Varasano's Pizzeria
Row 1
What is it with these computer guys–turned–pizzaiolos? Like Paulie Gee (No. 21), who characterized himself as having “masqueraded as a computer geek,” Bronx-born software engineer Jeff Varasano found a passion for pizza that led him down a saucy, bubbly road to pizza stardom. Atlanta has been the lucky beneficiary. It’s the city where Varasano has made a well-documented six-year stab at recreating his version of the Patsy’s pizza (No. 16), which he credited with changing his life. The fact that the pizza isn’t quite Patsy’s-esque isn’t a bad thing. There’s a taller cornicione featuring a shard-thin exterior that gives to pliant air pockets and a soft underlying crust. This means more textural variation with each bite. And with his success, other new locations.
Varasano's serves two traditional pies: Margherita di Bufala and "Nana's," which is the house special: mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce with a “secret blend of herbs” (sweet roasted red peppers are suggested, too). There are eight specialty pies with a variety of toppings (including interesting ones like Emmenthaler, a pinch of lemon zest, and spiced olives) that come standard, but menu notations suggest extras. Speaking of which, if you want to build your own or add to menu standards, there are 14 toppings (including handmade meatballs). They do recommend adding only one to avoid overloading the thin crust, and call out capicola as “our best topping.” P.S. Varasano doesn’t make it often, but his Sicilian-style pie is supposed to be amazing, too. So it’s always worth asking about.
— Arthur Bovino, 101 Best Pizzas in America 2015, 8/6/2015
Foursquare Tips
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Varasano's Pizza logo is a tribute to owner Jeff's Rubik's Cube days: at the age of 14, he set a world record for fastest time solving the puzzle in 24.67 seconds. -
While the the pizza in this establishment is stellar the service is NOT. Note to anyone other than the families who enjoy dining in, get this to go DO NOT DINE IN. Bad service!!! -
Tweet it and eat it! The donuts u perv! ;-) -
Happy Hour every weekday from 5-7. FREE APPETIZERS at the bar. -
OMG, it was awesome! -
great pizza - always crowded. jeff was there yesterday! -
Ask keith the pizza chef to make you one of his awesome 'secret pies' -
Get a pizza -
The "nucci" is a prettily charred-and-blistered combination of Emmental cheese with olives, arugula, capicola and herbs. -
The complex flavor of the dough sets the stage for the briny clams, pungent fresh chopped garlic, generous dose of olive oil, and freshly chopped herbs to shine make the New Haven clam pizza great. -
pasta, pizza & noodles - new haven clam pizza -
come visit the chefs at the pizza bar! -
Make sure to ask to see the rubix cube trick. Jeff used to hold the world record! -
Go to Varasanos and eat an entire nana's add pepperoni alone.
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Great food and atmosphere -- very kid friendly too! The caramelized onions pizza is a must try. -
There are pies worth the $10 to $15 you'll spend -- the "nucci" is a combination of Emmental cheese with olives, arugula, capicola and herbs.
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The meatballs are a must! :) -
Don't miss the capicola. The buffalo margherita is also good. -
Verasano's is probably one of the best pizzerias in town. Usually good service and always great food. Be sure to check in to get your free gelato. -
Bottomless drinks and NFL. Sunday Funday