Best pizza in Atlanta: Varasanos named in best pizza in America list

This story was originally published in May 2017. This story is based on the latest ranking of America’s pizza joints by Tasting Table.

Whether you prefer yours deep dish with doughy perfection or thin crust covered in rich cheeses, veggies and meats, finding the perfect slice of pizza is no easy feat.

But the self-titled "pizza freaks" over at Tasting Table, a website and newsletter for culinary enthusiasts, came up with a state-by-state list of the nation's best pies.

Atlanta's Varasano's Pizzeria made the cut for its savory Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Here’s what Tasting Table had to say about the local pizzeria:

Bronx-born pizza master Jeff Varasano opened Varasano's in the Buckhead back area of Atlanta in 2009 but spent a lifetime before that studying the science of the perfect pie, specifically the dough—a pizza must if you're in the hood (and even if you're not). The foundation of these Neapolitan-style pizzas is Varasano's natural sourdough base, which ferments for four days. Order the Nana’s, which is the house special—just don't use a knife and fork to cut it. You can also grab a slice on your way out of town at the Atlanta airport or try your hand at making one of Varasano's pies at home.

Former AJC food editor John Kessler raved about Varasano's after its Buckhead shop opening in 2013, lauding the chefs' carefully constructed crusts, tasty tomato sauce and milky cheese.

"The crust — thin, crispy, pliable, lightly soured, well salted — tastes good whether you're folding it to cram in your mouth, cutting it with a knife and fork or picking at the leftover bits with your fingers," he wrote.

But according to Atlanta voters who participated in last year's Best of Atlanta poll for best pizza, the most delicious pie isn't from Varasano's — Max's Coal Oven Pizza was the top ranked pizza out of more than 2,400 votes.

Varasano’s locations in Atlanta: