or order the Margherita, or the San Gennaro (the sweet red peppers are out of this world!) or maybe even the Pomodorini.
The restaurant itself is small - the family style tables are great! Meet a new friend over dinner, get cozy. It is a bit loud so hard to carry on a conversation... but why would you want to talk too much while there is pizza to be eaten?!
It is order at the counter, but they do bring it out to you (hopefully you will find a place to sit before this happens) bring in your own bottle of wine or beer (who doesn't love a place that allows that)
Oh, and when you are done with the fantastic pizza that cooks for only 90 seconds in these amazing stoves made out of the volcanic rock from Mt. Vesuvius. (You can watch your za being prepared) order one of the many amazing cannolis - or better yet my favorite the tiramisu mousse! I almost forgot a bout the sfogliatelle (its this lemon ricotta dessert pastry thing, wow)
So can you tell I come here a lot? And LOVE it?
Who wants to go out for pizza? -
Review from Justin R.
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
People of Nashville...rejoice. Antico Pizza is opening a location here. I cant wait till this summer when they are up and running. After you read the reviews on this place, you will see why I am so excited.
On a recent pit stop in the ATL, my girlfriend and I ended up at Antico on a whim. What a great last minute decision it was to make a stop here. This pizza is not your ordinary pizza, it's something sent down from the heavens.
Oh, and before I forget to tell you, this place is BYOB. Yep, BYOB. Whatever your beer or wine of choice is, bring some with you and drink it while you nosh some some cheesy goodness. The whole idea of bringing your own booze to a restaurant, is great. No more disappointment when the dining establishment of your choosing, does not have what you want.
Okay, now back to that cheesy good stuff. The dough really has to be the best part of this delicious package. Just the right amount of cheese and sauce, the only disappointment was that some of the basil was burnt. But, other than that, it was spot on. It was so good that the two of us ate that entire thing. -
Review from Dekun P.
Atlanta, GA
3/3/2012
Ok, where do I start? The menu is in Italian. You order up front, sit in its cantine right by the kitchen. This is not the wimpy cooked in electric oven pizza. This is no BS, straight up wood oven pizza. The flavors are incredible as the ingredients they use are authentic Italian, not water down stuff you'd find from a pizza chain or such.
For about $20, I ordered the Diavola, which basically a meat lover. It is just enough to stuff two of us well. I think three people sharing one may be a bit tight. So yea, the price is a bit steep, but it is well worth it. -
Review from Angela H.
I heard about Antico Pizza for the first time last year but never actually took the time to check it out for myself until recently. As we were thinking of a place to have dinner, my friend suggested Antico, to which I quickly agreed. We arrived at the restaurant around 9 pm on a Monday night and were excited to find a parking spot open up just as we were pulling into the lot.
Since my friend and I hadn't looked at the menu ahead of time as I usually like to do, we stared at the menu and were baffled because the some of the names of the pizza toppings are written in Italian. Fortunately, the cashier was super friendly and patient and she described some of their popular pizzas' toppings. She told us that the San Gennaro was their most popular pizza, but we thought the Vesuvio (spicy sopressata & prosciutto cotto, pepperonata) also sounded really good. After some deliberation, we agreed to try the San Gennaro for our first visit to Antico.
The place was as busy as we had anticipated, but we were super lucky to get a table to ourselves in the room directly in front of the cashier. Less than 10 minutes after we ordered, a server brought our pizza straight over to us, and we confirmed that it was ours by the order number. This was wonderful because we were starving!
* San Gennaro ($21) - Antico's most popular pizza's toppings are salsiccia (sausage), sweet red pepper, bufala (mozzarella cheese), and cipolline (caramelized onions). The pizza was served perfectly baked with a slightly burnt crust, which is to be expected. Although I prefer pan pizza (yeah, thanks to Pizza Hut) and deep-dish (Chicago style!) over the traditional Italian crust, I thought the pizza was very good. I enjoyed the sausages, but I wished there were more of them because there were maybe 1 or 2 pieces on most slices and none on a few of them. I also ate the onions (*GASP*) since they were caramelized (not raw, which I hate), but my favorite topping was surprisingly the sweet red peppers! These were the sweetest, freshest, most delicious red peppers I have ever tasted! I continued raving about the sweet red peppers as I ate two large slices. Then, I was stuffed and satisfied. In my opinion, one pizza is more than enough for two people.
Although I had read a lot of the reviews for Antico Pizza on Yelp, I had completely forgotten about the BYOB factor. Darn! It would've been nice to bring a bottle of red wine to compliment the delicious pizza.
Overall, Antico Pizza gets 4 stars for their friendly employees, quick service, and very good Italian style pizza. Although it is on the pricey side for pizza at $18 to $21 per pizza, I think it's well worth it. I will definitely return to try some of their other pizzas, such as the Vesuvio, and will be sure to bring my own beverages next time! =)
[Review 104 of 366]Listed in: Leap Year 2012 - 366 Review…
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Review from Lyndi S.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
How can you beat BYOB and a perfected Neopolitan pizza? Well, you can't.
Antico ended up on my radar on due to a quick trip to the ATL with boyfriend. We are the thin, fluffy crust type, and I insist on always getting the margherita, because F&*# everything else, that's why! Seriously though, if you can't perfect the basics, you can't really call yourself the best. And, well, Antico's is definitely one of the best.
That pizza had me wishing Antico's was in Nashville! I am a sucker for the slightly burnt crust, for that wood burning stove flavor, and for the fresh mozzarella. Yum. All of it. Well, almost all of it. I was a little disappointed that the basil was burnt. Couldn't really taste it, and honestly, it didn't really look appetizing. But it was still a completely and utterly delicious pizza!
Also, they have a great set up at Antico. I absolutely loved the big, family style tables, and the BYOB. And if I hadn't shoveled 3 huge pieces of pizza down my gullet, I probably would've gotten one of those bomb-lookin cannolis.
I'll admit you pay for what you get here. We were down $25 after a pizza and two cokes. Steep, but I'd pay it again without a wince.
In short: I'd fill my belly with Antico's every single day if I could. Every. Single. Day. -
Review from Samanta P.
Atlanta, GA
5/17/2012
Pizza is a bit pricy but it is really really good!! Love it!!!
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Review from Pam H.
Stone Mountain, GA
4/14/2012
Don't go near this place on Saturday night. Totally inadequate seating and poor crowd control. While standing waiting for a seat to open up, the waitress wanted me to either a) hold my pizza she was delivering or b) put it in a go box just to get me out of the way and move on to the next patron. We had driven 30 minutes to get there and arrived to total pandemonium at 6:15 pm. I still can get over the waitresses surly attitude. The pizza was pretty good, not fabulous, and I think it was the 'fight or flee' crowd reaction that made us chow down. Honestly think there has to be comparable pizza with better atmosphere. Hope they rake in the bucks before somebody besides me figures this out and the pizza lemmings go elsewhere...
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Review from Robert M.
1/18/2012
I went here today with a coworker. It was my first time eating here and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Once you get past the "sticker shock" of paying 25 bucks for a small pizza (you pay up front at the counter by the door) the experience is quite a nice one indeed.
I got the Margherita pizza with fungi (mushrooms); it was fantastic. My coworker got the Margherita pizza with pepperoni; equally fantastic.
I don't feel that I can add anything significant or new about The Antico Pizza Experience (that others have not already written about or mentioned).
Antico richly deserves the consensus vote of being The Best Pizza In Atlanta (blah, blah, blah). Perhaps even the best in all the Southeast region.
I have been told that (outside of NYC) DC and Miami also have their versions of this kind of pizza joint; I don't know about that.
What I do know is that I am not sure if my desire for this kind of pizza offsets my disdain / aversion for all the horrible pizza places out there in the world (the kind that is far more accessible to the masses; like the type of pizza one might find at all the national corporate delivery-driven chains).
I do, however, know that I still appreciate all the many good / quality pizzerias out there in the world - especially those run by New Yorkers or Italians. Granted many of the pizza joints in this category aren't as good as Antico; however, they are still very good in their own right and aren't so prohibitively damn expensive. -
Review from Raymond L.
Brooklyn, NY
1/20/2012
I thought about giving this place 4 stars when I was eating their pizza, but looking back it was probably just my famished stomach talking. While it may very well be true that this is the best pizza in Atlanta, that's nothing to write home about. Atlanta is pretty much the Special Olympics for pizza. You would have better luck robbing a bank with an unsharpened pencil than finding a truly satisfying pizza here.
I understand that context is required here and that many people have only tasted Atlanta pizza which makes the ratings understandable. However, my experience was extremely mediocre. For $21 I got a small round pie with a couple mushrooms and slices of ham on each slice. The crust was soggy and unsatisfying. The slices were so small that I was able to share the whole pie with a rather skinny friend who had already eaten before. While I cannot suggest a better pizza in Atlanta, I would honestly recommend saving some money and ordering from chains like Papa Johns as the quality difference is marginal at best.
I may come back to Antico's but my expectations will definitely be more in check. -
Review from P S.
Yorba Linda, CA
3/2/2012
Great pizza! Menu is limited, but the pizza is really good.
We ordered the San Gennaro and Margherita. Both were excellent. The crust was slightly charred - adding to the flavor.
The ambiance of the place was great. A bit loud, but you end up enjoying dinner with the folks sitting next to you. -
Review from mike s.
Atlanta, GA
4/8/2012
The pizza is no where near NY pizza, also the pies appear to be pre made
you can't add extra toppings or have the pie made to your liking, when I asked for extra cheese they said they could not do it, the place is mediocre at best, the pies are real light, toppings are real small. when compared to other places it's better, but that's not saying much since all the other place's suck any way, also I see all these stella reviews which has me scratching my head. -
Review from Maureen D.
Manhattan, NY
Decent pizza! I split one of their pizzas with three other friends and it was enough to keep me full. well actually...I take that back because I got a chocolate chip cannoli afterwards because I just couldn't resist, and it was delicious. After that, I was extremely full.
I wasn't a fan of the particular pizza we got just because it had broccoli rabe on it, and I had never had that before and had no idea it was so bitter, so it ruined my pizza eating experience a little bit, but otherwise everything else was good.
The seating area is pretty cool too. You get to see the kitchen with them making the pizzas and the fire brick oven. Wooden benches make up the dining area with no real dividers between you and the people sitting next to you, but it works. -
Review from Becky F.
Atlanta, GA
1/29/2012
I had my first experience here last night and felt compelled to add another review, as if this place needed one more.
I am not some very sophisticated foodie, but I do enjoy eating (a lot). And this is the best pizza I have ever eaten. I've realized that I've never really had great pizza until eating here.
The actual experience of dining there was almost so overwhelming that I would caution you not to go for the first time on a busy Saturday night. It was crazy, but fun at the same time. Don't expect top of the line customer service and a relaxing dinner, but expect to make friends with strangers and have the most kick ass pizza ever.
Looking forward to eating the leftovers today, though nowhere near as good as it was fresh out of the oven are still better than anything out of the freezer or delivered.
