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Name: DeSano Pizza Bakery
Address: 115 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203
Telephone: (615) 953-1168
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.52

DeSano Pizza Bakery

115 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203

(615) 953-1168
Store is closed

DeSano Pizza Bakery Menu

Pizza Tradizionale Di Napoli

Margherita D.O.P.

Marinara

Bianca

Capricciosa

Pomodorini

Diavola

Margherita D.O.P.

Marinara

Bianca

Capricciosa

Pomodorini

Diavola
Pizza Specialita

San Gennaro

Desano

Lasagna

Verdura

Napoletana

San Gennaro

Desano

Lasagna

Verdura

Napoletana
Calzone Napoletano

Formaggio

Vesuvio

Gigiotto

Formaggio

Vesuvio

Gigiotto
Insalata

Spinach

Caprese

Spinach

Caprese
Dolco

Cannoli

Biscotti

Gelato

Cannoli

Biscotti

Gelato

Healthy Meal suggestions for DeSano Pizza Bakery

Pizza Tradizionale Di Napoli

Margherita D.O.P. [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bianca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capricciosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodorini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diavola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margherita D.O.P. [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bianca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capricciosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pomodorini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Diavola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizza Specialita

San Gennaro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Desano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Verdura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Napoletana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

San Gennaro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Desano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Verdura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Napoletana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Calzone Napoletano

Formaggio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gigiotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Formaggio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gigiotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Insalata

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dolco

Cannoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscotti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cannoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscotti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gelato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Tim G.

Some of the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. They stay open until they run out of cough. I love the Blanca pizza. Beware, though, they do not allow any alterations to the pizzas. It also is a bring your own wine / drinks!
(5)
Nilay H.

A very original place to eat at. Seeing how the pizza is made while waiting to eat was a great experience. And it was all delicious, too!
(5)
Dana S.

Oh pizza. This is the stuff of dreams. I first had the pleasure of trying this place about a year ago after multiple attempts to find a pizza similar to the ones I'd had in Italy. This place comes pretty darn close. You order at the counter and they'll bring your pizza out to you from one of their three pizza ovens, which are set to different temperatures based on the region your pizza is from. My favorite is the Napoletana, which has broccoli rabe and sausage. Their crust is amazing too. It used to be BYOB, but now you can only bring wine, which isn't so bad. It's a great place to get together with friends or coworkers. Go go gooooo.
(5)
Forthe W.

DeSano Pizza Bakery is beyond stunning. Hands down, this was the best pizza I have tasted. The restaurant is actually located on the left side of the parking lot; the entrance on the right hand side is the bar. Note that they have ample free parking! You order at the counter present when you walk in and then dine in a room full of tables and pizza ovens just around the corner. The margherita pizza was so delicious. I added pepperoni and did not regret that one bit. The small pizza is almost too big for one person, but it would be hard to feel full if it was split between two. It was cooked just right and had the right balance of toppings...not too cheesy, not too saucy. Inside the dining room, they also have a station where you can make your own dipping sauce. I found this to be good on the crust as I finished each slice. I'm glad I don't live in Nashville as I would probably have some type of heart problems from eating pizza every day here. This place is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.
(5)
Jonathan R.

Desano's is simply killer. My family and I love this place! It's BYOB, but of course, they have drinks available for purchase and an impressive wine list. But let's be real: you're here for some awesome pizza, and that's precisely what you'll find. Desano's is simply my favorite pizza place in town. I highly recommend getting the Desano pizza. It's delicious.
(5)
Mikaela Z.

Loved it. Totally loved it. Why? BETTER than Antico in Atlanta. Not very busy on a weekend. Easy to bring in our baby without much fuss. The gal behind the register was super helpful. The pizza was marvelous (got the pizza with artichokes, prosciutto and mozzarella). The serve yourself condiment area ensured that I didn't have to ask a waitress for more garlic 25 times...with her smelling my breath the whole time. Only downside is that the pizza is spendy. With ingredients imported from Italy sure, I get it, but this isn't a place I would ever frequent.
(4)
J.L. L.

I'm not a huge pizza fan, but I look forward to dining here. It's a very different experience. Not only is the pizza absolutely fabulous, but the atmosphere really adds to the experience. You can have wine, unique pizza, gelato, cannoli all at an affordable price.
(4)
Caleb A.

Very good brick oven pizza. Everything was fresh and good. The building was nice as well.
(4)
T S.

Absolutely delicious pizza-the kind where you don't even need the cheese. Their spicy red peppers were incredible. Their calzone was the best I have had. We all made a dipping sauce with the marinara, chili oil, garlic and herbs! I would totally go back.
(5)
Darla S.

Flavor is awesome! Spoke to the manager.. He said everything is imported from Italy. This means it most likely doesn't have all the junk America puts in their food. All the ingredients are fresh and delicious. It's a bit overpriced however. That said we would definitely return if in the area.
(5)
Lacey S.

Stopped in for lunch and had the Bianca pizza. It is phenomenal. The setting was unique, and it was awesome to watch the pizza being made and wood-fired.
(4)
Cher Y.

Never had been a pizza fan (of the fast food chain variety) until I bumped (well, got dragged) into Pizza Antico in Atlanta. And then i got converted from "no pizza" straight into a pizza snob. Once you taste great, its hard to go back and settle for anything less! This is FAST, delicious and authentic Italian pizza. Flavorful from the first to the last bite. Got really excited when I heard DeSano was opening up (linked back to Antico), and it does not disappoint! PROS: -Fast and delicious pizza -Consistent quality over time -Self serve condiment bar - so knock yourself out personalizing your breatherator..! -Bring your own booze to complement your pizza -Fun to watch how they make the pizzas -Large communal tables, they also take reservations for large groups -Nice variety of desserts including gelato and cannolis CONS: -When it is busy, it is crazy! (in terms of parking your car and your rear) -Bring your own water -No real good options for fresh salads....(they do have small prepackaged salads) Welcome DeSano! So glad you are part of the Nashville dining scene!
(5)
Mackenzie L.

Salad sucks balls. Pizza is average. I've had take out here twice and have tried both salads on the menu (Spinach and Caprese), in addition to four types of speciality pizzas. Let me assure you, I'm not one to bitch, but the Caprese salad was an absolute joke. Not only was I surprised that they pulled a pre-made container out of the cooler and handed it to me, it literally had three cherry tomatoes, enough cheese to catch a mouse in a trap, 30 pieces of spinach and a measly portion of shriveled up basil. Oh...I forgot the dressing. Whoops. And for $7!? No thanks. Bottom line: stick with the pizza.
(3)
Sara W.

When we first walked in (after a hot, 1.5 mile walk there), I was a little nervous that it wasn't even a restaurant because it looked more like an upscale take-out place on first glance. Luckily, there is a great space beyond where you order that definitely resembles a restaurant. We ordered the Diavolo, and it did not disappoint. The peppers were spicy and delicious. We loved the freshly grated parmesan and red pepper oil, too. One of the people working even brought us a couple free beers while we devoured our pizza and watched the World Cup. The pistachio cannoli was as good as anything they sell at Mike's Pastry in Boston (without the chaos or the wait). A great find.
(5)
Ms T J.

First time trying this place. We ordered a large margherita pizza, side salad with their housemade balsamic dressing. It was a prepackaged salad they make themselves at the restaurant comes with olives,fresh mozzarella,onions and tomatoes. It was very good. The pizza itself was very good as well, the crust was perfect and the mozzarella and basil are fresh an delicious . They have different toppings like fresh garlic,olive oil and other things. Everything was very good.
(4)
Danpril Z.

This place has 4 1/2 stars from over 280 reviews for a reason. Look no further; great pizza here.
(5)
Rich D.

This isn't just the best pizza I've had in Nashville, it's some of the best pizza I've ever had. I've gone to DeSano 3 times now and it keeps getting better. Almost as important as how good the pizza is -- it's BYOB.
(5)
Joe K.

I've been here quite a few times and I always forget to leave a review! They are awesome! I've gotten the margarita pizza multiple times and it truly is amazing! All their pies are great! And great quick service!
(5)
Samantha Y.

I can't believe it took me so long to go here. People are not joking.. best pizza I have had in Nashville. I'm from Chicago so it is hard to please me with thin crust pizza, but this place is YUM! Best parts: BYOB, no fee. This means lots of vino. Pizza with the artichokes and mushrooms. I can't stop ordering this! Cheap! Split the smaller size pizza with a friend for less than $8. Umm toppings - fresh garlic, cheese, balsamic vinegar, oils, spices for dipping. This means so much to me as I love dipping. Location.. walk over to mid-town afterwards. Perfection!
(5)
Brandon L.

Good pizza, wood fire, made to perfection. This place is BYOB but they also have beverages you can purchase. Not a full bar but imagine that! They have huge tables made for large parties so take your friends, take your drinks, and have fun!
(4)
Erica C.

DeSano's pizza is consistently decent. They have a wide selection of pies with several veggie options. They use San Marzano tomatoes for their tangy sauce (simply the best). Their crust though needs salt and has an unpleasant aftertaste sometimes, perhaps when they need to clean the oven. Both salads are also only decent: the Caprese is seasoned too heavily. As for the atmosphere, the staff is very friendly and helpful. However, I wish they'd change their set-up. You place your order in the front and sit in the dining room at picnic-style tables, with a few high tables for larger groups. The main reason I don't go here more often is that this set-up is really conducive to children chasing each other around the restaurant and yelling, as if they are in a park, while their parents banter on with their friends while drinking wine out of plastic cups. This is a very unpleasant experience for adults who simply want to enjoy decent pizza in a low-key place. I think that if DeSano offered table service, this behavior would not be so rampant. Children are unpleasant when they are not monitored. I really wish that the server (who was quite friendly) would have drawn my attention to the fact that the Pizza Marinara does not contain any cheese. None. Just pizza dough, sauce, and four leaves of basil. I cannot imagine that others have not made this mistake. I read the menu, but I guess I just assumed that the pizza would have cheese, as ALMOST ALL PIZZAS EVER do. The Pizza Marinara was a crushing disappointment. That said, their pies with buffalo mozzarella are much more tasty, and I appreciate the high quality cheese. As far as Nashville pizza goes, my favorite is still Bella Napoli. It's the whole package.
(3)
L G.

Good pizza, cool vibe. Like others said, the communal seating experience is different, but not bad. Pizza is fresh and the crust is really good!
(4)
Kerry F.

Found this place on yelp while travelling on business. Pleasantly surprised to find an authentic pizza joint. Everything tasted fresh and homemade. Was fun to watch the staff throwing pizza dough. Tried the lasagna, which was good - crumbled meatballs with mozzarella and ricotta on the perfect crust. Only thing I would have changed is adding more basil leaves, the few on the pie really complemented the flavor.
(4)
Ryan H.

A lot of places claim to offer artisan pizza Napoletana, but I doubt many of them stay as true to the tradition as Desano Pizza Bakery. From fresh buffalo mozzarella brought in weekly from Naples, to three ovens hand made in Naples and modeled after the ones in the world's first pizzeria there, they clearly strive to follow the strict Italian guidelines that lay out what can be called pizza and how it is made. Even more impressive is that Desano's kitchen is completely open to the dining room so that patrons can observe the entire preparation process, and they will even let children (and probably adults too) knead their own dough if they desire. The experience and atmosphere at Desano Pizza Bakery is really incredible, and it almost makes you feel as though you are in an Italian pizzeria - complete with Coke is glass bottles. Before I even got to the pizza, I stumbled upon another impressive touch, and that was a station filled with all of the necessary items to create your very own dipping sauce. Maybe its because I made it, but my combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper was delicious! I honestly don't know if Italian pizzerias typically offer the ability to create your own concoction like this, but it was definitely one of my favorite things about Desano. While everything else about Desano Pizza Bakery certainly created high expectations for the actual pizza, I would say that it was able to meet them. Their namesake, the Desano, consists of sausage, pepperoni, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, and red sauce, and it was very good. The crust, having been wood-fired by select hardwoods, was just right in my opinion. It was lightly charred on some edges but remained soft and doughy on the inside. I also sampled the Pomodorini which is made up of versuvian cherry tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and garlic. I enjoyed it as well, and bites that included a cherry tomato were especially tasty. However, would give the slight edge to the Desano because of its delicious sauce that bites of the Pomodorini not containing cherry tomato could not make up for. The cheese and toppings and both pizzas were fresh and flavorful. In summary, The Pizza Fan's recommendation is to take short break from BBQ when in Nashville and go try Desano Pizza Bakery. It is worth it even if you can only do carry-out, and they actually have a station for creating your own dipping sauce in the takeout area as well.
(5)
Rachel S.

I was shocked to hear that this place was a chain restaurant. Desanos has real Italian pizza and offers BYOB wine with no corking fee - how can you beat that?! The atmosphere is laid back and you will generally sit at a large table with other people - part of the charm but could be intimidating to some. The staff is always friendly and will come by to make sure you are having a good time. You can watch the pizza as it is being made and the employees provide entertainment by tossing the pizza dough into the air. I generally make Desanos my go-to place with out of town guests since it is so consistent, inexpensive and fun. All their ingredients are fresh and healthy and the pizza is very tasty- thin crust, with a variety of toppings. They also offer a self-serve station with crushed red pepper, spicy peppers, garlic, balsamic and olive oil and you can make customized dipping sauces. I love this place but the only drawback is it can get busy so if you are going with a larger party, you should go no later than 6:30ish for dinner. Also, the music can be really loud and somewhat unnerving if you want to sit and have a conversation with more than just a few people. If I am going with a big group, I like to grab the table right be the register which is away from main room. Try the San Gennaro or Desano which are the best pizzas on the menu!
(5)
Kristin L.

Hands down the BEST pizza in Nashville. Super authentic. I have never had a pizza that I didn't enjoy there. The calzones and salads are amazing as well. It is fantastic for large groups!! They have a selection of wine and beer but you can also bring your own wine too! If you are looking for an awesome pizza in music city head to desanos!!!
(5)
Eric G.

Great pizza! With a very cool dining area. We were there for a bday, and had a private room. Good food! Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Justin R.

Amazing pizza, but now that it is no longer byob, I am disappointed. The bottled beers are $4-$6 each and it is no longer affordable to come to desanos for a cheap drinking night with excellent pizza.
(4)
Hunter W.

TOP 5 Pizza Place in Nashville! #1 Italian Style Pizza in Nashville! I rate 5 things in my review; Taste, Service, Experience, Menu Variety (suitable for a picky date/wife) and the "Local" Factor. Taste: (4/5 Stars) It isn't New York Style, which is my favorite, but is one of the top Italian style pizza bakeries in Nashville. If you have read my about me section, I have a picky wife, but if you put cheese on anything her liking for your dish increase ten-fold. That being said when it comes to pizza its pepperoni and cheese ONLY. The pizza wasn't sliced, allowing the cheese to blend nicely on top of the pizza, and keeps the sauce locked in between the cheese and crust. So FRESH! Seriously, you can taste the punch of the sauce when pizza is cooked this way, and that why I believe Italians often brag about their family-recipe sauce so much. Service: (1/5 Stars) I mentioned not being able to experience the feel of restaurants because you order right as you walk in. Was this because we went on a Tuesday/Wednesday night? After drinking my beer while waiting on the pizza I didn't receive another until halfway through my pizza. Experience: (2/5) DeSano Pizza Bakery is right off Music Circle and the recently dubbed "Demonbreun Hill", and is walking distance from my neighborhood, which is a plus. As you first walk in before you even are able to turn the corner and experience the Italian pizza bakery the hostess, er, waitress is there to take your order. I didn't like this set-up, because when I first enter my new food adventure I like to set my eyes on what others have ordered and let the vibe take over my craving factory. The add-ons that many enjoy on their pizza such as parmesan and crushed red peppers commonly were not on the table, but at the front of the dining room on a buffet-style cart. Menu Variety: (3/5 Stars) Hey It's pizza you get what you go for, and like I said we (*cough "my wife") aren't very adventurous. Local Factor (5/5 Stars) The experience is cool if you can get by the hostess Papa Johns style order at the counter. The pizza ovens, which were sent from Italy on a boat to Nashville, make this a cool local spot. The pizza ovens, brick-style, are cooking on rocks straight from Mount Vesuvius, or so they say. Plus you get to see them make the pizza from scratch.
(3)
Stefanie K.

This is the best pizza I have ever had. SO GOOD. If you are in Nashville and don't stop by Desano's you are making a HUGE mistake. Make sure to get some of the extras in the dining area for dipping your crust! They have garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc. at a station by where the pizza is being made. I no longer live in Nashville and always find myself desperate for Desano's.
(5)
Elle A.

This place was phenomenal! I went there a few weeks ago for dinner for my bachelorette party and the food was just like Italy! It's BYOB which is always a plus, and the manager Blake was really nice and helpful. We were all from out of town and not only did he make sure we were doing great he also offered up a few places to go that would be fun for out of towners. If you like real Italian pizza and wonderful service this is the place to go!
(5)
Chastity G.

I feel very conflicted about DeSano. On one hand, it has the BEST pizza in Nashville. This includes high-end restaurants with table service... in my opinion, DeSano blows them all out of the water. I always get the Diavola because I love spicy food. Simply amazing. The condiments station is great, and the service is extremely fast. I didn't L-O-V-E my cannoli, but I think that's more a me not liking cannoli issue (first time I'd tried one) than a DeSano issue. But seriously, I think this might be the best pizza I've had in my whole life. On the other hand, DeSano is almost single-handedly responsible for ruining my health and fitness. I'm not the world's biggest pizza fan (gasp... blasphemer), so it's usually pretty easy for me to resist the siren song of Nashville's other pizza joints. However, once a while DeSano starts preying on my unconscious mind, and I get it into my head that maybe--just maybe--I've been working hard enough at the gym to make pizza a viable healthy option. And then I go eat a whole freaking pizza to myself. Damn you, DeSano.
(5)
Rosemary B.

Love, love De Sano's! Nestled in a small, quiet corner of 16th Ave, directly across from Off Broadway Shoe Store; It has an open, industrial atmosphere with large ovens in view and long wooden tables for the entire family plus a few friends. The pizza is fresh and the salads are a delicious balance. The canolis were not as sweet and flavorful as I would have liked but the service made up for it. The experience was a refreshing change and I'm looking forward to going back.
(4)
Suavier Y.

Ordered the small Margherita. The pizza was undercooked. The dough lacked the oven spring you see in every picture on yelp and had some pieces of crust with raw dough. I sat and made eye contact with a couple employees for a few minutes. None came back. I ate what was done and left some behind.
(3)
David H.

Best pure Italiano pizza I've had in a long time!! Pizza takes just over 4 min in the wood fired oven!! Crust is by far the best!! Off the beaten path, great atmosphere as you watch the chefs make the pizza!!!
(5)
Stan S.

I believe this to be the best pizza in Nashville. Whereas I do also enjoy Bella Napoli and Mellow Mushroom, the pizza here is second to none. I have only dined here once and the atmosphere is sufficient for a pizzeria with tvs and a picknic table-type seating setup. Regardless if you dine in or pick it up, check this place out!
(5)
Mitchell D.

One of the best pizza places in Nashville. The diavola is amazing as is every other pizza on the mene. The open seating concept is great for a Friday night casual date or a group gathering - if you can get the space. Affordable, fast and delicious!
(5)
Lisa B.

I may not be as eloquent in expressing it as Wes B, but this place is spectacular. I dare say this is the best pizza in Nashville. Bold statement, I know. At least it's the best in this category - if you're looking for something Chicago style, etc, this may not be your jam. You order up front and then move to the back room to wait for the deliciousness. It's BYOB with big community tables for the most part. The seating area is open to the kitchen, which makes it hard to keep from openly drooling as you watch them craft your pie right in front of you. But don't blink, the pizzas are assembled quickly and cooked in 60 seconds in a blazing wood burning oven. This brings me to my next point - unless it's packed/a peek time, you get your food incredibly fast. We've ordered take out and once left with our pizza 5 minutes after ordering. Seriously. The ingredients are so fresh and wonderful that we usually keep it simple with the margherita - tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil, garlic - and sometimes add a meat. No need to get fancy with toppings when every ingredient is this good!
(5)
Lizzie L.

Please eat here. It's so delicious! You won't regret it. P.S. I said "Good for Groups" below. I wouldn't say it's good for large groups- maybe no more than 6? Be sure to bring your own beer/wine. :)
(5)
Erin F.

One of the best pies I've had since living in Italy. Very authentic. Mozzarella shipped in straight from Italy. If you want real Italian pizza in America, go here
(4)
Wynter F.

I do not understand the big hype for this place. Yes, it is good and fairly quick but it isn't the best pizza I've ever had. My family and I came in and ordered a pizza and then I ordered a traditional cannoli. We put our receipts out so the person going around with orders would see what numbers we had so he could deliver our pizza when it was ready. Our pizza came out within minutes of us sitting down. I, honestly, don't remember which one we ordered but like I said it was definitely good. Then, my cannoli came out. I was so excited to try it. I hurried and ate my pieces of pizza so I could get on my dessert. I let my mom take a bite and she said she didn't like it. I just thought maybe she was being weird. I took a little bite and immediately pushed it away from me. I did not like it one bit. Maybe I just don't like cannoli's? I've tried them before and never had a problem though. My sister benefitted from me not liking it as I gave it to her. I would come back if someone wanted to but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(3)
sam a.

Stupid good piZza. Really one of the best Italian style pizzas I have had stateside. Only drawback was the frat boy crowd "crushing natty ice " ... I guess you can byob.
(5)
Torrey R.

I am in love with this place and wish I lived closer. We stumbled upon it based on yelp reviews and they weren't wrong. They have byob (no kegs please) and the seating is long tables where often you will have multiple parties at one table. It makes for a casual atmosphere and a good hang out place. I loved how the kitchen isn't separated from the seating area so you can watch your pie being made. Speaking of pies, the one we had was amazing. I don't recall the name but it had grilled peppers, sausage, and buffalo mozz. I'm a bit of a pizza crust snob and this pizza passed with flying colors. Because it was in a wood burning oven, it was crunchy with those little burned spots that are delicious. I would go back here in a heartbeat...or maybe just a four hour drive.
(5)
Tatiana L.

The Capricciosa pizza continues to be at the top of my list. Thin crust with mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, garlic and buffalo mozzarella cheese, delicious!! Bring your own wine, there is no corking fee ;)
(5)
Diana S.

The way pizza is supposed to be made - the way it is in Italy. The pizza here is very good. We had the Capracciosa - prosciutto, mushroom, garlic and artichoke hearts. It was absolutely smothered in prosciutto - a very light version, without the stringy fat you unfortunately see all too often. On the other hand, there were only a few artichoke hearts and mushrooms, and they weren't distributed well. It was still delicious, but I wish they had been more even with the ingredients. If you are a control freak and have to have the last say about which ingredients are on your pie, then you will not be happy here. But if you can go with the flow, you will eat well. We also tried desserts. The hazelnut canneloni was excellent: crisp shell with loads of nutty filling with the occasional mini chocolate chip. On the other hand, the "blood orange" gelato was really pretty awful. For one thing, if it is neon orange, it is not made from blood oranges, as their juice is *gasp* blood colored. And as it tasted like Fanta with a sharp aftertaste, it probably was made from orange flavored and colored chemicals rather than fruit juice. As people before have said, the experience can be loud, and it is family style seating, but that can be part of its charm. Watching the pies being tossed, composed and fired can be entertaining. And, speaking as someone who worked in restaurants a lifetime ago, it is not such a bad thing to see the kitchen where your food is prepared. BTW - no gluten free here. Europeans are not as concerned about that. Perhaps because their crops are not as genetically modified?
(4)
Clay G.

I write this review with a little sadness. Manny's has always been my perennial favorite and I have always felt comfortable picking it as the best pizza in town. Now I can't, it is Desanos. Awesome Pizza, BYOB, I love everything about this place, and the pizza is true artisan italian. Awesome! The only downside for some might be the sound level. The main dining room is more reminiscent of a cafeteria and is loud. Early in the evening it is full of families, only to be slowly replaced with groups of what seemed to be college aged. You order up front and I don't think 10 minutes went by before we had our pizza brought to the table. It's fast enough that I suggest ordering one at a time.
(5)
Brooks O.

This is a great place to get a nice, homemade pizza - - - my wife said it would have been nice if when you ordered water you didn't have to go up to this semi-water fountain looking thing - - I agree. Other than that, it was great.
(4)
M R.

Definitely the best pizza in Nashville. I've spent many summers in Italy, one in Naples, and this is the closest to real Italian pizza that you will find in the city. The tomato sauce is excellent, and I love the little area where you can make your own olive oil dipping sauce. The atmosphere is not very romantic or intimate (there are long tables so you are often sharing a table with fellow diners) so as another reviewer said it's great for groups.
(5)
Tara F.

This pizza is amazing! Our kids loved it too! We had the lasagna pizza followed by the most amazing pistachio & chocolate chip cannoli and can't forget salted caramel gelato. All so good! I can't wait to take another road trip in this direction, because we will always stop here!
(5)
Josh M.

Great place for a slice of traditional Italian pizza. It's enjoyable seeing they make it right in front of you and turns eating into an experience. The wood fire ovens are the centerpiece of the communal dining room and they get the pie out pretty quick. The drink options are a tad limited, but it is BYOB. We had the white pizza and can't wait to try the classic Margherita. Also had the caprese salad and didn't love it.
(4)
Jacob G.

Pizza is awesome. Looks like BYOB is no more, but they do have beer for purchase. You can still bring your own wine.
(5)
Tony S.

Think of Dewey's Pizza but only better! The pizza was amazing. But they are more than Dewey's pizza too.. I wish we had read some of the reviews about the BYOB before we went there. We just went in because of the high star reviews and we were walking by. I would recommend checking this place out!
(4)
John-Michael M.

Big FYI they don't start making your pizza until you pay for it. So if you call it in you have to give them your credit card info over the phone or if you're like me and paying cash you have to sit in their parking lot for 20 minutes while they make your pizza. The girls at the register aren't the nicest but the pizza is really good and I do like the fact that they open the box in front of you and ask if everything looks good.
(3)
Grae D.

In town for the weekend and stopped here based on the reviews. It did not disappoint. This will be a mandatory stop whenever in Nashville from now on. Wood fired pizza ovens, make their own dough, and a great atmosphere. Like that it's open till closing or dough runs out. Whichever comes first.
(5)
Josh W.

There is are so many crap pizza places opening in Nashville these days, and i don't mind naming names.....Two Boots, Music City Pizza (really? come on!), NY Pizza, Bella Napoli (with their pizzas you need a magnifying glass to view), etc.. But ahhhh....i just tried DeSano Pizza Bakery and i think i have died and gone to heaven! There is only one pizza, in my humble opinion, that rivals this one...and that's Castrillo's in E. and W. Nashville. And for me, it's a tossup.....both fantastic, each a different type. Castrillo's is a little cheaper, but to me price is not the issue with pizza.....QUALITY talks. I know a lot of the so-called "pizza connoisseurs" on here complain about the price. That's because Americans are conditioned to think that Papa John's and Pizza Hut 10 buck pizzas are "real pizza". Get real. They're good snack foods at cheap prices but not real pizza. They are to pizza what the Titans are to football.....fun and entertaining, but not the real thing. Cough up the 20 bucks, folks, and leave a good tip....the young people working here are freakin' awesome, and deserve it. When you're finished eating, you'll never regret the money or time spent. If you really hate the pizza after the first slice, bring it over to my house and I'll finish the rest of it for you. GREAT JOB, DeSano! I'll be back......probably more times than I should be.
(5)
Laura F.

Not much else to say after 250+ other positive reviews, but DAMN that is good pizza! My hubs and I have been hearing great things about DeSano for awhile and finally made it in over the weekend. My only disappointment is that we waited so long to go! Simply amazing. They've got themselves two new loyal customers!
(5)
Steven P.

wow...what a let down after seeing the rating on here....liked the crust but the cheese and sausage were very bland and the "grande" was the size of most mediums at other restaurants....and for 23 dollars....red baron frozen at kroger for 3.99 is so much better
(1)
Thomas O.

Another great Yelp! Find. Wood fired pizza at its finest and fresh chopped garlic to sprinkle on top.
(5)
Nick B.

It's gooooood! Artisan crust. Temp of oven makes a tad inconsistent but that's part of the beauty of artisan pizza. I am reviewing 2 months after visit, but I think I remember them not using San Marzano Tomatoes.. I always feel that is important. But heh, I didn't agree with Steingarten's review of Pizzaria Bianco in Phoenix, so what do I know?
(4)
Jeannie D.

Very busy. When you walk in it is a little unclear how everything works, but once we stepped up to the counter they were helpful. Failed to mention they had cups for free water, so we ended up paying for bottled water. Not that many options, but what they do have is delicious. Awesome wood fired flavor and you get to see them hand toss it it right in front of you. Some of the best cannolis I've had. Parking lot is tiny, so either be prepared to walk or pay to park.
(4)
Colton H.

Amazing Pizza!! The crust isn't too thin or too thick, it's somewhere in the middle and it's perfect. Flavors explode in your mouth while being perfectly balanced. Highly recommend this place. Some of the best pizza I've ever had anywhere not just in Nashville.
(5)
Jeremy A.

Definitely the best pizza I've had in Nashville, let alone Tennessee. They claim to have authentic "Napoletana" pizza, but I just have to say their pizza tops what I had in Naples, Italy! Great stuff, guys. I love the casual but nice, cozy ambiance. A little on the pricey side, but worth it. Get the San Genaro. The have peppadew peppers...enough said.
(5)
John And Tracy C.

After having spent over a decade in Europe, we were craving "real" pizza and DeSano's satisfied our craving ... and then some. This is by far the best pizza we've had since visiting our local Sicilian pizzeria in Germany. If you want to experience what an authentic pizza tastes like, visit DeSano's Pizza Bakery. We've eaten at every imaginable restaurant (Greek, Italian, Turkish, German, Thai, Indian, etc.) throughout Europe and one of the things we've learned is that the lower number of items on the menu (excluding drinks) is directly corresponds to how good the food is. That's the case with DeSano's. They have a relatively few items on the menu because what they do serve is simply fantastic. DeSano's is perfect for families, friends, young and old. The staff is very approachable and super friendly. The dining area is wide open with large benches vice small tables. The drink menu offers a multitude of options to include craft beer (support the little guy!!). And, something I thought was awesome was that kids can watch the pizzas being created. Overall ... awesome dining experience. DeSano's is now our restaurant of choice when we're in Nashville. We applaud the DeSano staff for their outstanding service!
(5)
Leah J.

The pizza here was remarkably good and the restaurant has a good atmosphere. But the service here was quite the opposite. Every time we asked the server for anything he seemed annoyed and wouldn't even look us in the eye when he talked to us. When we asked for plates he rolled his eyes and said we don't have plates here. He was so rude to us that I was beginning to think this was one of those gimmicky restaurants where the servers are mean to the customers on purpose as a joke. I also felt like the food was a bit over priced but the food was still excellent. Overall I think this place is a good restaurant that is worth trying and that DeSano's seriously needs to step up their game in the customer service department.
(3)
Morgan P.

I really like DeSano's pizza because it's got a neat atmosphere and their pizza is pretty good. The large tables are really ideal if you have a large group but if you are a couple, it's not hard to find a table either. The casual setting is a nice staring off point or ending point depending on where you are in your evening. It's not the most personal or private place though. I've seen a lot of families here, so I would assume that they are children friendly. I really like their pizza. The crust is pretty consistent: chewy with a good flavor. I always get the Margherita when we go out and I've had it at least 3 or 4 times from DeSano's. I don't think it ever tastes the same. It always tastes good but sometimes it's really garlicy and other times it's not.
(4)
Ashwin M.

Once, in one of my previous lifetimes, I was a dog that loved chasing frisbees. I died when I expertly caught my master's frisbee under a Fedex truck. Now that I have been reincarnated as a master, I have a deep-seated fondness for circular, flight-capable objects that are about an inch thick. When I walk the streets, my mouth salivates at manhole covers, hipster bicycle tires, buttons, etc. I have shown myself to the best shrink in town, but I caught his porcelain plate between my jaws and ran. That was that. So the other day, I was hungry, and decided to eat Italian. And so I used my Google skills to filter all the websites of Nashville-based Italian restaurants whose websites were registered in Italy, and DeSano showed up (I am very specific in my needs). I walked into the place, and was confronted with a bevy of options. A Japanese animÃ© character stood behind the cash counter, and asked me (in Engrish), what I'd like. In sign language, I gestured to her that I'd like to try the simple margherita pizza, because I was a purist, and a pizza must have exactly three ingredients - dough, tomato, and cheese. I tried to tell her that the volume of a cylinder with radius, z, and height a would be pi.z.z.a, but she asked me to sign my credit card receipt copy. I must work on my sign language. I walked into the cafeteria style seating arrangement, and immediately ran to the section where a bearded pizza maker was tossing white circular objects in the air. Needles to say, I caught every single one of them, and the audience gave a mild applause. I asked the beard what's the deal with the pizza and it replied that every ingredient except water was imported from Italy. It pointed to the three raging furnaces, and said that even those stones were quarried from Mt. Vesuvius. I asked the beard if that wouldn't make the volcano more unstable because the lava would have an easier time bursting out, and it shrugged and tossed a pizza. I caught that one too. I sat down at my table, exhausted from all the frisbees that I had caught, and waited for my food. The pizza came on a steel plate and I caught that too. The pizza was decadent, delectable, delicious, and divine. Today my OCD's are D's. I destroyed it. It was the demolition of smog in my mouth. Okay, I am done with my OCDs for now. Anyway, the first epiphany happened on my tongue. It tasted a real tomato after centuries of eating cardboard flavored red goop that is sold as a tomato in the grocery stores State-side. Then the cheese went to battle. It galloped across my tongue and went straight to my heart where it put a stake right there, and signalled the dough to enter. That slid down my gullet and bungeed right into my stomach, and then bounced to my brain where it plastered itself all over, and the succulent tomatoey cheesy goodness lay splattered inside my head like a gourmet Banksy street art. I left very satisfied and told the beard that I'd be back. He winked and flicked a pizza dough up in the air, and I chased it.
(4)
Sarah H.

Fun atmosphere, great food and you can bring your own drinks. Great place with excellent service!
(5)
Chelsea J.

HOLY YUM. I have been on a quest for the best pizza in Nashville, and I think I have finally found it. No other pizza I've tried even compares (ok Five Points is up there). This place has been under my nose in a nondescript building right off the Demonbreun/ 16th Avenue roundabout and I can't believe I didn't try it until now. Everything is made fresh and they have a great selection of pizzas for every palette. You order at a counter and then go in the dining area that has big cafeteria-esque tables and you can watch your pizza being made. The pizzas are thin crust and come out on a giant rectangular pan. There are also pretty good side salads if thats your thing. I love that Desano Pizza is BYOB. Bring an appetite and a (few) bottle(s) of wine and enjoy! You will not be disappointed. Pro tip: call in an order ahead of time so the pizza is ready when you get there. Sad side note: They don't have any ranch.
(5)
Forest S.

Great pizzas. Light sauce, so it isn't overloaded. New flavors that you just can't find anywhere else!
(5)
Lauren W.

I know I bitch and moan a lot about how there is no good pizza in Nashville, but after visiting Bella Nashville and now DeSano Pizza, I will eat my hat. Granted, they aren't New York style large flat greasy pies like I'm used to, but they sure do hit the spot. Located in an unassuming building off Demonbreun circle near the Off Broadway shoes, DeSano serves up old world style pizza without the fuss. DeSano has an interesting ordering system. When you enter you pick out your pizza at the counter and pay for it there. Then you walk to the back where there are big communal tables a la elementary school cafeteria and wait for the nice pizza guys to bring your food. The best part is the kitchen is totally open and you can watch the dough masters at work. And wafting through the dining room is the beautiful smell of baking crust, which emanates from the three old world wood-burning ovens at the back. Added bonuses- they serve San Pellegrino, AND they're totally BYOB, so plan to bring a nice bottle of wine or your favorite six pack. We ordred the Verdura which has broccoli rabe, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, garlic and mozzarella cheese flown in from Italy. This pie was absolute heaven. The imported cheese has the most amazing flavor and consistency, and the flavor of the wood-charred crust is just perfect. You can tell that they really care about the ingredients that go into their pies. They understand the simple rule that better the ingredients equals better food. If you are looking for really good pizza with a no-frills dining experience and the ability to bring your own bottle of wine, go to DeSano. I also think this place would be great for larger parties since everyone can pay for themselves from the get go and the tables are huge!
(4)
Melisa H.

Hands down the best pizza in Nashville! The atmosphere and customer service are AMAZING!
(5)
Alisha W.

Great find in Nashville! It is awesome being able to bring your own wine and beer instead of having to wait on drinks! The pizza was delicious and I lived how they make it right in front of you! The white pizza with fresh basil and mozzarella was so good. I wish they had a gluten free option for dough! We had a great time and will be back.
(4)
Tammy D.

Good pizza but I don't understand why you can't make any changes on their pizza selections. The manager was quite rude about it after the counter guy went to ask. Felt like he was gonna say "no pizza for you!" I had the Verdura and wanted to add sausage. I'd give the manager a minus 5 for lack of charm and customer service.
(4)
Jessica S.

YES YES - ALL THE YES! After living in Italy previously, I have pretty high standards when it comes to pizza. We met some friends here on New Years Day (yay - it's open on a holiday) to grab a bite. I had never heard of this place but I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in. There are long tables where you can eat AND make new friends! You can also watch them make the pizzas - which is pretty intriguing. We ordered a pepperoni and margherita pizza....sooooooooooooo good. Fresh, delicious, and truly authentic. Best way to kick off 2015!!
(5)
Ashley F.

Great pizza, crust is so good. Service was friendly and helpful. Atmosphere is lacking, but that doesn't make the pizza any less delicious.
(4)
Pam X.

Desano serves the best pizza I've ever had. This place proves that mounds of toppings and stuffed crusts don't amount to a good pizza...although I did get to eat the Nutella pizza, which was everything you'd expect it to be. You get to see your piping hot pizza come straight out of the oven, which is a plus in my book.
(5)
D F.

Great pizza, fast service. Order at the counter seat yourself kind of place. It ain't cheap, but they're using real ingredients. Note to the management - get the AC vents directed away from the tables so that my pie stays hotter longer. Great, friendly management. Very industrial space, no windows/daylight, so you don't want to linger. Probably part of the business model.
(4)
Desiree S.

Best pizza in Nashville by far!!!!! It smells in incredible, tastes incredible, and the people are incredible. A must go. Enjoy!
(5)
Brittany L.

Pizza was really good. Lightning fast too, and fun to watch the dough get juggled. Seriously...amazing pizza. The cannoli was fantastic too, we got pistachio. They lost the 5th star due to the obscene amount of plastic litter produced. Everything is plastic and disposable: cups (for wine and water), forks and knives, portion/souffle cups and lids for pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, olive oil, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic. I get it. It's like rustic, faux-divey, minimal, whatever. They can't afford dishwashers because there's so many pizzaiolos turning out those awesome pies. But at least put the pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on the tables. TRY to minimize the amount of waste that's going to be around for the next 100+ years. If it were me I'd put all the items (except for the garlic) on each communal table and get rid of the plastic cups except for in the carry-out area. But it's not me, and most people don't care about our water supply and petroleum distillates. It's in the beer, people! There's plastic in the beer! IT'S TIME TO START PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS! grist.org/list/beer-a-maâ€¦ In conclusion, eat the great pizza and yummy desserts, drink the wine and craft beers, bring your own glass and little dish from home.
(4)
Corie K.

This pizza is great! Super fresh, always tasty! The only reason I chose 4 vs 5 is that they have a no substitution rule, which is frustrating when it comes to preferences/ special diet needs. You can't even chose a certain pizza minus one ingredient. Otherwise, solid pizza place.
(4)
Taylor M.

Great pizza and fun atmosphere. It's also BYOB with no corking fee, which is amaze. Recommend the Diavola and San Gennaro pizzas. Casual atmosphere. Picnic tables where you can make new friends too.
(5)
Victoria M.

DESANO! literally one of the best pizza places i've been to in nashville! absolutely wonderful. the host Monica was super sweet & informative about ingredients & product. there's a topping bar, and it's also b.y.o.w (bring your own wine) :D definitely a plus!
(4)
Kellen S.

Blanco is so dope. Bring a couple bottles of wine! There's extra seating if you walk through the first dining area. Management should allow you to tip the bartenders!
(5)
PizzaPaparazzi C.

Ordered a Napoli size San Gennaro and a Napoli size Lasagna. A Napoli is a small sized pizza. The San Gennaro came with sausage, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions and peppadew(which are a sweet with a little heat peppers that are delicious). The Lasagna came with meatball, ricotta, garlic, pecorino, Romano and buffalo mozzarella. Both pizzas were made with fresh with authentic Italian ingredients right in front of you and cooked in brick ovens. Both pizza were delicious and I would go back again if I'm back in Nashville.
(4)
Jamie M.

A great naples style pizza in the USA. There pizzas are simplistic but amazing. Go with the lasagna. There pizzas aren't smothered with cheese and are wood fired which helps you feel less crappy afterwards. Make sure you stop by here for good pizza in nashville, places like dezano are hard to find in the country so take advantage of this.
(5)
Massimo F.

This IS one of the best REAL NEAPOLITAN pizza! If you hear any complain about this pizza, it will be from someone that doesn't appreciate an authentic pizza. I respect other people taste, and I agree on the said 'you like what you like". That said, if you know you like authentic neapolitan pizza, you will love this pizza. The crust tends on the thick side, but it is just at the upper edge of the perfect thickness range. Toppings are FRESH, and several of them come straight from Italy. Their buffalo mozzarella flies from one of our most beautiful regions, Campania, and it has to otherwise we won't call it DOP (literally "from protected origin", that means it is guaranteed that the product is made in state approved sites assuring the over the top quality of the product). People there are very friendly and kind, on top of being very professional and knowledgeable of their job. The place per se looks like a pizzeria. How awesome is that! I meant, it looks like an authentic "pizzeria al taglio", i.e. a pizza place where you just seat, grab a pizza by the slice, and eat it in the premise. At the end that means the place doesn't look like a restaurant, at all. I would suggest not to necessarily indulge yourself with their cannoli. They are far for being as good as an authentic Sicilian cannolo... but they are good and enjoyable. At the contrary, you need to have their caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, and ask for some baked pizza dough to use it instead of bread (focaccia). More than recommended this place is a must go in town. I can't wait to go there again!
(5)
David O.

While this place was in no way what I expected, that didn't work against it. Instead of a traditional restaurant, you order your pizza at the counter and then head into the back where the pizza ovens are. The Pizza very much reminded me of the Pizza we had in Italy. The large room, with the large tables makes it a great place to come with a large group of your friends and watch sports on the TV. It's certainly designed to be a very public experience. If you are looking for something more intimate, this is probably not the place you want to visit. When its busy, parking can be a bit of an issue, but the lot is a fairly decent size.
(4)
Jen Y.

Great place... nice people fun vibe. I love the open area seeing the pizza action!.. my favorite of our order was a vegetarian pizza with cherry tomatoes (sorry forgot the name) but all the pizzas we tried were great. Good selection of local beers as well. We saw a pizza making class while we were there and a small child rolling dough at the counter.. adorable!
(5)
Kaminsky Real Estate G.

I don't want to say it was the best pizza I ever had but it was the best pizza I ever had and that includes the fact that I owned my own wood burning pizza oven. Couldn't decide what to order so ordered 3. San Gennaro. The DeSano. And the Marguerita. The ingredients were fresh the dough was thin and the taste was bountiful. Didn't expect to be snowed in Nashville but this made it worth it.
(5)
Matt H.

As a New Yorker I've been to my fair share of pizza restaurants. While the food is ok here I waited almost an hour for an 11 inch pizza. Not a custom topping pizza, one off their menu. The restaurant was not busy at all. I asked the staff about 45 minutes into my wait and they nonchalantly said my pizza was next up. There were three people making pizzas and they still couldn't get it in a reasonable time. Horrible customer service. My pizza finally arrived, and there was literally a puddle of grease in the middle. I know pizzas are greasy, there was literally a puddle, I've never seen anything like it. Mediocre food and horrible service, I'm not coming back.
(1)
Leah V.

My grandmother is Sicilian and my grandfather Italian, so when I make the treasonous comment that Desano's meatballs and red sauce is just as good if not BETTER than my grandmothers, you have to then give this place a try and hopefully become a regular. That being said, their meatball with focaccia bread plate is not only delicious and cheap ($7) but filling. I could dip that focaccia in that delectable sauce forever. The hubs ordered the San Genarro pizza. Don't let the $15 price tag detour you, we could have split this delicious 11 inch artisan pizza. I can not wait to try their calzones and to regularly frequent this Heaven sent Italian establishment. See you soon DeSano's!
(5)
R. M.

Fantastic pizza, great atmosphere, casual and fun. Easy parking. My favorite is the Diavola...spicy and perfect.
(5)
Daniel D.

If I were to judge just the pizza, this would be a 3 star place. The pizza is not of the ordinary, but the place has a charm to it. The place is located within walking distance from Vanderbilt. The pizzas are decently priced for the amount you get, the small portion is enough for two. Flavor wise the pizzas are good, but not outstanding. The interesting part about this place is the seating. It makes for a very social place with just a different atmosphere. If you are seeking to grab a pizza with friends this is a place to consider.
(4)
Alex B.

So, I was in the area looking for a "random can't get this back home" kind of place. My first 2 stops were a busy because the places closed at 8pm, but man am I glad they were closed. Stumbled upon Desanos after being lost on 16th avenue. Was a bit confused walking up as to where to go, but figured it out quickly. As soon as you walk in the front door you feel like you are going to walk out stuffed. The aroma was amazing and I couldn't wait to dive in. As always, I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I had the cashier surprise me. She picked the Diavola and I was off on a trip to Little Italy. After you order you go to a big open room with community style tables, a water fountain, and a clear shot to the three amazing "I want that in my house" style wood-burning pizza ovens. In front of that area is a bar for your toppings and what-not. Every staff member that walked by me said hello and made me feel like I wasn't alone (I was though). After what felt like an eternity (it was quick but I was starving) they brought my pizza over. I grabbed some fresh chopped garlic and Parmesan from the bar and sat down to enjoy. That first bite transported me back to my young childhood experience in queens. The crust was amazing (in my opinion it is the key to a good pizza), the sauce had the perfect bite to it, cheese melted perfectly, and my favorite crust bubbles were there for my enjoyment. I ate an entire 12" pizza by myself, and though I felt like a pig, I also felt like a champ. I'm definitely going back on my next stop in Nashville.
(5)
Cari J.

I've been hearing about this place since I started working at Vanderbilt. All the anesthesiologists talked ceaselessly about this place, and I figured if they, who have the money to eat ANYWHERE, loved it, then it had to be good. I went with a friend around 5:30 PM. Had a hard time parking, but got lucky and a guy gave me his parking spot. I ordered the small Lasagna pizza, which had basil, Parmesan, ricotta, meatballs, and mozzarella, along with a bottled Mexican coke. We sat in the dining area to wait for our pizza and watch it being made, which was a cool touch. The pizza was HUGE...a small is enough for two people to share. I brought half home and can attest that is just as amazing cold. It was absolutely DELICIOUS. Best pizza I've had in Nashville. I will absolutely be back. I also grabbed 2 cannoli and some biscotti to take home, and having tried a bite of all of it, I can say that they have some amazing, authentic baked goods as well. Excellent experience!
(5)
Leah J.

I'm always looking for "The Best of Nashville" Visiting a few restaurants before deciding who is truly the best. Well 1 visit to DeSanos and you won't want to eat pizza any where else! This place has great pizza and atmosphere! However, this most recent visit was truly spectacular! The manager stopped by our table and noticed my friend filming the chefs throw dough. He went into the kitchen and had them put on an awesome show for us. Check out the video. The entire staff was so nice and went above and beyond. Great food and great service. You can't ask for anything more.
(5)
Paul D.

Went here with 3 other friends and had an awesome time. One of the stoves was offline due to a fire but the longer than normal wait time wasn't an issue at all. The Chefs were entertaining and engaging in pizza dough acrobatics and of course it's a BYOW so the wine was flowing and the general ambiance was so friendly we even ended up with 2 more bottles from nearby tables. The pizza of course was delicious and I definitely recommend going for the larger sizes. Would definitely recommend this place anytime of the week.
(5)
AndrÃ©s R.

I have been twice to this place in less than a month. Not only the pizzas are absolutely fantastic, but also the ambience of the restaurant it's great. Their new section is awesome for having dinner with friends. About the actual product, the pizzas, they have one that it's called San Gennaro. I've been to Italy a couple of times, and that pizza is definitely one of the best I have had in my life. Both the combination of ingredients they add and the quality are outstanding. From the moment you walk in, you notice that they care about the product they offer. Everything is clean, neat, well design. Please keep up the good work.
(5)
Katie B.

Big open napolitano pizza joint. I love how this place is wide open, like you basically eat in the kitchen. The pizza was good, albeit a little oily. Still quite tasty.
(4)
Agnes T.

This place is amazing! Fresh ingredients make these pizzas absolutely delicious! Friendly staff and great atmosphere where you can watch your food being made in the open kitchen. When your pizza-makers are speaking Italian, you know it's authentic. Love it at Desano!!!!
(5)
Jessica M.

DeSano's makes the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. I've come here a few times and have never been disappointed! They import a lot from Italy, which gives their pizzas a very authentic taste. They have wood-fired ovens and the kitchen is very open, so you can watch your pizza being made right in front of you. My favorite is the diavola pizza, which is one of the kinds of pizzas you dream about. It's topped with spicy salami and hot peppers, which give it a good amount of heat but not too much. The San Gennero pizza is incredible too. Most of their pizzas use buffalo mozzarella, which is always fresh and perfectly gooey. Don't forget to stop by the olive oil bar! They have it set up so that you can make yourself some delicious crust-dipping oil. Probably one of the coolest things about DeSano is their BYOB policy, so bring a bottle of wine or some beers! Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fun lunch or evening out.
(5)
Kurt R.

The pizza was great but it was expensive. A large pizza was like 25 bucks. There are pizza places that have just as good of pizza for a lot less money. I most likely won't go back strictly because of price.
(3)
Shruthi L.

O my. Where do I start with this little slice of heaven on earth and the magic that happens in those wood fired ovens? GLUTEN FEST 2014 *BYOB (wine & beer), no corkage fee *relaxed family-style vibe *kid friendly (it's nice and loud to drown out their complaining) *friendly, speedy service *consistent (this is key, they don't need to be told) They offer a selection of wine, beer & non alcoholic beverages (water, Pelligrino, soda, etc) in case you don't have time to pick something up. See? They've got your back. You order, find a place to sit & they bring the pizza to YOU. All you have to do is listen for your order number. Highlights | Capricciosa, Diavola, Margherita D.O.P, gelato & house made cannolis (omg, Nutella) Be sure to swing by the topping bar for fresh minced garlic, parmesan, & oils to enjoy with your pizza! Chili oil + garlic is my favorite combination. Pro Tip| I like to integrate any left over garlic/chili oil into my cooking at home cause it's too good to waste! No, that doesn't mean steal it all, ya turkey.
(5)
Liz B.

food is delicious, concept fun and different, and staff welcoming! Got to talking with Jameson and he was so helpful with our stay in Nashville! Highly recommend for a great experience off of broadway!
(5)
Meghan J.

AMAZING!! Delicious thin crust pizza - nice staff and great food. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Joe V.

When you go on vacation you try and have each meal at a different restaurant, well we came back twice because the pizza here is WORLD CLASS! Award winning, mind blowing, pizza that will take your breath away! Having been born and raised in NY eating the pizza of one of the two men who brought pizza to the U.S., he would be proud of this pizza!! Fresh mozzarella, fresh sauce, hand tossed dough cooked in wood burning ovens. Simple ingredients that make this one of the best pizzas I have had in the past 2 decades. Visiting Nashville? FIND THIS PLACE!!
(5)
Kyle W.

On our way through back to minnesota and we stopped here. Great pizza, great atmosphere and fun place! Really reminds me of true Italian pizza and also Punch Pizza in MN.
(5)
Crystal C.

Amazing pizza & the "show" wasn't bad either ;) Was our first time but it won't be our last
(5)
Kim F.

Couldn't wait to try this place and it did not disappoint. My husband and I dined at Desano's on a Sunday night before heading down to Broadway for a night of debauchery. This proved to be a great strategy. We were greeted by friendly staff upon entering and decided quickly on a margherita pizza and a Lasagna pizza. Both were 11 inches, so we knew we would be full...stuffed...upon leaving. I was elated to see a "toppings bar" of sorts by the ovens. I made use of the fresh garlic, oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese by combining them into a flavor packed paste. The pizzas came out perfectly baked and piping hot. I added my topping generously...maybe too generously and devoured most of my pie. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his lasagna pie. I wish we lived in Nashville so we could enjoy this place on the regular. Excellent pizza and a must do for a base layer before heading down to Broadway.
(5)
Tracey H.

The atmosphere is so great! It's BYOB, you can watch them hand toss the dough and make the pizzas, and all of the workers are incredibly nice and polite. The wait for freshly made pizza was much shorter than I expected it to be, and there was a lot of space for large groups. My friend and I shared a Capricciosa, which was good, but our other friend's Diavola was even better! I'm definitely going to try something with a little more kick next time I go!
(4)
N M.

Really great and delicious wood fired pizza. This place easily is my favorite place to eat at when in Nashville. My bf and I were new comers and were intimidated by how packed it was on a Friday night, but we eventually found seats by the time our pizza arrived. They also have glass coca cola bottles and sauces and Parmesan by the ovens where you can watch the workers prepare the pizza (bonus!). Definitely try this place if you want delicious pizza!
(5)
Chandler C.

Awesome Italian style pizza. I normally get the San Genaro but I have never had one of their pizzas that wasn't terrific. Out of the 10 or so people that I have convinced to try Desanos, every single one of them loved it.
(5)
Melissa R.

The whole concept is very customer friendly. The service was great. They had 1/2 liter glass bottles of Coca Cola, I shared one with my hubs. You get to watch the pizza being made and the pizza is from heaven. It's from heaven. It's got to be made by cherubs in heaven. We had a large San Gennaro and wow. The sausage, the cheese, these sweet pepper type things that turn a bit warm in your mouth, and the crust. All I can say is I love this pizza. I want more. Everyday for every meal, so I will have to commit to running there from my home in order to not become 300lbs of pizza loving happiness.
(5)
Pam R.

Best pizza in town, and especially love the San Gennaro! This is a fun place to go with a group.
(5)
Brian C.

Yup, this place is awesome. Great pizza, and quick. The crust is a perfect thickness, the toppings are fresh, and there is a variety of different pizza options. The sausage was fantastic. Lots of space for families and large gatherings.
(5)
Tom M.

We loved this place! The pizza is delicious, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is truly unique. The open kitchen allows you to see everyone in action. The pizza chefs throw the dough to one another and take time to interact with people who are up front to watch. Seating can be a little cramped on busy nights but it all works itself out. When we come back to visit Nashville this will be the first place we go to eat.
(5)
Justin W.

Over New Year's weekend we packed up the car for a trip to Nashville. DeSano has made it into my top 5 list for this destination and as such we stopped by for lunch on Sunday afternoon. I'm happy to report that DeSano has earned its fifth star in my book because of two key improvements. There is a changing table in the woman's restroom and a new sign in the entrance with instructions for new comers. DeSano is a place that respects its customers and serves a quality product for a reasonable price. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Stacey O.

This pizza was everything. I loved the crust. The service was fast. There wasn't anything I didn't like.
(5)
TJ R.

Excellent pizza. Only had a chance to go once while we were in Nashville, but it was one of the highlights of our trip. Staff were quite helpful and made a good recommendation.
(5)
Latrisha T.

Amazing pizza (tried the San Gennaro, Desano & Lasagna pizzas) and dessert (cannoli & the new nutella dessert pizza-yum) The staff was very accommodating and friendly. Loved that you can byob (wine). An overall great experience. Much love to Jack!!!
(5)
l k.

Hands down...best pizza in Nashville!!! Love this place! Not sure how/why it took me so long to eat here but wow, it's my new favorite pizza spot in town. Delish.
(5)
Rachel C.

Great pizza, great place. I had the lasagna Napoli, it had eight slices, so plenty of leftovers. Just awesome! Can't wait to go back, and hopefully get some cannolis.
(5)
Corey G.

DeSano Pizza Bakery has a great atmosphere with an awesome product! DeSano's has an open air kitchen where you can watch you pizza being put together and then put into a giant brick oven. They offer Artisan style toppings on a thin, airy crust that absorbs the flavor of the brick its cooked on. They bring out your pizza straight from the oven on large baking sheet pans. This place is great for large party as they have large cafeteria like tables and private dining area that can be reserved in advance. They also allow you to BYOB or Brown Bag in without a corkage fee! They are slightly on the pricey side but the flavor of the pizza and the overall experience is well worth every penny!
(5)
Jessica P.

My boyfriend and I love a good pizza and here was not exception. We got a margarita pizza and it was cooked to perfection. The crust was thin yet not super crispy which I usually receive with wood fire ovens. That made the pizza go perfectly with the sauce. Soooo delicious. We loved the picnic table seating in the large dining room where we could watch the cooks bake the pizzas in wood fire grills. It was a shame we could not bring some all the way back to Wisconsin hot and ready. The only thing I would say otherwise is that it seemed to be filled with young twenty something people, not a great atmosphere for kids, but we ate there late on Tuesday night. Would love to eat there again.
(5)
John G.

Best Neapolitan style pizza I've had. Went on a whim after a yelp search. Loved it.
(5)
M L.

Sadly byob of beer is over. Current manager is a moron and has a brain made of pizza dough. Food is still damn good. If there is a frat party in there just leave. Wine is still byob.
(4)
Megan J.

Friday night dinner, we sought casual fare, a joint without putting on airs. "To DeSano!," one cried and what a meal to decide that this Nashville weekend would be beyond compare. This is truly pizza at its best. We didn't even really have leftovers left! Four pizzas, six ladies (though none of us dainty) and we were happy with this foodfest. The DeSano, each bite was perfection. Capricciosa, a fabulous selection - we had one just the veg, the other full sledge, and a Marinara, if you must have full direction. The pepperonis were delectable bites, and laden with artichokes, each mouthful a delight. Complete with BYOB, you won't be thirsty. This is eating truly done right!
(5)
Bob G.

Really fantastic pizza, and an interesting almost warehouse-like set up inside. Peroni by the bottle. Win.
(5)
Nickie G.

I've been here a few times for lunch now so I feel that I've made my mind up about it and I've decided that yes, it is really, really good. So you walk in and check out the menu on the board. There aren't substitutions, you have to eat that pizza the way they make it. But trust me that it is good and you need to eat it the way they make it. They fly in the ingredients from freakin' Italy. It is Napoletana pizza with a few quality ingredients, not 100000 ingredients that you pick at Pizza Hut or something. So go with it. While you are deciding, there is a cooler behind you that houses cokes and also pre-prepared salads. I usually get the spinach salad which is small and perfectly sized. Take these up to the counter, order your pizza, and pay for all of it. Then you will receive a ticket with a number on it. Hang on to that as that's how they know which pizza to give you! When you get in the seating area you will see long picnic tables for seating. If it is really packed you are going to have a hard time finding a place to sit since it isn't that big. The kitchen is open and you can see them twirling the dough and making your pizza. Walk up there so you can get some crushed red pepper and some fresh crushed garlic as well as some parmesan and some chili oil. They have little plastic cups you can fill up and take back to your table for tricking out your pizza. The pizza itself is really good. I am not usually a huge pizza fan but these pizzas are legit. Crust is nice and thin, the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. I prefer the Margherita or the Diavola (pepperoni and salami - mmmm so rich!) but I suspect all are delicious. I'd go more often and try everything if it wouldn't totally bust the diet! You must go and try this pizza. It is the way I always imagine pizza is going to taste yet it never does. Well, it never does unless I come here.
(5)
Ryan S.

I ordered 25 minutes in advance of my party arriving. They cooked my pie in five minutes. DeSano's willingly offered to make a fresh one on the house. Above and beyond customer service! First time learning curve.
(5)
Candice S.

First, I must say the food was fantastic. It was one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten, and I have eaten a lot of pizza. We went on a Thursday evening. It was not crowded, but there were a lot of parties going on. This made the ordering process a little awkward, but seriously, go here. You won't regret it.
(5)
Patrick C.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. The pizza and service is excellent and remains consistent with every visit. I would recommend for a casual and quick dining experience. The prices are reasonable. FYI, I was there on 11/9/2014 and they stopped doing BYOB. They have a good beer and wine selection.
(5)
BJ B.

Let me start of by saying that I consider myself somewhat of a pizza connoisseur. I've had pizza everywhere from Chicago, New York, New Jersey, to multiple towns in Italy. With that said, this might be one of the best pizza's I've ever eaten. The crust is light and crisp, the sauce flavorful, and toppings taste fresh. This place is an absolute must if you're in Nashville and craving a good pie!!
(5)
Tracy B.

Last night, six of us went to Desano Pizza for our monthly Wine Club/birthday party get together - and it was awesome! I was the host and needed a place that would let me bring wine - or, for this particular event, sangria. I confirmed ahead of time that sangria would be okay; I knew about the 'no beer' rule already. What I wasn't told is that there's to be no coolers brought in and no hard liquor in the sangrias. The cooler went back to the car, so no harm, no foul. I had also wanted a relatively separate room for our little party; the Dough Room is just that, though it was a touch warm with the door closed. Once I ordered the pizzas, they came out quickly and were huge! Yay! Best of all: they were delicious. :) So were the sangrias, but, hey, I already knew they'd be awesome. We had five pizzas plus the Nutella dessert pizza and, thanks to the generosity of Jack, the manager, a few canolis - which were fantastic! The staff was wonderful; Jack gave us a quick tour of the place to show us the new barroom. All in all, Desano Pizza's helped make my Wine Club event rock!
(5)
Shelby N.

Best and most authentic Pizza in Nashville! And who can resist nutella pizza?
(4)
Michael W.

Pizza at its best with little to distract from the fantastic taste. A great vibe with some of the best pizza tossers in Nashville.
(4)
Chris M.

Yes yes yes this place is absolutely incredible. And, you can bring your own alcohol! They have little plastic cups on every table you can use for vino, and also a "bar" with lots of different oils and spices to put on your pizza or for dipping. The price for a large pie is a bit steep, but the fact you can BYOB makes it worth it. Parking is also a bit sparse which can be an necessary hassle.
(5)
Sarah S.

My family visited De Sano this past weekend after reading rave review after rave review. Simply put: I AGREE!!!!! Loved: The pizza (obviously) The CRUST- it was excellent excellent excellent. We ate the pizza, then saved the crust to dip in the complimentary olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The no frills layout - community seating, silverware/paper towels (neither is cheapy which may seem unimportant, but is appreciated), water cups, and a water fountain on the wall. It was fun seeing your pizza be made, eating right off the giant tray they serve it on, and not worrying that my toddler was being too loud or distracting. We finished off our lunch by sharing a canoli which was fresh made in front of our eyes (well the shell had been previously made, but they filled it and dressed with chocolate chips at the time of the order) taht was filled with cream with just the right amount of sweet and a refreshing hint of lemon. We'll definitely be back, bottle of wine in tow! Who DOESN'T want to take advantage of no fee BYOB? :)
(5)
Carolyn B.

This is my absolute favorite pizza in town - not only for the food, but the atmosphere. You can BYO wine, and enjoy watching your pizza being made. You can get oil, peppers and garlic for dipping in the back of the dining area too! So delish!
(5)
Tish F.

AH-MA-ZING! Best pizza I have had in a long time! The lasagna pizza was a great choice!
(5)
Chelsea L.

This place is so good!! It's just good ole pizza and that's that. They aren't trying to over do anything it's just classic good ole pizza. Also love the bring your own wine!
(5)
Megan C.

This place is so good! We go here every time we are in Nashville!
(4)
Melissa T.

The pizza at DeSano is fantastic every time we go, and the most of the staff are crazy friendly. The pizza toppings seem amazingly fresh and the ratios of sauce to cheese to toppings have been perfect. The margherita is my favorite so far. They have fresh garlic, parmesan, sea salt, cracked pepper, and oils available in the seating area if you want to jazz yours up. Last time we ordered a grande (large) and a napoli (small? regular?) for four people. We finished it off; two grandes might have been better so we could have taken some home. You're seated at picnic tables with full views of the kitchen, where the staff cook the pizzas in four wood-fired brick ovens. It's super fun to watch the guys enjoy themselves as they work by spinning and tossing the dough with pizzazz (see what I did there?). It's really cool that they still allow BYOB even though they sell some nice beers and wines. That way I can spend my dough on good pizza, and drink my own lousy sauce from home (see again?!). Apparently some jerk-faces have been rowdy with their booze - don't be that guy.
(5)
J. K.

Diavola.... Finally some pizza with flavor! Spicy and delicious. Took a lot of paper towels to de-grease but I powered through. Yum! Loved the condiment station on the take away side with fresh chopped garlic, red pepper and cheese. Nice add to the pizza.
(4)
Paul K.

I'm not going to change my review of this place, I am however going to give a quick account of what happened the last time I went in with an 8.5 month pregnant woman. 1) no seating, couldn't tell that from the line 2) tables with plenty of space and nobody willing to move to let preggo sit 3) a guy who came over and asked her if she needed a seat, she said yes, he then went and sat back down and resumed eating. Er, what was that? 4) another pregnant woman standing looking for a seat while me, wife, and friend stood eating and leaning against a counter with half the people who were looking for water walking by us every time. 5) old man holding down 4 seats talking to the air. 6) aha a seat opens up and is grabbed by a customer instantly as two pregnant woman are beelining for it So, that's that. Nothing's the store's fault, this is pretty much a customer issue, but something that should be noted if you absolutely need to sit down for any reason. Make sure to check out the back before you order as you may not get a seat.
(5)
Joey R.

Probably my favorite pizza place ever. Great deal for the food and it's local and not that generic garbage you'll get at chain places. The BYOB is money because I like benign able to bring in a 6 pack while eating there and it really cuts down on the cost. Usually pretty crowded, but you can usually find a table somewhere. Also if you do carry out they can sometimes "not answer the phone for long periods of time" however their pizza is good enough to justify driving over and ordering and waiting at the restaurant. The cook time is incredibly quick. Their cannoli is absolutely money. Finally their employees are really friendly. Seating is just benches inside for the most part so you'll probably have other people at your table. For some reason everyone's been really polite there so I haven't had to suffer through having obnoxious people right next to me. If you can't find a spot to park in the lot, it could mean a long walk, but I'd gladly take it every time.
(5)
EE T.

Authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas made in wood-burning ovens with fresh, delicious ingredients. The pizzaolos (pizza makers) hand toss the dough in a display kitchen at the back of the large, open restaurant. If you're looking for a romantic, candle-lit atmosphere with servers pouring your wine, don't go here. Decor is fluorescent lighting, bare-bones with communal wood tables and rat pack Italian music playing on the speakers. But, the pizzas are fantastic and it's a popular place with the Vandy medical crowd. On our visit, the pizzaolos offered to teach us the art of dough tossing and we had fun trying to duplicate their skills (we didn't succeed). Individual "Napoli" size pizzas were 12 inches or so and very filling. We also ordered cannoli which didn't disappoint and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. You order in the lobby, walk around the corner, seat yourself and then wait for your pizzas to be brought to you. Tip jars are located next to the cashier, but not listed as a line item on your credit card receipt. Be sure to tip as you will really appreciate the quality of your food. We would definitely come back here.
(5)
Nikki T.

Great pizza and service! Also loved the dough throwing in the kitchen! The pizza is a nice thin crust style and very tasty. Not overly cheesy or saucy. The ambiance is pretty fun but could be consider a little loud. Definitely not the place for a quite date. This would be a great place for a family gathering, a happy hour with friends, or a place to take the kids out for dinner. I did love that it was BYOB, which meant we could spend all our money on pizza and bring our own beer from home. However, there is a strict no shenanigans or tomfoolery rule....if you BYOB, you need to remain cool! I loved everything about this place!
(5)
Nalini M.

Yummy! Wish we had a location in the boro
(5)
David H.

As someone who loves pizza - along with every reasonable person on this earth - I was elated to find a 4.5 star pizza place within uber distance of my hotel. It did not disappoint. Eating the San Gennaro brought me back to the time I ate pizza in Naples, which I don't actually remember, but those are mere details. The tomatoes, peppers, and sausages triple teamed my taste buds, and the crust was chewy but not overly so. It was so good that I continued eating after my stomach told me not to, just for sheer enjoyment, which I've been told is the reason people eat in the first place. I definitely will give them the privilege of fleecing my company of $15 dollars for a small pizza again. It's well worth it.
(5)
Tom D.

Stopped in for lunch today. I went with the Lasagna pizza specialita', my fiancee ordered the Margherita D.O.P. Pizzas were good, we enjoyed them. The guy who had brought over our pizzas asked us if we wanted to try some cannoli filling -- we said, "yes, of course". Filling was very good, we didn't have any room for cannolis today, but would certainly order them during our next visit to DeSano Pizza Bakery. DeSano reminded us of one our favorite pizza places back in CT -- Pizza Marzano in Torrington, CT. Fresh ingredients, wholesome taste -- not your everyday common pizza.
(4)
Lisa H.

We found DeSano's through Yelp during a trip to Nashville. There is a reason for the high reviews - it's wonderful!! When you first walk in, you think it's just a take-out place with a few tables. But after ordering and turning the corner to the main dining area, you realize you've stumbled upon something really special! The open concept, bench seating, fully open kitchen, no plates, and pizza makers tossing dough in the air make it a dining experience. Oh! And there's the pizza - fresh and delicious and great combinations. If I lived in Nashville, this would be my "go to" place for pizza. Wonderful choice!!
(5)
Allen C.

I was looking for a good new place for pizza and DeSano was it. I went with a family of five and everyone loved it. I really like that you get to see them flip the dough and make the pizza. The kids got a big kick out of it. Dessert took longer than expected, but it was also excellent. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Meghan M.

Oh my gosh, the Margherita pizza covered with fresh chopped garlic. Pardon me while I wipe up the drool off my screen.
(5)
Kina L.

Man I am honestly 2 canoli's away from Diabetes. No joke. While my friends were trying to find parking for Two Bits(which was a horrible failure that resulted in having to pay the RIDICULOUS $10 parking fee across the street) , I noticed that Desano had a bakery and a market. Not knowing anything about Desano...but knowing that I cannot say no to desserts, I had said, "GOOD LUCK FINDING PARKING SUCKERS, I'll be across the street." Desano has 3-4 picnic tables outside. All were packed with people, pizza, and BYOB! I clarified the issue about BYOB with the employees. Due to people dragging in full size kegs.. they had to modify their policy. I thought it was just BYOwine... but apparently you can still bring in beer. However, they have to check it with your ID. Essentially to make sure your beer is not of the KEG variety. Completely fair I say. There was a small line when I went in. Waited maybe 5 minutes. Enough time to peruse their market selection. All their products are imported from Italy... particularly their ingredients to make their pizza. Pizza runs at ~$15/pop but WELLL worth it according to everyone in line. I only stopped by for their bakery goods, which I might add, is made fresh daily. Their canoli's are $4.25 each and rather small. Their biscotti is $1.50 each and SPOT SPOT ON. I had a chocolate chip one and it was incredible. It was like a thick butter cookie dipped in chocolate and blessed by Paula Deen. I ironically chowed down on this biscotti outside a building with BMI Scrawled across it. Hilarious right? Oh to make the story better... I also ordered a Tiramisu Gelato with it. I want to take a quick moment and gripe about this gelato. Was it delicious.. well YES. For sure. However, I don't know what system they use to make this gelato because the melting point was like... room air. It literally disintegrated right in front of me. I wouldn't mind if I was a sea anemone and ate via osmosis/absorption given that the gelato was all over me...but seriously. For ~$4... I was hoping some would get in my mouth (I know). I am going to have to stop by for pizza. But really this review could have simply been BYOB. Chalupa Batman Out.
(4)
Steve E.

Phenomenal. Pizzas are cooked in under 2 minutes in their imported volcanic rock ovens. Don't believe me? Ask to go back to the ovens. I did. That is one hot job. Bring your own wine, no corkage. Big time bonus. Our faves are the sausage and peppers which features peppadew peppers. Very uniques with sweetness and a touch of spice, and the Margherita really allows the simple ingredients to shine. A must for pizza lovers.
(5)
Kevin H.

Amazing! Margherita with pepperoni (closest thing to a "pepperoni pizza") very very similar to Grimaldi's (the pizza place under the Brooklyn bridge)
(5)
Dooner G.

This is the best pizza I've ever experienced! Ingredients flown in from Italy including flour and cheeses. The margherita with Italian sausage is my favorite so far. Since my first visit they've had their liquor license approved making it easier for an out-of-towner to enjoy a brew with one's pizza. The staff is friendly, fun and skilled at hand tossing and spinning the pizza dough in view of the diners. The wood fired brick ovens impart a flavor which can't be duplicated by the American conveyor belt ovens. The only thing wrong with this place is that hey don't have one in Greenville, SC.
(5)
Emily C.

BYOB, fresh pizzas made to order - I love the atmosphere (cafeteria/sit down at your own picnic table) and with the kitchen oven in plain view as you watch your pizza cook and get delivered to your table, I wouldn't go anywhere else for my pizza.
(5)
Yanik C.

loved the pizza. fresh ingredients and hand made taste. really is worth every penny.
(5)
Eric H.

I might of had better pizza in my lifetime. But I can't remember when. Definitely stop here while in Nashville.
(5)
Grant W.

Desano Pizza is by far the best pizza place in Nashville. It has an incredible atmosphere that is very communal. As a patron, I feel like I am part of the experience. The process of making the pizzas is done right in front of your eyes. The employees are super hospitable and friendly, willing to talk to you and answer any questions. I feel like each pizza has a story, complete with toppings shipped in straight from Italy, to baked in an oven named after the Italian priest that blessed it. The San Gennaro is my favorite, with the peppadews making this pizza more unique than any I have found in Nashville. And did I mention that it's BYOB. Every pizza lover is Nashville must come eat here. Your taste buds will never be the same.
(5)
Nicole A.

First of all, I feel like this place was inappropriately advertised. This isn't a pizzeria; it's a bar that serves pizza. As for the pizza (I had the Margherita): sauce was good but didn't have enough garlic. The dough was flat and a bit soggy, but the taste was passable. They weren't fooling anyone with the mozzarella (no way was it real, way too salty). Nice try, but I'm afraid this New Jersey native has to give it a solid C. My husband and I wanted to share a 16" but they wouldn't do his toppings on only half. The only non alcoholic drinks they serve are bottled. I got a really weird look when I asked for a plate and was told they didn't have any. The bar tender/staff behind the counter sat around chatting the entire time we were there with the place less than half empty at 6. I was a bit astounded by that. It really strikes me as the sort of place that would have thrilled me at 20. Over priced hipster haven. I think I'll pass.
(2)
William L.

Whew. Good food on Labor Day. After disregarding Yelp's "National Holiday-Call Ahead" warnings and burning through hours of finding "Closed for Labor Day" hand-scrawled signs on doors in three states, late one Monday (yes, Labor Day Monday!) I found this amazing pizza place. Diners order upon entry, take a seat in the big room where the dough is flying and three large oven back up against the wall, and the pizza is brought to the table. There's a decent selection of beer up front by the register. Hand tossed in an open kitchen, these pizzas are probably the most unique in both quality and choice of toppings in a 300 mile radius (a good portion of which I perused in vain on the day of my visit). The standard specialty pizza blends spicy tomato with Italian sausage This was a satisfying pie despite having a relatively spare two or three toppings. As with margherita (another standard with just a few toppings), and even cheese, which has only one, it's not quantity but quality that make the pizza. If that sounds like a quote from Papa John, it is definitely not. On the way out, I noticed several other well-chocked vegetarian options that I will consider next time I'm back in Nashville. They have their own parking lot, which turns out to be a great asset in this Music Row neighborhood. Five stars, because the crust is hand-thrown and still crispy, the sauce and toppings were first rate, the service model, though somewhat self-serve, was efficient and the pizza comes straight from oven to table (in sight, in fact), and after driving halfway down the US, I don't know if I ever enjoyed a pizza more--so much so that after dinner, an intended short nap in an I-65 rest area turned into an all-night snooze with dreams of old Napoli.
(5)
Kimberly S.

Pizza was good and the staff was friendly. We stopped in here on a Sunday afternoon and I'm glad there was a party going on otherwise we would have been the only people in the place! There was a good vibe and I liked the communal seating. It was fun to watch the assembly line they had going behind the counter. We ordered a standard pizza and it was pretty good. The flavor was on point, the crust was a little burnt and so I had to knock a star off for that. Overall this was a cool place to grab some pie!
(4)
Chris S.

After a trip to the Lane Motor Museum, we decided to grab lunch in Nashville proper. We were thinking of going to Joey's pizza, having heard a lot about it. It happened to be closed, so we kept looking and Yelp directed us to DeSano's. After trying a couple of different doors, we found the entrance. Here, you order and pay up front and then proceed to the dining room to wait for the pizza. My wife has spent significant time in Italy, and says this is very authentic for southern Italian pizzerias. We ordered the capricciosa pizza, a wine and a Coca-Cola. The drinks came in bottles, even the wine, though my wife says the wine was actually good. It was a chianti. The pizza is prepared out in the open and in a real pizza oven. The ingredients are fresh, and they use real mozzarella. There's also a station where you can prepare a dipping sauce. It was fantastic. My wife assures me she has not had pizza this good in many years and that it reminded her very much of Italy. Our only, small complaint about the place was that the music was up a little too loud. We would not change anything else.
(5)
Billy H.

We had lot of errands to run on a Sunday. We decided on pizza and looked to see what to try. We decided on DeSano Pizza because we were around the area. We used the Favor app to pick deliver the pizza to us. This place uses a lot of ingredients from Italy. They strive to be very authentic. With the authenticity, comes a price. The food here is a little more costly than some other option in the area. We skimmed the menu and with the help from Google, translated the different toppings on the pizzas. We decided on Diavola, which is San Marzano tomato sauce, soppressata (Italian dry salami), pepperoni, calabrian peppers, scamorza (Italian cow milk cheese), mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano. We also ordered two pistachio cannoli. The PDF link on yelp & their website ( desanopizza.it/files/desâ€¦ ) has outdated prices) Our pizza was $22.75 for a thin crust large, & the cannoli were $5.25 each. The cannoli come in little boxes so they don't get smashed when you take them home. There are thick & full of filling. They make the cannoli daily they say. I really did enjoy the cannoli even with the chocolate chip sprinkles in the filling (I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, I know, I'm weird). Onto the pizza! I could probably eat pizza, sushi & Mexican every day & never tire of it. They cook their pizzas in brick ovens & state on the menu that the pizzas are cooked well done & there is some charring. I didn't see much charring on our pizza. I've had some places that state that & literally burn the whole crust. This wasn't the case with our order. Our pizza was sprinkled with the different meats and cheeses, along with some bright red, calabrian peppers. I'd never had them before & I like heat, so I cautiously bit into one. The pepper has a nice heat to it, along with a salty flavor. I love these peppers. The peppers paired nicely with the salt in the different meats. I see why this place is so popular. They craft some great pizza. I'm looking forward to trying more.
(4)
Ashley T.

This place was recommended by a coworker. We went in around 10pm on a Saturday night and it was dead but we ordered and sat near the big, garage doors. I wish the doors had been open. It was a lovely night and the view from here was beautiful. You could see a lot of the city. They didn't close until like 1am so I'm not sure why the doors weren't open. We ordered a couple pizzas; in laws got a pepperoni and my husband and I chose a pizza on the menu with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli rabe. Our pizzas came out incredibly fast. It was definitely fresh and good. The dipping oils were tasty too. Not my favorite pizza in Nashville but the staff was very friendly. I'm not sure when we would go back simply because it's out of our way and I have favorites on the east side. But it's worth a try if you are near music row!
(4)
Krystal T.

I prefer Bella Napoli Pizzeria better than DeSano's. Here at DeSano's, the pizza margherita, a classic staple of authentic pizzerias, had a weak sauce that was only ornamentally decorated with basil leaves that did not transmit enough flavor to embolden the watery tomato taste. Traditional margherita-style pizza is supposed to be light in number of ingredients, but each ingredient itself is supposed to contribute harmoniously to an overall flavor that is simple and beautiful. I did not get that from DeSano's. I will say, however, that much of the flavor was conferred by the flatbread crust which was fired in a wood fire stove. This part alone makes your wait for a pie worth it. The restaurant has seating that is conducive to smaller and larger groups, with a variety of seating that includes long benches. This makes sharing a communal pizza easier. DeSano's also has a great selection of bottled beers and wines to enjoy with your order. Ordering is done at the front register before you sit, so be prepared to settle how to separate group orders before you venture into the dining area.
(3)
Cait C.

So disappointed. Was really looking forward to a great artisan pizza spot. The cheese was like rubber the crust was very chewy and the toppings were scarce. Missing the thin crust crunch, delicate cheese, and luxurious toppings that make an artisan pizza special.
(2)
Zeb M.

Best pizza in Nashville? I think so. Parking can be a hassle if you're coming for dinner, but trust me when I say it's worth it (and I hate paying for parking). When you enter, you place and pay for your order at the counter then grab a seat in the dining hall (which may be either your own table or shared). The space is bright and open and very relaxed. We ordered a large pizza to split between two people and had leftovers, even with a big appetite.
(5)
Deb D.

It took a while to get the pie, but, it was so good! Best pizza I've had in a long time! I wanted to go back - best food I experienced in Nashville! BRING YOUR OWN WINE!
(5)
Sam Z.

Great pizza: 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, 900 degree ovens... All the makings of a genuinely delicious pizza! Desano did not disappoint. Love it.
(5)
Michael U.

Items Selected: Margherita DOP - San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Basil, Garlic, Scamorza, Mozzarella di Bufala, Pecorino Romano Bianca - Garlic, Mozzarella di Bufala, Scamorza, Ricotta, Pecorino Romano Cannoli Tradizionale Considered by most to be Nashville's best pizza, and undeniably the most authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria in town, it was for a second lunch that DeSano Pizza Bakery was visited and with a triple stone oven format as well as a proper dough room similar to that of Atlanta's Rustica the experience unfolds quite similarly, a condescending youngster sporting a flock of seagulls haircut at the counter the lone fault in what was otherwise a very impressive place to purchase a pie. Now part of a small chain, with locations as far west as Los Angeles extending all the way to Charleston South Carolina, the idea behind DeSano is a simple one with focus on tradition and imported ingredients, but with prices comparable to places as yet not using authentic bufala mozzarella and San Marzanos, let alone flour transported from Italy, the value for the dollar here is well worth consideration - even the refusal to add additional ingredients to the Bianca showing an adherence to old world rules with flavor and texture to match. Obviously not a place to cut corners or lack for lines around lunch, but one that was found mostly deserted just after noontime rush, it was at the aforementioned front counter that orders were placed and taking a seat at one of several communal tables it was a mere five minutes before pizza was delivered with cheese still bubbling, a light bit of char conferred by the mere sixty seconds spent adjacent to the wood fueled fire. Treated to the sounds of Italian Opera as we tucked in, it was also a $5.25 Traditional Cannoli that was tasted, and although freshly filled with creamy ricotta at a small station to the left of the ovens neither the size nor the flavor remotely justified the pricetag, a bit of a shame as the pizzas themselves were a shade over double the price with soft stretch amidst light yeasty notes and the sort of natural-yet-perfect flavors that let you know exactly how much effort goes into their creation, the Margherita as fresh and zesty as can be found anywhere in America while the Bianca was the very picture of creaminess amidst garlic and just the lightest hints of smoke.
(4)
Kat R.

Quick service and casual environment. My friends adore this place. I've only tried the Bianca pizza and while I enjoyed the charred crust, the garlic sauce was lacking. It seemed to be creamier than other Neapolitan pizza places and it definitely was not rich with garlic flavor. I recommend ordering a pizza without garlic sauce and adding on garlic as a topping.
(4)
James W.

I always hit this place when in Nashville .. Simply the best Neapolitan pizza in town and a casual atmosphere . It's byob but I personally think the prosecco they sell at the counter really compliments the pie
(4)
Jeremy M.

Wow. This place is legit. After a day of touring the town (read: breweries) we were really craving a 'za and happened to be near DeSano. We decided to give it a try and, holy crap, we were blown away. When we walked in and saw the wood-fired ovens and guys flipping dough around we knew we were in the right place. We ordered two pies for the four of us and ended up all preferring the Lasagna pizza. The flavors were amazing, the ingredients fresh, and the crust crisp and delicious. I personally loved every bite, especially with some of the spicy oil and other dipping items they have available. Seriously good stuff. Next time I'm in Nashville I think I'll have to make a point to stop here again, if for no other reason than to try some of the other menu items (their cannoli and biscotti look great too!). This place is the real deal and I would gladly go out of my way to stop here again.
(5)
Megan K.

Love this place! Unassuming building off West End that boasts big flavor and great service. I had lunch here with a colleague and we each destroyed a pie apiece. I believe I had a margherita--which was fantastic. Thin, crispy crust with lots of cheese and other toppings beautifully sprinkled atop. Lots of seating, pizzas come out on aluminum trays resemblant of an elementary school cafeteria experience... but the flavor far exceeds anything you'd get at school. ;) BYOB wine and beer. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jaime H.

Amazing pizza!! I always like to have ranch to dip my pizza in (yes, I'm def southern)! But no need here! Amazing taste. We got the Margherita pizza and added pepperoni. So yummy! Especially paired with a glass bottle coke & Stiegl Radler! :)
(5)
Tony O.

Parking was rough. The lot was small and there wasn't enough parking. Also as a first timer, I was confused by the bar v restaurant and where to order food etc. Other than that, my pizza was excellent. My wife and I shared a small which was enough food for us. It was fun seeing the pizzas come out of the oven and right to your table. It was speedy also. I have a new pizza place in Nashville
(4)
Dani R.

DeSano's is my favorite pizza joint in Nashville. Hands. Down. They have actual pizza ovens where the pies are made hot and fresh every time. The pizzas are thin crust, crunchy, and the toppings are amazing. I also love that they don't charge an uncorking fee. Bring a couple friends here with a bottle of wine and have a great night out! Favorite pizza: The Desano Try it, it is amazing!
(5)
Nicole C.

I'm from Atlanta, and as soon as I walked in I recognized this place to be exactly like Antico. I later looked it up, and realized it's the same owner. Everything is the same- from the ingredients, to the the wood-fired ovens, the dough-flipping kitchen setup, and even the logo. The only difference is the Nashville location might be a tad cheaper! The pizza was great! Dough is some of the best I've had and the flavor is amazing. During lunch time on a Saturday there was no wait. It was surprising that there were so little people there. We split the smaller pizza among 3 people, and it was so good I probably could have eaten an entire small on my own!
(5)
Jonathan B.

Atmosphere: Let's start with parking. Unless you eat at an off-time then be prepared to park in the street. There might be 20 spots in the lot the building is on. We can for dinner and circled around for about 10mins before we caught someone leaving and took their spot. I saw a manager out in the lot directing people to another lot they could use. Inside it's pretty plain. Really no fluff but they do have some pretty big TV's on the walls. It sort of reminds me of a family-style cafeteria. To clarify its not family style dining but it can be family style seating if they are at capacity. They have some seating outside as well. Food: We ordered our drinks and a Margherita pizza. The girlfriend is obcessed with Margherita pizza's having had it in Italy and she's yet to find one comparable. She says this was probably the best one she's had in Nashville. Having never been to Italy myself I can't compare the two but it was pretty great. I would agree its better than any of the other places I've been to in town that serve Margherita pizzas. They weren't stingy with the mozzarella, the basil wasn't overwhelming, and the sauce was great. Service: You walk in, they take your order, and you find a table yourself. They come out with your food, yell out your number, and bring it to you. Our food came out fairly quickly considering that it takes time to cook pizza. Overall: I'm definitely coming back. I would recommend off-hours to avoid a parking fiasco.
(4)
Randy T.

Tasty pizza with fresh toppings, cooked in ovens imported from Italy. If you're from Atlanta and have been to Antico's Pizza, this place is almost exactly identical. For those of you who haven't been there, DeSano Pizza Bakery is a restaurant where you will eat pizza in a large room that feels like a cafeteria. Pizza is cooked in one of three large ovens and served on a large tray. All of the cheese, sauce, and toppings are very fresh. Garlic and peppers can be picked up from a toppings bar next to where the chefs make the pizza. A few things different from Antico's. The crust at DeSano has significantly less char than the pizza at Antico's. I'm not a big fan of char on my pizza crust, so I appreciated this difference at DeSano. Also, the layout of the restaurant is a bit more open and brighter. You get almost the same experience, but DeSano feels less crowded than Antico's in Atlanta. Fun place and great pizza - definitely worth a try if you're in the Nashville area. Or if you're from Atlanta and are craving Antico's style pizza in Tennessee.
(5)
Jason B.

Grab a bottle of wine, head to Desano and enjoy the best pizza in town. Seriously...GO NOW! We stumbled into Desano late on a Friday by accident. We had intended to have pizza at another locally owned Italian place that had an hour wait. Desano was only about 10 minutes away, and we were more than pleased with our decision. We ordered 3 pizza's...the margherita, awesome. The Desano, fantastic. The Lasagna...HELL YES! The ricotta made the lasagna pizza stand out. It was light and delicate and deliciously creamy. Go early on a Friday night. Order a pizza, and grab a seat in the large, open dining room. Take plenty of friends, or make new ones by sharing a community table. Great place to people watch while taking in the the elegant simplicity of assembling a truly wonderful pizza pie!
(5)
Stephanie C.

From begging to end not a disappointment but I am hesitant to give it 5 stars for best pizza in Nashville. I'm still working the rounds in Nashville in pursuit of my go-to Pizza place. Fresh is the lasting thought throughout the experience. Everything is handmade and fresh and it's obvious. I wish the pizza was a tad more NY style and not so gooey-runny, with a bit more chew to the crust, and the sauce was only average lacking complexity and depth of flavor but again we're talking the freshness makes a difference here! The crown jewel by a mile that I will brag on upon leaving is the cannoli. OMG fresh! A cold/custard center with a flakey, wafer, crust. I got the Tres Chocolate and I won't shut up about it for the rest of the day. Amazing desert! Get a box for the pizza so you don't miss out on the cannoli. Hands down the right play! ~Happy Eating
(4)
Ashley Z.

The pizza far exceeded my expectations! We had the Desano and the San Gennaro. Delicious pizza, fun atmosphere and super staff! Not to mention we ate next to a Food Network star who was enjoying her meal too! We will be back and will bring friends!
(5)
Chris A.

I finally tried this place. I still say its not the best pizza in Nashville - as you will find out! First off, the style of pizza is different. Its not New York Oven-style. Its wood-fired and Neapolitan style. The ingredients they use are absolutely delicious. I got the San Genero. I just happen to walk in before the Vanderbilt / Florida game was being shown. (keep this in mind) I will highlight the best thing about this place - the pizza is so delicious. I devoured the small one all by myself. Its common-area seating. So you may sit across from someone you don't know - similar to the Farmer's market, or Hattie B's The wait isn't that long. I sat next to about a party of 35 and they had a birthday cake -that looks like it cost about 200$ - the whole works. A group of Vandy Girls freshman sat with me and started chatting. I didn't mind this. But then more showed up and started some drama about the seating arrangement. I felt like I was in high school. I didn't let it phase me. as I ate. Cons: The cost. My small pizza was 16,75 $ and I just had water to drink. Can be busy with limited seating.
(4)
Monte R.

I loved the atmosphere here. It's almost minimalist Italian, you feel like you're in some place in Naples, Italy, out in middle of nowhere. Good dedication to form here. I had margherita pizza, it was delicious. Near perfection. Prices, though, were expensive. Simple pizza is $15 bucks. No free water. Half bottle of wine $15. It'll set you back $30 just to eat here. Was a bit much, only drawback. The large giant ovens were nice, touch. Thumbs up!
(4)
Prithi D.

Wow, I'm not sure if I have words to describe what I had. Best pizza in Tennessee. I am here in town for a family graduation and was looking for something amazing after traveling all day. I found this one right here on yelp. They hand toss the pizza right in front of you. It took 45 mins to get our good but it was amazing. We tried the margarita pizza.
(4)
Mandy O.

This place is absolutely amazing! Don't let the crowd detour you away cube cause people are served so quickly the wait is minimal. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Hye Eun C.

DeSano is a great place for groups and is BYOW (Bring your own wine!) That is a win in my book. I've been here several times now, each time with 1 (or 2) bottles of wine in tow. Staff is friendly, service is fast, and the pizza is pretty good (My favorite so far is the San Gennaro). While I've never really been the person to go out for pizza specifically, this place is a solid exception. Desanos also sells rotating flavors of gelato and cannolis. I've tried both and am not a fan. The gelato is too sweet, and the cannoli fllingI tried tasted way too much like lemon curd. If you're a fan of lemon desserts, you might enjoy it though. My bf and I enjoy coming here for date nights since we don't have to spend an absurd amount for in-house wine or pay a corkage fee. The people dining in are pretty fun and are obviously enjoying the BYOW policy. This place gets quite crowded on weekends, and the parking lot is pretty limited. Not sure if there are close places to parallel park, but there is a paid lot right across from Desanos. Price is steep--$10. Overall, a very solid place that makes for a fun time.
(4)
Lauren L.

DeSano's is my favorite pizza in Nashville! You can tell by the quality of the food that they use great ingredients (especially the mozzarella). I love the Margherita D.O.P and the Desano pizza. The atmosphere is great, and this restaurant is definitely more fun in groups. (if you have a large party, call ahead and sometimes they can reserve a table for you). They used to be BYOB with wine and beer. Now its only bring your own WINE. - @gluttoneats -
(5)
Em F.

Hands down, the best pizza in Nashville! The parking lot is extremely small. If you aren't lucky enough to find a spot, you'll have to be okay with parking and walking. However, once you get inside, its completely worth it. On the day that my husband and I visited, I'm assuming they were short staffed. There was only one person up front which ended up being a true hassle. He had to juggle back and forth between angry carry-out customers dine-in customers. Despite that small obstacle, we ordered within a timely manner and the waiter was very nice. Their selection of pizza is pretty good. We tried an all meat pizza. It was easily some of the best pizza I have ever had. The dough or sauce is seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, and I found that to be a very nice touch. The crust is thin but not super crispy, and its very fresh. The meat is very high quality and the cheese melted in your mouth. The sauce is so fresh and well seasoned. Very hard to find someone who nail a marinara, but DeSano's does it. Their dining area is very interesting - its like a cafeteria hall. We shared our table with a couple and had nice conversation. They have a great selection of oils, herbs, and cheeses to add to your pizza at the condiment bar. Spent about $25 and had two meals out of one pizza. Loved it!
(5)
Brad Q.

I own a business and understand your points. Thank you for taking the time to reply good management/ownership goes a long way to making your business successful. I see why your so highly rated. If I'm back in the area I will give it another shot, maybe we can bake the crust with just olive oil for a while before we too to get that extra crisp. Best of luck.
(4)
Brad T.

Ventured into DeSano's while in Nashville. Located on music row, this pizza is the real deal. As soon as I opened the door, the aroma throughout the entire place was slap your mother good! Classic Neapolitan pizza, baked at 900 degrees in authentic wood ovens. Authentic fresh ingredients imported from Italy. San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes, Bufala Di Mozzarella, hand kneaded double 00 flour, olive oil, and fresh basil. Pizzas are baked in three large wood ovens that were shipped directly from Italy -each weighing over 10,000 lbs. We ordered the classic Margherita. Was so damn good! Perfectly charred crust, flavorful sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, finished off with drizzled olive oil. Wanna try the calzones and a few of the speciality pizzas. Already planning a return visit soon! Hey DeSano's, can you deliver to Louisville!?
(5)
Hall W.

This is the 2nd best pizza I EVER HAD... (first being Lombardi's in Little Italy, New York City), and that includes competing with places in Italy, New York City and etc. Also, what makes this in someways better than a lot of pizza places with great pizza is the atmosphere. Its large wide open dining area with the pizza kitchen basically being a show kitchen adds a fun live museum feel to it. The fact that they have parking right outside (and plenty of it), makes this place exciting to host things (and they are very friendly with hosting things - ie Wine parties).
(5)
Hillary S.

I love this place! My coworkers and I like to go on Fridays after work with a few bottles of wine and hang out for a while. I've had several of the pizzas- all delicious, and just tried the spinach salad and a calzone last night. I have never had anything I don't like. I usually get my own pizza so I can have leftovers for the next day! The pistachio cannoli is amazing, too.
(5)
Jake P.

When I came to Nashville on my honeymoon, my wife and I were told to give this place a try. We finally got out and gave it a try and I have to say that it was incredibly delicious. This place has some of the best pizza I've ever eaten and that says a lot because I eat a lot of pizza. Only place I've had that beats this place is actually this place's sister restaurant Antico which is in Atlanta. If you're looking for some authentic Italian pizza then this place will not disappoint.
(4)
Katie S.

Craving pizza? Don't go anywhere else. I highly recommend the San Gennaro! DeSano has a wonderful, relaxed environment and is BYOB. It doesn't get better than this.
(5)
Jason K.

After a day of only drinking water and walking for miles, we decided that pizza in bed was well deserved. This place had the best reviews and was close to our hotel so we have it a shot. I ordered the Desano pizza. It was amazing. Perfect crust, nice and crispy, and fresh tasting ingredients. The wife ordered the margherita pizza which she typically loves, but when we got to the room and finally opened the boxes she had recieved a simple cheese pizza. Kind of dissapointing so that's why I couldn't give 5 stars. It was just too far of a walk at 11pm to go all the way back but oh well.
(4)
Tim A.

It's easy to write off a pizza joint, even a quality one, as just another pizza joint. However, I'm convinced that DeSano fills a niche that is not quite occupied by any other spot around town. I'm not sure if it's the sauce, the crust, the toppings, or some combination of all of these, but a DeSano's pizza has a signature touch that makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors even if you were blindfolded. The menu is kept pretty small here, and that's a good thing. It means that there's really no room to go wrong and anything you're up from trying is bound to be great. I had a San Gennaro last time, and it had the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and meaty. Yum. For the vegetarians in the house, the Verdura is apt to impress. I can't speak much to the service since I've only done take-out experience from here, but they have always been extraordinarily timely on that front. Regardless, on food alone, this is a can't-miss destination.
(4)
Sherry C.

What a treat it was to find a traditional Neapolitan Pizzaria in Nashville! This restaurant is nice, clean and spacious with triple brick ovens all fired up in the back churning out hot delicious pizzas. I wanted something different with lots of cheeses so got the small Bianca that came with the Mozzarella, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, garlic, pecorino romano. The freshly baked pizza with the thin crust was pretty much on par with the ones I had in Naples. I also got an amaretto cannoli because their alluring presence was calling out to me and everyone else seemed to be getting them so I figured they must be good. Oh Boy was I impressed! It was so lusciously decadent with a crunchy flaky crust loaded with amaretto vanilla cream and dusted with amaretto crumbles. The cannoli was so good that I wish I had packed up all my belongings and moved to Nashville. Nashville has really taken me by surprise with its vibrant music culture and completely awestruck by the replica of the Parthenon and then finding this authentic Pizzaria Napoli! What's next?! This place definitely has more going on than meets the eye. Amazing!
(4)
Kyle H.

My wife and I held our wedding reception in the large private area of the restaurant. We had over 50 guests and we were able to easily accommodate everyone and and all of the food. We had our own bar and restrooms that were separated from the restaurant. The manager, Jack, was very helpful in getting everything ready for us and making sure there were no issues while the reception was happening. We couldn't have asked for a better experience with amazing pizza than we got at DeSano's. I would definitely recommend this as option for anyone considering a reception or private party in the Nashville area.
(5)
James M.

This is the best pizza I've had. Anywhere. I've had pizza at a number of the great spots in NYC, Antico in Atlanta, and many many other spots in between. This place is so incredible. I usually come here to get the Napoletana although everything else Desano makes has been delicious. It comes out of the fancy-looking pizza ovens piping hot in just a few minutes and into my belly not long after that. The Napoletana has mozzarella, broccoli rabe, and sausage. It sounds so simple but the saltiness of the sausage plays off of the garlicky broccoli rabe and creamy mozzarella on a perfectly crisp crust. You want this pizza. Go now, take a bottle of wine, and have fun.
(5)
Candace B.

Ok I loved, loved the pizza but they layout of the place it weird. We got here about 3 pm to eat a late lunch before heading back to Memphis and the place was closed so we sat in the parking lot for about 30 minutes trying to figure out wear to go eat. I noticed they have a market/bakery entrance to the side..that is the actual restaurant and what was closed was the bar...really need more signage. But, after all that we ended up with some great pizza. We ordered the Desano which is their version of a meat lovers. They do have wine and beer available. So, once we ordered at the counter and got drinks we went into a big room to sit. The rooms is big but does not really have that awful cafeteria feel and the kitchen is right their very open you can see the guys prepare your pizza. The guys are amazing throwing the dough almost to the ceiling!! It did not take long at all to get the pizza and it was amazing very fresh taste and crispy and I can tell you now it is good cold later in the night. The staff here is great everyone we talked to was super friendly and helpful. I would defiantly recommend swinging by and trying this place!
(4)
Leighton B.

This place ROCKS. Great pizza, great atmosphere, and great BYOB policy...well, now it's just wine. Apparently people were trying to bring in kegs and that didn't fly with the owners. DeSano makes the best pizza in town and that's a fact. The pizza is authentic Neapolitan pizza made with fresh, delicious ingredients. Without fail I always get the margharetia pizza. I usually eat half of my pizza and save the leftovers for lunch the next day...okay, and also breakfast the next morning. I know I'm not the only one out there who likes cold pizza for breakfast! I love the setup of the place. You enter the restaurant, order at the counter, and grab seats at one of the long wooden tables in the dining area. You can also watch the cooks prepare the pizza as you're waiting from your table. They don't take reservations unless you're a really big group. To sum it up, it's the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends and really good food.
(5)
Chris M.

Pretty bad layout and organization of the place. Staff had no answer to several questions. They were however very nice and he pizza was very good. It was fun to watch the guys work the dough while making he pizzas. I would like to go back and try other pizzas.
(4)
Shawny M.

One of the best pizzas I have ever had. This place is amazing. The pizza is made on a large open oven made fresh in front of you. You can taste the quality in the entire pie. The can plies are also really delicious. Can't go wrong at DeSano's!
(5)
Dagan B.

One of those cases where once they are popular they lose the passion of being the best and relax. Still really good pizza just not amazing anymore.
(4)
Josh T.

Amazing!!!!!!! Best pizza this side of the Atlantic. Nothing more to say, I'm not supposed to talk with my mouth full.
(5)
Jenny W.

Very good pizza! There was a little bit of a wait because an oven was not working but still worth the wait! The olive oil dip you can mix yourself is a nice, yummy added touch!
(5)
John T.

I gave 4 stars here for the same reason I gave it to 312 pizza. No fountain drinks. If your a beer drinker you have your choices and you expect to pay by the bottle but I drink a lot of soda. That being said this place is one of the best pizza places in middle Tennesse that I have found. You can get fresh graded parmesan cheese, and minced garlic to put on you pizza when it comes to your table. The selection for everyone is great. Two of our party are vegetarian and they found plenty of pizza options to choose from. If your in town and wanting a good fire oven roasted pizza this is the place to go, but come early because they only make so much dough per day and once it is gone, there is no more pizza and they close.
(4)
Grant C.

Quick update!!!! Pizza, service, ambiance, and atmosphere is still great!!!!! However, DeSano is no longer BYOBeer. DeSano is now only BYOWine!!!! That is fine by me. They still sell beer. You can always run over to Midtown Wine & Spirits and grab a nice bottle of vino before you have terrific pizza and cannolis!!!!
(5)
Kristina L.

Fortunately my office is within walking distance of this jewel in the pizza crown. Even more fortuitous is that my co-workers do not mind taking a stroll here every couple of weeks for a pie or two. In my opinion a pizza joint has to be able to make a great Margherita pizza before it can venture on to other toppings. I mean if you cannot get tomato sauce and cheese correctly what are you going to do with other ingredients? DeSano has this mastered. In fact they should teach classes to others. The Margherita here has the perfect balance of San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and garlic. The way the crust ever so gently blisters and chars is transcendent. It is a pizza that should be served by unicorns whilst I sit upon a rainbow.... In other words, pizza this faultless and flawless is rare. It is so humble and yet so wondrous. It should be exalted. The Diavola with spicy salame, pepperoni, calabrian peppers and buffalo mozzarella is also a delight. As is the Capricciosa with mushroom, artichoke, prosciutto, garlic and buffalo mozzarella. These are the only three I have had thus far. If I could ever wean myself from the delectable Margherita I may be willing to try even more. But why mess with perfection? I am a devoted enthusiast. I love the dipping station where I can mix up olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper and parmesan to dip my crust into. I stared with a lustful eye at the gelato and cannoli selection but yet I was too full to sample any..... Yet.....
(5)
Rory P.

When I next visit Nashville, DeSano's will be one of my first stops. Authentic, high quality ingredients prepared and cooked to a simple, yet magnificent, perfection. As if that alone wasn't enough to warrant a visit... DeSano's is totally affordable, pretty quick, very relaxed, and have a BYOB/W policy (bring your own beer/wine) (that means for 'no corkage fee' for anyone who didn't attend college parties). VERY cool. spot. Could not recommend this place more highly.
(5)
Holly G.

I've had DeSano on my list of places to check out for quite a while now, so my brother and I decided to stop in there on Saturday to see what's up. We got there around 3:00, so it was pretty much empty except for a few other people. Something to note about parking: they do have a small lot right in front of the restaurant. However if that is full, then there is a paid lot across the street that is $5 for 2 hours. Either way, not too terrible. You order right at the counter when you go in, and then there is seating around the corner with a bunch of long picnic-style tables, but also some smaller tables with bar-stools. The lady at the counter asked if it was our first time there (which it was) so she explained how the ordering process went, which was helpful. They had some delicious looking cannolis by the register and I wish I would've gotten one, but that will have to wait until next time (because there will definitely be a next time). I saw on Yelp that it was BYOB (although they do have a small selection of beer, water, and pop available) so I had a couple cans of Leinenkuegel and my brother opted to get a pop out of the cooler. I ordered the Bianca and my brother got the DeSano and we went around the corner to sit down. It was only about a 10 minute wait until one of the cooks came up with our pizzas. I could barely contain myself when I smelled the deliciousness that was in front of me. I tried to wait for it to cool off, but burned my mouth in the process. That will teach me. I'm originally from the Chicago area, so I can be labeled as sort of a "pizza snob" and I've been sorely disappointed by most of the pizza places here so far (except Five Points, which was tasty). However I can honestly say that this pizza was some of THE BEST I have ever had the privilege of sampling in my life. The crust was perfectly done and thin (unlike the Chicago style I'm used to) and the taste of the ingredients really came through. This place is simple: they use quality ingredients and cook them like they're supposed to be cooked, which is why it is so damn good. The price is pretty decent too (about $26 with tax for 2 pizzas and a pop) and it's just an overall great, laid back atmosphere. I will not hesitate to come here again, and would absolutely recommend to ANYONE looking for pizza that is out of this world. Seriously, go there. Now. It's worth it!
(5)
Anne P.

Great calzones!!
(4)
Kimberly K.

First and foremost, the people here are so friendly! The delicious smell of pizza hits you right when you get out of the car. The food was good -- not great, but good. The pizza was a little soggy from the moisture of the toppings, but the taste was good. We enjoyed our cannoli for dessert. It was fun to watch how the pizzas were made!
(4)
Jackson L.

Very good pizza! Seating is picnic style tables. It would be nice to have a coat room.
(4)
B M.

Went there for lunch on a Sunday -- beat the crowd -- and enjoyed some good pizza and an excellent dough throwing show. The staff was great -- gave pieces of dough to the kids to play with, Heard that they only have so many supplies on hand -- keeping it fresh -- so would you also recommend coming early and beating the crowd. One thing that may put some off -- expect to sit on long benches and tables -- so not necessary a great place for an intimate evening. . Didn't try any of the baked goods - something for next time!
(4)
Lizzy Z.

Some of our friends DeSano to us. At first I wasn't sure, I had already found NYC/NJ style pizza elsewhere in Nashville and quite enjoyed it - but this is not NYC/NJ style, it is Neapolitan. When they are busy, expect a wait, but I promise it will be well worth it. The ingredients are high quality and you can notice this right off the bat with your first bite. I found out later that they import some of the ingredients right from Italy. Also, their ovens are authentic, which also adds incredible flavor to the dish. We have been back multiple times and always ask for it more crispy, I love my pizza a bit over done. If I forget the crispy alteration, I don't even care, this pizza is just so darn tasty. Our favorite style is the San Gennaro. My partner and I often split the smaller size pie, but I bet if we were reaaaaaally hungry we could each eat a whole one by ourselves. I often crave the sweet peppadew for weeks after and it is the perfect combination with the savory sausage. I haven't been to Naples in about 6 years, but this place saves me from an expensive plane ticket and all the unpleasantries of Naples itself, left with only the delicious pizza, wine, and futbol on the tv. Perfecto. If you even have room - try the cannoli!
(5)
Michael M.

Very good pizza...crust is just great....family atmosphere..fun to watch pizzas being made...wine list so, so. Overall, is you need a fast and good pizza in Nashville, DeSano the place to go.
(4)
Sara M.

Very good pizza! (But pretty much only pizza, don't go looking for variety) The small size is a little small to share with two people but too big for one. Fast and friendly service. Fun atmosphere to go with a big group. No frills, get your water from a fountain, etc
(4)
Matt N.

OK. So, I have to admit I have been on a CRAAAZY pizza kick lately. And yes, I'm quite okay with that. In my humble opinion the overall pizza scene over the years in Nashville has been... to say the least, struggling. But, as the dining scene in town continues to heat up, we are thankfully getting more and more fabulous pizza options. The closest thing to authentic Italian pizza I've had in the state of Tennessee (I realize that's not saying much... but.. hear me out). Almost every ingredient in their pizza is imported straight from Italy-- the mozzarella is flown in weekly and made fresh in a small town in Southern Italy, flour is shipped over by boat, the salt used is from the Mediterranean, and this is apparently this is the case for every single ingredient they use. Awesome. I had my first experience just last week as I have started to hear quite a bit of buzz about the place, and needless to say, DeSano lives up to the hype. We went with the Capricciosa pizza, which is mushrooms, artichokes, proscuitto, and buffalo mozzarella. Absolutely OUTSTANDING. So fresh and flavorful. So authentic. I mean, seriously-- I can't wait to get back here and try it again. Tip: BYOB here-- and there is no corking fee!
(5)
Devin D.

Great service! Great Food! Had a party of 10 including 6 kids, they sat us in the Dough room. Wonderful time. Highly recommended.
(5)
Stefanie P.

Short and sweet The Canoli's are home made and come in a variety of flavors. Very yummy. We with the recommendation based on you fellow yelpers to get the Diavola and the San Gennaro. I liked the Gannaro. By the kitchen area they have fresh garlic, free peppers, awesome olive oli, and killer hot peppers. That made the pizza so custom. A bit pricy but a great flavored pizza. I'd go back ! Its BYOB, great first date or casual meet up for friends lcoation
(4)
Sarah C.

DeSano's was favoloso! Our party began around 6:30 p.m. on Friday night. Seemed like we were the only patrons in the entire place! Everything is counter service and pizza takes approximately 10 minutes or less to make. I'd love to eat my way through the menu here. I have a garlic intolerance and the counter service was accommodating to my many questions and suggested the margherita pizza sans garlic. My husband and I added Italian sausage to the top and called it a day. We went for the smaller of the two options as it yielded 3 slices for each of us. The Italian sausage was flavorful and the crust was light and thin. And I'm usually not a huge fan of Italian sausage on pizza but this was a game changer. The ingredients were fresh and the pizza came out delicious! One of our co-diners regaled her experience with pizza in Italy boasting that DeSano's was as close as it gets to the real deal. For dessert, of course I ordered a traditional cannoli. Being from Chicago, I've been "around the block" when it comes to cannoli. This was such a pleasant experience and whisked me back to memories with my Italian grandmother in the Italian Village of Chicago. I will most certainly be doing takeout or dine-in at DeSano's again!
(5)
Joel S.

All the reviews were spot on. This place is amazing with a very unique atmosphere. Extremely kid friendly with the dough balls to play with, and the open kitchen.
(5)
Rob B.

Hands down my favorite pizza in Nashville. Authentic Pizza Napoletana. The San gennaro pizza is fantastic. The cannoli's are amazing and I'm into the open dining room. It's byob which is a plus and the pizza is cooked on pieces of volcanic rock from mount vesuvius. That's just awesome. Fresh ingredients and old school technique make for one hell of a pizza. Try it. You won't regret it.
(5)
Charles L.

Best pizza in Nashville. In fact, it's probably the best brick oven pizza I've ever tasted. My favorite is the Pomodorini pizza but everything here is spectacular. The only downside is that they close as soon as they run out of dough. So, make sure you don't wait around to go if it's a busy night of the week.
(5)
Jay H.

Just adding my five stars. I'm in town for a convention at MCC. If your staying anywhere near the convention center, its worth the walk for this pizza.
(5)
Becky F.

Authentic Italian pizza, wood-fired with a very thin crust. DeSanos uses fresh, high quality ingredients. Loved the atmosphere but only because it wasn't too crowded for a late lunch. Salad was good. Cannoli were good too.
(4)
Colleen H.

This is the best pizza in the Nashville area! We always bring friends and family that are in town to Desanos and everyone agrees with us!
(5)
Danny N.

I have been here twice now and it's always super crowded (not in a bad way) with what seems to be the 25-35 year old crowd. It's a great hot spot because you can BYOB or wine without corking fees. The pizza is of wood oven gourmet variety where a pizza feeds 3-4. I personally wouldn't go there just for the pizza although it's pretty good. I go there for the social atmosphere where your group could end up sharing a large table with another group.
(4)
Sheena T.

This. place. rocks. First of all... BYOB wine and beer. I love this but it did get me into trouble (sure, 3 bottles of wine with dinner is just dandy... yeah right) A birthday celebration did not help my eagerness to down red wine by the bottle, but still. Must be more careful next time! With its own parking lot in Midtown, I had no problem finding a spot and even ended up leaving my car here overnight without issue... thanks to the BYOB and too much wine I had to cab it after dinner. :) I love how casual this place is. Order at the counter, sit down at one of their long awesome tables, and await delicious pizza goodness. Oh, and it's quick. I don't see a downside! I ordered the capricciosa with artichokes, mushroom, and buffalo mozzerella. So. good. I also tried the diavola, the meat option and it was excellent as well. I absolutely adore the toppings/additions bar with crushed red pepper, garlic, olive oil, basil, and really anything you can think of. This place gets loud, but that's what happens when it's BYOB with no corkage fee. Did I mention how much I love that?? Excellent restaurant, and now I want pizza....
(5)
Tori M.

The best Italian style pizza I have ever had. Okay, I haven't been to Italy but spare me the pretentiousness. Do not come here for the ambiance, come here for the wonderful, wonderful pizza. This place feels a little like my middle school cafeteria, except with freshly imported Italian ingredients stacked in every free space. It is a sacrifice I am willing to make. My favorite is the Diavolo. Expect to stand at the ready and jump at the next available table. BYOB, seriously.
(5)
Rachel S.

During the time I spent actually at DeSano, I would have more likely given it a 1-star rating. But it's after the fact, and 98% of these other Yelp reviews are glowing, praising, enthusiastic. I don't want my house/Yelp account to be vandalized with toilet paper tomorrow... I didn't think it was great pizza. It's apparently cooked in 60 seconds - okay, I believe that since the wood-burning ovens are a-blazin'. But I don't think a 60 second cooked pizza is necessarily a positive thing. I didn't think any of the flavors of the pizza stood out to me - and I wasn't impressed with the crust. I appreciate that the buffalo mozzarella and even the flour are imported. But the end result was disappointing, especially after hearing all the hype through only the few months that DeSano has been baking pies. I did have the misfortune of visiting DeSano on a Saturday night. There were SO many people, stuffed into long tables and benches. In fact, there were so many people there that there was nowhere left to sit, so my dining partner and I were "seated" - in reality, led to a standing area - in a small area that was basically a cut and prep table at the side of the kitchen. We were assured this was really the best "seat" in the house. So there we stood, having to yell "What?!" and repeat ourselves throughout the duration of eating the pizza. I ordered a cannoli when we ordered the pizza at the counter, excited to try more than just the pizza that DeSano offered. The flavors of the cannoli were good - and it was enormous, and expensive. But first we got the pizza, and we ate.. and there was still no cannoli. So I went to check on the status of the cannoli, I saw people in line after me being served their cannolis first. My cannoli order had been lost in the storm. I was as annoyed as one can get about a cannoli. Despite its strange reputation and the length of time it takes to actually get your food, I've really enjoyed the also claimed to be authentic pizza at Savarino's Cucina, and I would go there in a HEARTBEAT over someone's suggestion for DeSano. Maybe I'm missing the appeal. I just don't think this place is for me - it's food, or its ambience.
(2)
Joseph C.

Best pizza in Nashville. No description necessary. No qualifiers. No caveats. Drop what you're doing and go there now.
(5)
Karen S.

Hands down, the best pizza I've had since I was in Italy. Everything is fresh and tastes fresh. Got the Margherita D.O.P. with pepperoni. Was expecting just a bit of pepperoni on the pizza, and they are not shy with portions. Will return as soon as possible.
(5)
Joshua D.

Really like this joint for pizza. Maybe best in Nashville and I enjoy the BYOB policy but recently the servers started yelling ticket numbers out to be claimed instead of looking on the receipts and that is pretty bothersome.
(4)
Erik Y.

Have eaten here twice when we are in town for business. The Diavola pizza is out of this world good. Although I would vouch for any of the pizzas I have had there, this one is what I crave! Great atmosphere (gets busy!), unique service style, and out of this world pizza. Couple that with BYOB, and you are set for a fantastic casual meal!
(5)
Brian N.

I drive by this place almost every day, but never stop in because I'm not a huge fan of pizza. I finally went today. Holy moly it is good pizza!!! The space is a LOT different than what I expected -- it's more of a warehouse than a pizza joint -- and the pizza is a lot better than I thought it would be. It was freakin' fantastic. I had a cannoli, and it was, without a doubt, the best I've had. I can't say I'll be going there a lot, because I really am not a huge pizza fan, but I will certainly go back again. The young girl at the register was also absolutely precious. She was helpful, knowledgable, and patient. I have, shamelessly, forgotten her name, but she was a young black woman. Tonika? maybe? something like that. Anyway: She deserves a raise !
(4)
Andrea R.

Not entirely sure what the fuss is about. The crust was really good but I personally don't like the taste of the buffalo mozzarella. I ordered a Napoletana and enjoyed the sausage but the broccoli rabe was very bitter and tough. Go for toppings you know you'll love.
(3)
Stephanie C.

I had never heard of this place but my husband found it on the urban spoon website. We stopped by in the late afternoon on a Sunday, I'd say around 4:00. They were beginning their wind down for the day. We scored the last salad and ordered a small pizza with sausage and puppadew peppers. Apparently they only prepare so much food per day. When they run out, the doors are locked. I'd never had these peppers, but they were great... Very sweet with a little heat. I loved the pie. Thin, but not too crispy. Not too saucy - Just right. One salad and one small pie was enough to satiate us. Particularly for a late lunch. Had I been ravenous, a large pie (or two salads) would have been the better call. I would definitely hit this place up again. It's a great first stop before crawling the bars on Demonbruen. That's exactly what we did. We grabbed a slice and then headed over to Dan McGuinness for some Irish song and beer.
(4)
Rachel R.

If we're speaking generally, DeSano makes a pretty solid pizza. However, since we're being location context-specific, DeSano makes a FANFREAKINGTASTIC BOMB.COM DOPE-ALICIOUS pizza. If you are here, I doubt you'll find better (and by "here," I mean in Nashville, not in this coffee shop I'm writing from in Arizona. There's no pizza here.) Anyway, it's cheap, it's fast, and it's quality. You can find pizzas with the first two attributes for damn near a dime a dozen, but the third one makes this cafeteria-style bakery a special snowflake. Give DeSano a try, the worst that could happen is that everything will taste good and you'll have a nice time.
(4)
Andrew B.

There are a couple of newer pizza places in town. The first one turned out to be a disappointment, but this was not the case with DeSanos. The food is out quick and is delicious. There is nothing like a good wood burning oven for pizza. Afraid of it being burnt on the bottom? I have had that happened many times. Again, I did not have that experience here. It was well balanced and cooked the right amount of time. I did not know this until I was already there. You can also bring your own beer and they do not charge a fee! So I will definitely be doing that next time. Overall awesome experience.
(5)
Bridgette C.

I'm not going to lie, I was shocked, SHOCKED, by how unimaginably good this pizza was. Born in NY, I've been exposed to a lot of pizza, and truthfully not all of it write-home-about good. I'm tempting to call my family and have them drive down just to try this stuff. Yes, it was that good. The selection is simple, not too overwhelming, and the ingredients are on point. Buffalo mozzerella?? Um, please and thank you. Tomatoes that tasted garden fresh. Pieces I needed both hands to pick up (NY style for the win!), crispy crust...it had it all. You can make your own "dippy sauce" for your crust as well, choosing from spicy smoky peppers, pecarino, crushed red pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic...mix and match to your hearts content and have a great accent to your meal. You can eat in or dine and boy are these fresh-made creations created FAST. Less than ten minutes after ordered two beautiful pizzas were ours to take home. I think that's the fastest I've ever driven down West End. If you decide to dine in, the space is open, loft-like, spartan in "stuff" (they have vats of tomato sauce, salt, other ingredients decorating the place, it feels like you're sitting in the store room of a kitchen, and it works really well). They have big TVs for watching games. There are wooden pizza trays on the wall signed by famous people who have come in, currently a small collection that I foresee growing exponentially. The food was delicious, the service fantastic, and the price reasonable. They don't deliver, but its worth the drive. Absolutely top-notch pizza.
(5)
Mai H.

The BEST pizza one can find in Nashville have got to be right here and nowhere else! Perfectly and genuinely crafted by real pizza experts. Hands and hats down.
(5)
Christa P.

Pretty good pizza - nice and crunchy! Thin crust, cooked well, fresh ingredients.
(4)
Aimee H.

While visiting Nashville, I stopped her after countless reviews - this place was amazing!
(4)
Hali B.

Best pizza I have had in a long time. Authentic Italian pizza with great crash ingredients. Family style eating with a great atmosphere and it's byob. I would highly recommend this. Love this place!
(5)
John H.

Been here and loved it but tonight not so much. I guess operational costs have taken their toll on hiring skilled staff. There were not even plates to eat off. You get a roll of paper towels!? My group shared two larger pizzas. Half the slices were 'cooked' while the others burnt beyond recognition. You know it is bad when teenagers turn down pizza after a slice and a half. I can still taste the blacken crust in my mouth 30 minutes later. The dough must not had been given a chance to rise. It was as flat as a sheet of paper and fell apart as you tried to pick it up. While the topping may have been good you really couldn't taste them over the charred crust. Basically the most money I've ever paid for the worst pizza. At this point there are too many good pizza options in this town for me to give this one a second chance. It is truly sad because I use to rave about this place.
(2)
Jesse H.

We've been spending a lot of time in Nashville lately (about half a week, every week, for the last 6 months.) My daughter loves pizza, so we've tried our fair share of Nashville pizza joints during that time. Hands-down, DeSano has the best pizza that I've found in Nashville. I've never been to Italy, so I can't say for sure whether or not this is authentic Italian pizza. It is what I'd imagine Italian pizza to be though. The atmosphere is very casual. My daughter loves to watch the pizza being prepared (she thinks it's funny when the guy making the dough throws it across the room to the person that puts the toppings on the pizza.) Don't miss this place if you want a delicious pizza.
(5)
Andy B.

I need to give this place another try because I unwittingly ordered the Verdura based on a delicious looking Yelp! picture only to find out that pizza doesn't have pizza sauce, which is not what we were looking for. You could tell that they probably do make some awesome pizzas, I just don't think the Verdura is one of them. Also, I've known broccoli rabe to be moist, buttery and garlic tasting, but the broccoli rabe here was kinda dry and widdled. It was awesome that they would take an order over the phone and be able to throw it in the oven right when you get there. 5 minute wait as promised once we arrived. I'll be back.
(4)
Melissa B.

Tony and I went to dinner Friday at DeSano Pizza Bakery. I am so glad we went. I really enjoyed the restaurant. The parking lot is large and Free. The inside is large and open, airy like a warehouse...You go in the area where you order the pizza, get your drinks and salads..or pick up some pasta or sauces to take out with you home... Then you go into the next area to eat..and it is even larger in there. There are three large pizza ovens for open oven fire wood pizzas...of course the best ways to cook pizza. We ordered the Diavola with pepperoni, spicy italian salami, buffalo mozzarella cheese and capachian peppers ...(( italian long red hot peppers...spicy and good)))... I kid you not we no more than entered the dining area, where there a long wooden picnic style community seating...our pizza was whisked out to us on a large serving tray..which serves as your dinner space...lol !!! This pizza was so good!! Not the best...but it was very very good.. I still like pizza perfect in Nashville and I still love Community Pie in Chattanooga..but I will definitely go here again!! I will definitely try other pizzas...I can't wait to try more pizzas and find my DeSano favorite. I am going to take my daughter here when she moves to Nashville next June 2014.. I am on to my next pizza search!!! I recommend and I will go again!!!
(4)
Kristen D.

Amazing made from scratch pizza. We tried the lasagna pizza and the cheese pizza. Very Fresh ingredients. Our kids loved watching the pizza makers hand toss the pizza and add the ingredients. They were throwing the dough across to each other. Really cool place. Casual and fun.
(5)
Charles S.

Desanos is a superior coal oven pizza place. The pizzas come a lot faster than your used to due the coal ovens. I got my pie only minutes after sitting down and a first thought is was mistake. I enjoyed watching the cooks throwing the dough around and making my own dipping "sauce".!the seating is long benched you share but it was cool not weird. The pizza tasted perfect. I was trying to think of one thing to criticize for fairness but couldnt think of anything.
(5)
Drew H.

Superb place. Go immediately.
(5)
Amelia V.

My fav place for pizza. Brings me right back to Italy. The crust is perfectly charred and the ingredients are authentic. I live in the neighborhood, so I go often. At least once a month. Love that it's BYOB. Today, I walked over in the afternoon just to get one scoop of pistachio gelato. When the girl at the counter took my order, she told me they were "running low on pistachio". I asked if they were running low or totally out because I only wanted one scoop. Then she said there is more in the back but she would have to go to the freezer to get it. I told her I wasn't in a hurry and would be happy to wait. There was nobody else there at 4pm on a Sunday, anyhow. When she came back with the tub of gelato, she was struggling because it was so cold. Another customer suggested she put warm water on the spoon but that didn't help much either. She chiseled at the block of gelato for a few minutes but barely got a spoonful so she ended up going back to the tub that was "running low" (which I could see, still had about 6 scoops in there) and handed me a scoop of that. Don't know why she made such a big deal when she could have done that in the first place. I'll go to Legato Gelato from now on. They make theirs fresh daily.
(3)
Wade W.

Good, not $15 good. Tried it today based on reviews here and was disappointed. For $15 for an 11 inch pizza, I expected it to knock my socks off and it just didn't. Service was very good, many compliments there. My quest for really good pizza at a really good price continues. I don't know--maybe that is a mutually exclusive goal.
(3)
Zach S.

Great pizza, not very good service. Didn't seem to pay much attention to waiting customers. One of them even got distracted by remaking desserts she put off helping waiting customers. Fortunately it was someone else, and I had already been helped or the stars would be lower. Anyways, I was impressed to find pizza so great in TN. Yes, I've had better, but not in TN. Edit: Have been several times since the first visit. The service provided by the cashiers is so bad I have to drop the rating from a 4 to a 2.
(2)
Emily A.

Yup, adding another 5 star review. THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!! Yes, it deserves the all caps double exclamation mark treatment. You go in and order your pizza at a counter. You aren't allow to change any toppings. You're thinking that's kind of snotty of them. Then you quickly realize it's because they know best and you're a fool who wants to mess with perfection. After you order you grab a spot at a communal table and less than 5 minutes later there's a smokin' hot ooey gooey delicious pizza in front of you on a baking sheet. Yes, less than 5 minutes. It's because they cook it in 1200F pizza oven for 90 seconds (I asked). Did I mention it's amazing? I'll do a crappy job describing so just go taste for yourself. It's BYOB wine and beer--not liquor. When we went there was someone who had brought in a bottle of jack and was drinking it with his pizza. Not ok, which the manager quickly told him (who brings jack?). If you order carry out from start to finish it's less than 10 minutes. Anyway, if you can't tell this quickly became my fav pizza place and Nashville and I suspect will stay that way.
(5)
Emily A.

Awesome that they're BYOB but they DON'T supply any ice for beer/cold wines (to chill the bottle/cans). You have to bring your own so don't forget it! Great pizza, awesome atmosphere but I had warm beer... I hope they get some ice soon :)
(4)
Andrew H.

This pie may change you and Wildebeists will roam across your taste buds in fits of jubilee
(5)
Eckhard K.

THIS is great pizza. Italian style and delicious. Double delicious. Picked up a pie in the afternoon when nobody else was around. I like it when nobody else is around. No problems or significant notes about the process though I did like that you could make a little to-go of parmesan, red-pepper, garlic, or a few other things. I got the Diavola because of so many other rave reviews and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my already high expectation. Fairly spicy, not too bready, and perfectly cheesy. My new favorite. No delivery, but I forgive them. Nobody is perfect, but you're perfect for me DeSano. (though I'll probably still call little chicago when it's late and I'm drunk)
(5)
Jordan B.

Light but hearty. Great flavor. Very fast. On the expensive side, but I'd say you get what you pay for. Would definitely recommend! If I ever pass through Nashville again, I'll be back!
(4)
Jason B.

top notch stellar pizza. its open community seating which i love but if you have a party of 4 shouldn't be an issue to get your own table. its a little weird of an entrance but you order at the counter then they bring to you in another room where the seating and ovens are. i love the open seat format also dont forget they have authentic adds on like garlic, pepper and parmesean (reggiano im guessing) JEANS: ok by far ORDER: at the counter
(4)
Anna J.

I love their pizzas! The dough tastes so fresh and it's got a chew to it. I like the condiments station, where I normally get some balsamic and olive oil to dip my left over crust s in. It's delicious! My favorite pizzas are the DIAVOLA and POMODORINI. Yes, i'm definitely a meat eater! The spicy sausage and pepperoni are great!
(4)
Jen M.

My favorite pizza place in Nashville! Owners are so nice- working for us to get a place to sit even when it's completely packed. They really make you feel special and the food just makes this place a 10. DeSanos is going to remain a weekend staple for us!
(5)
Eric H.

Fantastic, all their food is hot, fresh and authentic. With their wood fired brick ovens, your food is done quick! Great experience!
(5)
Brandee B.

The BYOB kinda threw me off before I got there. I thought it was gonna be a dive but it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was a trendy italian traitoria. They were making homemade cannolis and free samples yum!!..Also the pizza was authentic and delicious! They sold me with the make your own dipping sauce bar, how creative! I will definitely return!!!!!
(4)
Kevin B.

My wife and I have come here about a dozen times and it has become one of our favorite restaurants in Nashville. It is the best pizza I have ever had! The manager Blake personally greeted our table and was the nicest guy ever. The cannoli is also delicious!
(5)
Samantha K.

I loved this place. You order your pizza at the front and take your number to the eating area where you can watch the guys make your pizza (Awesome and tasty!) right in front of you. The seating arrangement is varied. You can either sit in bar seats in the back or on benches and long tables in the front. The best thing is that you choose where to sit and they bring your food to you!
(5)
Mitchell R.

First visit to Nashville and DeSano. Enjoyed San Gennaro pizza. Peppers are sweet and hot at same time. Best landmark to find DeSano is Off Broadway Shoe store across the street and much more visible. Cannoli also good. Only bottled soda--no ice. Industrial bare bones warehouse feel was not bad. Kinda liked it for a pizza and soda.
(4)
Ruth Z.

This pizza was delicious! I would come back if I lived nearby. My only complaint was that I thought the toppings were a bit lite. I ordered the margherita pizza and the basil only covered 2/3 of the pizza. And the Buffalo mozzarella was the same. But it was still delicious!
(5)
Dane M.

I have been all over the US-- and you always hear about some great Pizza place each city has... So I wasnt too stoked about going to Desano... Then we walked in-- And I was in awe... This wasn't just a true Italian pizzaria, it was an Italian experience! The Ambience is very surreal. It's only a matter of time before this place blows up! Best pizza I have ever had... Hands down!!! & Heather at the Front of the house is very knowledgable & "easy on the eyes!" Go. You can thank me later!
(5)
Cathy M.

Wow, why did I wait so long to go here?! REAL Italian pizza made with authentic products. Love. Now, if they just had some real Italians making the pies and as eye candy. :-)
(5)
Dan D.

I have a lot of love for DeSano. It's now my favorite pizza on the west side of the river. We (my family) tried it this afternoon, right after work at 6:00. It was only moderately busy so we had a chance to figure things out. We were a little clueless about how the system worked, but the employees were very nice, patient, and gave my 16-month old a lot of well-received attention. That's not what I expected because DeSano's menu and website give off a high-falutin' vibe (the salt is from the Mediterranean and the flour is imported, etc). When you first walk in, there are two registers where you place your order. There's plenty of room to grab a menu and take a long look off to the side. There's a wide variety of bottled drinks, or you can BYOB. After you order, there are several sets of bench-style seating (think Hattie Bs and Burger Up). The tables have buckets of plastic utensils and rolls of paper towels. The oven area is wide-open, and at the little bar area in front there's an assortment of spices, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil from which you can make a concoction to dip your crust in. The pizza is brought out on wax paper in a metal pan. One pizza was perfect for myself and my wife. We have moderate appetites. If you're a big eater you might want to consider getting salad or getting two pizzas and taking some back home. As other reviews have mentioned, the pizza comes out super-quick because it's cooked in volcanic rock ovens at ~900F. This makes it a great choice for a business lunch. The only slight downside to this is that a few tiny bubbles at the edge of your crust get charred. If you try to avoid eating charred things, a quick brush with the knife knocks the paper-thin burnt crust right off. The pizza itself is fantastic. The ingredients are super high-quality. The crust is average thickness, and you can really taste the freshness. The sauce is slightly sweet but also savory, and the pizza has wonderful cheese but not an abundance of it. For me it was the perfect balance. It's also not greasy. I would say this pizza is pretty similar to Five Points on the east side, and these two places are neck-and-neck for my overall favorite.
(5)
Tamera C.

So I have actually never gone a place that is BYOB. I came to yelp and read the reviews to prepare. But I still didn't know what to expect. I even tweeted asking if I need to bring my own wine glass and if I could just bring a flask. You can BYOB beer and wine for sure. There is a pile of wine openers on the counter next to the pizza condiments and under the counter there is a bottle opener. There are stacks of small plastic glasses at the end of the table. Think old school punch cups. There is also a water fountain available. As one guy said in his review they don't have ice. So if you have some beers you want to keep cold might want to carry them in a mini cooler. (that was a helpful review in my opinion) It is warm in there, I mean there are 3 giant pizza ovens in that room. Plan accordingly. Since I was unsure of the situation and prefer not to drink wine out of Dixie cups I tossed a few of my Govino wine glasses in my bag. BRILLIANT! So it is all large community tables and the pizzas are brought out on full sheet trays. So if you have a larger group you might want to plan ahead and get there early or be patient. It is a bit on the loud side so if someone is sensitive to "busy" and loud you might want to get yours to go. You place your order at a counter in the front and walk around the corner to the kitchen and eating area. Yes you can see them preparing you pizza from your seat. They come around with the items (as they come up) and yell out your number. Better be paying attention! The pizza was really good. Our group had 4 different pizzas. I ordered the margarita as I feel it is a good way to judge how good pizza is, I mean if you only get 4 ingredients then you better do them well. It was really good there was fresh basil on the pizza but no tomato slices. The lasagna pizza was a later purchase and it too was really tasty. They have a nice dough and a good sauce. Several in our group got up and got a cannoli or gelato. Those looked yummy. I however did not try one but when the runner was bringing one around and no one claimed it she did stop and show it to me. I can really see how the self ordering and only having food runners would keep cost low. I would go there again, but I live 45+ south of town and probably won't make that kind of drive just to have pizza. I might see if I can talk my co-workers into driving there for lunch! This would be a fun change of pace.
(4)
Lisa E.

Great pizza and a friendly BYOW approach is a home run in my book! The pizzas are great across the board. Make sure you note small or large when ordering as they assumed we wanted large when my sister ordered and we really wanted smalls since we were sharing multiple pizzas. Feel free to help yourself to tomato sauce for dipping along with cheese/hot peppers available near the cooks. I love the place for supporting bringing in your own wine and they seem to be one of the only places that doesn't snub you for doing so. We have been told to get there before 6:30pm to avoid the biggest crowds which we have done. They do sell some great Italian products yet you can do much better at Lazzaroli pasta in Germantown. I highly recommend DeSano!
(5)
Jacob M.

Amazing place. Employees love their job and it shows. Pizza may have been the best I have ever had. Stay with a couple locations, max, guys!
(5)
Bridget S.

Oh Oh Oh. I am a pizza snob. I love a good pizza but Nashville is lacking as far as good pizza places. We stopped by after a long day of shopping, this is close to our home, and we were pleasantly surprised. All natural ingredients and so yummie. We had the Diavola and my hubby and I were amazed. Fresh, great crust and authentic toppings. This will be our go to pizza place. The atmosphere is inviting and family style.
(5)
chocovore s.

This pizza. I don't want to eat any other pizza ever again. We ordered a large Margherita, large San Gennaro, and small Diavola. When all three pizzas were in front of us (four adults and one five-year-old) we were pretty sure we had way over-ordered. I think we ended up with four pieces to take home . . . but I could have easily kept eating. When we got there around 5:30 on a Saturday things were still pretty slow, but by the time we left a little after 6 it was filling up fast. Next time maybe I'll save room for gelato . . .
(5)
Veeral S.

Excellent!!! I've also been to their sister restaurant in Atlanta. Had the neopolitan pizza and loved it.
(5)
Lyndi S.

After drooling jealously over Antico's in Atlanta, DeSano Pizza Bakery has finally arrived! DeSano does pizza like no other place in Nashville. They are a well-oiled machine that offers perfect flavors, unbelievably fresh ingredients, and that oven baked goodness that only they do right. The crust is thin enough that you can enjoy more than one slice, but thick enough that you are biting into something! I can't explain that taste, other than to just call it perfection. Really - it's the perfect pizza. Their cannolis also looked amazing, so I'm looking forward to giving those a shot! Remember, this place is BYOB and YUM, and worth every penny. So grab some friends and some beer, and enjoy the best pizza you're ever going to sink your teeth into!
(5)
Jeremy E.

I am the ultimate pizza snob, and this place just blew me away. I went for a work gig, and we ordered every pizza on the menu. Each pie was unique and fantastic. The crust is perfect. Light and airy, great texture. The San Gennaro and Diavola are my two personal faves. GO NOW
(5)
Semi-retired J.

Great pizza but the amount of strollers in the place is very Chuck E. if you go too early. However, it's closer than Brooklyn and the staff is brava.
(4)
Jason L.

Yes! Highly recommend. Pizza is great. Service is great and fast. Atmosphere is kind of unique. We really enjoyed this place.
(5)
Donna D.

Wonderful pizza, fresh garlic as one of the condiments, great staff.
(5)
Melissa M.

I have had the famous Di Fara Pizza in Brookyln NY which is also neopolitan style pizza. It is great, although the wait is quite long. DeSano is BETTER, about the same price, and super quick! I also really like that you can bring in your own wine and beer.
(5)
J L.

Desano is great- so happy it's here and I hope it doesn't get too popular and crowded! Went with two girl friends on a weekend evening- ran into two different sets of friends there! Parking is easy. All the employees are super friendly. Ordered the Margherita pizza (tomato, mozzarella) and the San Gennaro (sausage, Peppade peppers, mozzarella). They say the San Gennaro is the most popular. Also had the Verdura (the all-veggie option, with broccoli rabe, tomato, mozzarella). I liked the Margherita and San Gennaro- didn't like the Verdura as much, kind of blander in flavor. Also ordered a Pistachio cannoli- I didn't like it much, the shell portion was crumbly and the inside filling was kind of mushy. My friend didn't like it either- we each took a bite and didn't finish it. The nice thing about the cannolis is they fill it for you as you order so it's meant to be fresh. They have an awesome bar where you can fill small cups of wonderful olive oil, hot pepper, parmesan cheese, garlic and other tasty accompaniments. I like Desano pizza so much, I had it three times in 10 days! One downside is it doesn't taste as delicious the next day (definitely re-heat it in an oven or toaster rather than microwave- microwaving it makes the crust really rubber-y). Ambiance is spacious with many long tables. Wish it had slightly more "hip" decor, would make it an even more go-to place, even on weekend nights.
(4)
Marcus M.

Finding Desanos was such a treat. My wife is Italian (from Italy, not "Jersey Shore Italian"), and we have been to Italy many times. The pizza at Desano is as close to autentico Italian as you will ever find in the states. This place is totally legitimate -- pizza is OUTSTANDING. By all means you should try it.
(5)
pineapple l.

Oh my LOOOOORD. I have been missing pizza like this since moving here last year. Sure, bella napolli, the place at the farmers market, City House, and porta via do a good job trying.....but they don't even come close to comparing with DeSano. I'm gonna say this is the best pizza I've ever had. Yes, it's expensive at about $22 for a pizza, but it's well worth it. You pay almost that much at 5 points pizza in East Nashville and it tastes like Dominos compared to DeSano. I'll be here at LEAST once a week forever. Good riddance all other hideous pizza in Nashville.
(5)
BethAnn S.

I visited DeSano with my worker bees for the first time for lunch last week. I just happened to find the place when I dropped my car off for service at Beaman across the street then I saw the great Yelp reviews. We arrived right as the place opened at 11:30 with a group of 5 and opted for two large pizzas and (of course, 5 cannelloni's). I was surprised to find that they weren't changing their standard pizzas one bit....it seemed a little stringent but given the speed at which we were served, it quickly became evident that they were going for volume. The place is set up for group dining set up with picnic benches and paper towel racks. The service was fast and polite, but I'm left wondering if $90 for 5 people to eat pizza was worth it. Don't get me wrong....the food was amazing and we demolished it, but maybe if we cut out the cannelloni's at $5 a pop, we might have fared better. I'd definitely go back again, but stick with lunch as I'm not a huge fan of racking up a liquor bill at this place. Be sure to get their early or make a large group reservation as the joint was jumping by 12:15.
(4)
Beth L.

I saw an ad in The Scene a few weeks ago, and could not figure out where this place was, so I looked at their website and sure enough, I had been driving right past it since it had opened. The review in this weeks Scene should help as well. I was also very intrigued by the 'Bakery' addition to their sign. I was very impressed to see them making Cannoli's as soon as we walked through the door. It could be very confusing when you first walk in, but the ladies in the front were extremely helpful and knowledgable. They explain everything on the menu as well as their fresh pastry items. The only dissapointment was not being able to add anything extra on the pizza we chose. No Substitutions!! The dining room was a lot larger than expected and the communal tables are great for large parties. The open kitchen was amazing, you felt like you were at a cooking school. The side table with 'make your own dipping sauce' is a very nice touch. The pizza was bigger than I expected, so I don't see an issue in the price. The dough was perfectly timed in the stone ovens, and came out with just enough chew and crispy crunch. I'll keep trying to add Pappadews to my Capricciosa pizza lol!! We'll definitely be bringing our friends back to try Desano's for themselves.
(4)
Kelly T.

Finally got the chance to eat here again last Saturday. We went with some friends and their two kids. This time we had the San Gennaro and the Margherita. We really liked the San Gennaro! It was our friends first time and they had nothing but good things to say about both. Their kids devoured most of the Margherita themselves. Just like our first visit the staff is super nice and the food comes out fast. Next visit I have to try one of the calzones. The people down from us got one and it looked very tasty. Go check out the place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(4)
Tory S.

OMG delicious!! It's my first time in Nashville... just passing thru on the way to Alabama.. found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a try. So happy with my decision!!! I got the margarita... simple but SO yummy!!!!! My boyfriend got the lasagna and loved it equally... his words "ah it was amazing." I'll have to take his word for it I'm a vegetarian and I don't think I could give up my non meat eating ways even for amazing pizza :)
(5)
Amber J.

Best pizza ever! I especially liked the make your own dipping sauces. Be careful of the Diavola, it's extremely salty. I would recommend the Desano over the Diavola if you are looking for a pizza with meat.
(5)
Bret D.

This is true ITALIAN pizza baked in a 900 degree hardwood fired brick oven.I had the CAPRICCIOSA: Mushroom, artichoke, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella which was plenty for two meals. Price is reasonable at $14 for all natural ingredients. What amazed me most is that the pizza was prepared and cooked in less than 10 minutes; I barely had time to look around. The crust is chewy and the flavors were excellent. You can also BYOB.
(4)
Ben J.

Absolutely the best pizza in Nashville. I personally like it as much if not better than the best places in NYC.
(5)
Ed K.

Accept all the 5 star reviews here as truth. The best pizza for miles.
(5)
Elisha M.

Excellent food and even better people! The experience at DeSano's is part of the appeal. It is an extremely no frills place but the pizza is delicious and the service is incredible. You will not be disappointed if you eat here. I recommend the San Gennaro pizza. The flavor is out of this world.
(5)
Shelta H.

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(4)
Joshua B.

I consider myself a pizza 'snob'. Many of the pizza places in Nashville have low quality ingredients and sometimes over processed. I've tried National Chain restaurants and local 'mom and pop' shops. None has ever blown me away. The only Notable exception being 'Pie in the Sky' - which I do actually enjoy quite a bit. When a new pizza place opens - I want to give it a shake-down. I inspect everything about the place and usually bring a bunch of friends along with me. Last week I was on here looking at the new local restaurants which had opened recently and I saw the name 'DeSano Pizza Bakery'. I said to myself "Pizza Bakery?' I saw the reviews and they were all glowing about how good the pizza was. But, they have been open less than a month at this point - surely the pizza can't be that good. I've had other pizza places in town making similar claims to what was being said about DeSano. I knew I had to check it out. So, I was able to convince my friends to go to DeSano last night. When you walk in the door it's a HUGE open area. You order your pizza from a menu up front, they give you a ticket and you wait for you pizza to arrive. I ordered the Diavola - which has Spicy sopressata, pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella. Wow - was it spicy! But it was oh-soooo-good. The crust has just the right amount of char on the underside (some people with wood fired ovens like too much char - which can over power the pie). There was some nice bubbling on the top too...and, did I mention that the pizzas were delivered in something like, 5 minutes? Yeah. They were FAST. But, when you have a deck temperature between 900-1000 degrees - it doesn't take long to cook. I can honestly say - this pizza snob is impressed. The food, the people working there, the huge pans these things are delivered on....and the fact that I'll have enough pizza for lunch today - well, I honestly couldn't ask for more. Yes, it was a little expensive. I got two drinks (a water and a diet coke) and after I paid for my pizza and everything - It was something like $27. But I can assure you - you have NEVER had a pizza like this in Nashville - or, dare I say, nearly anywhere else. Don't miss the spice/toppings in the second room near where they put the pies together. I made a garlic/olive oil dip for my crusts and sprinkled some cheese on top too. They also had some balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and red pepper so you can spice it up a little if you want. Although, honestly, mine was prefect just as it was. THIS is what pizza should taste like. Go visit, take some friends and enjoy. You won't regret it.
(5)
Mike J.

Nothing we can say about this place that others haven't said better. Take out is a breeze too, in and out with pizza in 5 minutes, no need to call ahead.
(5)
Vanessa L.

Great idea for a pizza joint. It's casual and trendy at the same time. Pizza was actually pretty perfect and the BYO policy makes this a totally affordable option. Note: Friday nights, expect a line out the door.
(4)
Rene S.

I live in New York and have had some pretty damn good pizza, but this was the best pizza I have ever! The ingredients were fresh, the quality was amazing and the service, prompt. We brought our own wine and beer and had a blast sitting at the family style dining high top tables. The San Gennaro pizza was my favorite, though the Lasagna pizza was a close second. Who would have imagined one of the highlights of a trip to Nashville would be pizza. It totally was.
(5)
Todd G.

Another 5 Star review for DeSano. I do love this place. They serve a more traditional style pizza...and of this style they are HANDS DOWN the best in town at doing so. I am a vegetarian and have only tried the vegetarian offerings but all are top notch. I also must say that the service at DeSano is the quickest in town. I can't think of another restaurant period that gets you food as fast. DeSano is definitely in my heavy pizza rotation..... and added to list of Nashville's top 5 pizza joints... Manny's. NY Pie, DeSano, Knead Dough and Pizza Perfect. I am not so much a fan of the "Welcome to CiCi's" style italian greetings that you get upon entering and leaving.... they always seem so...."my boss tells me to do this"... but definitely one of the best Pizza's in town.
(5)
Jill A.

The most important thing is that the pizza was fantastic. Simple, fresh ingredients baked just right. I would recommend this place to people looking for real pizza. Fresh garlic and parmesan are highlights from the dipping bar. The cannoli was great too. Try the pistachio; it has a lemon filling. This place doesn't need frills because they have a solid product. Plenty of vegetarian options too! All the other stuff is bonus: the staff was attentive and helpful and the interior was clean and simple yet cozy. Pizza came out within 5 minutes.
(5)
Bob S.

I can not tell you how happy I was to learn last night that Antico pizza from Atlanta open this place in Nashville. I been to Antico several times and try to go every time I am in Atlanta. Now I can get great Italian pizza in Nashville. When my son told me, I said are we going tomorrow night!! We were there and not disappointed one bit. If you want NY pizza then you do not understand good pizza. My experience with Italian pizza came from a trip to Italy in 2003. If you been there then you will understand what you are getting at DeSano. This was just as good as Antico in Atlanta, The double 00 flour pizza dough, the quality tomato, the buffalo mozzarella cheese and the Italian meats are number one. Dont forget the wood burning ovens from Italy. Sorry Mr. NY you done the art of Italian pizza a dis-service. NYC does not come close. Nashville, this is a keeper.... This is the best pizza in town.
(5)
S M.

Fantastic and delicious fresh pizza in a fun space. Just opened a couple of months ago and we went there based on the few but great yelp reviews which are all well-founded. It's a casual, open space with communal seating. We went with a group of 10 on a Saturday night and sat ourselves comfortably. Selection of pizzas is great including several vegetarian options. Ingredients are fresh and the pizzas come out on long baking sheets that add to the fun of the communal dining experience. Kudos for stepping up the selection of drinks in town to include mexican coke and pellegrino sodas. Staff is genuinely superfriendly from start to finish including coming by after our meal to see how we enjoyed it. Love the vibe--it's a great new addition to Nashville's dining scene.
(5)
JD C.

This is the place to go for pizza in Nashville, and everyone has basically already raved about the pizza, so I'll just address a few important points. Expensive? What the hell are people talking about? I can go in here with my wife and buy one pizza and feed both of us for $20.00. I guess since they don't have 8 different dough-based side dishes (crazy stix, crazy sweet stix, crazy cheese stix, etc.) to pad their revenue stream, and since they import all of their ingredients from Italy, they must have to charge a couple more bucks. Still super cheap, and since its BYOB and an easy walk from the Broadway bars its an amazing deal and a great place to get some dinner with a group pre-bar. Another thing to point out is that its a great place for vegetarians. At most pizza places, you get about 4 vegetarian toppings, but here they have one of the best most extensive selections of vegetable toppings anywhere outside of Naples. Not necessarily vegan-friendly but if you can deal with cheese this place is great. Takeout takes literally 5 minutes from order to getting back into my car, so its faster than most "fast food" places. They also have vacuum packed pizzas in the cold case that you can take and bake at home. Finally, its a great place to take kids, and every time I've gone there have been multiple families. And, if your kids are older I'm sure they'd love watching the pizza guys throw dough.
(5)
Amy V.

I visited DeSano's last night for a late dinner after a movie in Green Hills. This location is not where I would expect to go for dinner, but it was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking. The lady at the counter was extremely helpful and explained how to order and where to sit. We ordered the San Gennaro and it came to our table within five minutes of sitting down. The pizza was the perfect temperate, crisp yet chewy, and served on a large jelly roll pan. The seating is community style in a big room with a full view of the ovens. While the seating arrangement, complete with a roll of paper towels and a bucket of cutlery, reminded me of picking crabs on the Eastern Shore, it ended up being an efficient way to eat. I look forward to going back and trying more things on the menu, including the cannolis. I would also definitely consider the carry-out option too. Next time I go, I would definitely BYOB as the wine options (especially by the glass) are limited and not the ones I usually care for.
(5)
Dana C.

Don't believe them when they tell you that you can order it ahead of time and they'll have it ready. THAT means that they cook it as soon as you order it, and you get to pick up a cold pizza. If I'm going to pay $25 for a pizza, it had better be hot. The gal at the counter looked very worried when I picked up the pizza, but didn't say anything; she knew it was cold, but Desano's got away with it because I was in a hurry. They taste great, so don't avoid them for this reason; just be warned and don't let them get away with it.
(2)
Spencer H.

Went there last night - Best pizza in Nashville! All there pizzas are artisan pizzas with no substitutes, but there is definitely one pizza for everyone. I tried the Pomodorini which was delicious, and my friend equally enjoyed the Bianca. The ambiance is actually really cool for a pseudo-fast food place, you can see the guys cooking your pizza. Additionally, I tried the Pistachio which was incredible as well! If you're in Nashville and looking for some great pizza, look no further!
(5)
Crawmama C.

Very delicious pizza. The place was a little hard to find initially - which might be why it wasn't as busy as we expected on a Friday night. Also, though the atmosphere is not exactly cozy, I'd recommend staying there to eat so you can eat the pizza as fresh as possible (it was cold by the time we got home). It will probably seem a lot less bare when they start getting busier. Definitely worth the money for the high quality ingredients, even though it is a little expensive. We tried the Margherita and the Bianca, and both were wonderful - the Bianca was super rich. I will be back soon to try some of their other pizzas.
(5)
Stephanie I.

Stumbled upon this place during a recent weekend trip to Nashville. We were hungry at 6pm (and our dinner reservations were not until 9:45pm later that night), so we needed something to tie us over til then. A quick yelp search of "Italian" in the area leads us right to DeSano...thanks again, Yelp! We had the Diavola pizza which was to die for. We made a pact to only eat 1 slice each (since we had dinner later in the evening), but before you know it...half the pizza was gone. Whoops. Worth every bite. GO!
(5)
Marianna J.

BEST PIZZA in Nashville. I've had the San Genarro and the Margherita on multiple occasions. They are both DELICIOUS. Ingredients are really fresh and some (if not most) of the ingredients come from Italy. Since it only takes ~ 2 mins for your pizza to cook, the food comes out fast and steaming hot. The ordering process is simple and efficient- something I love. Since the short cooking time, they don't take to-go orders over the phone. (you have to place your order on-site.) This is to ensure quality.
(5)
KJ S.

We recently spent 3 weeks in Italy where we tried the "real deal" pizza at many pizzerias we scoped out ahead of time through research and recommendation. We had some AMAZING pie! But - I am not kidding when I say that this place is seriously better than ANY place we tried in Italy with the exception of Cafe Italiano in Florence... It may even be a tie. I am SO impressed. It is about $20 for a pizza big enough to feed 3 adults. Twice the price of others but 10 times better. Some things are just worth it. Can't believe we have this in Nashville. Bravo! Awesome food and very comfortable atmosphere. Will try not to go every day.
(5)
Josh K.

This is not a NY pizza. It is not any form of american pizza. It is Neapolitan so basically exactly what you would get in Italy. It is some of the best pizza in the Country in my opinion and knocks the socks off of anything in town. It is well worth the 20 dollars per pizza. It can easily feed 3 people so if you think its expensive its because you're trying to eat it yourself, which I advise you not to. Get The San Gerrano or anything that has the ricotta cheese on it. The ricotta cheese is out of this world. Also get some cannoli's they are filled daily and absolutely delicious.
(5)
tron d.

I dipped in to Desano's with no expectations just hungry for lunch. I was in sticker shock on prices for a calzone. I originally was going to only give this place 3* because of the high prices but the food is just too darn good. The cheeses are all fresh and have distinctive flavors letting you know that Papa John's uses fresh ingredients but these guys use REAL ingredients. Dough=amazing, and I love the oil bar you can visit to grab olive oils, fresh pepper, oregano, Parmesan, etc. Great casual date spot!
(4)
Johny A.

pizza is HORRIBLE , sauce is watered down and tasteless , to add they only add a SMALL amount of sauce almost nothing , the cheese is tasteless , seems like they add shredded cheese " you can see the shredded cheese " ... The Dough is as thin as a dime " literally " making the pizza sloppy n fold down once you grab a slice.... Best part of the pizza was the pepperoni lol smh , oooo and their prices GOD LORD ... Small pie $15 O_o " I'm from ny , and NO ONE charges $15 for no damm small pepperoni pie " smh
(1)
Richard R.

When you walk in, the place definitely has a new Nashville restaurant vibe, which I really like. REALLY friendly cashier. It's one of those places where you have to order at the register and have food delivered to the table. We ordered a pizza and salads, and being a pain in the ass, asked for certain things not to be in a salad we wanted to share. We were informed that the salads are pre made and we pick it up at a refrigerator behind us. OK. I would prefer a freshly made salad, but that's fine. We asked for a plate to split the salad and she said "just take the top off and you can use that to split the salad. Easy enough. We walk past the entrance into the dining area and it was mostly long, wooden shared tables. No individual tabels. The group dining experience isn't really my thing, unless we are with our own group. It seems to be a big Nashville schtick. There was some sort of beer tasting event going on, so we took the one table that was open and waited for our food. I put the dressing on the salad, mixed it up, then tried to take the to off of the plastic container. OMG I was fighting with this thing. I had to pull out a plastic knife (they don't have silverware at this place), and try and SAW through the plastic hinge that held the top and bottom together. I went through 3 knives. The salad turned out to be really good. One of the guys from the beer tasting comes over and introduces himself to us. He organizes the event and turned out to be a really nice guy.If I lived in Nashville and drank beer, I would go to one of his events. The pizza was GREAT. DELICIOUS! ALMOST as good as pizza in Brooklyn and Italy! I would give the pizza 4 1/2 stars for sure.
(4)
Joel S.

Next to our pizza in Florence, Italy, this is the BEST I've ever had - hands down! Incredible food, service and ambience! You can't go wrong at DeSanos.
(5)
VIcki T.

Visited again last night - less crowded, great pizza but avoid the Lasagne pizza unless you LOVE ricotta cheese - it is quite heavy.
(4)
Ryan B.

We dropped in for dessert. Very good cannoli. We'll be back for the pizza.
(4)
Greg B.

Great pizza and friendly service. We were from out of town and went by the other yelp reviews. Pizza is thin and light...not a heavy pizza. Kids got to watch the employees make the pizza and loved that. Serves Mexican coca cola.
(5)
Brandon W.

Really good pizza, best I've had in Nashville. Comes out fast, cool atmosphere and BYOB makes it even better. Will be a frequent visitor.
(5)
Bob G.

Wow! Visiting my mom in Nashville with my wife and looking for a fun place to go. The other reviews were quite positive so DeSano sounded like a good choice. Boy was it ever! We had the San Gennaro with the peppadew peppers. Really unique flavor. All my wife kept saying was,"this is is amazing". We will definitely go back next time in Nashville.
(5)
Rob P.

Excellent service, showed up with a party of 10. Manager saw our 6 kids and put us in the 'dough room!' Great food, wonderful place!
(5)
Mandy O.

Fantastic place! We came at a pretty slow time but the pizza came out fast and delicious. Everyone who worked there was so nice. Great space, and love the byob factor!
(5)
Sarah M.

Must try the peppadew margarita pizza!!! Beer selection is small. Family style seating. A little expensive, but well worth it!!
(4)
Katie M.

Yummy, yummy, YUMMY!!! This little slice of pizza Heaven was awesome! We stumbled upon it after reading some reviews, and we're sure glad we did! The unique venue of this restaurant was super casual, and you can BYOB which is a fun quirk! It was a great place for a family meal before heading downtown Nashville for the night. The staff were all wonderful, and definitely show that southern charm is still a real thing for us "northern folk." We shared the Bianca, the Diavalo, and another one with meat on it between 4 adults and had no problem finishing every last bite! We would go back in a heart beat!!
(5)
Joe G.

I stopped in yesterday and everyone was extremely friendly and helpful.
(5)
Maria A.

Never paid so much for a pizza that I couldn't customize. I asked for 2 toppings, and was told the best they could do was sell a Pre-selected version and for me to pick off what I don't like. Poor service when placing our order. Ended up with a cheese pizza. It was decent. Their crust is good. Not worth the money though....
(1)
Allison G.

I was excited to try DeSano for a co-worker's birthday but found the experience disappointing. I have a dairy allergy, usually no problem for this type of pizza place, but here I was required to pay a premium to have a pizza with no cheese. Instead of allowing me to order the Capricciosa with no cheese ($14) I was required to order the marinara with the toppings of the Capricciosa (minus the cheese). This came to $16. So basically, I had to pay more for less. If the pizza was spectacular, it wouldn't bother me but this pizza was very average; I would rate it lowest of all the wood burning pizza I've had outside of Italy. Overall, a disappointing and overpriced lunch.
(2)
Mark W.

This place is great. We had a wonderful experience Saturday, got there early to beat the crowd. Nice, helpful front attendant taking our order and making our cannoli. Salad was good, nothing spectacular, but solid and plenty of artichokes and cranberries. Pizza was the star, fantastic crust, quality toppings. Well be back, even considering the drive from Franklin.
(5)
Mike M.

Awesome pizza! Had the DeSano. Everything really fresh. Sausage and pepperoni are perfect. Love the institutional decor.
(5)
David R.

"Oh my gawd!" Probably the first words that came out of my mouth after trying my first bite a pizza from this place. Wow! Legit pizza all the way from the toppings, to the sauce to the dough. I cannot speak highly enough of the three (so far!) styles of pizza I've had here thus far. They are amazing. And it's not just the pizza that is superlative, so is the atmosphere. It'ls like a beer hall for pizza. The room is spacious, the tables are long and (can be) communal and everything you need (cups, forks, paper towels) is all right there,just waiting for your fresh pie to be delivered (usually pretty quickly too!). The organization here is slick and well thought out. It's a casual, fun spot that encourages conviviality and even allows BYOB. PROTIP: all (or at least most) of the negative reviews here seem to come from folks who went on a Saturday night (which *deos* sound like it can get a bit hectic) So maybe do yourself a favor and try them first for lunch or a week night dinner.
(5)
Cortney L.

Love everything about this place. Authentic Italian. Incredibly friendly staff. Byob. Need I say more? Great low key party place.
(5)
Katie I.

oh desanos...I can't quit you. every visit has been as good as the first. just wish it was open on sundays!
(5)
Steve K.

Best pizza we have had in Nashville so far. Fresh ingredients make it something we will crave. It's a little pricy for pizza but worth a splurge. We will be back.
(5)
S T.

Probably the best pizza I've ever had, hands down. We ordered the Diavolo. It was superb. Fresh cheese, not oily, excellent meat quality, a crust cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It's open family style seating so grab a spot where you can, if you're a large group you maybe out of luck but trust me the pizza here is worth the wait. A nice touch is the open kitchen that allows you to see your pizza as its being made.
(5)
Doug A.

Pretty good pizza. Go and get some and see for yourself. But if you read some of the reviews, you'll see many of the non-over-the-top enthusiasts say something like: "I don't understand what all of the fuss is about." I reviewed this place back in the day, and I think I was one of the first to give it less than 5 stars. That was because, truthfully, it was not the best I had had in Nashville. Coco's is better, for example, and I said so. I even asked, what's all the fuss about? There were reviews like, I live in small village in Finland, and I made the trek to Nashville just for this pizza, and will do so regularly because IT'S JUST THAT GOOD. But then I got a weirdly aggressive rant from someone who I guess was on the staff...I think since then, there has been enough positive response that everyone is happy. I hope so anyway. So yeah, I'd take some of the reviews with a grain of salt. It's pretty good pizza. Go get some. You'll probably like it a lot.
(4)
Barb B.

We loved this place. We actually ate here twice during our 4 night visit! We loved the casual atmosphere. But most of all this might be the best pizza we have ever had! The crust is perfect and their sauce is more than perfect. We had the San Gerrano both times and its a must have!
(5)
Liz D.

I found my absolute favorite pizza place in Nashville- except for Rome itself, it might be my favorite ever. It's the real thing- brick oven baked and genuine, fresh ingredients. Order at the counter, then find a place in the back. It's set up family style, with benches overlooking the kitchen, where you can watch your handmade pizza come to life. You can bring your own beverages, or buy one from the refrigerators. My favorite so far has to be the lasagna pizza- there's something about that ricotta cheese that is divine. The San Gennaro was delicious as well- I don't usually like peppers, but the peppadew was delicious. Great for groups of friends, families, everyone. Love it!
(5)
Praveen P.

Hands down best neopolitan pizza in Nashville. A notch above Bella Napoli. Service was great too.
(4)
Barb L.

Craving pizza (from Chicago) and Yelp guided us to DeSano Pizza Bakery. Very good pizza.We knew it was Napoli-style - the TRUE AND ORIGINAL pizza - and definitely did not expect it to be like the pizza we are used to in Chi-town. Very good pizza and a fun concept. When we were there, it was not crowded or noisy and the pizza was delivered to our table quickly. Very good and we will come back if we are in Nashville again.
(4)
Robin S.

Maybe they were having an off night, but I was not impressed by DeSano. The pizza was flavorful and the ingredients were fresh (great starts), but the pie was too bready for my liking. It was the cannoli, however, that really disappointed me. I had read so many great reviews and was looking forward to one of my favorite treats. The chocolate cannoli tasted stale and the filling was bland. I hate giving poor reviews, but the whole experience was just really sub-par.
(2)
David H.

We visited DeSano's on a busy Saturday night. Our group of four had no problem finding a table. The pizzas came out hot and bubbly. They were excellent thin crust pizzas. DeSano's may become a regular stop during our visits to Nashville.
(5)
Carolyn S.

Anxiety attack!!! Went on a Saturday night. Don't go with more than two people you won't find a place to sit. Very chaotic!!! Pizza was fair, and oddly sweet, I got the San Gennaro, if you want a standard amount of cheese you should ask for extra cheese. The cannoli maker was really slow and not making them in order of receipt... Very unorganized
(2)
Don P.

Great pizza. One caveat, IF YOU WANT THE TYPES OF PIZZAS THEY HAVE DESIGNED. You cannot build your own pizza. I have been to pizza places all over the world and this is the first time I was told that you have to order only the types of pizza concoctions they have on the menu. I was not allowed to order a sausage, mushroom and onion pizza. Go figure. So I went elsewhere.
(3)
Cory C.

WOW! All the reviews saying this is the best pizza they had ever eaten seemed to good to be true but it's very true! Talk about an authentic flavorful pizza. All ingredients imported from Italy right down to the brick ovens. I don't see how anyone could possibly top this pizza! We walked right in placed our order and in less than 10 minutes we had 2 pizzas hot out of the oven on our table. The manager Rich takes the time to make sure everything comes out perfectly! Good to see a manager that pays so much attention to quality control. I will be back again and again! Oh and I almost forgot... On my way out I saw they had pre prepared vacuum packed pizzas you can cook at home (subtracting the brick oven of course!) if that's your thing...
(5)
Casey M.

Try the pizza and a cannoli... You'll end up ordering two pizzas because their so delicious! Best pizza I've ever had anywhere, no joke! And you can BYOB!!
(5)
Stephanie Y.

I was craving pizza and as a New Yorker it is hard to effectively feed this craving. While this place is not NY style pizza, it is actually fabulous. The crust/dough is perfectly chewy and crispy at the same time. The toppings are perfectly distributed and not overwhelming. The space is incredibly open and clean. I loved that the kitchen was open and you could see how fresh the ingredients are. The staff was helpful and kind. I loved the picnic tables which would make it great for a group. I want to return with a ton of friends and order a bunch of pizzas to try and pass around. It is BYOB right now, which is nice because you can bring what you want and how much you want. It also helps to cut down on the price.
(5)
Jan S.

Our fave brick oven style pizza place in Nashville! It is so great to order a pizza and it arrive at your table almost by the time you sit down. You order/pay at the front register then turn a corner to find your seat at the picnic-style tables. Yes, it is a tad pricey, but there is no tipping AND you CAN bring your own wine and beer. But you CANNOT bring your own bottled soda, water, etc. Cups at table if you want to drink water from the drinking fountain. You are sitting in a room where the pizza makers/ovens are in clear view. It is a terrific energy. The pizza is fab, fab, fab. It is very thin, so if you have a big appetite get your own small (trust me on this one). There is a condiment table where you can get parm cheese, pepper, pepper flakes, and oil to bring back to your table. Parking can be tricky, as it is limited (like 10 spots) but there is a (paid parking) lot that is across. Very cool place to take first-timers with kids from out of town.
(5)
Susan S.

DeSano Pizza, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. #1 - BYOB (hey, it's nice to save some cash when dining out), #2 - Fast! (major plus when the husband is cranky and starving), #3 - Lively atmosphere (although some people might not love sitting close to strangers) #4 - The 'za - it's delicious, simple as that.
(5)
Torborg D.

DeSano's pizza was the best pizza I've had since moving here from Brooklyn NY. It is a delicious, thin crust pie that is perfect for splitting with a friend. I love that it is BYOW (bring your own wine). And finally, the staff was so friendly and the supervisor, Rich, came out to personally greet us and ask how our meal was. Great place and, oh, the cannolis were so tasty! This is my go-to place for pizza now on!
(5)
Mark S.

Good pizza but pricey. If you like American style pizza like Dominos and Papa Johns STAY AWAY from this place, it's real pizza make with top quality Italian ingredients. We got their signature pizza with sausage and sweet red pepper, it was good. Coco's over on 50th N has better bang for the buck and a more diverse menu, I'd recommend it before sending someone to DeSano.
(3)
Kathleen S.

In town on a law school visit and my mom and I used Yelp to find a place for dinner. We are currently sitting at DeSano's having just split a pizza. This place is wicked good. I ate more than half of the pizza in under 10 min. We didn't even speak because we couldn't stop eating. 100% recommend to anyone who likes thin crust (or just plain amazing pizza).
(5)
Grover C.

We ordered take out from Desano. The pizza was ready in 4 minutes! The ingredients are fresh and the service comes with a nice smile. We will be returning here soon! I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Nomar A.

The pizza is very good. Outrageously expensive but good. Atmosphere is odd at best. If I am paying this much for a pizza I would like a bit more on the "dining experience" side. The pie will keep me coming back, just not on a high frequency basis
(4)
David C.

My son and I had a free night while my wife was out of town so we got onto Yelp and searched for good pizza. Needless to say we went to DeSano and found it to be just as good as everyone said in the reivews. Got the Margeurita pizza, my son got a pure sugar Coke and we each got a cannoli for dessert. Planning to take my wife and her folks next week!
(5)
Sara L.

good pizza in Nashville that's byo and open at night? yes, I'm a fan! I've been a few times and the atmosphere is good and its super fast, which is nice. mostly I've had the vegetarian pizzas. you order at the counter when you get in and they bring it out to you, at the large communal dining room. the food comes out quick, so if you can't immediately find a seat, give it a few minutes...my favorites are the margharita (yup, I'm boring when it comes to pizza) and the verdure. I'd really like to try the meat pizzas at some point, so I'll have to get back for that. The cannoli are also good, so try and save some room!!!
(4)
Mary S.

This pizza is so good! It's my new favorite pizza. You get your pizza in no time. Very friendly staff. Love it!
(5)
Alex G.

Probably the best pizza I've had in Nashville. The San Gennaro as was the Napoletana were particularly delicious. No in-depth review needed. Just go! You'll thank me (and all the other posters) on here afterwards.
(5)
Michelle P.

Great pizza! & I'm from (lower) NY! Crust is perfect, quality ingredients, great service, almost no wait due to the high temp ovens. Hope they stay open!! I WILL be back. P.S.- dip the crust in the olive oil from the condiment bar...it's the best I've ever had.
(5)
Trevor A.

This place is killing it. Expertly crafted Neapolitan pizza, BYOB, super friendly staff. Their three brick ovens anchor the casual but stylish dining hall. I'm surprised that it wasn't crowded; seems like the word just has not gotten out yet. We rolled in at 6:30 PM, ordered a couple pies, and had immaculate pizza in front of our faces in like ten minutes--instant gratification. Luckily, I live East; otherwise, I would be tempted to go here EVERYDAY.
(5)
bryan h.

Hands down the best pizza in Nashville. Authentic Italian style with delicious topping options. We went for dinner and got our pizza within 10 minutes of ordering. Great for groups. It's a bit pricey but with such quality ingredients well worth it.
(5)
LJ H.

Great ambience, recommend the experience. Good value for quality pizza.
(5)
Stacey R.

We come here once a year from out of state and almost ordered pizza hut. I'm so glad we didn't. Watching the guys make the pizza and cook it in a wood burning oven was extra fun for our kids. The pizza was yummy and the toppings were not your ordinary everyday. They have a dipping bar where you make your own dip for your crust. Oil, vinegar, cheese, garlic, peppers, etc. You can BYOB or get tall cokes in glass bottles. There are no plates, you eat right off the serving platter.The pizza has that "stone fired" taste and look about it. Delicious. Will come back again next year!
(5)
Lauren S.

This place is a-ok. The pizza is very delicious and I've had the Capricciosa (my favorite; the mushrooms are very flavorful), the Diavola (not overspiced and generous salami) and the Margherita (add a meat, they take off the basil, so if you still want it--request it). Plenty of parking and it is well-lit. This place is BYOW (bring your own water). Not believing the first person who directed me to the employee hand wash sink to get my water filled, I asked another who directed me to the same sink. There are tons of Crystal Springs jugs, but they're not for us evidentially. I just don't feel comfortable walking into an employee area to fill an establishment provided cup from a handsink, even if it is "eco." The tables are long and seat plenty. No plates provided, just keep tearing off napkins and eat off the pizza tray. I'll still come back (been averaging once a week), but I'm not as enthusiastic as others about the experience.
(4)
Erin M.

One of the best pizza places in Nashville. They use the pizza ovens that make the crust so perfectly crunchy and soft in the same bite. The dough and the ingredients taste so fresh and if you choose to eat there it's fun to watch them make the pizzas. Carry out is also awesome, you don't have to call ahead. Just come on in and it's ready within 10 min or so. You can't go wrong with this place.
(4)
Wade P.

First visit, and probably my last. I don't want to pay $23.00 for a pizza, and have no choice on the toppings. All of the pizzas are take it like they make it with no options. Average taste wise, soggy, with black crust around the edges! Maybe it's the in thing to do, but I don't like having to set at a picnic table full of strangers, especially when half of the table are 6 yrs. old and under. No plates, eat off the metal tray with plastic forks and knifes. Common roll of paper towels for napkins. No thanks, maybe I just expect a little more for the $$.
(2)
Michael M.

I don't understand the hype here. I can see where it's got a lot of potential...maybe a bad night when I went. Pluses: Food is quick, it's BYOB, and it's cool that the tables are big and there's space for larger groups. The pizza was lacking that good slightly burnt flavor a Neopolitan pizza should have. Salads are small and overpriced. Maybe it was just a bad night; based on the other reviews, I'd have to think so.
(3)
Jodi A.

food is great but the service at the front and on the phone have much to be desired.
(3)
Ben Z.

Heard about this place through a coworker.. He said it was the best pizza in Nashville.. Not that that's a terribly strong statement but still I felt it was worth checking out. I knew going in it was "neopolitan" style and that didn't do much as far as getting me there any quicker. I'd had neo-pizza before and while it was good, it never created any urgency for me to come back. It was always "fine".. So despite his reccomendation and all the VERY good reviews I'd seen I still went in with limited expectations... Needless to say, I was VERY pleased with the experience. Our pizza was EXCELLENT. From the toppings to the crust; everything had an obvious level of high quality. I'll admit I hesitated when I ordered our caprese salad at the counter and the lady pointed to a cooler behind us which is where they kept them. Would have been nice to know someone was slicing fresh tomatoes and mozz for what was a pretty small $6 salad.. However, I can't complain too much because it still really was pretty good. The people seemed really friendly too.. From the cashier, to the manager who walked from table to table making sure we were having a good time and enjoying our food, to the people making the pizza themselves.. There is a cool little spice-bar with salt/pepper/garlic etc. right by the people making the pizza which added to the atmosphere nicely... The only other downside would be that the menu is somewhat limited.. Pizza's, Calzone's and a few salads.. No apps, garlic bread.. That sort of thing.. I live at least 20 minutes outside of downtown Nashville, so I'd be lying if I said I was going to make it a point to make the drive just to experience Desano's again but if I'm ever in the area it will always be at the top of my list of choices to go.
(4)
Meitra A.

Wow! Really, really good pizza and a great carry out experience. We placed our order over the phone, and they didn't start baking our pizza until we got there. Perfect timing to enjoy an airplane sized wine bottle. We ordered the Diavlo and the Cappricciosa. Both had great flavor and great crust. The Diavlo punches just the right amount of heat. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)
Caroline B.

Pizza is terrific. Great atmosphere, friendly people! BYOB wine. Perfect for a large group!
(5)
Theresa B.

Scott out did him self with the simplicity of what makes food taste good ! not only would I go back but I would buy his concept...just sayin ....
(5)
Judy B.

I love all Bakeries. Usually I get cake, but since that wasn't an option, I tried the pizza. It was delicious. The dough was unbelievable - the wood charred crust was perfect. I love the pepperdius? on the San Gennaro! Ordering was easy, the people were nice and the food came in 5 minutes. A great place to eat when you have hungry kids. America needs more Bakeries!
(5)
Merry B.

Yes! This IS the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. Amazing and authentic, fired up fast in those infamous ovens, served simply without frills ... scrumptious ... do whatever it takes to get there! The service was warm and incredibly friendly ... made us feel like family. Save a tiny bit of room for gelato ... made fresh right there and completely delicious. The only caveat is the noise level, but what the heck - join 'em! It's loud and lively but worth it.
(5)
S P.

Amazing Italian-style pizza, great fast service, BYOB, lots of parking available, ample seating inside, and the best spicy peppers! Couldn't ask for more. It's my favorite pizza place in Nashville!
(5)
Vanessa P.

Fantastico! I've had pizza in Italy, NYC, San Fran, Chicago, well, you get the point and this spot is no slouch. The crust is great - thin and slightly burned by the wood fired oven - I was really excited to find this in Nashville. I think it is BYO and the seating is cool - long picnic tables in the same space as the ovens and chefs. Highly recommended!
(4)
Kay D.

We were so excited to learn that our favorite pizza place - Antico in Atlanta - had opened a pizza bakery (the name being the only difference) here in Nashville. After our lunch at DeSano, we know that we won't need to road-trip anymore for seriously incredible pizza! Our experience was amazing; from the friendly greeting from the manager and staff as we walked in the door, to the time we walked out with our fresh, filled-to-order cannoli! This is by FAR the best pizza in Nashville and we cannot wait to go back! You must go!
(5)
Mark S.

The pizza is excellent. The only problem is that you have to buy a whole one, and there is only one size. Why not have slices or small personal size pizzas, at least for lunch? The prices are pretty steep, compared with Pie in the Sky, even. They bring the pizzas out on giant trays. These are a little awkward to manage. They didn't have plates, either.
(3)
Jeff W.

Absolutely Amazing!!! I can't believe I found my favorite pizza in Nashville! We are truly pizza connoisseurs and it simply doesn't get any better than DeSano's. Sorry about that NYC, but its true.
(5)
Ryan M.

Two words. Ahh Mazing!
(5)
Sandra W.

This place is pretty awesome. The pizza is delicious and certainly some of the best I have had in Nashville. Pizza comes out FAST and they encourage BYOB which is cool. No corkage fees. Don't miss the olive oil bar that is up in front of the pizza ovens. All of the ingredients seem super fresh. Their website says they ship in the best ingredients and I believe it after eating it. The staff was friendly and the night I was there they walked around giving out free cannoli and biscotti. This is a great laid back pizza joint that puts out some seriously delicious pizza. The price didn't bother me. I'm happy to pay for quality ingredients. Sure you can get cheaper pizza at the chains or at other places in town but your stomach will be happier if you go here. I promise! They are huge pizzas so split it with friends or bring leftovers home to nosh on later! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Ryan P.

DeSano Pizza is delicious! It's made fresh in impressive looking wood-burning ovens. I've had pizza in various cities in the country and this is my favorite! The pizza tastes amazing!! You can tell they use premium ingredients. Everything is fresh and tasty. They even have that perfect sauce-to-topping ratio that us pizza lovers look for! I almost forgot my favorite part other than the pizza...the experience. I'm a wine connoisseur in the making and enjoy any place that allows you to BYOB to pair with the food! From the bar of extras such as peppers, oils/sauces, etc. to the family style seating, DeSano's makes we want to stay to eat. The staff is very courteous and the whole ordering process is timely and efficient. I plan on making DeSano's a regular stop every time I visit Nashville.
(5)
greg g.

I just had the best pizza I have ever had in my life and that includs pizza from New York and Chicago. The ingredients all come from Italy except the fresh produce and are cooked in authentic brick oven stoves from italy as well. The staff was great, the enviroment large and comfortable, and the food was simply out of this world. Do yourself a favor and grab some friends or family and head out to Desano PIzza Bakery. top notch!!!
(5)
Sean S.

Despite what many people say, Nashville is not a very good town for pizza. I have been eating pizza from around the US for over 20 years. It is improving, and Desanos easily makes the best pizza in town. Quality ingredients is the key. Even though I am not a huge fan of the neopolitian pizza style, these guys seem to do it right and not over do the char. I do wish they would put just a little more cheese on the pies, they skimp on that (and you can't order extra cheese either). The fresh condiment bar with garlic, parm, peppers etc. is GREAT!. However, I do have a few small gripes. For starters, you can't build your own pizza, do halves, or make substitutions. You have to order their pre set combinations. So how in the heck do you split a pizza with someone who doesn't want meat on their pizza? Try to get 3 kids to agree on one of Desanos pizza combinations. At $12 for a small, and $21 for a large, you can't really get everyone their own without spending a stupid amount of money. Seriously, what is wrong with letting a customer build their own pizza? Such a shame when they have those awesome ingredients. Another problem is their seating. You have or order in a separate room and often times you go to sit down and there is no where to sit. The picnic table style seating encourages groups to spread out and take up a whole table when they don't need it (coolers for their beer and wine). So your pizza comes out and you have to wait for someone to leave before you can eat. One time it was almost cold by the time a seat opened up. The best thing I can recommend is go on the off hours and be sure you bring someone who likes the same toppings as you. Not open Sundays either- which is a head scratcher. Check them out. The pizza is really good. The seating and fixed combination concept is not.
(4)
Aaron S.

How does this restaurant only have 4.5 stars?!? Someone must not like taste.
(5)
Laura M.

AMAZING! Delicious pizza and CANNOLI'S. The prices are right and Chelsea was very helpful. Would highly recommend this place.
(5)
Laura T.

My husband and I were so excited to get pizza here because of all the hype.. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement .. It was extremely cheep made food for an extremely high price. Congrats to them for finding a way to make a good profit..
(1)
Justin R.

I don't even know how to begin writing a review for a place this amazing! In all honesty this is not only the best pizza I have had in Nashville, but the best pizza I have ever had. No joke. Better than New York? Yes. Better than Chicago? Yes. It's just damn delicious! Based off of an Atlanta concept, they hit the nail on the head with DeSano's. The staff is extremely nice and the pizza comes out hot & cheesy, in just a few minutes. And to top it off, it's BYOB! Oh yeah! Instead of sitting here reading my review, grab some friends, your favorite adult beverage, and head over to DeSano's for the best pizza of your life.
(5)
Blair S.

Finally, the much anticipated Nashville version of Atlanta's Antico Pizza has opened. I loved the pizza at Antico, and they matched it here at Desano. The pizza is top notch and the most authentic you can find this far from the Mediterranean. The pomodorini and the margherita are my favorites. My companions raved about the San Gennaro and capricciosa on my recent visit. Unlike Antico, Desano started with the idea of serving dine-in customers in the bakery rather than as a wholesale business with the dining area as an afterthought. They have large picnic tables - so cozy up to some strangers and make new friends if it's busy. If you have a large group, try making a reservation - they reserved a table for my group of nine. Italian music plays in the background as you watch the cooks prepare dough, assemble pizzas, and put them in the Italian ovens. The staff was friendly, helpful, and the pizza came out really fast. Finally, save room for gelato or cannoli! You'll enjoy it.
(5)
Amy C.

True artisan brick oven pizza with authentic flavors of Naples, Italy right here in downtown Nashville! My favorite was the Napoletana featuring broccoli rabe, sausage and buffalo mozzarella! Pizza's come in two sizes regular/large. The regular was more than enough for two people to split and be comfortably full! If the pizza isn't enough of a reason to go, they also allow BYOB!! You can bring in your favorite bottle of wine or beer to enjoy with your pizza w/ NO corkage fee. They do sell wine and beer at the restaurant, but the better value is to bring your own. So call your friends, grab a couple bottles of vino and prepare to be transported to Italy...no passport required!
(5)
james f.

I write this review as I am full and happy after just leaving Desano. This is the best pizza in Nashville, sorry Five Points. I do not hand out 5 stars easily, but this met my expectations and lived up to the other reviews. I tried the Diavola and a cannoli and both were amazing........Damn, that was good pizza. Watch them make your pizza, entertaining and it really does not take long to make or cook.
(5)
T V.

Walked in for the first time on a Friday night (Jan 25th) after arriving in Nashville to spend the weekend with my two daughters who attend Belmont University. Paid for our pizzas at the counter and was told to sit anywhere. When we went around the corner to the dining room, we found that the place was jammed packed. We didn't think we would ever get a seat, and that must have shown on our faces because a gentleman came over to assure us he would find us a place. A minute later, another worker asked us if we needed help finding a seat, then another offered to help. But the place was so packed, that about 5 minutes later, the first gentleman, who we learned was the owner, offered to allow us to eat at a front chopping block prep area right at the pizza cooking/tossing area. We were thrilled with that option and parked, standing at that spot. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink and brought us some bottled water. We amused ourselves watching the pizza dough tossers, and drooled as we saw the finished pizza pies emerge from the three wood burning pizza ovens. We also enjoyed watching all of the people who packed every inch of the place enjoying their food and their drinks, many of the beverages were BYOB. I opted to go back to the counter to purchase a Coppola Sofia, sparkling wine in a can (refreshing for a change of pace). One of the pizza makers allowed my daughter to give the pizza tossing a try. We spoke with the owner more who came to check on us frequently. He said we were there on his busiest night so far. The pizzas arrived and they were fantastic. The San Gennaro (Sausage Pepper-dew) pizza was our favorite. Some spots opened at one of the tables, and the owner helped clear the area and move our pizzas to the table so we could sit for the rest of our meal. He told the girls that the place would be offered on the Belmont Bucks food plan. We enjoyed more conversation and told him we would definitely be back. We did not have room for the gelato they offered, or the canoli and biscotti. If in Nashville check out DeSano, just off of the Musica Roundabout in Midtown! I look forward to walking there again on my next trip to Nashville, and I hope they remain in the neighborhood for many years to come.
(5)
Jennifer C.

Best pizza in Nashville. Hands down. My favorites are the Lasagna and the San Gennaro. You can bring your own wine and I like to get a Mexican Coke sometimes. Only downfall is if you get unlucky enough to eat on a night when college kids take over the place.
(5)
Leslie D.

On vacation to Nashville, my husband and I stumbled across this pizza joint. The food here was absolutely amazing. Some of the best pizza I've ever had. The service was very good as we'll.
(5)
Jamie L.

Casual dining in an open air format. Large bar selection with interesting pizza options. We had one with prosciutto, artichoke hearts and mushrooms, marinara and fresh mozzarella. It was thin crust and delicious. They also have a condiments bar which pairs nicely with the food, which can be individualized for personal preferences. The manager asked multiple times how everything was, which was nice. The same could not be said for all staff but fortunately did not ruin the experience!
(4)
Megan C.

This place is the bdc. (bomb dot com, because I'm cool like that). Their pizza is incredibly delicious and fresh, and also quite the value! It's also amazingly fast. I love that you can see the guys in the kitchen tossing the dough around, even if they might show boat a little. (Warranted, I think, as I can't do such things). The crust manages to be on the thin side, but still tender, which I think is awesome, as my usual grievance with thin crust pizza is that it's too much like a chip and not enough like delicious dough. They've got large farm-style tables, and seating is somewhat community-seating. So come prepared to make friends. They've also got an awesome toppings bar-including parm and red pepper flakes, but also basalmic vineagar and some awesome little peppers for adding that extra kick. You can also BYOB or wine, which is a nice plus. They've got some good-looking gelato, but I'll have to go back for that, as I was too full of pizza last time to try it.
(5)
Eleonore D.

The most delicious pizza I've found in Nashville! Try the San Genarro and then try to tell me I'm wrong!
(5)
Matt H.

What a wonderful place to eat. We went on the 4th of July and sat outside to enjoy the (very rare) perfect weather here in Nashville. We ordered the Desano and it was perfectly done. You can tell everything is imported from Italy bc it just taste so darn different (in a good way). The inside dining allows you to see the staff as they prepare your pie. Feel free to talk to them bc they're SUPER friendly and conversational. We had our 16 month old with us and they were so sweet to him. We also finished up with a traditional cannoili. Was a little pricey but very unique and tasty. The little guy want happy when it was gone :'( We can't wait to return!
(4)
Sean G.

Good atmosphere. Great pizza and knowledgeable staff. Cool wood fired ovens. Great place to haunt while in town. Don't settle for Papa Johns.
(5)
Michelle P.

Well holy cannoli! We found this place driving around Nashville and were we glad we did! Probably one of the best pizzas I've had. We had their lasagna pizza and it came oozing with ricotta cheese and basil and the crust was thin but not too thin-just perfect. I also had a cannoli which they make to order so the shell doesn't get mushy. I had the traditional with the chocolate chips. It was filled with mascarpone cheese and (Marsala wine?? Orange liqueur??) choc chips - it was one of the best cannolis I've had. We will come back again and again and again.
(5)
Jessy A.

As pizza is my favorite food, I am always skeptical of new pizza joints with rave reviews but this place surpassed my expectations. The menu options were great, pizza was phenomenal and the open lay out of the restaurant allowed you to view the making of the pizza (dough tossing and all). Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Carolyn M.

Came with coworkers and we all loved it, picky eaters and foodies alike. The little pre-made salad was excellent - kale and goat cheese. We had a plain cheese and a fancier meat pizza and both were fantastic. The crust is perfect - crusty outside, chewy inside, and not at all greasy. It was a little cold inside the day we went, so maybe bring a layer just in case.
(4)
Ty M.

Authentic Italian pizza in a very intimate setting. Long picnic tables with community style seating creates a very lovely experience. This restaurant is a bring your own wine establishment no liquor can be sold or consumed so just bring some airplane bottles! Love this place. Can't beat it.
(4)
Kristine P.

We decided to check this place out based on all the good yelp reviews. So we walk in and there's this mini market/counter area. We figured that we ordered at the counter and then make our way to wherever the sitting area was. We ordered the capricciosa (mushroom, artichoke, buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto) and the san gennaro (sausage, peppadew, buffalo mozzarella, and caramelized onions). We also ordered some cannoli's which they made for you right at the counter. They filled the cannoli shell with a generous amount. I got the pistachio cannoli so they rolled the ends in a lot of pistachio pieces. After ordering made our way to the dining area which was a room with long tables and benches. On the far side of the room was the kitchen where you could see your pizza being made. When our pizzas were done they would bring them over based on the order number that we put down on our table. There was a little area near the kitchen where you could get parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and red pepper flakes. There were disposable plastic cups and paper towels on each of the tables. We asked where to get water from and one of the kitchen guys pointed us to a sink in the corner. We were kinda surprised when they told us we had to get our own water b/c there were a ton of giant bottled waters stored around the dining area. So our capricciosa pizza comes out first. It was good, but not spectacular. I liked the combination of topping on there. I also liked how they used fresh mushrooms on there. I would have liked more prosciutto on top but I'm a meat lover. I really liked the san gennaro, especially the big pieces of sausage. Not only were they big, but they had a great flavor to them. They didn't taste like they were manufactured either so I wondered if they made them or got them from somewhere that made sausage. I think the peppadew and the sausage really complimented each other well. I also discovered that chopped garlic tastes really good on top of pizza and found myself loading up the garlic. We were so full after the pizza that I barely touched my cannoli. I loved how they overstuffed it b/c sometimes I think cannolis don't have enough. I would wanted the filling to be a pinch sweeter, buy my friend thought the sweetness was just right. We spent about ~$20 per pizza which is a bit pricey for pizza. With these prices, I would have expected to not have to get my own water from the sink, but at least the food was tasty. Overall, I'd come back and try their other meat pizzas.
(4)
Ingrid H.

Again yelp has not steered me wrong... great no frills pizza place! I had the capricciosa Napoli, which was wonderful. As it was just me I had lots left. I liked that they had a little "bar" set up to fix yourself a little topping or dipping sauce for your crust. I tried mine with a olive oil, garlic and Parmesan.
(4)
Peter P.

I've been searching for a good pizza joint ever since I moved to Nashville last year. With DeSano, I found the best. Shared a large pizza with a friend and it was fantastic. The crust was thin and freshly baked, the cheese was perfectly placed medallions of fresh mozzarella cheese, and the pepperoni and sausage toppings were meaty, juicy, and spicy. And what better way to top all of that off than with the biggest and most amazing cannoli that was assembled fresh right in front of me. My only regret is that I didn't get a pour of wine, which I'm sure I'll remedy on my next trip.
(5)
Kristy H.

Went here for lunch on a Tuesday. As the girl was taking our order, the manager/owner came over and interrupted me, yelling about a party and their wine and how much pizza they had coming still. Flailing his arms and all. The cashier was embarrassed and apologized, but that should have been my red flag/warning that it was going to be annoying just around the corner. It was extremely crowded as I believe there was someone throwing a huge party in the dining area. Very few seats, so we squeezed next to a cute family. The party was loud and running around--they ended up taking over our table when the family left, squeezing me to the end. One of them was bouncing so much that I was getting nauseous as my seat was moving. I think that the restaurant should have contained the party to one area/set of tables OR warned us before ordering that there were people running around who think they owned the place. The pizza tasted great. We got a prosciutto/artichoke combo. The cheese was very high quality, which was appreciated. Overall, the atmosphere sucked when we were there, so I would not dine-in again. Pick up would be high on my list.
(2)
Robert M.

Everything looked familiar to me...the logo on the building...as I walk inside, the menu. So I had to ask: "Are you associated with Antico in Atlanta?" "Yes...we ARE Antico, we bought the concept from them" Or...something like that. So I knew right away what I was in for: Acunto ovens, 900 degrees, pizza flashed in 1 minute, 00 flour, San Marzano...you get the picture. They do it right without the attitude of Giovanni in Atlanta. Bigger space as well. The pizza falls short of Antico however. The end crust doesn't have the same chew, it is a bit tougher. Doesn't have the same smokiness. But it's still a damn good pie. I don't think I'd be going out on a limb saying the best za in Nashville, considering my experience at CoCos the night prior. It's good to see a real pizza place taking hold in different cities, but as they roll this concept out...I wonder if the quality will remain the same. Since I'm in Nashville often for work...I won't complain. Welcome to Yelp, the new Citisearch!
(4)
Brittany F.

Love this place! My ultimate test of how much I like a place is whether I would bring guests and the answer is YES! The service was friendly, the food was made quickly and delicious! Now lets get to the cannoli's, FANTASTIC! They were pretty and had great ingredients, even my cannoli-hating husband liked them!
(5)
Amie K.

My fiance and I were looking for good pizza on a Sunday night and thankfully DeSano's was open until 10 (or later I believe). We didn't know if it was only carry out but we were pleasantly surprised when we found a large dining area when we turned the corner! You order at the front counter (we had a basic margherita) and they bring the pizza out. They also have salads and mexican Coke (THE best, pure can sugar). Literally by the time we sat down our pizza was out 5 minutes later. Perfect crust, awesome flavor, and it didn't need ANYTHING else. SOOO GOOD! I was craving the following day and actually am right now as well... Also, cannolis are great! I ordered one as I left and thought she was going to just pull one from the display case, but oh noooo. She whipped out a fresh shell and piped the filling right in front of me, added the chocolate chips, and viola! GREAT pizza, amazing customer service (the female at the front had a great personality) and someone came to our table with such hospitality and informed us about the complimentary dipping bar. I will DEFINITELY be back and I plan on recommending this anyone wanting pizza in Nashville
(5)
Trista D.

Went and had the Capricciosa. This is the best pizza I've had in Nashville so far. My boyfriend is a pizza fanatic and really enjoyed it as well. The pizza was done FAST and everything tasted so fresh. The environment is very laid back (The pizza comes out in about a minute on a sheet pan) making it a great place to hang out. The price is on the more expensive end for pizza, but I think it was worth it. We didn't take advantage of the BYOB option, but I'm sure we will be back soon.
(5)
Jessica H.

My favorite restaurant in Nashville! It combines everything I love: delicious authentic pizza + BYOB + a self-serve bar of accoutrements. I've often gone at the busiest times and been able to get a table because the manager hangs around to help you find a spot. My favorite thing is just the basic margarita with my own supply of crushed red pepper, Parmesan and balsamic olive oil. The cannoli is also really freaking good. Just be warned that you may have to hustle for a table. But it's worth it.
(5)
Laura H.

Great pizza. My kiddo loves that you can watch them cook the pizzas from the dining area. Great atmosphere and amazing food!
(5)
A P.

Anyone giving this place under 5 stars is unreasonable, I'd park and walk a mile for this pie. Beats NYC places and CHicago that I've eaten, super fresh, and BYOB, how can you beat it? You cant.
(5)
Carol P.

This pizza is delicious! I tend to be a reserved critic so I'll say this pizza is "pretty hard to beat." Their seating is unusual (which I enjoyed): long open tables (meant for sharing) in the same "room" as the kitchen (so you can watch them making the pizzas). You won't find the price as cheap as some chain pizza places, but what they make here is worth what they charge. Also, the location is a wee bit inconvenient, and I could see their parking lot filling up quickly, so here's to hoping they open multiple locations soon b/c everyone should try this pizza!
(4)
Wes B.

My review of DeSano, in sonnet form: My love for thy sweet succulence is strong The richest flavors in my mouth combine To flood my senses, tingling all night long With fervor for the greatness that is thine. Thy sauce is fresher than a Naples spring Embedding cheese from buffaloes serene A crust so smoky soft my tastebuds sing The praises of thy wood-fired furnace mean. Thy pepperoni sends my throbbing tongue To great celestial palaces aloft With spicy salivation seldom done By other pizza joints, who are quite soft. O sweet DeSano Bakery, I must Pledge loyalty unto thy saucy crust.
(5)
PK R.

Great gourmet pizza. Went with the house special. Odd you cannot make any changes or additions to pizzas even if you pay. Size L easily feeds 2-3. Salads were good!! Like the environment! The guy working register needs to be much more assertive, especially being first person a customer interacts with. The cooks were fun to watch!
(4)
Stephanie W.

In one of the most food-centric cities in the world, I can honestly say DeSano is, hands down, my number one pizza destination. It's BYOB, including wine, and they don't charge a corkage fee, which is amazing in this day and age. It's cafeteria style seating, and you can watch your pizzas being made in their huge stone ovens. I've tried several options here, and have only had what I can describe as mind-blowing pizza experiences. They use fresh Italian ingredients and toss their dough fresh daily. Their margherita pizza is to die for, as well as my go-to, the San Gennaro, which features peppadews that work wonderfully on this pizza. Always get some gelato for dessert too - that's the cherry on top of this already amazing choice.
(5)
Liz V.

We have only been here once but it was best pizza my husband and I have had ever in the state of Tennessee. The crust is perfection! Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Kathryn J.

This pizza is heavenly!! It's authentic Italian, not greasy at all, very fresh ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere. Customer for life!!
(5)
Kat H.

We tried DeSano while we were in Nashville for a concert. I cannot believe how flavorful and delicious the pizza was! We ordered the Desano and the Bianca then had cannoli for dessert. The crust was amazing, perfectly cooked, crispy chewy outside and tender inside. We are all hoping to be back in or through Nashville soon to have some more of this scrumptious pie!
(5)
Pam L.

While I prefer the original location in Atlanta (there it is known as Antico), I LOVE this pizza. When we moved from the ATL to Nashville I was thrilled to discover this location. Authentic with some of the best crust I've ever had. DeSano's pizza is an example of high quality ingredients at work. It's nothing fancy but delicious. Bring your own bottle of vino if you'd like.
(5)
Andrew H.

This pie may change you and Wildebeists will roam across your taste buds in fits of jubilee
(5)
Kurt R.

The pizza was great but it was expensive. A large pizza was like 25 bucks. There are pizza places that have just as good of pizza for a lot less money. I most likely won't go back strictly because of price.
(3)
Shruthi L.

O my. Where do I start with this little slice of heaven on earth and the magic that happens in those wood fired ovens? GLUTEN FEST 2014 *BYOB (wine & beer), no corkage fee *relaxed family-style vibe *kid friendly (it's nice and loud to drown out their complaining) *friendly, speedy service *consistent (this is key, they don't need to be told) They offer a selection of wine, beer & non alcoholic beverages (water, Pelligrino, soda, etc) in case you don't have time to pick something up. See? They've got your back. You order, find a place to sit & they bring the pizza to YOU. All you have to do is listen for your order number. Highlights | Capricciosa, Diavola, Margherita D.O.P, gelato & house made cannolis (omg, Nutella) Be sure to swing by the topping bar for fresh minced garlic, parmesan, & oils to enjoy with your pizza! Chili oil + garlic is my favorite combination. Pro Tip| I like to integrate any left over garlic/chili oil into my cooking at home cause it's too good to waste! No, that doesn't mean steal it all, ya turkey.
(5)
Liz B.

food is delicious, concept fun and different, and staff welcoming! Got to talking with Jameson and he was so helpful with our stay in Nashville! Highly recommend for a great experience off of broadway!
(5)
Meghan J.

AMAZING!! Delicious thin crust pizza - nice staff and great food. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Charles S.

Desanos is a superior coal oven pizza place. The pizzas come a lot faster than your used to due the coal ovens. I got my pie only minutes after sitting down and a first thought is was mistake. I enjoyed watching the cooks throwing the dough around and making my own dipping "sauce".!the seating is long benched you share but it was cool not weird. The pizza tasted perfect. I was trying to think of one thing to criticize for fairness but couldnt think of anything.
(5)
Drew H.

Superb place. Go immediately.
(5)
Joey R.

Probably my favorite pizza place ever. Great deal for the food and it's local and not that generic garbage you'll get at chain places. The BYOB is money because I like benign able to bring in a 6 pack while eating there and it really cuts down on the cost. Usually pretty crowded, but you can usually find a table somewhere. Also if you do carry out they can sometimes "not answer the phone for long periods of time" however their pizza is good enough to justify driving over and ordering and waiting at the restaurant. The cook time is incredibly quick. Their cannoli is absolutely money. Finally their employees are really friendly. Seating is just benches inside for the most part so you'll probably have other people at your table. For some reason everyone's been really polite there so I haven't had to suffer through having obnoxious people right next to me. If you can't find a spot to park in the lot, it could mean a long walk, but I'd gladly take it every time.
(5)
EE T.

Authentic Neopolitan-style pizzas made in wood-burning ovens with fresh, delicious ingredients. The pizzaolos (pizza makers) hand toss the dough in a display kitchen at the back of the large, open restaurant. If you're looking for a romantic, candle-lit atmosphere with servers pouring your wine, don't go here. Decor is fluorescent lighting, bare-bones with communal wood tables and rat pack Italian music playing on the speakers. But, the pizzas are fantastic and it's a popular place with the Vandy medical crowd. On our visit, the pizzaolos offered to teach us the art of dough tossing and we had fun trying to duplicate their skills (we didn't succeed). Individual "Napoli" size pizzas were 12 inches or so and very filling. We also ordered cannoli which didn't disappoint and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. You order in the lobby, walk around the corner, seat yourself and then wait for your pizzas to be brought to you. Tip jars are located next to the cashier, but not listed as a line item on your credit card receipt. Be sure to tip as you will really appreciate the quality of your food. We would definitely come back here.
(5)
Nikki T.

Great pizza and service! Also loved the dough throwing in the kitchen! The pizza is a nice thin crust style and very tasty. Not overly cheesy or saucy. The ambiance is pretty fun but could be consider a little loud. Definitely not the place for a quite date. This would be a great place for a family gathering, a happy hour with friends, or a place to take the kids out for dinner. I did love that it was BYOB, which meant we could spend all our money on pizza and bring our own beer from home. However, there is a strict no shenanigans or tomfoolery rule....if you BYOB, you need to remain cool! I loved everything about this place!
(5)
Nalini M.

Yummy! Wish we had a location in the boro
(5)
David H.

As someone who loves pizza - along with every reasonable person on this earth - I was elated to find a 4.5 star pizza place within uber distance of my hotel. It did not disappoint. Eating the San Gennaro brought me back to the time I ate pizza in Naples, which I don't actually remember, but those are mere details. The tomatoes, peppers, and sausages triple teamed my taste buds, and the crust was chewy but not overly so. It was so good that I continued eating after my stomach told me not to, just for sheer enjoyment, which I've been told is the reason people eat in the first place. I definitely will give them the privilege of fleecing my company of $15 dollars for a small pizza again. It's well worth it.
(5)
Tom D.

Stopped in for lunch today. I went with the Lasagna pizza specialita', my fiancee ordered the Margherita D.O.P. Pizzas were good, we enjoyed them. The guy who had brought over our pizzas asked us if we wanted to try some cannoli filling -- we said, "yes, of course". Filling was very good, we didn't have any room for cannolis today, but would certainly order them during our next visit to DeSano Pizza Bakery. DeSano reminded us of one our favorite pizza places back in CT -- Pizza Marzano in Torrington, CT. Fresh ingredients, wholesome taste -- not your everyday common pizza.
(4)
Lisa H.

We found DeSano's through Yelp during a trip to Nashville. There is a reason for the high reviews - it's wonderful!! When you first walk in, you think it's just a take-out place with a few tables. But after ordering and turning the corner to the main dining area, you realize you've stumbled upon something really special! The open concept, bench seating, fully open kitchen, no plates, and pizza makers tossing dough in the air make it a dining experience. Oh! And there's the pizza - fresh and delicious and great combinations. If I lived in Nashville, this would be my "go to" place for pizza. Wonderful choice!!
(5)
Sara L.

good pizza in Nashville that's byo and open at night? yes, I'm a fan! I've been a few times and the atmosphere is good and its super fast, which is nice. mostly I've had the vegetarian pizzas. you order at the counter when you get in and they bring it out to you, at the large communal dining room. the food comes out quick, so if you can't immediately find a seat, give it a few minutes...my favorites are the margharita (yup, I'm boring when it comes to pizza) and the verdure. I'd really like to try the meat pizzas at some point, so I'll have to get back for that. The cannoli are also good, so try and save some room!!!
(4)
Kina L.

Man I am honestly 2 canoli's away from Diabetes. No joke. While my friends were trying to find parking for Two Bits(which was a horrible failure that resulted in having to pay the RIDICULOUS $10 parking fee across the street) , I noticed that Desano had a bakery and a market. Not knowing anything about Desano...but knowing that I cannot say no to desserts, I had said, "GOOD LUCK FINDING PARKING SUCKERS, I'll be across the street." Desano has 3-4 picnic tables outside. All were packed with people, pizza, and BYOB! I clarified the issue about BYOB with the employees. Due to people dragging in full size kegs.. they had to modify their policy. I thought it was just BYOwine... but apparently you can still bring in beer. However, they have to check it with your ID. Essentially to make sure your beer is not of the KEG variety. Completely fair I say. There was a small line when I went in. Waited maybe 5 minutes. Enough time to peruse their market selection. All their products are imported from Italy... particularly their ingredients to make their pizza. Pizza runs at ~$15/pop but WELLL worth it according to everyone in line. I only stopped by for their bakery goods, which I might add, is made fresh daily. Their canoli's are $4.25 each and rather small. Their biscotti is $1.50 each and SPOT SPOT ON. I had a chocolate chip one and it was incredible. It was like a thick butter cookie dipped in chocolate and blessed by Paula Deen. I ironically chowed down on this biscotti outside a building with BMI Scrawled across it. Hilarious right? Oh to make the story better... I also ordered a Tiramisu Gelato with it. I want to take a quick moment and gripe about this gelato. Was it delicious.. well YES. For sure. However, I don't know what system they use to make this gelato because the melting point was like... room air. It literally disintegrated right in front of me. I wouldn't mind if I was a sea anemone and ate via osmosis/absorption given that the gelato was all over me...but seriously. For ~$4... I was hoping some would get in my mouth (I know). I am going to have to stop by for pizza. But really this review could have simply been BYOB. Chalupa Batman Out.
(4)
Steve E.

Phenomenal. Pizzas are cooked in under 2 minutes in their imported volcanic rock ovens. Don't believe me? Ask to go back to the ovens. I did. That is one hot job. Bring your own wine, no corkage. Big time bonus. Our faves are the sausage and peppers which features peppadew peppers. Very uniques with sweetness and a touch of spice, and the Margherita really allows the simple ingredients to shine. A must for pizza lovers.
(5)
Kevin H.

Amazing! Margherita with pepperoni (closest thing to a "pepperoni pizza") very very similar to Grimaldi's (the pizza place under the Brooklyn bridge)
(5)
Nomar A.

The pizza is very good. Outrageously expensive but good. Atmosphere is odd at best. If I am paying this much for a pizza I would like a bit more on the "dining experience" side. The pie will keep me coming back, just not on a high frequency basis
(4)
David C.

My son and I had a free night while my wife was out of town so we got onto Yelp and searched for good pizza. Needless to say we went to DeSano and found it to be just as good as everyone said in the reivews. Got the Margeurita pizza, my son got a pure sugar Coke and we each got a cannoli for dessert. Planning to take my wife and her folks next week!
(5)
Greg B.

Great pizza and friendly service. We were from out of town and went by the other yelp reviews. Pizza is thin and light...not a heavy pizza. Kids got to watch the employees make the pizza and loved that. Serves Mexican coca cola.
(5)
Brandon W.

Really good pizza, best I've had in Nashville. Comes out fast, cool atmosphere and BYOB makes it even better. Will be a frequent visitor.
(5)
Bob G.

Wow! Visiting my mom in Nashville with my wife and looking for a fun place to go. The other reviews were quite positive so DeSano sounded like a good choice. Boy was it ever! We had the San Gennaro with the peppadew peppers. Really unique flavor. All my wife kept saying was,"this is is amazing". We will definitely go back next time in Nashville.
(5)
Rob P.

Excellent service, showed up with a party of 10. Manager saw our 6 kids and put us in the 'dough room!' Great food, wonderful place!
(5)
Mandy O.

Fantastic place! We came at a pretty slow time but the pizza came out fast and delicious. Everyone who worked there was so nice. Great space, and love the byob factor!
(5)
Sarah M.

Must try the peppadew margarita pizza!!! Beer selection is small. Family style seating. A little expensive, but well worth it!!
(4)
Katie M.

Yummy, yummy, YUMMY!!! This little slice of pizza Heaven was awesome! We stumbled upon it after reading some reviews, and we're sure glad we did! The unique venue of this restaurant was super casual, and you can BYOB which is a fun quirk! It was a great place for a family meal before heading downtown Nashville for the night. The staff were all wonderful, and definitely show that southern charm is still a real thing for us "northern folk." We shared the Bianca, the Diavalo, and another one with meat on it between 4 adults and had no problem finishing every last bite! We would go back in a heart beat!!
(5)
Joe G.

I stopped in yesterday and everyone was extremely friendly and helpful.
(5)
Maria A.

Never paid so much for a pizza that I couldn't customize. I asked for 2 toppings, and was told the best they could do was sell a Pre-selected version and for me to pick off what I don't like. Poor service when placing our order. Ended up with a cheese pizza. It was decent. Their crust is good. Not worth the money though....
(1)
Allison G.

I was excited to try DeSano for a co-worker's birthday but found the experience disappointing. I have a dairy allergy, usually no problem for this type of pizza place, but here I was required to pay a premium to have a pizza with no cheese. Instead of allowing me to order the Capricciosa with no cheese ($14) I was required to order the marinara with the toppings of the Capricciosa (minus the cheese). This came to $16. So basically, I had to pay more for less. If the pizza was spectacular, it wouldn't bother me but this pizza was very average; I would rate it lowest of all the wood burning pizza I've had outside of Italy. Overall, a disappointing and overpriced lunch.
(2)
Suavier Y.

Ordered the small Margherita. The pizza was undercooked. The dough lacked the oven spring you see in every picture on yelp and had some pieces of crust with raw dough. I sat and made eye contact with a couple employees for a few minutes. None came back. I ate what was done and left some behind.
(3)
David H.

Best pure Italiano pizza I've had in a long time!! Pizza takes just over 4 min in the wood fired oven!! Crust is by far the best!! Off the beaten path, great atmosphere as you watch the chefs make the pizza!!!
(5)
Stan S.

I believe this to be the best pizza in Nashville. Whereas I do also enjoy Bella Napoli and Mellow Mushroom, the pizza here is second to none. I have only dined here once and the atmosphere is sufficient for a pizzeria with tvs and a picknic table-type seating setup. Regardless if you dine in or pick it up, check this place out!
(5)
Mitchell D.

One of the best pizza places in Nashville. The diavola is amazing as is every other pizza on the mene. The open seating concept is great for a Friday night casual date or a group gathering - if you can get the space. Affordable, fast and delicious!
(5)
Lisa B.

I may not be as eloquent in expressing it as Wes B, but this place is spectacular. I dare say this is the best pizza in Nashville. Bold statement, I know. At least it's the best in this category - if you're looking for something Chicago style, etc, this may not be your jam. You order up front and then move to the back room to wait for the deliciousness. It's BYOB with big community tables for the most part. The seating area is open to the kitchen, which makes it hard to keep from openly drooling as you watch them craft your pie right in front of you. But don't blink, the pizzas are assembled quickly and cooked in 60 seconds in a blazing wood burning oven. This brings me to my next point - unless it's packed/a peek time, you get your food incredibly fast. We've ordered take out and once left with our pizza 5 minutes after ordering. Seriously. The ingredients are so fresh and wonderful that we usually keep it simple with the margherita - tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil, garlic - and sometimes add a meat. No need to get fancy with toppings when every ingredient is this good!
(5)
Lizzie L.

Please eat here. It's so delicious! You won't regret it. P.S. I said "Good for Groups" below. I wouldn't say it's good for large groups- maybe no more than 6? Be sure to bring your own beer/wine. :)
(5)
Erin F.

One of the best pies I've had since living in Italy. Very authentic. Mozzarella shipped in straight from Italy. If you want real Italian pizza in America, go here
(4)
Wynter F.

I do not understand the big hype for this place. Yes, it is good and fairly quick but it isn't the best pizza I've ever had. My family and I came in and ordered a pizza and then I ordered a traditional cannoli. We put our receipts out so the person going around with orders would see what numbers we had so he could deliver our pizza when it was ready. Our pizza came out within minutes of us sitting down. I, honestly, don't remember which one we ordered but like I said it was definitely good. Then, my cannoli came out. I was so excited to try it. I hurried and ate my pieces of pizza so I could get on my dessert. I let my mom take a bite and she said she didn't like it. I just thought maybe she was being weird. I took a little bite and immediately pushed it away from me. I did not like it one bit. Maybe I just don't like cannoli's? I've tried them before and never had a problem though. My sister benefitted from me not liking it as I gave it to her. I would come back if someone wanted to but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(3)
sam a.

Stupid good piZza. Really one of the best Italian style pizzas I have had stateside. Only drawback was the frat boy crowd "crushing natty ice " ... I guess you can byob.
(5)
Torrey R.

I am in love with this place and wish I lived closer. We stumbled upon it based on yelp reviews and they weren't wrong. They have byob (no kegs please) and the seating is long tables where often you will have multiple parties at one table. It makes for a casual atmosphere and a good hang out place. I loved how the kitchen isn't separated from the seating area so you can watch your pie being made. Speaking of pies, the one we had was amazing. I don't recall the name but it had grilled peppers, sausage, and buffalo mozz. I'm a bit of a pizza crust snob and this pizza passed with flying colors. Because it was in a wood burning oven, it was crunchy with those little burned spots that are delicious. I would go back here in a heartbeat...or maybe just a four hour drive.
(5)
Kat R.

Quick service and casual environment. My friends adore this place. I've only tried the Bianca pizza and while I enjoyed the charred crust, the garlic sauce was lacking. It seemed to be creamier than other Neapolitan pizza places and it definitely was not rich with garlic flavor. I recommend ordering a pizza without garlic sauce and adding on garlic as a topping.
(4)
James W.

I always hit this place when in Nashville .. Simply the best Neapolitan pizza in town and a casual atmosphere . It's byob but I personally think the prosecco they sell at the counter really compliments the pie
(4)
Jeremy M.

Wow. This place is legit. After a day of touring the town (read: breweries) we were really craving a 'za and happened to be near DeSano. We decided to give it a try and, holy crap, we were blown away. When we walked in and saw the wood-fired ovens and guys flipping dough around we knew we were in the right place. We ordered two pies for the four of us and ended up all preferring the Lasagna pizza. The flavors were amazing, the ingredients fresh, and the crust crisp and delicious. I personally loved every bite, especially with some of the spicy oil and other dipping items they have available. Seriously good stuff. Next time I'm in Nashville I think I'll have to make a point to stop here again, if for no other reason than to try some of the other menu items (their cannoli and biscotti look great too!). This place is the real deal and I would gladly go out of my way to stop here again.
(5)
Megan K.

Love this place! Unassuming building off West End that boasts big flavor and great service. I had lunch here with a colleague and we each destroyed a pie apiece. I believe I had a margherita--which was fantastic. Thin, crispy crust with lots of cheese and other toppings beautifully sprinkled atop. Lots of seating, pizzas come out on aluminum trays resemblant of an elementary school cafeteria experience... but the flavor far exceeds anything you'd get at school. ;) BYOB wine and beer. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jaime H.

Amazing pizza!! I always like to have ranch to dip my pizza in (yes, I'm def southern)! But no need here! Amazing taste. We got the Margherita pizza and added pepperoni. So yummy! Especially paired with a glass bottle coke & Stiegl Radler! :)
(5)
Tony O.

Parking was rough. The lot was small and there wasn't enough parking. Also as a first timer, I was confused by the bar v restaurant and where to order food etc. Other than that, my pizza was excellent. My wife and I shared a small which was enough food for us. It was fun seeing the pizzas come out of the oven and right to your table. It was speedy also. I have a new pizza place in Nashville
(4)
Dani R.

DeSano's is my favorite pizza joint in Nashville. Hands. Down. They have actual pizza ovens where the pies are made hot and fresh every time. The pizzas are thin crust, crunchy, and the toppings are amazing. I also love that they don't charge an uncorking fee. Bring a couple friends here with a bottle of wine and have a great night out! Favorite pizza: The Desano Try it, it is amazing!
(5)
Nicole C.

I'm from Atlanta, and as soon as I walked in I recognized this place to be exactly like Antico. I later looked it up, and realized it's the same owner. Everything is the same- from the ingredients, to the the wood-fired ovens, the dough-flipping kitchen setup, and even the logo. The only difference is the Nashville location might be a tad cheaper! The pizza was great! Dough is some of the best I've had and the flavor is amazing. During lunch time on a Saturday there was no wait. It was surprising that there were so little people there. We split the smaller pizza among 3 people, and it was so good I probably could have eaten an entire small on my own!
(5)
Jonathan B.

Atmosphere: Let's start with parking. Unless you eat at an off-time then be prepared to park in the street. There might be 20 spots in the lot the building is on. We can for dinner and circled around for about 10mins before we caught someone leaving and took their spot. I saw a manager out in the lot directing people to another lot they could use. Inside it's pretty plain. Really no fluff but they do have some pretty big TV's on the walls. It sort of reminds me of a family-style cafeteria. To clarify its not family style dining but it can be family style seating if they are at capacity. They have some seating outside as well. Food: We ordered our drinks and a Margherita pizza. The girlfriend is obcessed with Margherita pizza's having had it in Italy and she's yet to find one comparable. She says this was probably the best one she's had in Nashville. Having never been to Italy myself I can't compare the two but it was pretty great. I would agree its better than any of the other places I've been to in town that serve Margherita pizzas. They weren't stingy with the mozzarella, the basil wasn't overwhelming, and the sauce was great. Service: You walk in, they take your order, and you find a table yourself. They come out with your food, yell out your number, and bring it to you. Our food came out fairly quickly considering that it takes time to cook pizza. Overall: I'm definitely coming back. I would recommend off-hours to avoid a parking fiasco.
(4)
Randy T.

Tasty pizza with fresh toppings, cooked in ovens imported from Italy. If you're from Atlanta and have been to Antico's Pizza, this place is almost exactly identical. For those of you who haven't been there, DeSano Pizza Bakery is a restaurant where you will eat pizza in a large room that feels like a cafeteria. Pizza is cooked in one of three large ovens and served on a large tray. All of the cheese, sauce, and toppings are very fresh. Garlic and peppers can be picked up from a toppings bar next to where the chefs make the pizza. A few things different from Antico's. The crust at DeSano has significantly less char than the pizza at Antico's. I'm not a big fan of char on my pizza crust, so I appreciated this difference at DeSano. Also, the layout of the restaurant is a bit more open and brighter. You get almost the same experience, but DeSano feels less crowded than Antico's in Atlanta. Fun place and great pizza - definitely worth a try if you're in the Nashville area. Or if you're from Atlanta and are craving Antico's style pizza in Tennessee.
(5)
Brooks O.

This is a great place to get a nice, homemade pizza - - - my wife said it would have been nice if when you ordered water you didn't have to go up to this semi-water fountain looking thing - - I agree. Other than that, it was great.
(4)
M R.

Definitely the best pizza in Nashville. I've spent many summers in Italy, one in Naples, and this is the closest to real Italian pizza that you will find in the city. The tomato sauce is excellent, and I love the little area where you can make your own olive oil dipping sauce. The atmosphere is not very romantic or intimate (there are long tables so you are often sharing a table with fellow diners) so as another reviewer said it's great for groups.
(5)
Tara F.

This pizza is amazing! Our kids loved it too! We had the lasagna pizza followed by the most amazing pistachio & chocolate chip cannoli and can't forget salted caramel gelato. All so good! I can't wait to take another road trip in this direction, because we will always stop here!
(5)
Josh M.

Great place for a slice of traditional Italian pizza. It's enjoyable seeing they make it right in front of you and turns eating into an experience. The wood fire ovens are the centerpiece of the communal dining room and they get the pie out pretty quick. The drink options are a tad limited, but it is BYOB. We had the white pizza and can't wait to try the classic Margherita. Also had the caprese salad and didn't love it.
(4)
Jacob G.

Pizza is awesome. Looks like BYOB is no more, but they do have beer for purchase. You can still bring your own wine.
(5)
Tony S.

Think of Dewey's Pizza but only better! The pizza was amazing. But they are more than Dewey's pizza too.. I wish we had read some of the reviews about the BYOB before we went there. We just went in because of the high star reviews and we were walking by. I would recommend checking this place out!
(4)
John-Michael M.

Big FYI they don't start making your pizza until you pay for it. So if you call it in you have to give them your credit card info over the phone or if you're like me and paying cash you have to sit in their parking lot for 20 minutes while they make your pizza. The girls at the register aren't the nicest but the pizza is really good and I do like the fact that they open the box in front of you and ask if everything looks good.
(3)
Beth L.

I saw an ad in The Scene a few weeks ago, and could not figure out where this place was, so I looked at their website and sure enough, I had been driving right past it since it had opened. The review in this weeks Scene should help as well. I was also very intrigued by the 'Bakery' addition to their sign. I was very impressed to see them making Cannoli's as soon as we walked through the door. It could be very confusing when you first walk in, but the ladies in the front were extremely helpful and knowledgable. They explain everything on the menu as well as their fresh pastry items. The only dissapointment was not being able to add anything extra on the pizza we chose. No Substitutions!! The dining room was a lot larger than expected and the communal tables are great for large parties. The open kitchen was amazing, you felt like you were at a cooking school. The side table with 'make your own dipping sauce' is a very nice touch. The pizza was bigger than I expected, so I don't see an issue in the price. The dough was perfectly timed in the stone ovens, and came out with just enough chew and crispy crunch. I'll keep trying to add Pappadews to my Capricciosa pizza lol!! We'll definitely be bringing our friends back to try Desano's for themselves.
(4)
Kelly T.

Finally got the chance to eat here again last Saturday. We went with some friends and their two kids. This time we had the San Gennaro and the Margherita. We really liked the San Gennaro! It was our friends first time and they had nothing but good things to say about both. Their kids devoured most of the Margherita themselves. Just like our first visit the staff is super nice and the food comes out fast. Next visit I have to try one of the calzones. The people down from us got one and it looked very tasty. Go check out the place. I'm sure you'll like it.
(4)
Bret D.

This is true ITALIAN pizza baked in a 900 degree hardwood fired brick oven.I had the CAPRICCIOSA: Mushroom, artichoke, prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella which was plenty for two meals. Price is reasonable at $14 for all natural ingredients. What amazed me most is that the pizza was prepared and cooked in less than 10 minutes; I barely had time to look around. The crust is chewy and the flavors were excellent. You can also BYOB.
(4)
Joshua B.

I consider myself a pizza 'snob'. Many of the pizza places in Nashville have low quality ingredients and sometimes over processed. I've tried National Chain restaurants and local 'mom and pop' shops. None has ever blown me away. The only Notable exception being 'Pie in the Sky' - which I do actually enjoy quite a bit. When a new pizza place opens - I want to give it a shake-down. I inspect everything about the place and usually bring a bunch of friends along with me. Last week I was on here looking at the new local restaurants which had opened recently and I saw the name 'DeSano Pizza Bakery'. I said to myself "Pizza Bakery?' I saw the reviews and they were all glowing about how good the pizza was. But, they have been open less than a month at this point - surely the pizza can't be that good. I've had other pizza places in town making similar claims to what was being said about DeSano. I knew I had to check it out. So, I was able to convince my friends to go to DeSano last night. When you walk in the door it's a HUGE open area. You order your pizza from a menu up front, they give you a ticket and you wait for you pizza to arrive. I ordered the Diavola - which has Spicy sopressata, pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella. Wow - was it spicy! But it was oh-soooo-good. The crust has just the right amount of char on the underside (some people with wood fired ovens like too much char - which can over power the pie). There was some nice bubbling on the top too...and, did I mention that the pizzas were delivered in something like, 5 minutes? Yeah. They were FAST. But, when you have a deck temperature between 900-1000 degrees - it doesn't take long to cook. I can honestly say - this pizza snob is impressed. The food, the people working there, the huge pans these things are delivered on....and the fact that I'll have enough pizza for lunch today - well, I honestly couldn't ask for more. Yes, it was a little expensive. I got two drinks (a water and a diet coke) and after I paid for my pizza and everything - It was something like $27. But I can assure you - you have NEVER had a pizza like this in Nashville - or, dare I say, nearly anywhere else. Don't miss the spice/toppings in the second room near where they put the pies together. I made a garlic/olive oil dip for my crusts and sprinkled some cheese on top too. They also had some balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and red pepper so you can spice it up a little if you want. Although, honestly, mine was prefect just as it was. THIS is what pizza should taste like. Go visit, take some friends and enjoy. You won't regret it.
(5)
Mike J.

Nothing we can say about this place that others haven't said better. Take out is a breeze too, in and out with pizza in 5 minutes, no need to call ahead.
(5)
Vanessa L.

Great idea for a pizza joint. It's casual and trendy at the same time. Pizza was actually pretty perfect and the BYO policy makes this a totally affordable option. Note: Friday nights, expect a line out the door.
(4)
Rene S.

I live in New York and have had some pretty damn good pizza, but this was the best pizza I have ever! The ingredients were fresh, the quality was amazing and the service, prompt. We brought our own wine and beer and had a blast sitting at the family style dining high top tables. The San Gennaro pizza was my favorite, though the Lasagna pizza was a close second. Who would have imagined one of the highlights of a trip to Nashville would be pizza. It totally was.
(5)
Ben J.

Absolutely the best pizza in Nashville. I personally like it as much if not better than the best places in NYC.
(5)
Ed K.

Accept all the 5 star reviews here as truth. The best pizza for miles.
(5)
Elisha M.

Excellent food and even better people! The experience at DeSano's is part of the appeal. It is an extremely no frills place but the pizza is delicious and the service is incredible. You will not be disappointed if you eat here. I recommend the San Gennaro pizza. The flavor is out of this world.
(5)
Michael M.

I don't understand the hype here. I can see where it's got a lot of potential...maybe a bad night when I went. Pluses: Food is quick, it's BYOB, and it's cool that the tables are big and there's space for larger groups. The pizza was lacking that good slightly burnt flavor a Neopolitan pizza should have. Salads are small and overpriced. Maybe it was just a bad night; based on the other reviews, I'd have to think so.
(3)
Jodi A.

food is great but the service at the front and on the phone have much to be desired.
(3)
S P.

Amazing Italian-style pizza, great fast service, BYOB, lots of parking available, ample seating inside, and the best spicy peppers! Couldn't ask for more. It's my favorite pizza place in Nashville!
(5)
Vanessa P.

Fantastico! I've had pizza in Italy, NYC, San Fran, Chicago, well, you get the point and this spot is no slouch. The crust is great - thin and slightly burned by the wood fired oven - I was really excited to find this in Nashville. I think it is BYO and the seating is cool - long picnic tables in the same space as the ovens and chefs. Highly recommended!
(4)
Ben Z.

Heard about this place through a coworker.. He said it was the best pizza in Nashville.. Not that that's a terribly strong statement but still I felt it was worth checking out. I knew going in it was "neopolitan" style and that didn't do much as far as getting me there any quicker. I'd had neo-pizza before and while it was good, it never created any urgency for me to come back. It was always "fine".. So despite his reccomendation and all the VERY good reviews I'd seen I still went in with limited expectations... Needless to say, I was VERY pleased with the experience. Our pizza was EXCELLENT. From the toppings to the crust; everything had an obvious level of high quality. I'll admit I hesitated when I ordered our caprese salad at the counter and the lady pointed to a cooler behind us which is where they kept them. Would have been nice to know someone was slicing fresh tomatoes and mozz for what was a pretty small $6 salad.. However, I can't complain too much because it still really was pretty good. The people seemed really friendly too.. From the cashier, to the manager who walked from table to table making sure we were having a good time and enjoying our food, to the people making the pizza themselves.. There is a cool little spice-bar with salt/pepper/garlic etc. right by the people making the pizza which added to the atmosphere nicely... The only other downside would be that the menu is somewhat limited.. Pizza's, Calzone's and a few salads.. No apps, garlic bread.. That sort of thing.. I live at least 20 minutes outside of downtown Nashville, so I'd be lying if I said I was going to make it a point to make the drive just to experience Desano's again but if I'm ever in the area it will always be at the top of my list of choices to go.
(4)
Meitra A.

Wow! Really, really good pizza and a great carry out experience. We placed our order over the phone, and they didn't start baking our pizza until we got there. Perfect timing to enjoy an airplane sized wine bottle. We ordered the Diavlo and the Cappricciosa. Both had great flavor and great crust. The Diavlo punches just the right amount of heat. We will definitely return again and again.
(5)
Caroline B.

Pizza is terrific. Great atmosphere, friendly people! BYOB wine. Perfect for a large group!
(5)
Theresa B.

Scott out did him self with the simplicity of what makes food taste good ! not only would I go back but I would buy his concept...just sayin ....
(5)
Judy B.

I love all Bakeries. Usually I get cake, but since that wasn't an option, I tried the pizza. It was delicious. The dough was unbelievable - the wood charred crust was perfect. I love the pepperdius? on the San Gennaro! Ordering was easy, the people were nice and the food came in 5 minutes. A great place to eat when you have hungry kids. America needs more Bakeries!
(5)
Merry B.

Yes! This IS the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. Amazing and authentic, fired up fast in those infamous ovens, served simply without frills ... scrumptious ... do whatever it takes to get there! The service was warm and incredibly friendly ... made us feel like family. Save a tiny bit of room for gelato ... made fresh right there and completely delicious. The only caveat is the noise level, but what the heck - join 'em! It's loud and lively but worth it.
(5)
Forthe W.

DeSano Pizza Bakery is beyond stunning. Hands down, this was the best pizza I have tasted. The restaurant is actually located on the left side of the parking lot; the entrance on the right hand side is the bar. Note that they have ample free parking! You order at the counter present when you walk in and then dine in a room full of tables and pizza ovens just around the corner. The margherita pizza was so delicious. I added pepperoni and did not regret that one bit. The small pizza is almost too big for one person, but it would be hard to feel full if it was split between two. It was cooked just right and had the right balance of toppings...not too cheesy, not too saucy. Inside the dining room, they also have a station where you can make your own dipping sauce. I found this to be good on the crust as I finished each slice. I'm glad I don't live in Nashville as I would probably have some type of heart problems from eating pizza every day here. This place is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the visit.
(5)
Jonathan R.

Desano's is simply killer. My family and I love this place! It's BYOB, but of course, they have drinks available for purchase and an impressive wine list. But let's be real: you're here for some awesome pizza, and that's precisely what you'll find. Desano's is simply my favorite pizza place in town. I highly recommend getting the Desano pizza. It's delicious.
(5)
Mikaela Z.

Loved it. Totally loved it. Why? BETTER than Antico in Atlanta. Not very busy on a weekend. Easy to bring in our baby without much fuss. The gal behind the register was super helpful. The pizza was marvelous (got the pizza with artichokes, prosciutto and mozzarella). The serve yourself condiment area ensured that I didn't have to ask a waitress for more garlic 25 times...with her smelling my breath the whole time. Only downside is that the pizza is spendy. With ingredients imported from Italy sure, I get it, but this isn't a place I would ever frequent.
(4)
Michael W.

Pizza at its best with little to distract from the fantastic taste. A great vibe with some of the best pizza tossers in Nashville.
(4)
Chris M.

Yes yes yes this place is absolutely incredible. And, you can bring your own alcohol! They have little plastic cups on every table you can use for vino, and also a "bar" with lots of different oils and spices to put on your pizza or for dipping. The price for a large pie is a bit steep, but the fact you can BYOB makes it worth it. Parking is also a bit sparse which can be an necessary hassle.
(5)
Dane M.

I have been all over the US-- and you always hear about some great Pizza place each city has... So I wasnt too stoked about going to Desano... Then we walked in-- And I was in awe... This wasn't just a true Italian pizzaria, it was an Italian experience! The Ambience is very surreal. It's only a matter of time before this place blows up! Best pizza I have ever had... Hands down!!! & Heather at the Front of the house is very knowledgable & "easy on the eyes!" Go. You can thank me later!
(5)
Sarah S.

My family visited De Sano this past weekend after reading rave review after rave review. Simply put: I AGREE!!!!! Loved: The pizza (obviously) The CRUST- it was excellent excellent excellent. We ate the pizza, then saved the crust to dip in the complimentary olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The no frills layout - community seating, silverware/paper towels (neither is cheapy which may seem unimportant, but is appreciated), water cups, and a water fountain on the wall. It was fun seeing your pizza be made, eating right off the giant tray they serve it on, and not worrying that my toddler was being too loud or distracting. We finished off our lunch by sharing a canoli which was fresh made in front of our eyes (well the shell had been previously made, but they filled it and dressed with chocolate chips at the time of the order) taht was filled with cream with just the right amount of sweet and a refreshing hint of lemon. We'll definitely be back, bottle of wine in tow! Who DOESN'T want to take advantage of no fee BYOB? :)
(5)
Carolyn B.

This is my absolute favorite pizza in town - not only for the food, but the atmosphere. You can BYO wine, and enjoy watching your pizza being made. You can get oil, peppers and garlic for dipping in the back of the dining area too! So delish!
(5)
Tish F.

AH-MA-ZING! Best pizza I have had in a long time! The lasagna pizza was a great choice!
(5)
Chelsea L.

This place is so good!! It's just good ole pizza and that's that. They aren't trying to over do anything it's just classic good ole pizza. Also love the bring your own wine!
(5)
Megan C.

This place is so good! We go here every time we are in Nashville!
(4)
Stephanie Y.

I was craving pizza and as a New Yorker it is hard to effectively feed this craving. While this place is not NY style pizza, it is actually fabulous. The crust/dough is perfectly chewy and crispy at the same time. The toppings are perfectly distributed and not overwhelming. The space is incredibly open and clean. I loved that the kitchen was open and you could see how fresh the ingredients are. The staff was helpful and kind. I loved the picnic tables which would make it great for a group. I want to return with a ton of friends and order a bunch of pizzas to try and pass around. It is BYOB right now, which is nice because you can bring what you want and how much you want. It also helps to cut down on the price.
(5)
Jan S.

Our fave brick oven style pizza place in Nashville! It is so great to order a pizza and it arrive at your table almost by the time you sit down. You order/pay at the front register then turn a corner to find your seat at the picnic-style tables. Yes, it is a tad pricey, but there is no tipping AND you CAN bring your own wine and beer. But you CANNOT bring your own bottled soda, water, etc. Cups at table if you want to drink water from the drinking fountain. You are sitting in a room where the pizza makers/ovens are in clear view. It is a terrific energy. The pizza is fab, fab, fab. It is very thin, so if you have a big appetite get your own small (trust me on this one). There is a condiment table where you can get parm cheese, pepper, pepper flakes, and oil to bring back to your table. Parking can be tricky, as it is limited (like 10 spots) but there is a (paid parking) lot that is across. Very cool place to take first-timers with kids from out of town.
(5)
Susan S.

DeSano Pizza, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. #1 - BYOB (hey, it's nice to save some cash when dining out), #2 - Fast! (major plus when the husband is cranky and starving), #3 - Lively atmosphere (although some people might not love sitting close to strangers) #4 - The 'za - it's delicious, simple as that.
(5)
Lauren W.

I know I bitch and moan a lot about how there is no good pizza in Nashville, but after visiting Bella Nashville and now DeSano Pizza, I will eat my hat. Granted, they aren't New York style large flat greasy pies like I'm used to, but they sure do hit the spot. Located in an unassuming building off Demonbreun circle near the Off Broadway shoes, DeSano serves up old world style pizza without the fuss. DeSano has an interesting ordering system. When you enter you pick out your pizza at the counter and pay for it there. Then you walk to the back where there are big communal tables a la elementary school cafeteria and wait for the nice pizza guys to bring your food. The best part is the kitchen is totally open and you can watch the dough masters at work. And wafting through the dining room is the beautiful smell of baking crust, which emanates from the three old world wood-burning ovens at the back. Added bonuses- they serve San Pellegrino, AND they're totally BYOB, so plan to bring a nice bottle of wine or your favorite six pack. We ordred the Verdura which has broccoli rabe, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, garlic and mozzarella cheese flown in from Italy. This pie was absolute heaven. The imported cheese has the most amazing flavor and consistency, and the flavor of the wood-charred crust is just perfect. You can tell that they really care about the ingredients that go into their pies. They understand the simple rule that better the ingredients equals better food. If you are looking for really good pizza with a no-frills dining experience and the ability to bring your own bottle of wine, go to DeSano. I also think this place would be great for larger parties since everyone can pay for themselves from the get go and the tables are huge!
(4)
Melisa H.

Hands down the best pizza in Nashville! The atmosphere and customer service are AMAZING!
(5)
Alisha W.

Great find in Nashville! It is awesome being able to bring your own wine and beer instead of having to wait on drinks! The pizza was delicious and I lived how they make it right in front of you! The white pizza with fresh basil and mozzarella was so good. I wish they had a gluten free option for dough! We had a great time and will be back.
(4)
Jay H.

Just adding my five stars. I'm in town for a convention at MCC. If your staying anywhere near the convention center, its worth the walk for this pizza.
(5)
Andrea R.

Not entirely sure what the fuss is about. The crust was really good but I personally don't like the taste of the buffalo mozzarella. I ordered a Napoletana and enjoyed the sausage but the broccoli rabe was very bitter and tough. Go for toppings you know you'll love.
(3)
Stephanie C.

I had never heard of this place but my husband found it on the urban spoon website. We stopped by in the late afternoon on a Sunday, I'd say around 4:00. They were beginning their wind down for the day. We scored the last salad and ordered a small pizza with sausage and puppadew peppers. Apparently they only prepare so much food per day. When they run out, the doors are locked. I'd never had these peppers, but they were great... Very sweet with a little heat. I loved the pie. Thin, but not too crispy. Not too saucy - Just right. One salad and one small pie was enough to satiate us. Particularly for a late lunch. Had I been ravenous, a large pie (or two salads) would have been the better call. I would definitely hit this place up again. It's a great first stop before crawling the bars on Demonbruen. That's exactly what we did. We grabbed a slice and then headed over to Dan McGuinness for some Irish song and beer.
(4)
Dooner G.

This is the best pizza I've ever experienced! Ingredients flown in from Italy including flour and cheeses. The margherita with Italian sausage is my favorite so far. Since my first visit they've had their liquor license approved making it easier for an out-of-towner to enjoy a brew with one's pizza. The staff is friendly, fun and skilled at hand tossing and spinning the pizza dough in view of the diners. The wood fired brick ovens impart a flavor which can't be duplicated by the American conveyor belt ovens. The only thing wrong with this place is that hey don't have one in Greenville, SC.
(5)
Allen C.

I was looking for a good new place for pizza and DeSano was it. I went with a family of five and everyone loved it. I really like that you get to see them flip the dough and make the pizza. The kids got a big kick out of it. Dessert took longer than expected, but it was also excellent. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Meghan M.

Oh my gosh, the Margherita pizza covered with fresh chopped garlic. Pardon me while I wipe up the drool off my screen.
(5)
Emily C.

BYOB, fresh pizzas made to order - I love the atmosphere (cafeteria/sit down at your own picnic table) and with the kitchen oven in plain view as you watch your pizza cook and get delivered to your table, I wouldn't go anywhere else for my pizza.
(5)
Yanik C.

loved the pizza. fresh ingredients and hand made taste. really is worth every penny.
(5)
Eric H.

I might of had better pizza in my lifetime. But I can't remember when. Definitely stop here while in Nashville.
(5)
Grant W.

Desano Pizza is by far the best pizza place in Nashville. It has an incredible atmosphere that is very communal. As a patron, I feel like I am part of the experience. The process of making the pizzas is done right in front of your eyes. The employees are super hospitable and friendly, willing to talk to you and answer any questions. I feel like each pizza has a story, complete with toppings shipped in straight from Italy, to baked in an oven named after the Italian priest that blessed it. The San Gennaro is my favorite, with the peppadews making this pizza more unique than any I have found in Nashville. And did I mention that it's BYOB. Every pizza lover is Nashville must come eat here. Your taste buds will never be the same.
(5)
Nicole A.

First of all, I feel like this place was inappropriately advertised. This isn't a pizzeria; it's a bar that serves pizza. As for the pizza (I had the Margherita): sauce was good but didn't have enough garlic. The dough was flat and a bit soggy, but the taste was passable. They weren't fooling anyone with the mozzarella (no way was it real, way too salty). Nice try, but I'm afraid this New Jersey native has to give it a solid C. My husband and I wanted to share a 16" but they wouldn't do his toppings on only half. The only non alcoholic drinks they serve are bottled. I got a really weird look when I asked for a plate and was told they didn't have any. The bar tender/staff behind the counter sat around chatting the entire time we were there with the place less than half empty at 6. I was a bit astounded by that. It really strikes me as the sort of place that would have thrilled me at 20. Over priced hipster haven. I think I'll pass.
(2)
Tory S.

OMG delicious!! It's my first time in Nashville... just passing thru on the way to Alabama.. found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a try. So happy with my decision!!! I got the margarita... simple but SO yummy!!!!! My boyfriend got the lasagna and loved it equally... his words "ah it was amazing." I'll have to take his word for it I'm a vegetarian and I don't think I could give up my non meat eating ways even for amazing pizza :)
(5)
Amber J.

Best pizza ever! I especially liked the make your own dipping sauces. Be careful of the Diavola, it's extremely salty. I would recommend the Desano over the Diavola if you are looking for a pizza with meat.
(5)
Stephanie I.

Stumbled upon this place during a recent weekend trip to Nashville. We were hungry at 6pm (and our dinner reservations were not until 9:45pm later that night), so we needed something to tie us over til then. A quick yelp search of "Italian" in the area leads us right to DeSano...thanks again, Yelp! We had the Diavola pizza which was to die for. We made a pact to only eat 1 slice each (since we had dinner later in the evening), but before you know it...half the pizza was gone. Whoops. Worth every bite. GO!
(5)
KJ S.

We recently spent 3 weeks in Italy where we tried the "real deal" pizza at many pizzerias we scoped out ahead of time through research and recommendation. We had some AMAZING pie! But - I am not kidding when I say that this place is seriously better than ANY place we tried in Italy with the exception of Cafe Italiano in Florence... It may even be a tie. I am SO impressed. It is about $20 for a pizza big enough to feed 3 adults. Twice the price of others but 10 times better. Some things are just worth it. Can't believe we have this in Nashville. Bravo! Awesome food and very comfortable atmosphere. Will try not to go every day.
(5)
Josh K.

This is not a NY pizza. It is not any form of american pizza. It is Neapolitan so basically exactly what you would get in Italy. It is some of the best pizza in the Country in my opinion and knocks the socks off of anything in town. It is well worth the 20 dollars per pizza. It can easily feed 3 people so if you think its expensive its because you're trying to eat it yourself, which I advise you not to. Get The San Gerrano or anything that has the ricotta cheese on it. The ricotta cheese is out of this world. Also get some cannoli's they are filled daily and absolutely delicious.
(5)
tron d.

I dipped in to Desano's with no expectations just hungry for lunch. I was in sticker shock on prices for a calzone. I originally was going to only give this place 3* because of the high prices but the food is just too darn good. The cheeses are all fresh and have distinctive flavors letting you know that Papa John's uses fresh ingredients but these guys use REAL ingredients. Dough=amazing, and I love the oil bar you can visit to grab olive oils, fresh pepper, oregano, Parmesan, etc. Great casual date spot!
(4)
Johny A.

pizza is HORRIBLE , sauce is watered down and tasteless , to add they only add a SMALL amount of sauce almost nothing , the cheese is tasteless , seems like they add shredded cheese " you can see the shredded cheese " ... The Dough is as thin as a dime " literally " making the pizza sloppy n fold down once you grab a slice.... Best part of the pizza was the pepperoni lol smh , oooo and their prices GOD LORD ... Small pie $15 O_o " I'm from ny , and NO ONE charges $15 for no damm small pepperoni pie " smh
(1)
Richard R.

When you walk in, the place definitely has a new Nashville restaurant vibe, which I really like. REALLY friendly cashier. It's one of those places where you have to order at the register and have food delivered to the table. We ordered a pizza and salads, and being a pain in the ass, asked for certain things not to be in a salad we wanted to share. We were informed that the salads are pre made and we pick it up at a refrigerator behind us. OK. I would prefer a freshly made salad, but that's fine. We asked for a plate to split the salad and she said "just take the top off and you can use that to split the salad. Easy enough. We walk past the entrance into the dining area and it was mostly long, wooden shared tables. No individual tabels. The group dining experience isn't really my thing, unless we are with our own group. It seems to be a big Nashville schtick. There was some sort of beer tasting event going on, so we took the one table that was open and waited for our food. I put the dressing on the salad, mixed it up, then tried to take the to off of the plastic container. OMG I was fighting with this thing. I had to pull out a plastic knife (they don't have silverware at this place), and try and SAW through the plastic hinge that held the top and bottom together. I went through 3 knives. The salad turned out to be really good. One of the guys from the beer tasting comes over and introduces himself to us. He organizes the event and turned out to be a really nice guy.If I lived in Nashville and drank beer, I would go to one of his events. The pizza was GREAT. DELICIOUS! ALMOST as good as pizza in Brooklyn and Italy! I would give the pizza 4 1/2 stars for sure.
(4)
Cathy M.

Wow, why did I wait so long to go here?! REAL Italian pizza made with authentic products. Love. Now, if they just had some real Italians making the pies and as eye candy. :-)
(5)
Dan D.

I have a lot of love for DeSano. It's now my favorite pizza on the west side of the river. We (my family) tried it this afternoon, right after work at 6:00. It was only moderately busy so we had a chance to figure things out. We were a little clueless about how the system worked, but the employees were very nice, patient, and gave my 16-month old a lot of well-received attention. That's not what I expected because DeSano's menu and website give off a high-falutin' vibe (the salt is from the Mediterranean and the flour is imported, etc). When you first walk in, there are two registers where you place your order. There's plenty of room to grab a menu and take a long look off to the side. There's a wide variety of bottled drinks, or you can BYOB. After you order, there are several sets of bench-style seating (think Hattie Bs and Burger Up). The tables have buckets of plastic utensils and rolls of paper towels. The oven area is wide-open, and at the little bar area in front there's an assortment of spices, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil from which you can make a concoction to dip your crust in. The pizza is brought out on wax paper in a metal pan. One pizza was perfect for myself and my wife. We have moderate appetites. If you're a big eater you might want to consider getting salad or getting two pizzas and taking some back home. As other reviews have mentioned, the pizza comes out super-quick because it's cooked in volcanic rock ovens at ~900F. This makes it a great choice for a business lunch. The only slight downside to this is that a few tiny bubbles at the edge of your crust get charred. If you try to avoid eating charred things, a quick brush with the knife knocks the paper-thin burnt crust right off. The pizza itself is fantastic. The ingredients are super high-quality. The crust is average thickness, and you can really taste the freshness. The sauce is slightly sweet but also savory, and the pizza has wonderful cheese but not an abundance of it. For me it was the perfect balance. It's also not greasy. I would say this pizza is pretty similar to Five Points on the east side, and these two places are neck-and-neck for my overall favorite.
(5)
Bridget S.

Oh Oh Oh. I am a pizza snob. I love a good pizza but Nashville is lacking as far as good pizza places. We stopped by after a long day of shopping, this is close to our home, and we were pleasantly surprised. All natural ingredients and so yummie. We had the Diavola and my hubby and I were amazed. Fresh, great crust and authentic toppings. This will be our go to pizza place. The atmosphere is inviting and family style.
(5)
Shawny M.

One of the best pizzas I have ever had. This place is amazing. The pizza is made on a large open oven made fresh in front of you. You can taste the quality in the entire pie. The can plies are also really delicious. Can't go wrong at DeSano's!
(5)
Dagan B.

One of those cases where once they are popular they lose the passion of being the best and relax. Still really good pizza just not amazing anymore.
(4)
Josh T.

Amazing!!!!!!! Best pizza this side of the Atlantic. Nothing more to say, I'm not supposed to talk with my mouth full.
(5)
Tamera C.

So I have actually never gone a place that is BYOB. I came to yelp and read the reviews to prepare. But I still didn't know what to expect. I even tweeted asking if I need to bring my own wine glass and if I could just bring a flask. You can BYOB beer and wine for sure. There is a pile of wine openers on the counter next to the pizza condiments and under the counter there is a bottle opener. There are stacks of small plastic glasses at the end of the table. Think old school punch cups. There is also a water fountain available. As one guy said in his review they don't have ice. So if you have some beers you want to keep cold might want to carry them in a mini cooler. (that was a helpful review in my opinion) It is warm in there, I mean there are 3 giant pizza ovens in that room. Plan accordingly. Since I was unsure of the situation and prefer not to drink wine out of Dixie cups I tossed a few of my Govino wine glasses in my bag. BRILLIANT! So it is all large community tables and the pizzas are brought out on full sheet trays. So if you have a larger group you might want to plan ahead and get there early or be patient. It is a bit on the loud side so if someone is sensitive to "busy" and loud you might want to get yours to go. You place your order at a counter in the front and walk around the corner to the kitchen and eating area. Yes you can see them preparing you pizza from your seat. They come around with the items (as they come up) and yell out your number. Better be paying attention! The pizza was really good. Our group had 4 different pizzas. I ordered the margarita as I feel it is a good way to judge how good pizza is, I mean if you only get 4 ingredients then you better do them well. It was really good there was fresh basil on the pizza but no tomato slices. The lasagna pizza was a later purchase and it too was really tasty. They have a nice dough and a good sauce. Several in our group got up and got a cannoli or gelato. Those looked yummy. I however did not try one but when the runner was bringing one around and no one claimed it she did stop and show it to me. I can really see how the self ordering and only having food runners would keep cost low. I would go there again, but I live 45+ south of town and probably won't make that kind of drive just to have pizza. I might see if I can talk my co-workers into driving there for lunch! This would be a fun change of pace.
(4)
Lisa E.

Great pizza and a friendly BYOW approach is a home run in my book! The pizzas are great across the board. Make sure you note small or large when ordering as they assumed we wanted large when my sister ordered and we really wanted smalls since we were sharing multiple pizzas. Feel free to help yourself to tomato sauce for dipping along with cheese/hot peppers available near the cooks. I love the place for supporting bringing in your own wine and they seem to be one of the only places that doesn't snub you for doing so. We have been told to get there before 6:30pm to avoid the biggest crowds which we have done. They do sell some great Italian products yet you can do much better at Lazzaroli pasta in Germantown. I highly recommend DeSano!
(5)
Jacob M.

Amazing place. Employees love their job and it shows. Pizza may have been the best I have ever had. Stay with a couple locations, max, guys!
(5)
Jenny W.

Very good pizza! There was a little bit of a wait because an oven was not working but still worth the wait! The olive oil dip you can mix yourself is a nice, yummy added touch!
(5)
John T.

I gave 4 stars here for the same reason I gave it to 312 pizza. No fountain drinks. If your a beer drinker you have your choices and you expect to pay by the bottle but I drink a lot of soda. That being said this place is one of the best pizza places in middle Tennesse that I have found. You can get fresh graded parmesan cheese, and minced garlic to put on you pizza when it comes to your table. The selection for everyone is great. Two of our party are vegetarian and they found plenty of pizza options to choose from. If your in town and wanting a good fire oven roasted pizza this is the place to go, but come early because they only make so much dough per day and once it is gone, there is no more pizza and they close.
(4)
Grant C.

Quick update!!!! Pizza, service, ambiance, and atmosphere is still great!!!!! However, DeSano is no longer BYOBeer. DeSano is now only BYOWine!!!! That is fine by me. They still sell beer. You can always run over to Midtown Wine & Spirits and grab a nice bottle of vino before you have terrific pizza and cannolis!!!!
(5)
Kristina L.

Fortunately my office is within walking distance of this jewel in the pizza crown. Even more fortuitous is that my co-workers do not mind taking a stroll here every couple of weeks for a pie or two. In my opinion a pizza joint has to be able to make a great Margherita pizza before it can venture on to other toppings. I mean if you cannot get tomato sauce and cheese correctly what are you going to do with other ingredients? DeSano has this mastered. In fact they should teach classes to others. The Margherita here has the perfect balance of San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil and garlic. The way the crust ever so gently blisters and chars is transcendent. It is a pizza that should be served by unicorns whilst I sit upon a rainbow.... In other words, pizza this faultless and flawless is rare. It is so humble and yet so wondrous. It should be exalted. The Diavola with spicy salame, pepperoni, calabrian peppers and buffalo mozzarella is also a delight. As is the Capricciosa with mushroom, artichoke, prosciutto, garlic and buffalo mozzarella. These are the only three I have had thus far. If I could ever wean myself from the delectable Margherita I may be willing to try even more. But why mess with perfection? I am a devoted enthusiast. I love the dipping station where I can mix up olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper and parmesan to dip my crust into. I stared with a lustful eye at the gelato and cannoli selection but yet I was too full to sample any..... Yet.....
(5)
Rory P.

When I next visit Nashville, DeSano's will be one of my first stops. Authentic, high quality ingredients prepared and cooked to a simple, yet magnificent, perfection. As if that alone wasn't enough to warrant a visit... DeSano's is totally affordable, pretty quick, very relaxed, and have a BYOB/W policy (bring your own beer/wine) (that means for 'no corkage fee' for anyone who didn't attend college parties). VERY cool. spot. Could not recommend this place more highly.
(5)
James M.

This is the best pizza I've had. Anywhere. I've had pizza at a number of the great spots in NYC, Antico in Atlanta, and many many other spots in between. This place is so incredible. I usually come here to get the Napoletana although everything else Desano makes has been delicious. It comes out of the fancy-looking pizza ovens piping hot in just a few minutes and into my belly not long after that. The Napoletana has mozzarella, broccoli rabe, and sausage. It sounds so simple but the saltiness of the sausage plays off of the garlicky broccoli rabe and creamy mozzarella on a perfectly crisp crust. You want this pizza. Go now, take a bottle of wine, and have fun.
(5)
Tim G.

Some of the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. They stay open until they run out of cough. I love the Blanca pizza. Beware, though, they do not allow any alterations to the pizzas. It also is a bring your own wine / drinks!
(5)
Nickie G.

I've been here a few times for lunch now so I feel that I've made my mind up about it and I've decided that yes, it is really, really good. So you walk in and check out the menu on the board. There aren't substitutions, you have to eat that pizza the way they make it. But trust me that it is good and you need to eat it the way they make it. They fly in the ingredients from freakin' Italy. It is Napoletana pizza with a few quality ingredients, not 100000 ingredients that you pick at Pizza Hut or something. So go with it. While you are deciding, there is a cooler behind you that houses cokes and also pre-prepared salads. I usually get the spinach salad which is small and perfectly sized. Take these up to the counter, order your pizza, and pay for all of it. Then you will receive a ticket with a number on it. Hang on to that as that's how they know which pizza to give you! When you get in the seating area you will see long picnic tables for seating. If it is really packed you are going to have a hard time finding a place to sit since it isn't that big. The kitchen is open and you can see them twirling the dough and making your pizza. Walk up there so you can get some crushed red pepper and some fresh crushed garlic as well as some parmesan and some chili oil. They have little plastic cups you can fill up and take back to your table for tricking out your pizza. The pizza itself is really good. I am not usually a huge pizza fan but these pizzas are legit. Crust is nice and thin, the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. I prefer the Margherita or the Diavola (pepperoni and salami - mmmm so rich!) but I suspect all are delicious. I'd go more often and try everything if it wouldn't totally bust the diet! You must go and try this pizza. It is the way I always imagine pizza is going to taste yet it never does. Well, it never does unless I come here.
(5)
Ryan S.

I ordered 25 minutes in advance of my party arriving. They cooked my pie in five minutes. DeSano's willingly offered to make a fresh one on the house. Above and beyond customer service! First time learning curve.
(5)
Candice S.

First, I must say the food was fantastic. It was one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten, and I have eaten a lot of pizza. We went on a Thursday evening. It was not crowded, but there were a lot of parties going on. This made the ordering process a little awkward, but seriously, go here. You won't regret it.
(5)
Patrick C.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. The pizza and service is excellent and remains consistent with every visit. I would recommend for a casual and quick dining experience. The prices are reasonable. FYI, I was there on 11/9/2014 and they stopped doing BYOB. They have a good beer and wine selection.
(5)
BJ B.

Let me start of by saying that I consider myself somewhat of a pizza connoisseur. I've had pizza everywhere from Chicago, New York, New Jersey, to multiple towns in Italy. With that said, this might be one of the best pizza's I've ever eaten. The crust is light and crisp, the sauce flavorful, and toppings taste fresh. This place is an absolute must if you're in Nashville and craving a good pie!!
(5)
Tracy B.

Last night, six of us went to Desano Pizza for our monthly Wine Club/birthday party get together - and it was awesome! I was the host and needed a place that would let me bring wine - or, for this particular event, sangria. I confirmed ahead of time that sangria would be okay; I knew about the 'no beer' rule already. What I wasn't told is that there's to be no coolers brought in and no hard liquor in the sangrias. The cooler went back to the car, so no harm, no foul. I had also wanted a relatively separate room for our little party; the Dough Room is just that, though it was a touch warm with the door closed. Once I ordered the pizzas, they came out quickly and were huge! Yay! Best of all: they were delicious. :) So were the sangrias, but, hey, I already knew they'd be awesome. We had five pizzas plus the Nutella dessert pizza and, thanks to the generosity of Jack, the manager, a few canolis - which were fantastic! The staff was wonderful; Jack gave us a quick tour of the place to show us the new barroom. All in all, Desano Pizza's helped make my Wine Club event rock!
(5)
Shelby N.

Best and most authentic Pizza in Nashville! And who can resist nutella pizza?
(4)
Shelta H.

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(4)
Todd G.

Another 5 Star review for DeSano. I do love this place. They serve a more traditional style pizza...and of this style they are HANDS DOWN the best in town at doing so. I am a vegetarian and have only tried the vegetarian offerings but all are top notch. I also must say that the service at DeSano is the quickest in town. I can't think of another restaurant period that gets you food as fast. DeSano is definitely in my heavy pizza rotation..... and added to list of Nashville's top 5 pizza joints... Manny's. NY Pie, DeSano, Knead Dough and Pizza Perfect. I am not so much a fan of the "Welcome to CiCi's" style italian greetings that you get upon entering and leaving.... they always seem so...."my boss tells me to do this"... but definitely one of the best Pizza's in town.
(5)
Jill A.

The most important thing is that the pizza was fantastic. Simple, fresh ingredients baked just right. I would recommend this place to people looking for real pizza. Fresh garlic and parmesan are highlights from the dipping bar. The cannoli was great too. Try the pistachio; it has a lemon filling. This place doesn't need frills because they have a solid product. Plenty of vegetarian options too! All the other stuff is bonus: the staff was attentive and helpful and the interior was clean and simple yet cozy. Pizza came out within 5 minutes.
(5)
Bob S.

I can not tell you how happy I was to learn last night that Antico pizza from Atlanta open this place in Nashville. I been to Antico several times and try to go every time I am in Atlanta. Now I can get great Italian pizza in Nashville. When my son told me, I said are we going tomorrow night!! We were there and not disappointed one bit. If you want NY pizza then you do not understand good pizza. My experience with Italian pizza came from a trip to Italy in 2003. If you been there then you will understand what you are getting at DeSano. This was just as good as Antico in Atlanta, The double 00 flour pizza dough, the quality tomato, the buffalo mozzarella cheese and the Italian meats are number one. Dont forget the wood burning ovens from Italy. Sorry Mr. NY you done the art of Italian pizza a dis-service. NYC does not come close. Nashville, this is a keeper.... This is the best pizza in town.
(5)
S M.

Fantastic and delicious fresh pizza in a fun space. Just opened a couple of months ago and we went there based on the few but great yelp reviews which are all well-founded. It's a casual, open space with communal seating. We went with a group of 10 on a Saturday night and sat ourselves comfortably. Selection of pizzas is great including several vegetarian options. Ingredients are fresh and the pizzas come out on long baking sheets that add to the fun of the communal dining experience. Kudos for stepping up the selection of drinks in town to include mexican coke and pellegrino sodas. Staff is genuinely superfriendly from start to finish including coming by after our meal to see how we enjoyed it. Love the vibe--it's a great new addition to Nashville's dining scene.
(5)
Crawmama C.

Very delicious pizza. The place was a little hard to find initially - which might be why it wasn't as busy as we expected on a Friday night. Also, though the atmosphere is not exactly cozy, I'd recommend staying there to eat so you can eat the pizza as fresh as possible (it was cold by the time we got home). It will probably seem a lot less bare when they start getting busier. Definitely worth the money for the high quality ingredients, even though it is a little expensive. We tried the Margherita and the Bianca, and both were wonderful - the Bianca was super rich. I will be back soon to try some of their other pizzas.
(5)
Joe V.

When you go on vacation you try and have each meal at a different restaurant, well we came back twice because the pizza here is WORLD CLASS! Award winning, mind blowing, pizza that will take your breath away! Having been born and raised in NY eating the pizza of one of the two men who brought pizza to the U.S., he would be proud of this pizza!! Fresh mozzarella, fresh sauce, hand tossed dough cooked in wood burning ovens. Simple ingredients that make this one of the best pizzas I have had in the past 2 decades. Visiting Nashville? FIND THIS PLACE!!
(5)
JD C.

This is the place to go for pizza in Nashville, and everyone has basically already raved about the pizza, so I'll just address a few important points. Expensive? What the hell are people talking about? I can go in here with my wife and buy one pizza and feed both of us for $20.00. I guess since they don't have 8 different dough-based side dishes (crazy stix, crazy sweet stix, crazy cheese stix, etc.) to pad their revenue stream, and since they import all of their ingredients from Italy, they must have to charge a couple more bucks. Still super cheap, and since its BYOB and an easy walk from the Broadway bars its an amazing deal and a great place to get some dinner with a group pre-bar. Another thing to point out is that its a great place for vegetarians. At most pizza places, you get about 4 vegetarian toppings, but here they have one of the best most extensive selections of vegetable toppings anywhere outside of Naples. Not necessarily vegan-friendly but if you can deal with cheese this place is great. Takeout takes literally 5 minutes from order to getting back into my car, so its faster than most "fast food" places. They also have vacuum packed pizzas in the cold case that you can take and bake at home. Finally, its a great place to take kids, and every time I've gone there have been multiple families. And, if your kids are older I'm sure they'd love watching the pizza guys throw dough.
(5)
Amy V.

I visited DeSano's last night for a late dinner after a movie in Green Hills. This location is not where I would expect to go for dinner, but it was easy to get to and there was plenty of parking. The lady at the counter was extremely helpful and explained how to order and where to sit. We ordered the San Gennaro and it came to our table within five minutes of sitting down. The pizza was the perfect temperate, crisp yet chewy, and served on a large jelly roll pan. The seating is community style in a big room with a full view of the ovens. While the seating arrangement, complete with a roll of paper towels and a bucket of cutlery, reminded me of picking crabs on the Eastern Shore, it ended up being an efficient way to eat. I look forward to going back and trying more things on the menu, including the cannolis. I would also definitely consider the carry-out option too. Next time I go, I would definitely BYOB as the wine options (especially by the glass) are limited and not the ones I usually care for.
(5)
Dana C.

Don't believe them when they tell you that you can order it ahead of time and they'll have it ready. THAT means that they cook it as soon as you order it, and you get to pick up a cold pizza. If I'm going to pay $25 for a pizza, it had better be hot. The gal at the counter looked very worried when I picked up the pizza, but didn't say anything; she knew it was cold, but Desano's got away with it because I was in a hurry. They taste great, so don't avoid them for this reason; just be warned and don't let them get away with it.
(2)
Spencer H.

Went there last night - Best pizza in Nashville! All there pizzas are artisan pizzas with no substitutes, but there is definitely one pizza for everyone. I tried the Pomodorini which was delicious, and my friend equally enjoyed the Bianca. The ambiance is actually really cool for a pseudo-fast food place, you can see the guys cooking your pizza. Additionally, I tried the Pistachio which was incredible as well! If you're in Nashville and looking for some great pizza, look no further!
(5)
Kyle W.

On our way through back to minnesota and we stopped here. Great pizza, great atmosphere and fun place! Really reminds me of true Italian pizza and also Punch Pizza in MN.
(5)
Crystal C.

Amazing pizza & the "show" wasn't bad either ;) Was our first time but it won't be our last
(5)
Kim F.

Couldn't wait to try this place and it did not disappoint. My husband and I dined at Desano's on a Sunday night before heading down to Broadway for a night of debauchery. This proved to be a great strategy. We were greeted by friendly staff upon entering and decided quickly on a margherita pizza and a Lasagna pizza. Both were 11 inches, so we knew we would be full...stuffed...upon leaving. I was elated to see a "toppings bar" of sorts by the ovens. I made use of the fresh garlic, oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese by combining them into a flavor packed paste. The pizzas came out perfectly baked and piping hot. I added my topping generously...maybe too generously and devoured most of my pie. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his lasagna pie. I wish we lived in Nashville so we could enjoy this place on the regular. Excellent pizza and a must do for a base layer before heading down to Broadway.
(5)
Tracey H.

The atmosphere is so great! It's BYOB, you can watch them hand toss the dough and make the pizzas, and all of the workers are incredibly nice and polite. The wait for freshly made pizza was much shorter than I expected it to be, and there was a lot of space for large groups. My friend and I shared a Capricciosa, which was good, but our other friend's Diavola was even better! I'm definitely going to try something with a little more kick next time I go!
(4)
N M.

Really great and delicious wood fired pizza. This place easily is my favorite place to eat at when in Nashville. My bf and I were new comers and were intimidated by how packed it was on a Friday night, but we eventually found seats by the time our pizza arrived. They also have glass coca cola bottles and sauces and Parmesan by the ovens where you can watch the workers prepare the pizza (bonus!). Definitely try this place if you want delicious pizza!
(5)
Chandler C.

Awesome Italian style pizza. I normally get the San Genaro but I have never had one of their pizzas that wasn't terrific. Out of the 10 or so people that I have convinced to try Desanos, every single one of them loved it.
(5)
Melissa R.

The whole concept is very customer friendly. The service was great. They had 1/2 liter glass bottles of Coca Cola, I shared one with my hubs. You get to watch the pizza being made and the pizza is from heaven. It's from heaven. It's got to be made by cherubs in heaven. We had a large San Gennaro and wow. The sausage, the cheese, these sweet pepper type things that turn a bit warm in your mouth, and the crust. All I can say is I love this pizza. I want more. Everyday for every meal, so I will have to commit to running there from my home in order to not become 300lbs of pizza loving happiness.
(5)
Pam R.

Best pizza in town, and especially love the San Gennaro! This is a fun place to go with a group.
(5)
Brian C.

Yup, this place is awesome. Great pizza, and quick. The crust is a perfect thickness, the toppings are fresh, and there is a variety of different pizza options. The sausage was fantastic. Lots of space for families and large gatherings.
(5)
Leah J.

I'm always looking for "The Best of Nashville" Visiting a few restaurants before deciding who is truly the best. Well 1 visit to DeSanos and you won't want to eat pizza any where else! This place has great pizza and atmosphere! However, this most recent visit was truly spectacular! The manager stopped by our table and noticed my friend filming the chefs throw dough. He went into the kitchen and had them put on an awesome show for us. Check out the video. The entire staff was so nice and went above and beyond. Great food and great service. You can't ask for anything more.
(5)
Paul D.

Went here with 3 other friends and had an awesome time. One of the stoves was offline due to a fire but the longer than normal wait time wasn't an issue at all. The Chefs were entertaining and engaging in pizza dough acrobatics and of course it's a BYOW so the wine was flowing and the general ambiance was so friendly we even ended up with 2 more bottles from nearby tables. The pizza of course was delicious and I definitely recommend going for the larger sizes. Would definitely recommend this place anytime of the week.
(5)
AndrÃ©s R.

I have been twice to this place in less than a month. Not only the pizzas are absolutely fantastic, but also the ambience of the restaurant it's great. Their new section is awesome for having dinner with friends. About the actual product, the pizzas, they have one that it's called San Gennaro. I've been to Italy a couple of times, and that pizza is definitely one of the best I have had in my life. Both the combination of ingredients they add and the quality are outstanding. From the moment you walk in, you notice that they care about the product they offer. Everything is clean, neat, well design. Please keep up the good work.
(5)
Katie B.

Big open napolitano pizza joint. I love how this place is wide open, like you basically eat in the kitchen. The pizza was good, albeit a little oily. Still quite tasty.
(4)
Agnes T.

This place is amazing! Fresh ingredients make these pizzas absolutely delicious! Friendly staff and great atmosphere where you can watch your food being made in the open kitchen. When your pizza-makers are speaking Italian, you know it's authentic. Love it at Desano!!!!
(5)
Wade W.

Good, not $15 good. Tried it today based on reviews here and was disappointed. For $15 for an 11 inch pizza, I expected it to knock my socks off and it just didn't. Service was very good, many compliments there. My quest for really good pizza at a really good price continues. I don't know--maybe that is a mutually exclusive goal.
(3)
Jessica M.

DeSano's makes the best pizza in Nashville, hands down. I've come here a few times and have never been disappointed! They import a lot from Italy, which gives their pizzas a very authentic taste. They have wood-fired ovens and the kitchen is very open, so you can watch your pizza being made right in front of you. My favorite is the diavola pizza, which is one of the kinds of pizzas you dream about. It's topped with spicy salami and hot peppers, which give it a good amount of heat but not too much. The San Gennero pizza is incredible too. Most of their pizzas use buffalo mozzarella, which is always fresh and perfectly gooey. Don't forget to stop by the olive oil bar! They have it set up so that you can make yourself some delicious crust-dipping oil. Probably one of the coolest things about DeSano is their BYOB policy, so bring a bottle of wine or some beers! Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fun lunch or evening out.
(5)
Eckhard K.

THIS is great pizza. Italian style and delicious. Double delicious. Picked up a pie in the afternoon when nobody else was around. I like it when nobody else is around. No problems or significant notes about the process though I did like that you could make a little to-go of parmesan, red-pepper, garlic, or a few other things. I got the Diavola because of so many other rave reviews and it did not disappoint. In fact, it exceeded my already high expectation. Fairly spicy, not too bready, and perfectly cheesy. My new favorite. No delivery, but I forgive them. Nobody is perfect, but you're perfect for me DeSano. (though I'll probably still call little chicago when it's late and I'm drunk)
(5)
Jordan B.

Light but hearty. Great flavor. Very fast. On the expensive side, but I'd say you get what you pay for. Would definitely recommend! If I ever pass through Nashville again, I'll be back!
(4)
Amelia V.

My fav place for pizza. Brings me right back to Italy. The crust is perfectly charred and the ingredients are authentic. I live in the neighborhood, so I go often. At least once a month. Love that it's BYOB. Today, I walked over in the afternoon just to get one scoop of pistachio gelato. When the girl at the counter took my order, she told me they were "running low on pistachio". I asked if they were running low or totally out because I only wanted one scoop. Then she said there is more in the back but she would have to go to the freezer to get it. I told her I wasn't in a hurry and would be happy to wait. There was nobody else there at 4pm on a Sunday, anyhow. When she came back with the tub of gelato, she was struggling because it was so cold. Another customer suggested she put warm water on the spoon but that didn't help much either. She chiseled at the block of gelato for a few minutes but barely got a spoonful so she ended up going back to the tub that was "running low" (which I could see, still had about 6 scoops in there) and handed me a scoop of that. Don't know why she made such a big deal when she could have done that in the first place. I'll go to Legato Gelato from now on. They make theirs fresh daily.
(3)
Zach S.

Great pizza, not very good service. Didn't seem to pay much attention to waiting customers. One of them even got distracted by remaking desserts she put off helping waiting customers. Fortunately it was someone else, and I had already been helped or the stars would be lower. Anyways, I was impressed to find pizza so great in TN. Yes, I've had better, but not in TN. Edit: Have been several times since the first visit. The service provided by the cashiers is so bad I have to drop the rating from a 4 to a 2.
(2)
Emily A.

Yup, adding another 5 star review. THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!! Yes, it deserves the all caps double exclamation mark treatment. You go in and order your pizza at a counter. You aren't allow to change any toppings. You're thinking that's kind of snotty of them. Then you quickly realize it's because they know best and you're a fool who wants to mess with perfection. After you order you grab a spot at a communal table and less than 5 minutes later there's a smokin' hot ooey gooey delicious pizza in front of you on a baking sheet. Yes, less than 5 minutes. It's because they cook it in 1200F pizza oven for 90 seconds (I asked). Did I mention it's amazing? I'll do a crappy job describing so just go taste for yourself. It's BYOB wine and beer--not liquor. When we went there was someone who had brought in a bottle of jack and was drinking it with his pizza. Not ok, which the manager quickly told him (who brings jack?). If you order carry out from start to finish it's less than 10 minutes. Anyway, if you can't tell this quickly became my fav pizza place and Nashville and I suspect will stay that way.
(5)
Emily A.

Awesome that they're BYOB but they DON'T supply any ice for beer/cold wines (to chill the bottle/cans). You have to bring your own so don't forget it! Great pizza, awesome atmosphere but I had warm beer... I hope they get some ice soon :)
(4)
Hye Eun C.

DeSano is a great place for groups and is BYOW (Bring your own wine!) That is a win in my book. I've been here several times now, each time with 1 (or 2) bottles of wine in tow. Staff is friendly, service is fast, and the pizza is pretty good (My favorite so far is the San Gennaro). While I've never really been the person to go out for pizza specifically, this place is a solid exception. Desanos also sells rotating flavors of gelato and cannolis. I've tried both and am not a fan. The gelato is too sweet, and the cannoli fllingI tried tasted way too much like lemon curd. If you're a fan of lemon desserts, you might enjoy it though. My bf and I enjoy coming here for date nights since we don't have to spend an absurd amount for in-house wine or pay a corkage fee. The people dining in are pretty fun and are obviously enjoying the BYOW policy. This place gets quite crowded on weekends, and the parking lot is pretty limited. Not sure if there are close places to parallel park, but there is a paid lot right across from Desanos. Price is steep--$10. Overall, a very solid place that makes for a fun time.
(4)
Lauren L.

DeSano's is my favorite pizza in Nashville! You can tell by the quality of the food that they use great ingredients (especially the mozzarella). I love the Margherita D.O.P and the Desano pizza. The atmosphere is great, and this restaurant is definitely more fun in groups. (if you have a large party, call ahead and sometimes they can reserve a table for you). They used to be BYOB with wine and beer. Now its only bring your own WINE. - @gluttoneats -
(5)
Em F.

Hands down, the best pizza in Nashville! The parking lot is extremely small. If you aren't lucky enough to find a spot, you'll have to be okay with parking and walking. However, once you get inside, its completely worth it. On the day that my husband and I visited, I'm assuming they were short staffed. There was only one person up front which ended up being a true hassle. He had to juggle back and forth between angry carry-out customers dine-in customers. Despite that small obstacle, we ordered within a timely manner and the waiter was very nice. Their selection of pizza is pretty good. We tried an all meat pizza. It was easily some of the best pizza I have ever had. The dough or sauce is seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, and I found that to be a very nice touch. The crust is thin but not super crispy, and its very fresh. The meat is very high quality and the cheese melted in your mouth. The sauce is so fresh and well seasoned. Very hard to find someone who nail a marinara, but DeSano's does it. Their dining area is very interesting - its like a cafeteria hall. We shared our table with a couple and had nice conversation. They have a great selection of oils, herbs, and cheeses to add to your pizza at the condiment bar. Spent about $25 and had two meals out of one pizza. Loved it!
(5)
Mary S.

This pizza is so good! It's my new favorite pizza. You get your pizza in no time. Very friendly staff. Love it!
(5)
Alex G.

Probably the best pizza I've had in Nashville. The San Gennaro as was the Napoletana were particularly delicious. No in-depth review needed. Just go! You'll thank me (and all the other posters) on here afterwards.
(5)
LJ H.

Great ambience, recommend the experience. Good value for quality pizza.
(5)
Melissa T.

The pizza at DeSano is fantastic every time we go, and the most of the staff are crazy friendly. The pizza toppings seem amazingly fresh and the ratios of sauce to cheese to toppings have been perfect. The margherita is my favorite so far. They have fresh garlic, parmesan, sea salt, cracked pepper, and oils available in the seating area if you want to jazz yours up. Last time we ordered a grande (large) and a napoli (small? regular?) for four people. We finished it off; two grandes might have been better so we could have taken some home. You're seated at picnic tables with full views of the kitchen, where the staff cook the pizzas in four wood-fired brick ovens. It's super fun to watch the guys enjoy themselves as they work by spinning and tossing the dough with pizzazz (see what I did there?). It's really cool that they still allow BYOB even though they sell some nice beers and wines. That way I can spend my dough on good pizza, and drink my own lousy sauce from home (see again?!). Apparently some jerk-faces have been rowdy with their booze - don't be that guy.
(5)
J. K.

Diavola.... Finally some pizza with flavor! Spicy and delicious. Took a lot of paper towels to de-grease but I powered through. Yum! Loved the condiment station on the take away side with fresh chopped garlic, red pepper and cheese. Nice add to the pizza.
(4)
Paul K.

I'm not going to change my review of this place, I am however going to give a quick account of what happened the last time I went in with an 8.5 month pregnant woman. 1) no seating, couldn't tell that from the line 2) tables with plenty of space and nobody willing to move to let preggo sit 3) a guy who came over and asked her if she needed a seat, she said yes, he then went and sat back down and resumed eating. Er, what was that? 4) another pregnant woman standing looking for a seat while me, wife, and friend stood eating and leaning against a counter with half the people who were looking for water walking by us every time. 5) old man holding down 4 seats talking to the air. 6) aha a seat opens up and is grabbed by a customer instantly as two pregnant woman are beelining for it So, that's that. Nothing's the store's fault, this is pretty much a customer issue, but something that should be noted if you absolutely need to sit down for any reason. Make sure to check out the back before you order as you may not get a seat.
(5)
Nilay H.

A very original place to eat at. Seeing how the pizza is made while waiting to eat was a great experience. And it was all delicious, too!
(5)
Dana S.

Oh pizza. This is the stuff of dreams. I first had the pleasure of trying this place about a year ago after multiple attempts to find a pizza similar to the ones I'd had in Italy. This place comes pretty darn close. You order at the counter and they'll bring your pizza out to you from one of their three pizza ovens, which are set to different temperatures based on the region your pizza is from. My favorite is the Napoletana, which has broccoli rabe and sausage. Their crust is amazing too. It used to be BYOB, but now you can only bring wine, which isn't so bad. It's a great place to get together with friends or coworkers. Go go gooooo.
(5)
Brandee B.

The BYOB kinda threw me off before I got there. I thought it was gonna be a dive but it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was a trendy italian traitoria. They were making homemade cannolis and free samples yum!!..Also the pizza was authentic and delicious! They sold me with the make your own dipping sauce bar, how creative! I will definitely return!!!!!
(4)
Kevin B.

My wife and I have come here about a dozen times and it has become one of our favorite restaurants in Nashville. It is the best pizza I have ever had! The manager Blake personally greeted our table and was the nicest guy ever. The cannoli is also delicious!
(5)
Samantha K.

I loved this place. You order your pizza at the front and take your number to the eating area where you can watch the guys make your pizza (Awesome and tasty!) right in front of you. The seating arrangement is varied. You can either sit in bar seats in the back or on benches and long tables in the front. The best thing is that you choose where to sit and they bring your food to you!
(5)
Holly G.

I've had DeSano on my list of places to check out for quite a while now, so my brother and I decided to stop in there on Saturday to see what's up. We got there around 3:00, so it was pretty much empty except for a few other people. Something to note about parking: they do have a small lot right in front of the restaurant. However if that is full, then there is a paid lot across the street that is $5 for 2 hours. Either way, not too terrible. You order right at the counter when you go in, and then there is seating around the corner with a bunch of long picnic-style tables, but also some smaller tables with bar-stools. The lady at the counter asked if it was our first time there (which it was) so she explained how the ordering process went, which was helpful. They had some delicious looking cannolis by the register and I wish I would've gotten one, but that will have to wait until next time (because there will definitely be a next time). I saw on Yelp that it was BYOB (although they do have a small selection of beer, water, and pop available) so I had a couple cans of Leinenkuegel and my brother opted to get a pop out of the cooler. I ordered the Bianca and my brother got the DeSano and we went around the corner to sit down. It was only about a 10 minute wait until one of the cooks came up with our pizzas. I could barely contain myself when I smelled the deliciousness that was in front of me. I tried to wait for it to cool off, but burned my mouth in the process. That will teach me. I'm originally from the Chicago area, so I can be labeled as sort of a "pizza snob" and I've been sorely disappointed by most of the pizza places here so far (except Five Points, which was tasty). However I can honestly say that this pizza was some of THE BEST I have ever had the privilege of sampling in my life. The crust was perfectly done and thin (unlike the Chicago style I'm used to) and the taste of the ingredients really came through. This place is simple: they use quality ingredients and cook them like they're supposed to be cooked, which is why it is so damn good. The price is pretty decent too (about $26 with tax for 2 pizzas and a pop) and it's just an overall great, laid back atmosphere. I will not hesitate to come here again, and would absolutely recommend to ANYONE looking for pizza that is out of this world. Seriously, go there. Now. It's worth it!
(5)
Anne P.

Great calzones!!
(4)
Kimberly K.

First and foremost, the people here are so friendly! The delicious smell of pizza hits you right when you get out of the car. The food was good -- not great, but good. The pizza was a little soggy from the moisture of the toppings, but the taste was good. We enjoyed our cannoli for dessert. It was fun to watch how the pizzas were made!
(4)
Jen M.

My favorite pizza place in Nashville! Owners are so nice- working for us to get a place to sit even when it's completely packed. They really make you feel special and the food just makes this place a 10. DeSanos is going to remain a weekend staple for us!
(5)
Eric H.

Fantastic, all their food is hot, fresh and authentic. With their wood fired brick ovens, your food is done quick! Great experience!
(5)
Lizzy Z.

Some of our friends DeSano to us. At first I wasn't sure, I had already found NYC/NJ style pizza elsewhere in Nashville and quite enjoyed it - but this is not NYC/NJ style, it is Neapolitan. When they are busy, expect a wait, but I promise it will be well worth it. The ingredients are high quality and you can notice this right off the bat with your first bite. I found out later that they import some of the ingredients right from Italy. Also, their ovens are authentic, which also adds incredible flavor to the dish. We have been back multiple times and always ask for it more crispy, I love my pizza a bit over done. If I forget the crispy alteration, I don't even care, this pizza is just so darn tasty. Our favorite style is the San Gennaro. My partner and I often split the smaller size pie, but I bet if we were reaaaaaally hungry we could each eat a whole one by ourselves. I often crave the sweet peppadew for weeks after and it is the perfect combination with the savory sausage. I haven't been to Naples in about 6 years, but this place saves me from an expensive plane ticket and all the unpleasantries of Naples itself, left with only the delicious pizza, wine, and futbol on the tv. Perfecto. If you even have room - try the cannoli!
(5)
Michael M.

Very good pizza...crust is just great....family atmosphere..fun to watch pizzas being made...wine list so, so. Overall, is you need a fast and good pizza in Nashville, DeSano the place to go.
(4)
Sara M.

Very good pizza! (But pretty much only pizza, don't go looking for variety) The small size is a little small to share with two people but too big for one. Fast and friendly service. Fun atmosphere to go with a big group. No frills, get your water from a fountain, etc
(4)
Pam X.

Desano serves the best pizza I've ever had. This place proves that mounds of toppings and stuffed crusts don't amount to a good pizza...although I did get to eat the Nutella pizza, which was everything you'd expect it to be. You get to see your piping hot pizza come straight out of the oven, which is a plus in my book.
(5)
D F.

Great pizza, fast service. Order at the counter seat yourself kind of place. It ain't cheap, but they're using real ingredients. Note to the management - get the AC vents directed away from the tables so that my pie stays hotter longer. Great, friendly management. Very industrial space, no windows/daylight, so you don't want to linger. Probably part of the business model.
(4)
Barb B.

We loved this place. We actually ate here twice during our 4 night visit! We loved the casual atmosphere. But most of all this might be the best pizza we have ever had! The crust is perfect and their sauce is more than perfect. We had the San Gerrano both times and its a must have!
(5)
Liz D.

I found my absolute favorite pizza place in Nashville- except for Rome itself, it might be my favorite ever. It's the real thing- brick oven baked and genuine, fresh ingredients. Order at the counter, then find a place in the back. It's set up family style, with benches overlooking the kitchen, where you can watch your handmade pizza come to life. You can bring your own beverages, or buy one from the refrigerators. My favorite so far has to be the lasagna pizza- there's something about that ricotta cheese that is divine. The San Gennaro was delicious as well- I don't usually like peppers, but the peppadew was delicious. Great for groups of friends, families, everyone. Love it!
(5)
Praveen P.

Hands down best neopolitan pizza in Nashville. A notch above Bella Napoli. Service was great too.
(4)
Barb L.

Craving pizza (from Chicago) and Yelp guided us to DeSano Pizza Bakery. Very good pizza.We knew it was Napoli-style - the TRUE AND ORIGINAL pizza - and definitely did not expect it to be like the pizza we are used to in Chi-town. Very good pizza and a fun concept. When we were there, it was not crowded or noisy and the pizza was delivered to our table quickly. Very good and we will come back if we are in Nashville again.
(4)
Robin S.

Maybe they were having an off night, but I was not impressed by DeSano. The pizza was flavorful and the ingredients were fresh (great starts), but the pie was too bready for my liking. It was the cannoli, however, that really disappointed me. I had read so many great reviews and was looking forward to one of my favorite treats. The chocolate cannoli tasted stale and the filling was bland. I hate giving poor reviews, but the whole experience was just really sub-par.
(2)
David H.

We visited DeSano's on a busy Saturday night. Our group of four had no problem finding a table. The pizzas came out hot and bubbly. They were excellent thin crust pizzas. DeSano's may become a regular stop during our visits to Nashville.
(5)
Carolyn S.

Anxiety attack!!! Went on a Saturday night. Don't go with more than two people you won't find a place to sit. Very chaotic!!! Pizza was fair, and oddly sweet, I got the San Gennaro, if you want a standard amount of cheese you should ask for extra cheese. The cannoli maker was really slow and not making them in order of receipt... Very unorganized
(2)
Don P.

Great pizza. One caveat, IF YOU WANT THE TYPES OF PIZZAS THEY HAVE DESIGNED. You cannot build your own pizza. I have been to pizza places all over the world and this is the first time I was told that you have to order only the types of pizza concoctions they have on the menu. I was not allowed to order a sausage, mushroom and onion pizza. Go figure. So I went elsewhere.
(3)
Cory C.

WOW! All the reviews saying this is the best pizza they had ever eaten seemed to good to be true but it's very true! Talk about an authentic flavorful pizza. All ingredients imported from Italy right down to the brick ovens. I don't see how anyone could possibly top this pizza! We walked right in placed our order and in less than 10 minutes we had 2 pizzas hot out of the oven on our table. The manager Rich takes the time to make sure everything comes out perfectly! Good to see a manager that pays so much attention to quality control. I will be back again and again! Oh and I almost forgot... On my way out I saw they had pre prepared vacuum packed pizzas you can cook at home (subtracting the brick oven of course!) if that's your thing...
(5)
Casey M.

Try the pizza and a cannoli... You'll end up ordering two pizzas because their so delicious! Best pizza I've ever had anywhere, no joke! And you can BYOB!!
(5)
Andrew B.

There are a couple of newer pizza places in town. The first one turned out to be a disappointment, but this was not the case with DeSanos. The food is out quick and is delicious. There is nothing like a good wood burning oven for pizza. Afraid of it being burnt on the bottom? I have had that happened many times. Again, I did not have that experience here. It was well balanced and cooked the right amount of time. I did not know this until I was already there. You can also bring your own beer and they do not charge a fee! So I will definitely be doing that next time. Overall awesome experience.
(5)
Tori M.

The best Italian style pizza I have ever had. Okay, I haven't been to Italy but spare me the pretentiousness. Do not come here for the ambiance, come here for the wonderful, wonderful pizza. This place feels a little like my middle school cafeteria, except with freshly imported Italian ingredients stacked in every free space. It is a sacrifice I am willing to make. My favorite is the Diavolo. Expect to stand at the ready and jump at the next available table. BYOB, seriously.
(5)
Bridgette C.

I'm not going to lie, I was shocked, SHOCKED, by how unimaginably good this pizza was. Born in NY, I've been exposed to a lot of pizza, and truthfully not all of it write-home-about good. I'm tempting to call my family and have them drive down just to try this stuff. Yes, it was that good. The selection is simple, not too overwhelming, and the ingredients are on point. Buffalo mozzerella?? Um, please and thank you. Tomatoes that tasted garden fresh. Pieces I needed both hands to pick up (NY style for the win!), crispy crust...it had it all. You can make your own "dippy sauce" for your crust as well, choosing from spicy smoky peppers, pecarino, crushed red pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic...mix and match to your hearts content and have a great accent to your meal. You can eat in or dine and boy are these fresh-made creations created FAST. Less than ten minutes after ordered two beautiful pizzas were ours to take home. I think that's the fastest I've ever driven down West End. If you decide to dine in, the space is open, loft-like, spartan in "stuff" (they have vats of tomato sauce, salt, other ingredients decorating the place, it feels like you're sitting in the store room of a kitchen, and it works really well). They have big TVs for watching games. There are wooden pizza trays on the wall signed by famous people who have come in, currently a small collection that I foresee growing exponentially. The food was delicious, the service fantastic, and the price reasonable. They don't deliver, but its worth the drive. Absolutely top-notch pizza.
(5)
Mai H.

The BEST pizza one can find in Nashville have got to be right here and nowhere else! Perfectly and genuinely crafted by real pizza experts. Hands and hats down.
(5)
Christa P.

Pretty good pizza - nice and crunchy! Thin crust, cooked well, fresh ingredients.
(4)
Aimee H.

While visiting Nashville, I stopped her after countless reviews - this place was amazing!
(4)
Hali B.

Best pizza I have had in a long time. Authentic Italian pizza with great crash ingredients. Family style eating with a great atmosphere and it's byob. I would highly recommend this. Love this place!
(5)
Ashley F.

Great pizza, crust is so good. Service was friendly and helpful. Atmosphere is lacking, but that doesn't make the pizza any less delicious.
(4)
Mitchell R.

First visit to Nashville and DeSano. Enjoyed San Gennaro pizza. Peppers are sweet and hot at same time. Best landmark to find DeSano is Off Broadway Shoe store across the street and much more visible. Cannoli also good. Only bottled soda--no ice. Industrial bare bones warehouse feel was not bad. Kinda liked it for a pizza and soda.
(4)
Ruth Z.

This pizza was delicious! I would come back if I lived nearby. My only complaint was that I thought the toppings were a bit lite. I ordered the margherita pizza and the basil only covered 2/3 of the pizza. And the Buffalo mozzarella was the same. But it was still delicious!
(5)
Tim A.

It's easy to write off a pizza joint, even a quality one, as just another pizza joint. However, I'm convinced that DeSano fills a niche that is not quite occupied by any other spot around town. I'm not sure if it's the sauce, the crust, the toppings, or some combination of all of these, but a DeSano's pizza has a signature touch that makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors even if you were blindfolded. The menu is kept pretty small here, and that's a good thing. It means that there's really no room to go wrong and anything you're up from trying is bound to be great. I had a San Gennaro last time, and it had the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and meaty. Yum. For the vegetarians in the house, the Verdura is apt to impress. I can't speak much to the service since I've only done take-out experience from here, but they have always been extraordinarily timely on that front. Regardless, on food alone, this is a can't-miss destination.
(4)
Sherry C.

What a treat it was to find a traditional Neapolitan Pizzaria in Nashville! This restaurant is nice, clean and spacious with triple brick ovens all fired up in the back churning out hot delicious pizzas. I wanted something different with lots of cheeses so got the small Bianca that came with the Mozzarella, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, garlic, pecorino romano. The freshly baked pizza with the thin crust was pretty much on par with the ones I had in Naples. I also got an amaretto cannoli because their alluring presence was calling out to me and everyone else seemed to be getting them so I figured they must be good. Oh Boy was I impressed! It was so lusciously decadent with a crunchy flaky crust loaded with amaretto vanilla cream and dusted with amaretto crumbles. The cannoli was so good that I wish I had packed up all my belongings and moved to Nashville. Nashville has really taken me by surprise with its vibrant music culture and completely awestruck by the replica of the Parthenon and then finding this authentic Pizzaria Napoli! What's next?! This place definitely has more going on than meets the eye. Amazing!
(4)
Kyle H.

My wife and I held our wedding reception in the large private area of the restaurant. We had over 50 guests and we were able to easily accommodate everyone and and all of the food. We had our own bar and restrooms that were separated from the restaurant. The manager, Jack, was very helpful in getting everything ready for us and making sure there were no issues while the reception was happening. We couldn't have asked for a better experience with amazing pizza than we got at DeSano's. I would definitely recommend this as option for anyone considering a reception or private party in the Nashville area.
(5)
chocovore s.

This pizza. I don't want to eat any other pizza ever again. We ordered a large Margherita, large San Gennaro, and small Diavola. When all three pizzas were in front of us (four adults and one five-year-old) we were pretty sure we had way over-ordered. I think we ended up with four pieces to take home . . . but I could have easily kept eating. When we got there around 5:30 on a Saturday things were still pretty slow, but by the time we left a little after 6 it was filling up fast. Next time maybe I'll save room for gelato . . .
(5)
Veeral S.

Excellent!!! I've also been to their sister restaurant in Atlanta. Had the neopolitan pizza and loved it.
(5)
Candace B.

Ok I loved, loved the pizza but they layout of the place it weird. We got here about 3 pm to eat a late lunch before heading back to Memphis and the place was closed so we sat in the parking lot for about 30 minutes trying to figure out wear to go eat. I noticed they have a market/bakery entrance to the side..that is the actual restaurant and what was closed was the bar...really need more signage. But, after all that we ended up with some great pizza. We ordered the Desano which is their version of a meat lovers. They do have wine and beer available. So, once we ordered at the counter and got drinks we went into a big room to sit. The rooms is big but does not really have that awful cafeteria feel and the kitchen is right their very open you can see the guys prepare your pizza. The guys are amazing throwing the dough almost to the ceiling!! It did not take long at all to get the pizza and it was amazing very fresh taste and crispy and I can tell you now it is good cold later in the night. The staff here is great everyone we talked to was super friendly and helpful. I would defiantly recommend swinging by and trying this place!
(4)
Leighton B.

This place ROCKS. Great pizza, great atmosphere, and great BYOB policy...well, now it's just wine. Apparently people were trying to bring in kegs and that didn't fly with the owners. DeSano makes the best pizza in town and that's a fact. The pizza is authentic Neapolitan pizza made with fresh, delicious ingredients. Without fail I always get the margharetia pizza. I usually eat half of my pizza and save the leftovers for lunch the next day...okay, and also breakfast the next morning. I know I'm not the only one out there who likes cold pizza for breakfast! I love the setup of the place. You enter the restaurant, order at the counter, and grab seats at one of the long wooden tables in the dining area. You can also watch the cooks prepare the pizza as you're waiting from your table. They don't take reservations unless you're a really big group. To sum it up, it's the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends and really good food.
(5)
Chris M.

Pretty bad layout and organization of the place. Staff had no answer to several questions. They were however very nice and he pizza was very good. It was fun to watch the guys work the dough while making he pizzas. I would like to go back and try other pizzas.
(4)
Jason B.

top notch stellar pizza. its open community seating which i love but if you have a party of 4 shouldn't be an issue to get your own table. its a little weird of an entrance but you order at the counter then they bring to you in another room where the seating and ovens are. i love the open seat format also dont forget they have authentic adds on like garlic, pepper and parmesean (reggiano im guessing) JEANS: ok by far ORDER: at the counter
(4)
Anna J.

I love their pizzas! The dough tastes so fresh and it's got a chew to it. I like the condiments station, where I normally get some balsamic and olive oil to dip my left over crust s in. It's delicious! My favorite pizzas are the DIAVOLA and POMODORINI. Yes, i'm definitely a meat eater! The spicy sausage and pepperoni are great!
(4)
Lyndi S.

After drooling jealously over Antico's in Atlanta, DeSano Pizza Bakery has finally arrived! DeSano does pizza like no other place in Nashville. They are a well-oiled machine that offers perfect flavors, unbelievably fresh ingredients, and that oven baked goodness that only they do right. The crust is thin enough that you can enjoy more than one slice, but thick enough that you are biting into something! I can't explain that taste, other than to just call it perfection. Really - it's the perfect pizza. Their cannolis also looked amazing, so I'm looking forward to giving those a shot! Remember, this place is BYOB and YUM, and worth every penny. So grab some friends and some beer, and enjoy the best pizza you're ever going to sink your teeth into!
(5)
Jeremy E.

I am the ultimate pizza snob, and this place just blew me away. I went for a work gig, and we ordered every pizza on the menu. Each pie was unique and fantastic. The crust is perfect. Light and airy, great texture. The San Gennaro and Diavola are my two personal faves. GO NOW
(5)
Semi-retired J.

Great pizza but the amount of strollers in the place is very Chuck E. if you go too early. However, it's closer than Brooklyn and the staff is brava.
(4)
J L.

Desano is great- so happy it's here and I hope it doesn't get too popular and crowded! Went with two girl friends on a weekend evening- ran into two different sets of friends there! Parking is easy. All the employees are super friendly. Ordered the Margherita pizza (tomato, mozzarella) and the San Gennaro (sausage, Peppade peppers, mozzarella). They say the San Gennaro is the most popular. Also had the Verdura (the all-veggie option, with broccoli rabe, tomato, mozzarella). I liked the Margherita and San Gennaro- didn't like the Verdura as much, kind of blander in flavor. Also ordered a Pistachio cannoli- I didn't like it much, the shell portion was crumbly and the inside filling was kind of mushy. My friend didn't like it either- we each took a bite and didn't finish it. The nice thing about the cannolis is they fill it for you as you order so it's meant to be fresh. They have an awesome bar where you can fill small cups of wonderful olive oil, hot pepper, parmesan cheese, garlic and other tasty accompaniments. I like Desano pizza so much, I had it three times in 10 days! One downside is it doesn't taste as delicious the next day (definitely re-heat it in an oven or toaster rather than microwave- microwaving it makes the crust really rubber-y). Ambiance is spacious with many long tables. Wish it had slightly more "hip" decor, would make it an even more go-to place, even on weekend nights.
(4)
Marcus M.

Finding Desanos was such a treat. My wife is Italian (from Italy, not "Jersey Shore Italian"), and we have been to Italy many times. The pizza at Desano is as close to autentico Italian as you will ever find in the states. This place is totally legitimate -- pizza is OUTSTANDING. By all means you should try it.
(5)
pineapple l.

Oh my LOOOOORD. I have been missing pizza like this since moving here last year. Sure, bella napolli, the place at the farmers market, City House, and porta via do a good job trying.....but they don't even come close to comparing with DeSano. I'm gonna say this is the best pizza I've ever had. Yes, it's expensive at about $22 for a pizza, but it's well worth it. You pay almost that much at 5 points pizza in East Nashville and it tastes like Dominos compared to DeSano. I'll be here at LEAST once a week forever. Good riddance all other hideous pizza in Nashville.
(5)
BethAnn S.

I visited DeSano with my worker bees for the first time for lunch last week. I just happened to find the place when I dropped my car off for service at Beaman across the street then I saw the great Yelp reviews. We arrived right as the place opened at 11:30 with a group of 5 and opted for two large pizzas and (of course, 5 cannelloni's). I was surprised to find that they weren't changing their standard pizzas one bit....it seemed a little stringent but given the speed at which we were served, it quickly became evident that they were going for volume. The place is set up for group dining set up with picnic benches and paper towel racks. The service was fast and polite, but I'm left wondering if $90 for 5 people to eat pizza was worth it. Don't get me wrong....the food was amazing and we demolished it, but maybe if we cut out the cannelloni's at $5 a pop, we might have fared better. I'd definitely go back again, but stick with lunch as I'm not a huge fan of racking up a liquor bill at this place. Be sure to get their early or make a large group reservation as the joint was jumping by 12:15.
(4)
Jason L.

Yes! Highly recommend. Pizza is great. Service is great and fast. Atmosphere is kind of unique. We really enjoyed this place.
(5)
M L.

Sadly byob of beer is over. Current manager is a moron and has a brain made of pizza dough. Food is still damn good. If there is a frat party in there just leave. Wine is still byob.
(4)
Megan J.

Friday night dinner, we sought casual fare, a joint without putting on airs. "To DeSano!," one cried and what a meal to decide that this Nashville weekend would be beyond compare. This is truly pizza at its best. We didn't even really have leftovers left! Four pizzas, six ladies (though none of us dainty) and we were happy with this foodfest. The DeSano, each bite was perfection. Capricciosa, a fabulous selection - we had one just the veg, the other full sledge, and a Marinara, if you must have full direction. The pepperonis were delectable bites, and laden with artichokes, each mouthful a delight. Complete with BYOB, you won't be thirsty. This is eating truly done right!
(5)
Bob G.

Really fantastic pizza, and an interesting almost warehouse-like set up inside. Peroni by the bottle. Win.
(5)
Carol P.

This pizza is delicious! I tend to be a reserved critic so I'll say this pizza is "pretty hard to beat." Their seating is unusual (which I enjoyed): long open tables (meant for sharing) in the same "room" as the kitchen (so you can watch them making the pizzas). You won't find the price as cheap as some chain pizza places, but what they make here is worth what they charge. Also, the location is a wee bit inconvenient, and I could see their parking lot filling up quickly, so here's to hoping they open multiple locations soon b/c everyone should try this pizza!
(4)
Wes B.

My review of DeSano, in sonnet form: My love for thy sweet succulence is strong The richest flavors in my mouth combine To flood my senses, tingling all night long With fervor for the greatness that is thine. Thy sauce is fresher than a Naples spring Embedding cheese from buffaloes serene A crust so smoky soft my tastebuds sing The praises of thy wood-fired furnace mean. Thy pepperoni sends my throbbing tongue To great celestial palaces aloft With spicy salivation seldom done By other pizza joints, who are quite soft. O sweet DeSano Bakery, I must Pledge loyalty unto thy saucy crust.
(5)
PK R.

Great gourmet pizza. Went with the house special. Odd you cannot make any changes or additions to pizzas even if you pay. Size L easily feeds 2-3. Salads were good!! Like the environment! The guy working register needs to be much more assertive, especially being first person a customer interacts with. The cooks were fun to watch!
(4)
Stephanie W.

In one of the most food-centric cities in the world, I can honestly say DeSano is, hands down, my number one pizza destination. It's BYOB, including wine, and they don't charge a corkage fee, which is amazing in this day and age. It's cafeteria style seating, and you can watch your pizzas being made in their huge stone ovens. I've tried several options here, and have only had what I can describe as mind-blowing pizza experiences. They use fresh Italian ingredients and toss their dough fresh daily. Their margherita pizza is to die for, as well as my go-to, the San Gennaro, which features peppadews that work wonderfully on this pizza. Always get some gelato for dessert too - that's the cherry on top of this already amazing choice.
(5)
Liz V.

We have only been here once but it was best pizza my husband and I have had ever in the state of Tennessee. The crust is perfection! Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Kathryn J.

This pizza is heavenly!! It's authentic Italian, not greasy at all, very fresh ingredients, and a relaxed atmosphere. Customer for life!!
(5)
Kat H.

We tried DeSano while we were in Nashville for a concert. I cannot believe how flavorful and delicious the pizza was! We ordered the Desano and the Bianca then had cannoli for dessert. The crust was amazing, perfectly cooked, crispy chewy outside and tender inside. We are all hoping to be back in or through Nashville soon to have some more of this scrumptious pie!
(5)
Mandy O.

This place is absolutely amazing! Don't let the crowd detour you away cube cause people are served so quickly the wait is minimal. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Nashville.
(5)
Tammy D.

Good pizza but I don't understand why you can't make any changes on their pizza selections. The manager was quite rude about it after the counter guy went to ask. Felt like he was gonna say "no pizza for you!" I had the Verdura and wanted to add sausage. I'd give the manager a minus 5 for lack of charm and customer service.
(4)
Jessica S.

YES YES - ALL THE YES! After living in Italy previously, I have pretty high standards when it comes to pizza. We met some friends here on New Years Day (yay - it's open on a holiday) to grab a bite. I had never heard of this place but I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in. There are long tables where you can eat AND make new friends! You can also watch them make the pizzas - which is pretty intriguing. We ordered a pepperoni and margherita pizza....sooooooooooooo good. Fresh, delicious, and truly authentic. Best way to kick off 2015!!
(5)
Kay D.

We were so excited to learn that our favorite pizza place - Antico in Atlanta - had opened a pizza bakery (the name being the only difference) here in Nashville. After our lunch at DeSano, we know that we won't need to road-trip anymore for seriously incredible pizza! Our experience was amazing; from the friendly greeting from the manager and staff as we walked in the door, to the time we walked out with our fresh, filled-to-order cannoli! This is by FAR the best pizza in Nashville and we cannot wait to go back! You must go!
(5)
Mark S.

The pizza is excellent. The only problem is that you have to buy a whole one, and there is only one size. Why not have slices or small personal size pizzas, at least for lunch? The prices are pretty steep, compared with Pie in the Sky, even. They bring the pizzas out on giant trays. These are a little awkward to manage. They didn't have plates, either.
(3)
Jeff W.

Absolutely Amazing!!! I can't believe I found my favorite pizza in Nashville! We are truly pizza connoisseurs and it simply doesn't get any better than DeSano's. Sorry about that NYC, but its true.
(5)
Ryan M.

Two words. Ahh Mazing!
(5)
Trevor A.

This place is killing it. Expertly crafted Neapolitan pizza, BYOB, super friendly staff. Their three brick ovens anchor the casual but stylish dining hall. I'm surprised that it wasn't crowded; seems like the word just has not gotten out yet. We rolled in at 6:30 PM, ordered a couple pies, and had immaculate pizza in front of our faces in like ten minutes--instant gratification. Luckily, I live East; otherwise, I would be tempted to go here EVERYDAY.
(5)
bryan h.

Hands down the best pizza in Nashville. Authentic Italian style with delicious topping options. We went for dinner and got our pizza within 10 minutes of ordering. Great for groups. It's a bit pricey but with such quality ingredients well worth it.
(5)
Sandra W.

This place is pretty awesome. The pizza is delicious and certainly some of the best I have had in Nashville. Pizza comes out FAST and they encourage BYOB which is cool. No corkage fees. Don't miss the olive oil bar that is up in front of the pizza ovens. All of the ingredients seem super fresh. Their website says they ship in the best ingredients and I believe it after eating it. The staff was friendly and the night I was there they walked around giving out free cannoli and biscotti. This is a great laid back pizza joint that puts out some seriously delicious pizza. The price didn't bother me. I'm happy to pay for quality ingredients. Sure you can get cheaper pizza at the chains or at other places in town but your stomach will be happier if you go here. I promise! They are huge pizzas so split it with friends or bring leftovers home to nosh on later! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Ryan P.

DeSano Pizza is delicious! It's made fresh in impressive looking wood-burning ovens. I've had pizza in various cities in the country and this is my favorite! The pizza tastes amazing!! You can tell they use premium ingredients. Everything is fresh and tasty. They even have that perfect sauce-to-topping ratio that us pizza lovers look for! I almost forgot my favorite part other than the pizza...the experience. I'm a wine connoisseur in the making and enjoy any place that allows you to BYOB to pair with the food! From the bar of extras such as peppers, oils/sauces, etc. to the family style seating, DeSano's makes we want to stay to eat. The staff is very courteous and the whole ordering process is timely and efficient. I plan on making DeSano's a regular stop every time I visit Nashville.
(5)
greg g.

I just had the best pizza I have ever had in my life and that includs pizza from New York and Chicago. The ingredients all come from Italy except the fresh produce and are cooked in authentic brick oven stoves from italy as well. The staff was great, the enviroment large and comfortable, and the food was simply out of this world. Do yourself a favor and grab some friends or family and head out to Desano PIzza Bakery. top notch!!!
(5)
Karen S.

Hands down, the best pizza I've had since I was in Italy. Everything is fresh and tastes fresh. Got the Margherita D.O.P. with pepperoni. Was expecting just a bit of pepperoni on the pizza, and they are not shy with portions. Will return as soon as possible.
(5)
Joshua D.

Really like this joint for pizza. Maybe best in Nashville and I enjoy the BYOB policy but recently the servers started yelling ticket numbers out to be claimed instead of looking on the receipts and that is pretty bothersome.
(4)
Erik Y.

Have eaten here twice when we are in town for business. The Diavola pizza is out of this world good. Although I would vouch for any of the pizzas I have had there, this one is what I crave! Great atmosphere (gets busy!), unique service style, and out of this world pizza. Couple that with BYOB, and you are set for a fantastic casual meal!
(5)
Sean S.

Despite what many people say, Nashville is not a very good town for pizza. I have been eating pizza from around the US for over 20 years. It is improving, and Desanos easily makes the best pizza in town. Quality ingredients is the key. Even though I am not a huge fan of the neopolitian pizza style, these guys seem to do it right and not over do the char. I do wish they would put just a little more cheese on the pies, they skimp on that (and you can't order extra cheese either). The fresh condiment bar with garlic, parm, peppers etc. is GREAT!. However, I do have a few small gripes. For starters, you can't build your own pizza, do halves, or make substitutions. You have to order their pre set combinations. So how in the heck do you split a pizza with someone who doesn't want meat on their pizza? Try to get 3 kids to agree on one of Desanos pizza combinations. At $12 for a small, and $21 for a large, you can't really get everyone their own without spending a stupid amount of money. Seriously, what is wrong with letting a customer build their own pizza? Such a shame when they have those awesome ingredients. Another problem is their seating. You have or order in a separate room and often times you go to sit down and there is no where to sit. The picnic table style seating encourages groups to spread out and take up a whole table when they don't need it (coolers for their beer and wine). So your pizza comes out and you have to wait for someone to leave before you can eat. One time it was almost cold by the time a seat opened up. The best thing I can recommend is go on the off hours and be sure you bring someone who likes the same toppings as you. Not open Sundays either- which is a head scratcher. Check them out. The pizza is really good. The seating and fixed combination concept is not.
(4)
Becky F.

Authentic Italian pizza, wood-fired with a very thin crust. DeSanos uses fresh, high quality ingredients. Loved the atmosphere but only because it wasn't too crowded for a late lunch. Salad was good. Cannoli were good too.
(4)
Colleen H.

This is the best pizza in the Nashville area! We always bring friends and family that are in town to Desanos and everyone agrees with us!
(5)
Danny N.

I have been here twice now and it's always super crowded (not in a bad way) with what seems to be the 25-35 year old crowd. It's a great hot spot because you can BYOB or wine without corking fees. The pizza is of wood oven gourmet variety where a pizza feeds 3-4. I personally wouldn't go there just for the pizza although it's pretty good. I go there for the social atmosphere where your group could end up sharing a large table with another group.
(4)
Thomas O.

Another great Yelp! Find. Wood fired pizza at its finest and fresh chopped garlic to sprinkle on top.
(5)
Nick B.

It's gooooood! Artisan crust. Temp of oven makes a tad inconsistent but that's part of the beauty of artisan pizza. I am reviewing 2 months after visit, but I think I remember them not using San Marzano Tomatoes.. I always feel that is important. But heh, I didn't agree with Steingarten's review of Pizzaria Bianco in Phoenix, so what do I know?
(4)
Sheena T.

This. place. rocks. First of all... BYOB wine and beer. I love this but it did get me into trouble (sure, 3 bottles of wine with dinner is just dandy... yeah right) A birthday celebration did not help my eagerness to down red wine by the bottle, but still. Must be more careful next time! With its own parking lot in Midtown, I had no problem finding a spot and even ended up leaving my car here overnight without issue... thanks to the BYOB and too much wine I had to cab it after dinner. :) I love how casual this place is. Order at the counter, sit down at one of their long awesome tables, and await delicious pizza goodness. Oh, and it's quick. I don't see a downside! I ordered the capricciosa with artichokes, mushroom, and buffalo mozzerella. So. good. I also tried the diavola, the meat option and it was excellent as well. I absolutely adore the toppings/additions bar with crushed red pepper, garlic, olive oil, basil, and really anything you can think of. This place gets loud, but that's what happens when it's BYOB with no corkage fee. Did I mention how much I love that?? Excellent restaurant, and now I want pizza....
(5)
Rachel S.

During the time I spent actually at DeSano, I would have more likely given it a 1-star rating. But it's after the fact, and 98% of these other Yelp reviews are glowing, praising, enthusiastic. I don't want my house/Yelp account to be vandalized with toilet paper tomorrow... I didn't think it was great pizza. It's apparently cooked in 60 seconds - okay, I believe that since the wood-burning ovens are a-blazin'. But I don't think a 60 second cooked pizza is necessarily a positive thing. I didn't think any of the flavors of the pizza stood out to me - and I wasn't impressed with the crust. I appreciate that the buffalo mozzarella and even the flour are imported. But the end result was disappointing, especially after hearing all the hype through only the few months that DeSano has been baking pies. I did have the misfortune of visiting DeSano on a Saturday night. There were SO many people, stuffed into long tables and benches. In fact, there were so many people there that there was nowhere left to sit, so my dining partner and I were "seated" - in reality, led to a standing area - in a small area that was basically a cut and prep table at the side of the kitchen. We were assured this was really the best "seat" in the house. So there we stood, having to yell "What?!" and repeat ourselves throughout the duration of eating the pizza. I ordered a cannoli when we ordered the pizza at the counter, excited to try more than just the pizza that DeSano offered. The flavors of the cannoli were good - and it was enormous, and expensive. But first we got the pizza, and we ate.. and there was still no cannoli. So I went to check on the status of the cannoli, I saw people in line after me being served their cannolis first. My cannoli order had been lost in the storm. I was as annoyed as one can get about a cannoli. Despite its strange reputation and the length of time it takes to actually get your food, I've really enjoyed the also claimed to be authentic pizza at Savarino's Cucina, and I would go there in a HEARTBEAT over someone's suggestion for DeSano. Maybe I'm missing the appeal. I just don't think this place is for me - it's food, or its ambience.
(2)
Joseph C.

Best pizza in Nashville. No description necessary. No qualifiers. No caveats. Drop what you're doing and go there now.
(5)
Brian N.

I drive by this place almost every day, but never stop in because I'm not a huge fan of pizza. I finally went today. Holy moly it is good pizza!!! The space is a LOT different than what I expected -- it's more of a warehouse than a pizza joint -- and the pizza is a lot better than I thought it would be. It was freakin' fantastic. I had a cannoli, and it was, without a doubt, the best I've had. I can't say I'll be going there a lot, because I really am not a huge pizza fan, but I will certainly go back again. The young girl at the register was also absolutely precious. She was helpful, knowledgable, and patient. I have, shamelessly, forgotten her name, but she was a young black woman. Tonika? maybe? something like that. Anyway: She deserves a raise !
(4)
Ryan H.

A lot of places claim to offer artisan pizza Napoletana, but I doubt many of them stay as true to the tradition as Desano Pizza Bakery. From fresh buffalo mozzarella brought in weekly from Naples, to three ovens hand made in Naples and modeled after the ones in the world's first pizzeria there, they clearly strive to follow the strict Italian guidelines that lay out what can be called pizza and how it is made. Even more impressive is that Desano's kitchen is completely open to the dining room so that patrons can observe the entire preparation process, and they will even let children (and probably adults too) knead their own dough if they desire. The experience and atmosphere at Desano Pizza Bakery is really incredible, and it almost makes you feel as though you are in an Italian pizzeria - complete with Coke is glass bottles. Before I even got to the pizza, I stumbled upon another impressive touch, and that was a station filled with all of the necessary items to create your very own dipping sauce. Maybe its because I made it, but my combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper was delicious! I honestly don't know if Italian pizzerias typically offer the ability to create your own concoction like this, but it was definitely one of my favorite things about Desano. While everything else about Desano Pizza Bakery certainly created high expectations for the actual pizza, I would say that it was able to meet them. Their namesake, the Desano, consists of sausage, pepperoni, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, and red sauce, and it was very good. The crust, having been wood-fired by select hardwoods, was just right in my opinion. It was lightly charred on some edges but remained soft and doughy on the inside. I also sampled the Pomodorini which is made up of versuvian cherry tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and garlic. I enjoyed it as well, and bites that included a cherry tomato were especially tasty. However, would give the slight edge to the Desano because of its delicious sauce that bites of the Pomodorini not containing cherry tomato could not make up for. The cheese and toppings and both pizzas were fresh and flavorful. In summary, The Pizza Fan's recommendation is to take short break from BBQ when in Nashville and go try Desano Pizza Bakery. It is worth it even if you can only do carry-out, and they actually have a station for creating your own dipping sauce in the takeout area as well.
(5)
Rachel S.

I was shocked to hear that this place was a chain restaurant. Desanos has real Italian pizza and offers BYOB wine with no corking fee - how can you beat that?! The atmosphere is laid back and you will generally sit at a large table with other people - part of the charm but could be intimidating to some. The staff is always friendly and will come by to make sure you are having a good time. You can watch the pizza as it is being made and the employees provide entertainment by tossing the pizza dough into the air. I generally make Desanos my go-to place with out of town guests since it is so consistent, inexpensive and fun. All their ingredients are fresh and healthy and the pizza is very tasty- thin crust, with a variety of toppings. They also offer a self-serve station with crushed red pepper, spicy peppers, garlic, balsamic and olive oil and you can make customized dipping sauces. I love this place but the only drawback is it can get busy so if you are going with a larger party, you should go no later than 6:30ish for dinner. Also, the music can be really loud and somewhat unnerving if you want to sit and have a conversation with more than just a few people. If I am going with a big group, I like to grab the table right be the register which is away from main room. Try the San Gennaro or Desano which are the best pizzas on the menu!
(5)
Kristin L.

Hands down the BEST pizza in Nashville. Super authentic. I have never had a pizza that I didn't enjoy there. The calzones and salads are amazing as well. It is fantastic for large groups!! They have a selection of wine and beer but you can also bring your own wine too! If you are looking for an awesome pizza in music city head to desanos!!!
(5)
Eric G.

Great pizza! With a very cool dining area. We were there for a bday, and had a private room. Good food! Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Justin R.

Amazing pizza, but now that it is no longer byob, I am disappointed. The bottled beers are $4-$6 each and it is no longer affordable to come to desanos for a cheap drinking night with excellent pizza.
(4)
Jeannie D.

Very busy. When you walk in it is a little unclear how everything works, but once we stepped up to the counter they were helpful. Failed to mention they had cups for free water, so we ended up paying for bottled water. Not that many options, but what they do have is delicious. Awesome wood fired flavor and you get to see them hand toss it it right in front of you. Some of the best cannolis I've had. Parking lot is tiny, so either be prepared to walk or pay to park.
(4)
Colton H.

Amazing Pizza!! The crust isn't too thin or too thick, it's somewhere in the middle and it's perfect. Flavors explode in your mouth while being perfectly balanced. Highly recommend this place. Some of the best pizza I've ever had anywhere not just in Nashville.
(5)
Jeremy A.

Definitely the best pizza I've had in Nashville, let alone Tennessee. They claim to have authentic "Napoletana" pizza, but I just have to say their pizza tops what I had in Naples, Italy! Great stuff, guys. I love the casual but nice, cozy ambiance. A little on the pricey side, but worth it. Get the San Genaro. The have peppadew peppers...enough said.
(5)
Hunter W.

TOP 5 Pizza Place in Nashville! #1 Italian Style Pizza in Nashville! I rate 5 things in my review; Taste, Service, Experience, Menu Variety (suitable for a picky date/wife) and the "Local" Factor. Taste: (4/5 Stars) It isn't New York Style, which is my favorite, but is one of the top Italian style pizza bakeries in Nashville. If you have read my about me section, I have a picky wife, but if you put cheese on anything her liking for your dish increase ten-fold. That being said when it comes to pizza its pepperoni and cheese ONLY. The pizza wasn't sliced, allowing the cheese to blend nicely on top of the pizza, and keeps the sauce locked in between the cheese and crust. So FRESH! Seriously, you can taste the punch of the sauce when pizza is cooked this way, and that why I believe Italians often brag about their family-recipe sauce so much. Service: (1/5 Stars) I mentioned not being able to experience the feel of restaurants because you order right as you walk in. Was this because we went on a Tuesday/Wednesday night? After drinking my beer while waiting on the pizza I didn't receive another until halfway through my pizza. Experience: (2/5) DeSano Pizza Bakery is right off Music Circle and the recently dubbed "Demonbreun Hill", and is walking distance from my neighborhood, which is a plus. As you first walk in before you even are able to turn the corner and experience the Italian pizza bakery the hostess, er, waitress is there to take your order. I didn't like this set-up, because when I first enter my new food adventure I like to set my eyes on what others have ordered and let the vibe take over my craving factory. The add-ons that many enjoy on their pizza such as parmesan and crushed red peppers commonly were not on the table, but at the front of the dining room on a buffet-style cart. Menu Variety: (3/5 Stars) Hey It's pizza you get what you go for, and like I said we (*cough "my wife") aren't very adventurous. Local Factor (5/5 Stars) The experience is cool if you can get by the hostess Papa Johns style order at the counter. The pizza ovens, which were sent from Italy on a boat to Nashville, make this a cool local spot. The pizza ovens, brick-style, are cooking on rocks straight from Mount Vesuvius, or so they say. Plus you get to see them make the pizza from scratch.
(3)
Stefanie K.

This is the best pizza I have ever had. SO GOOD. If you are in Nashville and don't stop by Desano's you are making a HUGE mistake. Make sure to get some of the extras in the dining area for dipping your crust! They have garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, etc. at a station by where the pizza is being made. I no longer live in Nashville and always find myself desperate for Desano's.
(5)
Elle A.

This place was phenomenal! I went there a few weeks ago for dinner for my bachelorette party and the food was just like Italy! It's BYOB which is always a plus, and the manager Blake was really nice and helpful. We were all from out of town and not only did he make sure we were doing great he also offered up a few places to go that would be fun for out of towners. If you like real Italian pizza and wonderful service this is the place to go!
(5)
Chastity G.

I feel very conflicted about DeSano. On one hand, it has the BEST pizza in Nashville. This includes high-end restaurants with table service... in my opinion, DeSano blows them all out of the water. I always get the Diavola because I love spicy food. Simply amazing. The condiments station is great, and the service is extremely fast. I didn't L-O-V-E my cannoli, but I think that's more a me not liking cannoli issue (first time I'd tried one) than a DeSano issue. But seriously, I think this might be the best pizza I've had in my whole life. On the other hand, DeSano is almost single-handedly responsible for ruining my health and fitness. I'm not the world's biggest pizza fan (gasp... blasphemer), so it's usually pretty easy for me to resist the siren song of Nashville's other pizza joints. However, once a while DeSano starts preying on my unconscious mind, and I get it into my head that maybe--just maybe--I've been working hard enough at the gym to make pizza a viable healthy option. And then I go eat a whole freaking pizza to myself. Damn you, DeSano.
(5)
Rosemary B.

Love, love De Sano's! Nestled in a small, quiet corner of 16th Ave, directly across from Off Broadway Shoe Store; It has an open, industrial atmosphere with large ovens in view and long wooden tables for the entire family plus a few friends. The pizza is fresh and the salads are a delicious balance. The canolis were not as sweet and flavorful as I would have liked but the service made up for it. The experience was a refreshing change and I'm looking forward to going back.
(4)
Joel S.

Next to our pizza in Florence, Italy, this is the BEST I've ever had - hands down! Incredible food, service and ambience! You can't go wrong at DeSanos.
(5)
VIcki T.

Visited again last night - less crowded, great pizza but avoid the Lasagne pizza unless you LOVE ricotta cheese - it is quite heavy.
(4)
Ryan B.

We dropped in for dessert. Very good cannoli. We'll be back for the pizza.
(4)
Mark W.

This place is great. We had a wonderful experience Saturday, got there early to beat the crowd. Nice, helpful front attendant taking our order and making our cannoli. Salad was good, nothing spectacular, but solid and plenty of artichokes and cranberries. Pizza was the star, fantastic crust, quality toppings. Well be back, even considering the drive from Franklin.
(5)
Mike M.

Awesome pizza! Had the DeSano. Everything really fresh. Sausage and pepperoni are perfect. Love the institutional decor.
(5)
David R.

"Oh my gawd!" Probably the first words that came out of my mouth after trying my first bite a pizza from this place. Wow! Legit pizza all the way from the toppings, to the sauce to the dough. I cannot speak highly enough of the three (so far!) styles of pizza I've had here thus far. They are amazing. And it's not just the pizza that is superlative, so is the atmosphere. It'ls like a beer hall for pizza. The room is spacious, the tables are long and (can be) communal and everything you need (cups, forks, paper towels) is all right there,just waiting for your fresh pie to be delivered (usually pretty quickly too!). The organization here is slick and well thought out. It's a casual, fun spot that encourages conviviality and even allows BYOB. PROTIP: all (or at least most) of the negative reviews here seem to come from folks who went on a Saturday night (which *deos* sound like it can get a bit hectic) So maybe do yourself a favor and try them first for lunch or a week night dinner.
(5)
Cortney L.

Love everything about this place. Authentic Italian. Incredibly friendly staff. Byob. Need I say more? Great low key party place.
(5)
Katie I.

oh desanos...I can't quit you. every visit has been as good as the first. just wish it was open on sundays!
(5)
Steve K.

Best pizza we have had in Nashville so far. Fresh ingredients make it something we will crave. It's a little pricy for pizza but worth a splurge. We will be back.
(5)
S T.

Probably the best pizza I've ever had, hands down. We ordered the Diavolo. It was superb. Fresh cheese, not oily, excellent meat quality, a crust cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. It's open family style seating so grab a spot where you can, if you're a large group you maybe out of luck but trust me the pizza here is worth the wait. A nice touch is the open kitchen that allows you to see your pizza as its being made.
(5)
Donna D.

Wonderful pizza, fresh garlic as one of the condiments, great staff.
(5)
Melissa M.

I have had the famous Di Fara Pizza in Brookyln NY which is also neopolitan style pizza. It is great, although the wait is quite long. DeSano is BETTER, about the same price, and super quick! I also really like that you can bring in your own wine and beer.
(5)
Doug A.

Pretty good pizza. Go and get some and see for yourself. But if you read some of the reviews, you'll see many of the non-over-the-top enthusiasts say something like: "I don't understand what all of the fuss is about." I reviewed this place back in the day, and I think I was one of the first to give it less than 5 stars. That was because, truthfully, it was not the best I had had in Nashville. Coco's is better, for example, and I said so. I even asked, what's all the fuss about? There were reviews like, I live in small village in Finland, and I made the trek to Nashville just for this pizza, and will do so regularly because IT'S JUST THAT GOOD. But then I got a weirdly aggressive rant from someone who I guess was on the staff...I think since then, there has been enough positive response that everyone is happy. I hope so anyway. So yeah, I'd take some of the reviews with a grain of salt. It's pretty good pizza. Go get some. You'll probably like it a lot.
(4)
Grae D.

In town for the weekend and stopped here based on the reviews. It did not disappoint. This will be a mandatory stop whenever in Nashville from now on. Wood fired pizza ovens, make their own dough, and a great atmosphere. Like that it's open till closing or dough runs out. Whichever comes first.
(5)
Josh W.

There is are so many crap pizza places opening in Nashville these days, and i don't mind naming names.....Two Boots, Music City Pizza (really? come on!), NY Pizza, Bella Napoli (with their pizzas you need a magnifying glass to view), etc.. But ahhhh....i just tried DeSano Pizza Bakery and i think i have died and gone to heaven! There is only one pizza, in my humble opinion, that rivals this one...and that's Castrillo's in E. and W. Nashville. And for me, it's a tossup.....both fantastic, each a different type. Castrillo's is a little cheaper, but to me price is not the issue with pizza.....QUALITY talks. I know a lot of the so-called "pizza connoisseurs" on here complain about the price. That's because Americans are conditioned to think that Papa John's and Pizza Hut 10 buck pizzas are "real pizza". Get real. They're good snack foods at cheap prices but not real pizza. They are to pizza what the Titans are to football.....fun and entertaining, but not the real thing. Cough up the 20 bucks, folks, and leave a good tip....the young people working here are freakin' awesome, and deserve it. When you're finished eating, you'll never regret the money or time spent. If you really hate the pizza after the first slice, bring it over to my house and I'll finish the rest of it for you. GREAT JOB, DeSano! I'll be back......probably more times than I should be.
(5)
Laura F.

Not much else to say after 250+ other positive reviews, but DAMN that is good pizza! My hubs and I have been hearing great things about DeSano for awhile and finally made it in over the weekend. My only disappointment is that we waited so long to go! Simply amazing. They've got themselves two new loyal customers!
(5)
Steven P.

wow...what a let down after seeing the rating on here....liked the crust but the cheese and sausage were very bland and the "grande" was the size of most mediums at other restaurants....and for 23 dollars....red baron frozen at kroger for 3.99 is so much better
(1)
John And Tracy C.

After having spent over a decade in Europe, we were craving "real" pizza and DeSano's satisfied our craving ... and then some. This is by far the best pizza we've had since visiting our local Sicilian pizzeria in Germany. If you want to experience what an authentic pizza tastes like, visit DeSano's Pizza Bakery. We've eaten at every imaginable restaurant (Greek, Italian, Turkish, German, Thai, Indian, etc.) throughout Europe and one of the things we've learned is that the lower number of items on the menu (excluding drinks) is directly corresponds to how good the food is. That's the case with DeSano's. They have a relatively few items on the menu because what they do serve is simply fantastic. DeSano's is perfect for families, friends, young and old. The staff is very approachable and super friendly. The dining area is wide open with large benches vice small tables. The drink menu offers a multitude of options to include craft beer (support the little guy!!). And, something I thought was awesome was that kids can watch the pizzas being created. Overall ... awesome dining experience. DeSano's is now our restaurant of choice when we're in Nashville. We applaud the DeSano staff for their outstanding service!
(5)
Jason B.

Grab a bottle of wine, head to Desano and enjoy the best pizza in town. Seriously...GO NOW! We stumbled into Desano late on a Friday by accident. We had intended to have pizza at another locally owned Italian place that had an hour wait. Desano was only about 10 minutes away, and we were more than pleased with our decision. We ordered 3 pizza's...the margherita, awesome. The Desano, fantastic. The Lasagna...HELL YES! The ricotta made the lasagna pizza stand out. It was light and delicate and deliciously creamy. Go early on a Friday night. Order a pizza, and grab a seat in the large, open dining room. Take plenty of friends, or make new ones by sharing a community table. Great place to people watch while taking in the the elegant simplicity of assembling a truly wonderful pizza pie!
(5)
Cait C.

So disappointed. Was really looking forward to a great artisan pizza spot. The cheese was like rubber the crust was very chewy and the toppings were scarce. Missing the thin crust crunch, delicate cheese, and luxurious toppings that make an artisan pizza special.
(2)
Zeb M.

Best pizza in Nashville? I think so. Parking can be a hassle if you're coming for dinner, but trust me when I say it's worth it (and I hate paying for parking). When you enter, you place and pay for your order at the counter then grab a seat in the dining hall (which may be either your own table or shared). The space is bright and open and very relaxed. We ordered a large pizza to split between two people and had leftovers, even with a big appetite.
(5)
Stephanie C.

From begging to end not a disappointment but I am hesitant to give it 5 stars for best pizza in Nashville. I'm still working the rounds in Nashville in pursuit of my go-to Pizza place. Fresh is the lasting thought throughout the experience. Everything is handmade and fresh and it's obvious. I wish the pizza was a tad more NY style and not so gooey-runny, with a bit more chew to the crust, and the sauce was only average lacking complexity and depth of flavor but again we're talking the freshness makes a difference here! The crown jewel by a mile that I will brag on upon leaving is the cannoli. OMG fresh! A cold/custard center with a flakey, wafer, crust. I got the Tres Chocolate and I won't shut up about it for the rest of the day. Amazing desert! Get a box for the pizza so you don't miss out on the cannoli. Hands down the right play! ~Happy Eating
(4)
Ashley Z.

The pizza far exceeded my expectations! We had the Desano and the San Gennaro. Delicious pizza, fun atmosphere and super staff! Not to mention we ate next to a Food Network star who was enjoying her meal too! We will be back and will bring friends!
(5)
Chris A.

I finally tried this place. I still say its not the best pizza in Nashville - as you will find out! First off, the style of pizza is different. Its not New York Oven-style. Its wood-fired and Neapolitan style. The ingredients they use are absolutely delicious. I got the San Genero. I just happen to walk in before the Vanderbilt / Florida game was being shown. (keep this in mind) I will highlight the best thing about this place - the pizza is so delicious. I devoured the small one all by myself. Its common-area seating. So you may sit across from someone you don't know - similar to the Farmer's market, or Hattie B's The wait isn't that long. I sat next to about a party of 35 and they had a birthday cake -that looks like it cost about 200$ - the whole works. A group of Vandy Girls freshman sat with me and started chatting. I didn't mind this. But then more showed up and started some drama about the seating arrangement. I felt like I was in high school. I didn't let it phase me. as I ate. Cons: The cost. My small pizza was 16,75 $ and I just had water to drink. Can be busy with limited seating.
(4)
Monte R.

I loved the atmosphere here. It's almost minimalist Italian, you feel like you're in some place in Naples, Italy, out in middle of nowhere. Good dedication to form here. I had margherita pizza, it was delicious. Near perfection. Prices, though, were expensive. Simple pizza is $15 bucks. No free water. Half bottle of wine $15. It'll set you back $30 just to eat here. Was a bit much, only drawback. The large giant ovens were nice, touch. Thumbs up!
(4)
Michelle P.

Great pizza! & I'm from (lower) NY! Crust is perfect, quality ingredients, great service, almost no wait due to the high temp ovens. Hope they stay open!! I WILL be back. P.S.- dip the crust in the olive oil from the condiment bar...it's the best I've ever had.
(5)
Stacey R.

We come here once a year from out of state and almost ordered pizza hut. I'm so glad we didn't. Watching the guys make the pizza and cook it in a wood burning oven was extra fun for our kids. The pizza was yummy and the toppings were not your ordinary everyday. They have a dipping bar where you make your own dip for your crust. Oil, vinegar, cheese, garlic, peppers, etc. You can BYOB or get tall cokes in glass bottles. There are no plates, you eat right off the serving platter.The pizza has that "stone fired" taste and look about it. Delicious. Will come back again next year!
(5)
Lauren S.

This place is a-ok. The pizza is very delicious and I've had the Capricciosa (my favorite; the mushrooms are very flavorful), the Diavola (not overspiced and generous salami) and the Margherita (add a meat, they take off the basil, so if you still want it--request it). Plenty of parking and it is well-lit. This place is BYOW (bring your own water). Not believing the first person who directed me to the employee hand wash sink to get my water filled, I asked another who directed me to the same sink. There are tons of Crystal Springs jugs, but they're not for us evidentially. I just don't feel comfortable walking into an employee area to fill an establishment provided cup from a handsink, even if it is "eco." The tables are long and seat plenty. No plates provided, just keep tearing off napkins and eat off the pizza tray. I'll still come back (been averaging once a week), but I'm not as enthusiastic as others about the experience.
(4)
Erin M.

One of the best pizza places in Nashville. They use the pizza ovens that make the crust so perfectly crunchy and soft in the same bite. The dough and the ingredients taste so fresh and if you choose to eat there it's fun to watch them make the pizzas. Carry out is also awesome, you don't have to call ahead. Just come on in and it's ready within 10 min or so. You can't go wrong with this place.
(4)
Wade P.

First visit, and probably my last. I don't want to pay $23.00 for a pizza, and have no choice on the toppings. All of the pizzas are take it like they make it with no options. Average taste wise, soggy, with black crust around the edges! Maybe it's the in thing to do, but I don't like having to set at a picnic table full of strangers, especially when half of the table are 6 yrs. old and under. No plates, eat off the metal tray with plastic forks and knifes. Common roll of paper towels for napkins. No thanks, maybe I just expect a little more for the $$.
(2)
Torborg D.

DeSano's pizza was the best pizza I've had since moving here from Brooklyn NY. It is a delicious, thin crust pie that is perfect for splitting with a friend. I love that it is BYOW (bring your own wine). And finally, the staff was so friendly and the supervisor, Rich, came out to personally greet us and ask how our meal was. Great place and, oh, the cannolis were so tasty! This is my go-to place for pizza now on!
(5)
Mark S.

Good pizza but pricey. If you like American style pizza like Dominos and Papa Johns STAY AWAY from this place, it's real pizza make with top quality Italian ingredients. We got their signature pizza with sausage and sweet red pepper, it was good. Coco's over on 50th N has better bang for the buck and a more diverse menu, I'd recommend it before sending someone to DeSano.
(3)
Kathleen S.

In town on a law school visit and my mom and I used Yelp to find a place for dinner. We are currently sitting at DeSano's having just split a pizza. This place is wicked good. I ate more than half of the pizza in under 10 min. We didn't even speak because we couldn't stop eating. 100% recommend to anyone who likes thin crust (or just plain amazing pizza).
(5)
Grover C.

We ordered take out from Desano. The pizza was ready in 4 minutes! The ingredients are fresh and the service comes with a nice smile. We will be returning here soon! I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Massimo F.

This IS one of the best REAL NEAPOLITAN pizza! If you hear any complain about this pizza, it will be from someone that doesn't appreciate an authentic pizza. I respect other people taste, and I agree on the said 'you like what you like". That said, if you know you like authentic neapolitan pizza, you will love this pizza. The crust tends on the thick side, but it is just at the upper edge of the perfect thickness range. Toppings are FRESH, and several of them come straight from Italy. Their buffalo mozzarella flies from one of our most beautiful regions, Campania, and it has to otherwise we won't call it DOP (literally "from protected origin", that means it is guaranteed that the product is made in state approved sites assuring the over the top quality of the product). People there are very friendly and kind, on top of being very professional and knowledgeable of their job. The place per se looks like a pizzeria. How awesome is that! I meant, it looks like an authentic "pizzeria al taglio", i.e. a pizza place where you just seat, grab a pizza by the slice, and eat it in the premise. At the end that means the place doesn't look like a restaurant, at all. I would suggest not to necessarily indulge yourself with their cannoli. They are far for being as good as an authentic Sicilian cannolo... but they are good and enjoyable. At the contrary, you need to have their caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, and ask for some baked pizza dough to use it instead of bread (focaccia). More than recommended this place is a must go in town. I can't wait to go there again!
(5)
David O.

While this place was in no way what I expected, that didn't work against it. Instead of a traditional restaurant, you order your pizza at the counter and then head into the back where the pizza ovens are. The Pizza very much reminded me of the Pizza we had in Italy. The large room, with the large tables makes it a great place to come with a large group of your friends and watch sports on the TV. It's certainly designed to be a very public experience. If you are looking for something more intimate, this is probably not the place you want to visit. When its busy, parking can be a bit of an issue, but the lot is a fairly decent size.
(4)
Jen Y.

Great place... nice people fun vibe. I love the open area seeing the pizza action!.. my favorite of our order was a vegetarian pizza with cherry tomatoes (sorry forgot the name) but all the pizzas we tried were great. Good selection of local beers as well. We saw a pizza making class while we were there and a small child rolling dough at the counter.. adorable!
(5)
J.L. L.

I'm not a huge pizza fan, but I look forward to dining here. It's a very different experience. Not only is the pizza absolutely fabulous, but the atmosphere really adds to the experience. You can have wine, unique pizza, gelato, cannoli all at an affordable price.
(4)
Caleb A.

Very good brick oven pizza. Everything was fresh and good. The building was nice as well.
(4)
T S.

Absolutely delicious pizza-the kind where you don't even need the cheese. Their spicy red peppers were incredible. Their calzone was the best I have had. We all made a dipping sauce with the marinara, chili oil, garlic and herbs! I would totally go back.
(5)
Darla S.

Flavor is awesome! Spoke to the manager.. He said everything is imported from Italy. This means it most likely doesn't have all the junk America puts in their food. All the ingredients are fresh and delicious. It's a bit overpriced however. That said we would definitely return if in the area.
(5)
Lacey S.

Stopped in for lunch and had the Bianca pizza. It is phenomenal. The setting was unique, and it was awesome to watch the pizza being made and wood-fired.
(4)
Cher Y.

Never had been a pizza fan (of the fast food chain variety) until I bumped (well, got dragged) into Pizza Antico in Atlanta. And then i got converted from "no pizza" straight into a pizza snob. Once you taste great, its hard to go back and settle for anything less! This is FAST, delicious and authentic Italian pizza. Flavorful from the first to the last bite. Got really excited when I heard DeSano was opening up (linked back to Antico), and it does not disappoint! PROS: -Fast and delicious pizza -Consistent quality over time -Self serve condiment bar - so knock yourself out personalizing your breatherator..! -Bring your own booze to complement your pizza -Fun to watch how they make the pizzas -Large communal tables, they also take reservations for large groups -Nice variety of desserts including gelato and cannolis CONS: -When it is busy, it is crazy! (in terms of parking your car and your rear) -Bring your own water -No real good options for fresh salads....(they do have small prepackaged salads) Welcome DeSano! So glad you are part of the Nashville dining scene!
(5)
Mackenzie L.

Salad sucks balls. Pizza is average. I've had take out here twice and have tried both salads on the menu (Spinach and Caprese), in addition to four types of speciality pizzas. Let me assure you, I'm not one to bitch, but the Caprese salad was an absolute joke. Not only was I surprised that they pulled a pre-made container out of the cooler and handed it to me, it literally had three cherry tomatoes, enough cheese to catch a mouse in a trap, 30 pieces of spinach and a measly portion of shriveled up basil. Oh...I forgot the dressing. Whoops. And for $7!? No thanks. Bottom line: stick with the pizza.
(3)
Jessica H.

My favorite restaurant in Nashville! It combines everything I love: delicious authentic pizza + BYOB + a self-serve bar of accoutrements. I've often gone at the busiest times and been able to get a table because the manager hangs around to help you find a spot. My favorite thing is just the basic margarita with my own supply of crushed red pepper, Parmesan and balsamic olive oil. The cannoli is also really freaking good. Just be warned that you may have to hustle for a table. But it's worth it.
(5)
Laura H.

Great pizza. My kiddo loves that you can watch them cook the pizzas from the dining area. Great atmosphere and amazing food!
(5)
A P.

Anyone giving this place under 5 stars is unreasonable, I'd park and walk a mile for this pie. Beats NYC places and CHicago that I've eaten, super fresh, and BYOB, how can you beat it? You cant.
(5)
Brad Q.

I own a business and understand your points. Thank you for taking the time to reply good management/ownership goes a long way to making your business successful. I see why your so highly rated. If I'm back in the area I will give it another shot, maybe we can bake the crust with just olive oil for a while before we too to get that extra crisp. Best of luck.
(4)
Brad T.

Ventured into DeSano's while in Nashville. Located on music row, this pizza is the real deal. As soon as I opened the door, the aroma throughout the entire place was slap your mother good! Classic Neapolitan pizza, baked at 900 degrees in authentic wood ovens. Authentic fresh ingredients imported from Italy. San Marzano D.O.P. tomatoes, Bufala Di Mozzarella, hand kneaded double 00 flour, olive oil, and fresh basil. Pizzas are baked in three large wood ovens that were shipped directly from Italy -each weighing over 10,000 lbs. We ordered the classic Margherita. Was so damn good! Perfectly charred crust, flavorful sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, finished off with drizzled olive oil. Wanna try the calzones and a few of the speciality pizzas. Already planning a return visit soon! Hey DeSano's, can you deliver to Louisville!?
(5)
Hall W.

This is the 2nd best pizza I EVER HAD... (first being Lombardi's in Little Italy, New York City), and that includes competing with places in Italy, New York City and etc. Also, what makes this in someways better than a lot of pizza places with great pizza is the atmosphere. Its large wide open dining area with the pizza kitchen basically being a show kitchen adds a fun live museum feel to it. The fact that they have parking right outside (and plenty of it), makes this place exciting to host things (and they are very friendly with hosting things - ie Wine parties).
(5)
Hillary S.

I love this place! My coworkers and I like to go on Fridays after work with a few bottles of wine and hang out for a while. I've had several of the pizzas- all delicious, and just tried the spinach salad and a calzone last night. I have never had anything I don't like. I usually get my own pizza so I can have leftovers for the next day! The pistachio cannoli is amazing, too.
(5)
Jake P.

When I came to Nashville on my honeymoon, my wife and I were told to give this place a try. We finally got out and gave it a try and I have to say that it was incredibly delicious. This place has some of the best pizza I've ever eaten and that says a lot because I eat a lot of pizza. Only place I've had that beats this place is actually this place's sister restaurant Antico which is in Atlanta. If you're looking for some authentic Italian pizza then this place will not disappoint.
(4)
Katie S.

Craving pizza? Don't go anywhere else. I highly recommend the San Gennaro! DeSano has a wonderful, relaxed environment and is BYOB. It doesn't get better than this.
(5)
Jason K.

After a day of only drinking water and walking for miles, we decided that pizza in bed was well deserved. This place had the best reviews and was close to our hotel so we have it a shot. I ordered the Desano pizza. It was amazing. Perfect crust, nice and crispy, and fresh tasting ingredients. The wife ordered the margherita pizza which she typically loves, but when we got to the room and finally opened the boxes she had recieved a simple cheese pizza. Kind of dissapointing so that's why I couldn't give 5 stars. It was just too far of a walk at 11pm to go all the way back but oh well.
(4)
Deb D.

It took a while to get the pie, but, it was so good! Best pizza I've had in a long time! I wanted to go back - best food I experienced in Nashville! BRING YOUR OWN WINE!
(5)
Sam Z.

Great pizza: 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, 900 degree ovens... All the makings of a genuinely delicious pizza! Desano did not disappoint. Love it.
(5)
Prithi D.

Wow, I'm not sure if I have words to describe what I had. Best pizza in Tennessee. I am here in town for a family graduation and was looking for something amazing after traveling all day. I found this one right here on yelp. They hand toss the pizza right in front of you. It took 45 mins to get our good but it was amazing. We tried the margarita pizza.
(4)
Sara W.

When we first walked in (after a hot, 1.5 mile walk there), I was a little nervous that it wasn't even a restaurant because it looked more like an upscale take-out place on first glance. Luckily, there is a great space beyond where you order that definitely resembles a restaurant. We ordered the Diavolo, and it did not disappoint. The peppers were spicy and delicious. We loved the freshly grated parmesan and red pepper oil, too. One of the people working even brought us a couple free beers while we devoured our pizza and watched the World Cup. The pistachio cannoli was as good as anything they sell at Mike's Pastry in Boston (without the chaos or the wait). A great find.
(5)
Ms T J.

First time trying this place. We ordered a large margherita pizza, side salad with their housemade balsamic dressing. It was a prepackaged salad they make themselves at the restaurant comes with olives,fresh mozzarella,onions and tomatoes. It was very good. The pizza itself was very good as well, the crust was perfect and the mozzarella and basil are fresh an delicious . They have different toppings like fresh garlic,olive oil and other things. Everything was very good.
(4)
Danpril Z.

This place has 4 1/2 stars from over 280 reviews for a reason. Look no further; great pizza here.
(5)
Rich D.

This isn't just the best pizza I've had in Nashville, it's some of the best pizza I've ever had. I've gone to DeSano 3 times now and it keeps getting better. Almost as important as how good the pizza is -- it's BYOB.
(5)
Joe K.

I've been here quite a few times and I always forget to leave a review! They are awesome! I've gotten the margarita pizza multiple times and it truly is amazing! All their pies are great! And great quick service!
(5)
Samantha Y.

I can't believe it took me so long to go here. People are not joking.. best pizza I have had in Nashville. I'm from Chicago so it is hard to please me with thin crust pizza, but this place is YUM! Best parts: BYOB, no fee. This means lots of vino. Pizza with the artichokes and mushrooms. I can't stop ordering this! Cheap! Split the smaller size pizza with a friend for less than $8. Umm toppings - fresh garlic, cheese, balsamic vinegar, oils, spices for dipping. This means so much to me as I love dipping. Location.. walk over to mid-town afterwards. Perfection!
(5)
Amie K.

My fiance and I were looking for good pizza on a Sunday night and thankfully DeSano's was open until 10 (or later I believe). We didn't know if it was only carry out but we were pleasantly surprised when we found a large dining area when we turned the corner! You order at the front counter (we had a basic margherita) and they bring the pizza out. They also have salads and mexican Coke (THE best, pure can sugar). Literally by the time we sat down our pizza was out 5 minutes later. Perfect crust, awesome flavor, and it didn't need ANYTHING else. SOOO GOOD! I was craving the following day and actually am right now as well... Also, cannolis are great! I ordered one as I left and thought she was going to just pull one from the display case, but oh noooo. She whipped out a fresh shell and piped the filling right in front of me, added the chocolate chips, and viola! GREAT pizza, amazing customer service (the female at the front had a great personality) and someone came to our table with such hospitality and informed us about the complimentary dipping bar. I will DEFINITELY be back and I plan on recommending this anyone wanting pizza in Nashville
(5)
Trista D.

Went and had the Capricciosa. This is the best pizza I've had in Nashville so far. My boyfriend is a pizza fanatic and really enjoyed it as well. The pizza was done FAST and everything tasted so fresh. The environment is very laid back (The pizza comes out in about a minute on a sheet pan) making it a great place to hang out. The price is on the more expensive end for pizza, but I think it was worth it. We didn't take advantage of the BYOB option, but I'm sure we will be back soon.
(5)
Kristine P.

We decided to check this place out based on all the good yelp reviews. So we walk in and there's this mini market/counter area. We figured that we ordered at the counter and then make our way to wherever the sitting area was. We ordered the capricciosa (mushroom, artichoke, buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto) and the san gennaro (sausage, peppadew, buffalo mozzarella, and caramelized onions). We also ordered some cannoli's which they made for you right at the counter. They filled the cannoli shell with a generous amount. I got the pistachio cannoli so they rolled the ends in a lot of pistachio pieces. After ordering made our way to the dining area which was a room with long tables and benches. On the far side of the room was the kitchen where you could see your pizza being made. When our pizzas were done they would bring them over based on the order number that we put down on our table. There was a little area near the kitchen where you could get parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and red pepper flakes. There were disposable plastic cups and paper towels on each of the tables. We asked where to get water from and one of the kitchen guys pointed us to a sink in the corner. We were kinda surprised when they told us we had to get our own water b/c there were a ton of giant bottled waters stored around the dining area. So our capricciosa pizza comes out first. It was good, but not spectacular. I liked the combination of topping on there. I also liked how they used fresh mushrooms on there. I would have liked more prosciutto on top but I'm a meat lover. I really liked the san gennaro, especially the big pieces of sausage. Not only were they big, but they had a great flavor to them. They didn't taste like they were manufactured either so I wondered if they made them or got them from somewhere that made sausage. I think the peppadew and the sausage really complimented each other well. I also discovered that chopped garlic tastes really good on top of pizza and found myself loading up the garlic. We were so full after the pizza that I barely touched my cannoli. I loved how they overstuffed it b/c sometimes I think cannolis don't have enough. I would wanted the filling to be a pinch sweeter, buy my friend thought the sweetness was just right. We spent about ~$20 per pizza which is a bit pricey for pizza. With these prices, I would have expected to not have to get my own water from the sink, but at least the food was tasty. Overall, I'd come back and try their other meat pizzas.
(4)
Ingrid H.

Again yelp has not steered me wrong... great no frills pizza place! I had the capricciosa Napoli, which was wonderful. As it was just me I had lots left. I liked that they had a little "bar" set up to fix yourself a little topping or dipping sauce for your crust. I tried mine with a olive oil, garlic and Parmesan.
(4)
Peter P.

I've been searching for a good pizza joint ever since I moved to Nashville last year. With DeSano, I found the best. Shared a large pizza with a friend and it was fantastic. The crust was thin and freshly baked, the cheese was perfectly placed medallions of fresh mozzarella cheese, and the pepperoni and sausage toppings were meaty, juicy, and spicy. And what better way to top all of that off than with the biggest and most amazing cannoli that was assembled fresh right in front of me. My only regret is that I didn't get a pour of wine, which I'm sure I'll remedy on my next trip.
(5)
Kristy H.

Went here for lunch on a Tuesday. As the girl was taking our order, the manager/owner came over and interrupted me, yelling about a party and their wine and how much pizza they had coming still. Flailing his arms and all. The cashier was embarrassed and apologized, but that should have been my red flag/warning that it was going to be annoying just around the corner. It was extremely crowded as I believe there was someone throwing a huge party in the dining area. Very few seats, so we squeezed next to a cute family. The party was loud and running around--they ended up taking over our table when the family left, squeezing me to the end. One of them was bouncing so much that I was getting nauseous as my seat was moving. I think that the restaurant should have contained the party to one area/set of tables OR warned us before ordering that there were people running around who think they owned the place. The pizza tasted great. We got a prosciutto/artichoke combo. The cheese was very high quality, which was appreciated. Overall, the atmosphere sucked when we were there, so I would not dine-in again. Pick up would be high on my list.
(2)
Robert M.

Everything looked familiar to me...the logo on the building...as I walk inside, the menu. So I had to ask: "Are you associated with Antico in Atlanta?" "Yes...we ARE Antico, we bought the concept from them" Or...something like that. So I knew right away what I was in for: Acunto ovens, 900 degrees, pizza flashed in 1 minute, 00 flour, San Marzano...you get the picture. They do it right without the attitude of Giovanni in Atlanta. Bigger space as well. The pizza falls short of Antico however. The end crust doesn't have the same chew, it is a bit tougher. Doesn't have the same smokiness. But it's still a damn good pie. I don't think I'd be going out on a limb saying the best za in Nashville, considering my experience at CoCos the night prior. It's good to see a real pizza place taking hold in different cities, but as they roll this concept out...I wonder if the quality will remain the same. Since I'm in Nashville often for work...I won't complain. Welcome to Yelp, the new Citisearch!
(4)
Brittany F.

Love this place! My ultimate test of how much I like a place is whether I would bring guests and the answer is YES! The service was friendly, the food was made quickly and delicious! Now lets get to the cannoli's, FANTASTIC! They were pretty and had great ingredients, even my cannoli-hating husband liked them!
(5)
Brandon L.

Good pizza, wood fire, made to perfection. This place is BYOB but they also have beverages you can purchase. Not a full bar but imagine that! They have huge tables made for large parties so take your friends, take your drinks, and have fun!
(4)
Erica C.

DeSano's pizza is consistently decent. They have a wide selection of pies with several veggie options. They use San Marzano tomatoes for their tangy sauce (simply the best). Their crust though needs salt and has an unpleasant aftertaste sometimes, perhaps when they need to clean the oven. Both salads are also only decent: the Caprese is seasoned too heavily. As for the atmosphere, the staff is very friendly and helpful. However, I wish they'd change their set-up. You place your order in the front and sit in the dining room at picnic-style tables, with a few high tables for larger groups. The main reason I don't go here more often is that this set-up is really conducive to children chasing each other around the restaurant and yelling, as if they are in a park, while their parents banter on with their friends while drinking wine out of plastic cups. This is a very unpleasant experience for adults who simply want to enjoy decent pizza in a low-key place. I think that if DeSano offered table service, this behavior would not be so rampant. Children are unpleasant when they are not monitored. I really wish that the server (who was quite friendly) would have drawn my attention to the fact that the Pizza Marinara does not contain any cheese. None. Just pizza dough, sauce, and four leaves of basil. I cannot imagine that others have not made this mistake. I read the menu, but I guess I just assumed that the pizza would have cheese, as ALMOST ALL PIZZAS EVER do. The Pizza Marinara was a crushing disappointment. That said, their pies with buffalo mozzarella are much more tasty, and I appreciate the high quality cheese. As far as Nashville pizza goes, my favorite is still Bella Napoli. It's the whole package.
(3)
L G.

Good pizza, cool vibe. Like others said, the communal seating experience is different, but not bad. Pizza is fresh and the crust is really good!
(4)
Kerry F.

Found this place on yelp while travelling on business. Pleasantly surprised to find an authentic pizza joint. Everything tasted fresh and homemade. Was fun to watch the staff throwing pizza dough. Tried the lasagna, which was good - crumbled meatballs with mozzarella and ricotta on the perfect crust. Only thing I would have changed is adding more basil leaves, the few on the pie really complemented the flavor.
(4)
Carolyn M.

Came with coworkers and we all loved it, picky eaters and foodies alike. The little pre-made salad was excellent - kale and goat cheese. We had a plain cheese and a fancier meat pizza and both were fantastic. The crust is perfect - crusty outside, chewy inside, and not at all greasy. It was a little cold inside the day we went, so maybe bring a layer just in case.
(4)
Ty M.

Authentic Italian pizza in a very intimate setting. Long picnic tables with community style seating creates a very lovely experience. This restaurant is a bring your own wine establishment no liquor can be sold or consumed so just bring some airplane bottles! Love this place. Can't beat it.
(4)
Tom M.

We loved this place! The pizza is delicious, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is truly unique. The open kitchen allows you to see everyone in action. The pizza chefs throw the dough to one another and take time to interact with people who are up front to watch. Seating can be a little cramped on busy nights but it all works itself out. When we come back to visit Nashville this will be the first place we go to eat.
(5)
Justin W.

Over New Year's weekend we packed up the car for a trip to Nashville. DeSano has made it into my top 5 list for this destination and as such we stopped by for lunch on Sunday afternoon. I'm happy to report that DeSano has earned its fifth star in my book because of two key improvements. There is a changing table in the woman's restroom and a new sign in the entrance with instructions for new comers. DeSano is a place that respects its customers and serves a quality product for a reasonable price. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Stacey O.

This pizza was everything. I loved the crust. The service was fast. There wasn't anything I didn't like.
(5)
TJ R.

Excellent pizza. Only had a chance to go once while we were in Nashville, but it was one of the highlights of our trip. Staff were quite helpful and made a good recommendation.
(5)
Latrisha T.

Amazing pizza (tried the San Gennaro, Desano & Lasagna pizzas) and dessert (cannoli & the new nutella dessert pizza-yum) The staff was very accommodating and friendly. Loved that you can byob (wine). An overall great experience. Much love to Jack!!!
(5)
l k.

Hands down...best pizza in Nashville!!! Love this place! Not sure how/why it took me so long to eat here but wow, it's my new favorite pizza spot in town. Delish.
(5)
Rob B.

Hands down my favorite pizza in Nashville. Authentic Pizza Napoletana. The San gennaro pizza is fantastic. The cannoli's are amazing and I'm into the open dining room. It's byob which is a plus and the pizza is cooked on pieces of volcanic rock from mount vesuvius. That's just awesome. Fresh ingredients and old school technique make for one hell of a pizza. Try it. You won't regret it.
(5)
Charles L.

Best pizza in Nashville. In fact, it's probably the best brick oven pizza I've ever tasted. My favorite is the Pomodorini pizza but everything here is spectacular. The only downside is that they close as soon as they run out of dough. So, make sure you don't wait around to go if it's a busy night of the week.
(5)
Matt N.

OK. So, I have to admit I have been on a CRAAAZY pizza kick lately. And yes, I'm quite okay with that. In my humble opinion the overall pizza scene over the years in Nashville has been... to say the least, struggling. But, as the dining scene in town continues to heat up, we are thankfully getting more and more fabulous pizza options. The closest thing to authentic Italian pizza I've had in the state of Tennessee (I realize that's not saying much... but.. hear me out). Almost every ingredient in their pizza is imported straight from Italy-- the mozzarella is flown in weekly and made fresh in a small town in Southern Italy, flour is shipped over by boat, the salt used is from the Mediterranean, and this is apparently this is the case for every single ingredient they use. Awesome. I had my first experience just last week as I have started to hear quite a bit of buzz about the place, and needless to say, DeSano lives up to the hype. We went with the Capricciosa pizza, which is mushrooms, artichokes, proscuitto, and buffalo mozzarella. Absolutely OUTSTANDING. So fresh and flavorful. So authentic. I mean, seriously-- I can't wait to get back here and try it again. Tip: BYOB here-- and there is no corking fee!
(5)
Devin D.

Great service! Great Food! Had a party of 10 including 6 kids, they sat us in the Dough room. Wonderful time. Highly recommended.
(5)
Stefanie P.

Short and sweet The Canoli's are home made and come in a variety of flavors. Very yummy. We with the recommendation based on you fellow yelpers to get the Diavola and the San Gennaro. I liked the Gannaro. By the kitchen area they have fresh garlic, free peppers, awesome olive oli, and killer hot peppers. That made the pizza so custom. A bit pricy but a great flavored pizza. I'd go back ! Its BYOB, great first date or casual meet up for friends lcoation
(4)
Sarah C.

DeSano's was favoloso! Our party began around 6:30 p.m. on Friday night. Seemed like we were the only patrons in the entire place! Everything is counter service and pizza takes approximately 10 minutes or less to make. I'd love to eat my way through the menu here. I have a garlic intolerance and the counter service was accommodating to my many questions and suggested the margherita pizza sans garlic. My husband and I added Italian sausage to the top and called it a day. We went for the smaller of the two options as it yielded 3 slices for each of us. The Italian sausage was flavorful and the crust was light and thin. And I'm usually not a huge fan of Italian sausage on pizza but this was a game changer. The ingredients were fresh and the pizza came out delicious! One of our co-diners regaled her experience with pizza in Italy boasting that DeSano's was as close as it gets to the real deal. For dessert, of course I ordered a traditional cannoli. Being from Chicago, I've been "around the block" when it comes to cannoli. This was such a pleasant experience and whisked me back to memories with my Italian grandmother in the Italian Village of Chicago. I will most certainly be doing takeout or dine-in at DeSano's again!
(5)
Joel S.

All the reviews were spot on. This place is amazing with a very unique atmosphere. Extremely kid friendly with the dough balls to play with, and the open kitchen.
(5)
Pam L.

While I prefer the original location in Atlanta (there it is known as Antico), I LOVE this pizza. When we moved from the ATL to Nashville I was thrilled to discover this location. Authentic with some of the best crust I've ever had. DeSano's pizza is an example of high quality ingredients at work. It's nothing fancy but delicious. Bring your own bottle of vino if you'd like.
(5)
Rachel C.

Great pizza, great place. I had the lasagna Napoli, it had eight slices, so plenty of leftovers. Just awesome! Can't wait to go back, and hopefully get some cannolis.
(5)
Corey G.

DeSano Pizza Bakery has a great atmosphere with an awesome product! DeSano's has an open air kitchen where you can watch you pizza being put together and then put into a giant brick oven. They offer Artisan style toppings on a thin, airy crust that absorbs the flavor of the brick its cooked on. They bring out your pizza straight from the oven on large baking sheet pans. This place is great for large party as they have large cafeteria like tables and private dining area that can be reserved in advance. They also allow you to BYOB or Brown Bag in without a corkage fee! They are slightly on the pricey side but the flavor of the pizza and the overall experience is well worth every penny!
(5)
Jessica P.

My boyfriend and I love a good pizza and here was not exception. We got a margarita pizza and it was cooked to perfection. The crust was thin yet not super crispy which I usually receive with wood fire ovens. That made the pizza go perfectly with the sauce. Soooo delicious. We loved the picnic table seating in the large dining room where we could watch the cooks bake the pizzas in wood fire grills. It was a shame we could not bring some all the way back to Wisconsin hot and ready. The only thing I would say otherwise is that it seemed to be filled with young twenty something people, not a great atmosphere for kids, but we ate there late on Tuesday night. Would love to eat there again.
(5)
John G.

Best Neapolitan style pizza I've had. Went on a whim after a yelp search. Loved it.
(5)
Melissa B.

Tony and I went to dinner Friday at DeSano Pizza Bakery. I am so glad we went. I really enjoyed the restaurant. The parking lot is large and Free. The inside is large and open, airy like a warehouse...You go in the area where you order the pizza, get your drinks and salads..or pick up some pasta or sauces to take out with you home... Then you go into the next area to eat..and it is even larger in there. There are three large pizza ovens for open oven fire wood pizzas...of course the best ways to cook pizza. We ordered the Diavola with pepperoni, spicy italian salami, buffalo mozzarella cheese and capachian peppers ...(( italian long red hot peppers...spicy and good)))... I kid you not we no more than entered the dining area, where there a long wooden picnic style community seating...our pizza was whisked out to us on a large serving tray..which serves as your dinner space...lol !!! This pizza was so good!! Not the best...but it was very very good.. I still like pizza perfect in Nashville and I still love Community Pie in Chattanooga..but I will definitely go here again!! I will definitely try other pizzas...I can't wait to try more pizzas and find my DeSano favorite. I am going to take my daughter here when she moves to Nashville next June 2014.. I am on to my next pizza search!!! I recommend and I will go again!!!
(4)
Kristen D.

Amazing made from scratch pizza. We tried the lasagna pizza and the cheese pizza. Very Fresh ingredients. Our kids loved watching the pizza makers hand toss the pizza and add the ingredients. They were throwing the dough across to each other. Really cool place. Casual and fun.
(5)
Tatiana L.

The Capricciosa pizza continues to be at the top of my list. Thin crust with mushrooms, artichokes, prosciutto, garlic and buffalo mozzarella cheese, delicious!! Bring your own wine, there is no corking fee ;)
(5)
Diana S.

The way pizza is supposed to be made - the way it is in Italy. The pizza here is very good. We had the Capracciosa - prosciutto, mushroom, garlic and artichoke hearts. It was absolutely smothered in prosciutto - a very light version, without the stringy fat you unfortunately see all too often. On the other hand, there were only a few artichoke hearts and mushrooms, and they weren't distributed well. It was still delicious, but I wish they had been more even with the ingredients. If you are a control freak and have to have the last say about which ingredients are on your pie, then you will not be happy here. But if you can go with the flow, you will eat well. We also tried desserts. The hazelnut canneloni was excellent: crisp shell with loads of nutty filling with the occasional mini chocolate chip. On the other hand, the "blood orange" gelato was really pretty awful. For one thing, if it is neon orange, it is not made from blood oranges, as their juice is *gasp* blood colored. And as it tasted like Fanta with a sharp aftertaste, it probably was made from orange flavored and colored chemicals rather than fruit juice. As people before have said, the experience can be loud, and it is family style seating, but that can be part of its charm. Watching the pies being tossed, composed and fired can be entertaining. And, speaking as someone who worked in restaurants a lifetime ago, it is not such a bad thing to see the kitchen where your food is prepared. BTW - no gluten free here. Europeans are not as concerned about that. Perhaps because their crops are not as genetically modified?
(4)
Clay G.

I write this review with a little sadness. Manny's has always been my perennial favorite and I have always felt comfortable picking it as the best pizza in town. Now I can't, it is Desanos. Awesome Pizza, BYOB, I love everything about this place, and the pizza is true artisan italian. Awesome! The only downside for some might be the sound level. The main dining room is more reminiscent of a cafeteria and is loud. Early in the evening it is full of families, only to be slowly replaced with groups of what seemed to be college aged. You order up front and I don't think 10 minutes went by before we had our pizza brought to the table. It's fast enough that I suggest ordering one at a time.
(5)
John H.

Been here and loved it but tonight not so much. I guess operational costs have taken their toll on hiring skilled staff. There were not even plates to eat off. You get a roll of paper towels!? My group shared two larger pizzas. Half the slices were 'cooked' while the others burnt beyond recognition. You know it is bad when teenagers turn down pizza after a slice and a half. I can still taste the blacken crust in my mouth 30 minutes later. The dough must not had been given a chance to rise. It was as flat as a sheet of paper and fell apart as you tried to pick it up. While the topping may have been good you really couldn't taste them over the charred crust. Basically the most money I've ever paid for the worst pizza. At this point there are too many good pizza options in this town for me to give this one a second chance. It is truly sad because I use to rave about this place.
(2)
Jesse H.

We've been spending a lot of time in Nashville lately (about half a week, every week, for the last 6 months.) My daughter loves pizza, so we've tried our fair share of Nashville pizza joints during that time. Hands-down, DeSano has the best pizza that I've found in Nashville. I've never been to Italy, so I can't say for sure whether or not this is authentic Italian pizza. It is what I'd imagine Italian pizza to be though. The atmosphere is very casual. My daughter loves to watch the pizza being prepared (she thinks it's funny when the guy making the dough throws it across the room to the person that puts the toppings on the pizza.) Don't miss this place if you want a delicious pizza.
(5)
Andy B.

I need to give this place another try because I unwittingly ordered the Verdura based on a delicious looking Yelp! picture only to find out that pizza doesn't have pizza sauce, which is not what we were looking for. You could tell that they probably do make some awesome pizzas, I just don't think the Verdura is one of them. Also, I've known broccoli rabe to be moist, buttery and garlic tasting, but the broccoli rabe here was kinda dry and widdled. It was awesome that they would take an order over the phone and be able to throw it in the oven right when you get there. 5 minute wait as promised once we arrived. I'll be back.
(4)
Aaron S.

How does this restaurant only have 4.5 stars?!? Someone must not like taste.
(5)
Laura M.

AMAZING! Delicious pizza and CANNOLI'S. The prices are right and Chelsea was very helpful. Would highly recommend this place.
(5)
Laura T.

My husband and I were so excited to get pizza here because of all the hype.. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement .. It was extremely cheep made food for an extremely high price. Congrats to them for finding a way to make a good profit..
(1)
Justin R.

I don't even know how to begin writing a review for a place this amazing! In all honesty this is not only the best pizza I have had in Nashville, but the best pizza I have ever had. No joke. Better than New York? Yes. Better than Chicago? Yes. It's just damn delicious! Based off of an Atlanta concept, they hit the nail on the head with DeSano's. The staff is extremely nice and the pizza comes out hot & cheesy, in just a few minutes. And to top it off, it's BYOB! Oh yeah! Instead of sitting here reading my review, grab some friends, your favorite adult beverage, and head over to DeSano's for the best pizza of your life.
(5)
Blair S.

Finally, the much anticipated Nashville version of Atlanta's Antico Pizza has opened. I loved the pizza at Antico, and they matched it here at Desano. The pizza is top notch and the most authentic you can find this far from the Mediterranean. The pomodorini and the margherita are my favorites. My companions raved about the San Gennaro and capricciosa on my recent visit. Unlike Antico, Desano started with the idea of serving dine-in customers in the bakery rather than as a wholesale business with the dining area as an afterthought. They have large picnic tables - so cozy up to some strangers and make new friends if it's busy. If you have a large group, try making a reservation - they reserved a table for my group of nine. Italian music plays in the background as you watch the cooks prepare dough, assemble pizzas, and put them in the Italian ovens. The staff was friendly, helpful, and the pizza came out really fast. Finally, save room for gelato or cannoli! You'll enjoy it.
(5)
Amy C.

True artisan brick oven pizza with authentic flavors of Naples, Italy right here in downtown Nashville! My favorite was the Napoletana featuring broccoli rabe, sausage and buffalo mozzarella! Pizza's come in two sizes regular/large. The regular was more than enough for two people to split and be comfortably full! If the pizza isn't enough of a reason to go, they also allow BYOB!! You can bring in your favorite bottle of wine or beer to enjoy with your pizza w/ NO corkage fee. They do sell wine and beer at the restaurant, but the better value is to bring your own. So call your friends, grab a couple bottles of vino and prepare to be transported to Italy...no passport required!
(5)
T V.

Walked in for the first time on a Friday night (Jan 25th) after arriving in Nashville to spend the weekend with my two daughters who attend Belmont University. Paid for our pizzas at the counter and was told to sit anywhere. When we went around the corner to the dining room, we found that the place was jammed packed. We didn't think we would ever get a seat, and that must have shown on our faces because a gentleman came over to assure us he would find us a place. A minute later, another worker asked us if we needed help finding a seat, then another offered to help. But the place was so packed, that about 5 minutes later, the first gentleman, who we learned was the owner, offered to allow us to eat at a front chopping block prep area right at the pizza cooking/tossing area. We were thrilled with that option and parked, standing at that spot. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink and brought us some bottled water. We amused ourselves watching the pizza dough tossers, and drooled as we saw the finished pizza pies emerge from the three wood burning pizza ovens. We also enjoyed watching all of the people who packed every inch of the place enjoying their food and their drinks, many of the beverages were BYOB. I opted to go back to the counter to purchase a Coppola Sofia, sparkling wine in a can (refreshing for a change of pace). One of the pizza makers allowed my daughter to give the pizza tossing a try. We spoke with the owner more who came to check on us frequently. He said we were there on his busiest night so far. The pizzas arrived and they were fantastic. The San Gennaro (Sausage Pepper-dew) pizza was our favorite. Some spots opened at one of the tables, and the owner helped clear the area and move our pizzas to the table so we could sit for the rest of our meal. He told the girls that the place would be offered on the Belmont Bucks food plan. We enjoyed more conversation and told him we would definitely be back. We did not have room for the gelato they offered, or the canoli and biscotti. If in Nashville check out DeSano, just off of the Musica Roundabout in Midtown! I look forward to walking there again on my next trip to Nashville, and I hope they remain in the neighborhood for many years to come.
(5)
Desiree S.

Best pizza in Nashville by far!!!!! It smells in incredible, tastes incredible, and the people are incredible. A must go. Enjoy!
(5)
Brittany L.

Pizza was really good. Lightning fast too, and fun to watch the dough get juggled. Seriously...amazing pizza. The cannoli was fantastic too, we got pistachio. They lost the 5th star due to the obscene amount of plastic litter produced. Everything is plastic and disposable: cups (for wine and water), forks and knives, portion/souffle cups and lids for pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, olive oil, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic. I get it. It's like rustic, faux-divey, minimal, whatever. They can't afford dishwashers because there's so many pizzaiolos turning out those awesome pies. But at least put the pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on the tables. TRY to minimize the amount of waste that's going to be around for the next 100+ years. If it were me I'd put all the items (except for the garlic) on each communal table and get rid of the plastic cups except for in the carry-out area. But it's not me, and most people don't care about our water supply and petroleum distillates. It's in the beer, people! There's plastic in the beer! IT'S TIME TO START PAYING ATTENTION TO THIS! grist.org/list/beer-a-maâ€¦ In conclusion, eat the great pizza and yummy desserts, drink the wine and craft beers, bring your own glass and little dish from home.
(4)
Corie K.

This pizza is great! Super fresh, always tasty! The only reason I chose 4 vs 5 is that they have a no substitution rule, which is frustrating when it comes to preferences/ special diet needs. You can't even chose a certain pizza minus one ingredient. Otherwise, solid pizza place.
(4)
Taylor M.

Great pizza and fun atmosphere. It's also BYOB with no corking fee, which is amaze. Recommend the Diavola and San Gennaro pizzas. Casual atmosphere. Picnic tables where you can make new friends too.
(5)
Victoria M.

DESANO! literally one of the best pizza places i've been to in nashville! absolutely wonderful. the host Monica was super sweet & informative about ingredients & product. there's a topping bar, and it's also b.y.o.w (bring your own wine) :D definitely a plus!
(4)
Kellen S.

Blanco is so dope. Bring a couple bottles of wine! There's extra seating if you walk through the first dining area. Management should allow you to tip the bartenders!
(5)
Leah V.

My grandmother is Sicilian and my grandfather Italian, so when I make the treasonous comment that Desano's meatballs and red sauce is just as good if not BETTER than my grandmothers, you have to then give this place a try and hopefully become a regular. That being said, their meatball with focaccia bread plate is not only delicious and cheap ($7) but filling. I could dip that focaccia in that delectable sauce forever. The hubs ordered the San Genarro pizza. Don't let the $15 price tag detour you, we could have split this delicious 11 inch artisan pizza. I can not wait to try their calzones and to regularly frequent this Heaven sent Italian establishment. See you soon DeSano's!
(5)
R. M.

Fantastic pizza, great atmosphere, casual and fun. Easy parking. My favorite is the Diavola...spicy and perfect.
(5)
Daniel D.

If I were to judge just the pizza, this would be a 3 star place. The pizza is not of the ordinary, but the place has a charm to it. The place is located within walking distance from Vanderbilt. The pizzas are decently priced for the amount you get, the small portion is enough for two. Flavor wise the pizzas are good, but not outstanding. The interesting part about this place is the seating. It makes for a very social place with just a different atmosphere. If you are seeking to grab a pizza with friends this is a place to consider.
(4)
Jackson L.

Very good pizza! Seating is picnic style tables. It would be nice to have a coat room.
(4)
B M.

Went there for lunch on a Sunday -- beat the crowd -- and enjoyed some good pizza and an excellent dough throwing show. The staff was great -- gave pieces of dough to the kids to play with, Heard that they only have so many supplies on hand -- keeping it fresh -- so would you also recommend coming early and beating the crowd. One thing that may put some off -- expect to sit on long benches and tables -- so not necessary a great place for an intimate evening. . Didn't try any of the baked goods - something for next time!
(4)
Alex B.

So, I was in the area looking for a "random can't get this back home" kind of place. My first 2 stops were a busy because the places closed at 8pm, but man am I glad they were closed. Stumbled upon Desanos after being lost on 16th avenue. Was a bit confused walking up as to where to go, but figured it out quickly. As soon as you walk in the front door you feel like you are going to walk out stuffed. The aroma was amazing and I couldn't wait to dive in. As always, I couldn't decide what I wanted, so I had the cashier surprise me. She picked the Diavola and I was off on a trip to Little Italy. After you order you go to a big open room with community style tables, a water fountain, and a clear shot to the three amazing "I want that in my house" style wood-burning pizza ovens. In front of that area is a bar for your toppings and what-not. Every staff member that walked by me said hello and made me feel like I wasn't alone (I was though). After what felt like an eternity (it was quick but I was starving) they brought my pizza over. I grabbed some fresh chopped garlic and Parmesan from the bar and sat down to enjoy. That first bite transported me back to my young childhood experience in queens. The crust was amazing (in my opinion it is the key to a good pizza), the sauce had the perfect bite to it, cheese melted perfectly, and my favorite crust bubbles were there for my enjoyment. I ate an entire 12" pizza by myself, and though I felt like a pig, I also felt like a champ. I'm definitely going back on my next stop in Nashville.
(5)
Cari J.

I've been hearing about this place since I started working at Vanderbilt. All the anesthesiologists talked ceaselessly about this place, and I figured if they, who have the money to eat ANYWHERE, loved it, then it had to be good. I went with a friend around 5:30 PM. Had a hard time parking, but got lucky and a guy gave me his parking spot. I ordered the small Lasagna pizza, which had basil, Parmesan, ricotta, meatballs, and mozzarella, along with a bottled Mexican coke. We sat in the dining area to wait for our pizza and watch it being made, which was a cool touch. The pizza was HUGE...a small is enough for two people to share. I brought half home and can attest that is just as amazing cold. It was absolutely DELICIOUS. Best pizza I've had in Nashville. I will absolutely be back. I also grabbed 2 cannoli and some biscotti to take home, and having tried a bite of all of it, I can say that they have some amazing, authentic baked goods as well. Excellent experience!
(5)
PizzaPaparazzi C.

Ordered a Napoli size San Gennaro and a Napoli size Lasagna. A Napoli is a small sized pizza. The San Gennaro came with sausage, garlic, buffalo mozzarella, caramelized onions and peppadew(which are a sweet with a little heat peppers that are delicious). The Lasagna came with meatball, ricotta, garlic, pecorino, Romano and buffalo mozzarella. Both pizzas were made with fresh with authentic Italian ingredients right in front of you and cooked in brick ovens. Both pizza were delicious and I would go back again if I'm back in Nashville.
(4)
Jamie M.

A great naples style pizza in the USA. There pizzas are simplistic but amazing. Go with the lasagna. There pizzas aren't smothered with cheese and are wood fired which helps you feel less crappy afterwards. Make sure you stop by here for good pizza in nashville, places like dezano are hard to find in the country so take advantage of this.
(5)
Kaminsky Real Estate G.

I don't want to say it was the best pizza I ever had but it was the best pizza I ever had and that includes the fact that I owned my own wood burning pizza oven. Couldn't decide what to order so ordered 3. San Gennaro. The DeSano. And the Marguerita. The ingredients were fresh the dough was thin and the taste was bountiful. Didn't expect to be snowed in Nashville but this made it worth it.
(5)
Matt H.

As a New Yorker I've been to my fair share of pizza restaurants. While the food is ok here I waited almost an hour for an 11 inch pizza. Not a custom topping pizza, one off their menu. The restaurant was not busy at all. I asked the staff about 45 minutes into my wait and they nonchalantly said my pizza was next up. There were three people making pizzas and they still couldn't get it in a reasonable time. Horrible customer service. My pizza finally arrived, and there was literally a puddle of grease in the middle. I know pizzas are greasy, there was literally a puddle, I've never seen anything like it. Mediocre food and horrible service, I'm not coming back.
(1)
William L.

Whew. Good food on Labor Day. After disregarding Yelp's "National Holiday-Call Ahead" warnings and burning through hours of finding "Closed for Labor Day" hand-scrawled signs on doors in three states, late one Monday (yes, Labor Day Monday!) I found this amazing pizza place. Diners order upon entry, take a seat in the big room where the dough is flying and three large oven back up against the wall, and the pizza is brought to the table. There's a decent selection of beer up front by the register. Hand tossed in an open kitchen, these pizzas are probably the most unique in both quality and choice of toppings in a 300 mile radius (a good portion of which I perused in vain on the day of my visit). The standard specialty pizza blends spicy tomato with Italian sausage This was a satisfying pie despite having a relatively spare two or three toppings. As with margherita (another standard with just a few toppings), and even cheese, which has only one, it's not quantity but quality that make the pizza. If that sounds like a quote from Papa John, it is definitely not. On the way out, I noticed several other well-chocked vegetarian options that I will consider next time I'm back in Nashville. They have their own parking lot, which turns out to be a great asset in this Music Row neighborhood. Five stars, because the crust is hand-thrown and still crispy, the sauce and toppings were first rate, the service model, though somewhat self-serve, was efficient and the pizza comes straight from oven to table (in sight, in fact), and after driving halfway down the US, I don't know if I ever enjoyed a pizza more--so much so that after dinner, an intended short nap in an I-65 rest area turned into an all-night snooze with dreams of old Napoli.
(5)
Kimberly S.

Pizza was good and the staff was friendly. We stopped in here on a Sunday afternoon and I'm glad there was a party going on otherwise we would have been the only people in the place! There was a good vibe and I liked the communal seating. It was fun to watch the assembly line they had going behind the counter. We ordered a standard pizza and it was pretty good. The flavor was on point, the crust was a little burnt and so I had to knock a star off for that. Overall this was a cool place to grab some pie!
(4)
Chris S.

After a trip to the Lane Motor Museum, we decided to grab lunch in Nashville proper. We were thinking of going to Joey's pizza, having heard a lot about it. It happened to be closed, so we kept looking and Yelp directed us to DeSano's. After trying a couple of different doors, we found the entrance. Here, you order and pay up front and then proceed to the dining room to wait for the pizza. My wife has spent significant time in Italy, and says this is very authentic for southern Italian pizzerias. We ordered the capricciosa pizza, a wine and a Coca-Cola. The drinks came in bottles, even the wine, though my wife says the wine was actually good. It was a chianti. The pizza is prepared out in the open and in a real pizza oven. The ingredients are fresh, and they use real mozzarella. There's also a station where you can prepare a dipping sauce. It was fantastic. My wife assures me she has not had pizza this good in many years and that it reminded her very much of Italy. Our only, small complaint about the place was that the music was up a little too loud. We would not change anything else.
(5)
Billy H.

We had lot of errands to run on a Sunday. We decided on pizza and looked to see what to try. We decided on DeSano Pizza because we were around the area. We used the Favor app to pick deliver the pizza to us. This place uses a lot of ingredients from Italy. They strive to be very authentic. With the authenticity, comes a price. The food here is a little more costly than some other option in the area. We skimmed the menu and with the help from Google, translated the different toppings on the pizzas. We decided on Diavola, which is San Marzano tomato sauce, soppressata (Italian dry salami), pepperoni, calabrian peppers, scamorza (Italian cow milk cheese), mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano. We also ordered two pistachio cannoli. The PDF link on yelp & their website ( desanopizza.it/files/desâ€¦ ) has outdated prices) Our pizza was $22.75 for a thin crust large, & the cannoli were $5.25 each. The cannoli come in little boxes so they don't get smashed when you take them home. There are thick & full of filling. They make the cannoli daily they say. I really did enjoy the cannoli even with the chocolate chip sprinkles in the filling (I'm not a huge fan of chocolate, I know, I'm weird). Onto the pizza! I could probably eat pizza, sushi & Mexican every day & never tire of it. They cook their pizzas in brick ovens & state on the menu that the pizzas are cooked well done & there is some charring. I didn't see much charring on our pizza. I've had some places that state that & literally burn the whole crust. This wasn't the case with our order. Our pizza was sprinkled with the different meats and cheeses, along with some bright red, calabrian peppers. I'd never had them before & I like heat, so I cautiously bit into one. The pepper has a nice heat to it, along with a salty flavor. I love these peppers. The peppers paired nicely with the salt in the different meats. I see why this place is so popular. They craft some great pizza. I'm looking forward to trying more.
(4)
Ashley T.

This place was recommended by a coworker. We went in around 10pm on a Saturday night and it was dead but we ordered and sat near the big, garage doors. I wish the doors had been open. It was a lovely night and the view from here was beautiful. You could see a lot of the city. They didn't close until like 1am so I'm not sure why the doors weren't open. We ordered a couple pizzas; in laws got a pepperoni and my husband and I chose a pizza on the menu with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli rabe. Our pizzas came out incredibly fast. It was definitely fresh and good. The dipping oils were tasty too. Not my favorite pizza in Nashville but the staff was very friendly. I'm not sure when we would go back simply because it's out of our way and I have favorites on the east side. But it's worth a try if you are near music row!
(4)
Krystal T.

I prefer Bella Napoli Pizzeria better than DeSano's. Here at DeSano's, the pizza margherita, a classic staple of authentic pizzerias, had a weak sauce that was only ornamentally decorated with basil leaves that did not transmit enough flavor to embolden the watery tomato taste. Traditional margherita-style pizza is supposed to be light in number of ingredients, but each ingredient itself is supposed to contribute harmoniously to an overall flavor that is simple and beautiful. I did not get that from DeSano's. I will say, however, that much of the flavor was conferred by the flatbread crust which was fired in a wood fire stove. This part alone makes your wait for a pie worth it. The restaurant has seating that is conducive to smaller and larger groups, with a variety of seating that includes long benches. This makes sharing a communal pizza easier. DeSano's also has a great selection of bottled beers and wines to enjoy with your order. Ordering is done at the front register before you sit, so be prepared to settle how to separate group orders before you venture into the dining area.
(3)
james f.

I write this review as I am full and happy after just leaving Desano. This is the best pizza in Nashville, sorry Five Points. I do not hand out 5 stars easily, but this met my expectations and lived up to the other reviews. I tried the Diavola and a cannoli and both were amazing........Damn, that was good pizza. Watch them make your pizza, entertaining and it really does not take long to make or cook.
(5)
Jamie L.

Casual dining in an open air format. Large bar selection with interesting pizza options. We had one with prosciutto, artichoke hearts and mushrooms, marinara and fresh mozzarella. It was thin crust and delicious. They also have a condiments bar which pairs nicely with the food, which can be individualized for personal preferences. The manager asked multiple times how everything was, which was nice. The same could not be said for all staff but fortunately did not ruin the experience!
(4)
Michael U.

Items Selected: Margherita DOP - San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Basil, Garlic, Scamorza, Mozzarella di Bufala, Pecorino Romano Bianca - Garlic, Mozzarella di Bufala, Scamorza, Ricotta, Pecorino Romano Cannoli Tradizionale Considered by most to be Nashville's best pizza, and undeniably the most authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria in town, it was for a second lunch that DeSano Pizza Bakery was visited and with a triple stone oven format as well as a proper dough room similar to that of Atlanta's Rustica the experience unfolds quite similarly, a condescending youngster sporting a flock of seagulls haircut at the counter the lone fault in what was otherwise a very impressive place to purchase a pie. Now part of a small chain, with locations as far west as Los Angeles extending all the way to Charleston South Carolina, the idea behind DeSano is a simple one with focus on tradition and imported ingredients, but with prices comparable to places as yet not using authentic bufala mozzarella and San Marzanos, let alone flour transported from Italy, the value for the dollar here is well worth consideration - even the refusal to add additional ingredients to the Bianca showing an adherence to old world rules with flavor and texture to match. Obviously not a place to cut corners or lack for lines around lunch, but one that was found mostly deserted just after noontime rush, it was at the aforementioned front counter that orders were placed and taking a seat at one of several communal tables it was a mere five minutes before pizza was delivered with cheese still bubbling, a light bit of char conferred by the mere sixty seconds spent adjacent to the wood fueled fire. Treated to the sounds of Italian Opera as we tucked in, it was also a $5.25 Traditional Cannoli that was tasted, and although freshly filled with creamy ricotta at a small station to the left of the ovens neither the size nor the flavor remotely justified the pricetag, a bit of a shame as the pizzas themselves were a shade over double the price with soft stretch amidst light yeasty notes and the sort of natural-yet-perfect flavors that let you know exactly how much effort goes into their creation, the Margherita as fresh and zesty as can be found anywhere in America while the Bianca was the very picture of creaminess amidst garlic and just the lightest hints of smoke.
(4)
Jennifer C.

Best pizza in Nashville. Hands down. My favorites are the Lasagna and the San Gennaro. You can bring your own wine and I like to get a Mexican Coke sometimes. Only downfall is if you get unlucky enough to eat on a night when college kids take over the place.
(5)
Leslie D.

On vacation to Nashville, my husband and I stumbled across this pizza joint. The food here was absolutely amazing. Some of the best pizza I've ever had. The service was very good as we'll.
(5)
Marianna J.

BEST PIZZA in Nashville. I've had the San Genarro and the Margherita on multiple occasions. They are both DELICIOUS. Ingredients are really fresh and some (if not most) of the ingredients come from Italy. Since it only takes ~ 2 mins for your pizza to cook, the food comes out fast and steaming hot. The ordering process is simple and efficient- something I love. Since the short cooking time, they don't take to-go orders over the phone. (you have to place your order on-site.) This is to ensure quality.
(5)
Megan C.

This place is the bdc. (bomb dot com, because I'm cool like that). Their pizza is incredibly delicious and fresh, and also quite the value! It's also amazingly fast. I love that you can see the guys in the kitchen tossing the dough around, even if they might show boat a little. (Warranted, I think, as I can't do such things). The crust manages to be on the thin side, but still tender, which I think is awesome, as my usual grievance with thin crust pizza is that it's too much like a chip and not enough like delicious dough. They've got large farm-style tables, and seating is somewhat community-seating. So come prepared to make friends. They've also got an awesome toppings bar-including parm and red pepper flakes, but also basalmic vineagar and some awesome little peppers for adding that extra kick. You can also BYOB or wine, which is a nice plus. They've got some good-looking gelato, but I'll have to go back for that, as I was too full of pizza last time to try it.
(5)
Eleonore D.

The most delicious pizza I've found in Nashville! Try the San Genarro and then try to tell me I'm wrong!
(5)
Matt H.

What a wonderful place to eat. We went on the 4th of July and sat outside to enjoy the (very rare) perfect weather here in Nashville. We ordered the Desano and it was perfectly done. You can tell everything is imported from Italy bc it just taste so darn different (in a good way). The inside dining allows you to see the staff as they prepare your pie. Feel free to talk to them bc they're SUPER friendly and conversational. We had our 16 month old with us and they were so sweet to him. We also finished up with a traditional cannoili. Was a little pricey but very unique and tasty. The little guy want happy when it was gone :'( We can't wait to return!
(4)
Sean G.

Good atmosphere. Great pizza and knowledgeable staff. Cool wood fired ovens. Great place to haunt while in town. Don't settle for Papa Johns.
(5)
Michelle P.

Well holy cannoli! We found this place driving around Nashville and were we glad we did! Probably one of the best pizzas I've had. We had their lasagna pizza and it came oozing with ricotta cheese and basil and the crust was thin but not too thin-just perfect. I also had a cannoli which they make to order so the shell doesn't get mushy. I had the traditional with the chocolate chips. It was filled with mascarpone cheese and (Marsala wine?? Orange liqueur??) choc chips - it was one of the best cannolis I've had. We will come back again and again and again.
(5)
Jessy A.

As pizza is my favorite food, I am always skeptical of new pizza joints with rave reviews but this place surpassed my expectations. The menu options were great, pizza was phenomenal and the open lay out of the restaurant allowed you to view the making of the pizza (dough tossing and all). Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Leah J.

The pizza here was remarkably good and the restaurant has a good atmosphere. But the service here was quite the opposite. Every time we asked the server for anything he seemed annoyed and wouldn't even look us in the eye when he talked to us. When we asked for plates he rolled his eyes and said we don't have plates here. He was so rude to us that I was beginning to think this was one of those gimmicky restaurants where the servers are mean to the customers on purpose as a joke. I also felt like the food was a bit over priced but the food was still excellent. Overall I think this place is a good restaurant that is worth trying and that DeSano's seriously needs to step up their game in the customer service department.
(3)
Morgan P.

I really like DeSano's pizza because it's got a neat atmosphere and their pizza is pretty good. The large tables are really ideal if you have a large group but if you are a couple, it's not hard to find a table either. The casual setting is a nice staring off point or ending point depending on where you are in your evening. It's not the most personal or private place though. I've seen a lot of families here, so I would assume that they are children friendly. I really like their pizza. The crust is pretty consistent: chewy with a good flavor. I always get the Margherita when we go out and I've had it at least 3 or 4 times from DeSano's. I don't think it ever tastes the same. It always tastes good but sometimes it's really garlicy and other times it's not.
(4)
Chelsea J.

HOLY YUM. I have been on a quest for the best pizza in Nashville, and I think I have finally found it. No other pizza I've tried even compares (ok Five Points is up there). This place has been under my nose in a nondescript building right off the Demonbreun/ 16th Avenue roundabout and I can't believe I didn't try it until now. Everything is made fresh and they have a great selection of pizzas for every palette. You order at a counter and then go in the dining area that has big cafeteria-esque tables and you can watch your pizza being made. The pizzas are thin crust and come out on a giant rectangular pan. There are also pretty good side salads if thats your thing. I love that Desano Pizza is BYOB. Bring an appetite and a (few) bottle(s) of wine and enjoy! You will not be disappointed. Pro tip: call in an order ahead of time so the pizza is ready when you get there. Sad side note: They don't have any ranch.
(5)
Forest S.

Great pizzas. Light sauce, so it isn't overloaded. New flavors that you just can't find anywhere else!
(5)
Rachel R.

If we're speaking generally, DeSano makes a pretty solid pizza. However, since we're being location context-specific, DeSano makes a FANFREAKINGTASTIC BOMB.COM DOPE-ALICIOUS pizza. If you are here, I doubt you'll find better (and by "here," I mean in Nashville, not in this coffee shop I'm writing from in Arizona. There's no pizza here.) Anyway, it's cheap, it's fast, and it's quality. You can find pizzas with the first two attributes for damn near a dime a dozen, but the third one makes this cafeteria-style bakery a special snowflake. Give DeSano a try, the worst that could happen is that everything will taste good and you'll have a nice time.
(4)
Ashwin M.

Once, in one of my previous lifetimes, I was a dog that loved chasing frisbees. I died when I expertly caught my master's frisbee under a Fedex truck. Now that I have been reincarnated as a master, I have a deep-seated fondness for circular, flight-capable objects that are about an inch thick. When I walk the streets, my mouth salivates at manhole covers, hipster bicycle tires, buttons, etc. I have shown myself to the best shrink in town, but I caught his porcelain plate between my jaws and ran. That was that. So the other day, I was hungry, and decided to eat Italian. And so I used my Google skills to filter all the websites of Nashville-based Italian restaurants whose websites were registered in Italy, and DeSano showed up (I am very specific in my needs). I walked into the place, and was confronted with a bevy of options. A Japanese animÃ© character stood behind the cash counter, and asked me (in Engrish), what I'd like. In sign language, I gestured to her that I'd like to try the simple margherita pizza, because I was a purist, and a pizza must have exactly three ingredients - dough, tomato, and cheese. I tried to tell her that the volume of a cylinder with radius, z, and height a would be pi.z.z.a, but she asked me to sign my credit card receipt copy. I must work on my sign language. I walked into the cafeteria style seating arrangement, and immediately ran to the section where a bearded pizza maker was tossing white circular objects in the air. Needles to say, I caught every single one of them, and the audience gave a mild applause. I asked the beard what's the deal with the pizza and it replied that every ingredient except water was imported from Italy. It pointed to the three raging furnaces, and said that even those stones were quarried from Mt. Vesuvius. I asked the beard if that wouldn't make the volcano more unstable because the lava would have an easier time bursting out, and it shrugged and tossed a pizza. I caught that one too. I sat down at my table, exhausted from all the frisbees that I had caught, and waited for my food. The pizza came on a steel plate and I caught that too. The pizza was decadent, delectable, delicious, and divine. Today my OCD's are D's. I destroyed it. It was the demolition of smog in my mouth. Okay, I am done with my OCDs for now. Anyway, the first epiphany happened on my tongue. It tasted a real tomato after centuries of eating cardboard flavored red goop that is sold as a tomato in the grocery stores State-side. Then the cheese went to battle. It galloped across my tongue and went straight to my heart where it put a stake right there, and signalled the dough to enter. That slid down my gullet and bungeed right into my stomach, and then bounced to my brain where it plastered itself all over, and the succulent tomatoey cheesy goodness lay splattered inside my head like a gourmet Banksy street art. I left very satisfied and told the beard that I'd be back. He winked and flicked a pizza dough up in the air, and I chased it.
(4)
Sarah H.

Fun atmosphere, great food and you can bring your own drinks. Great place with excellent service!
(5)

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Address : 115 16th Ave S
Nashville, TN, 37203
Phone (615) 953-1168
Website https://www.desanopizza.it/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes

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Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

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DeSano Pizza Bakery

115 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203

DeSano Pizza Bakery Menu

Pizza Tradizionale Di Napoli

Pizza Specialita

Calzone Napoletano

Insalata

Dolco

Healthy Meal suggestions for DeSano Pizza Bakery

Pizza Tradizionale Di Napoli

Pizza Specialita

Calzone Napoletano

Insalata

Dolco

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