In my opinion, something happened around 20 years ago – pretty much all over the country there was an explosion of artisanal and wood-fired pizza joints. It seemed like within the space of 10 years America went from Pizza Huts to real Italians serving up real Italian and New York style pizza. Thank God. Brunswick and St. Simons Island were no exceptions. We have some killer pizza in the area, and we break down a few of our favorites here.
Best Pizza on St. Simons Island
I am a pizza junkie, and I’m not going to lie. I’ve had some pretty good pizza at the Friendly Express and an even better slice at Harris Teeter. Those will do fine if you’re in a grab and go kind of hurry. But if you want the good stuff, I can give you a few pointers.
Sal’s Pizzeria
Hands down the best pizza on the island. Wood fired to perfection and served with a smile, call ahead and pick it up or sit down and enjoy the nostalgia of this homey little pizza joint. Read the story here.
Ember Farm to Fire
Think smoke. It’s right there in the name and that’s what you get. It’s an experience like no other and it is delicious. Also with pick up options and outdoor seating (bring the pooch), if you’re in the mood for fire you gotta try Ember. Take out available. Otherwise we recommend reservations. Read the story here.
CJ’s Italian
CJ’s is a family owned Italian restaurant who pride themselves on fresh made ingredients. This is the place to go if you’re a deep dish pizza lover. An institution in the Village since 1988, CJ’s offers a wide variety of favorites from pastas, sandwiches and salads to Southern Soul pulled pork BBQ. You can order online, but we suggest giving them a call.
Mellow Mushroom
Okay this is a chain. We don’t normally include recommendations for chains, but it’s a great regional story. I have Atlanta blood from way way back. So does Mellow Mushroom. Started at the height of the Hippie Heyday in Atlanta, Mellow Mushroom grew to a regional powerhouse. Their food is solid, and if you’ve never been to one, you’ll love the trippy vibes. I love the wings and some of their great sandwich offerings too. If you’re vacationing here and you just had a rough day sunbathing on the beach and you just don’t want to leave the Village – trust me, I get it. You’re sure to find something you like here. Great late night happy hour too!
Best Pizza in Brunswick, GA
The explosion of downtown Brunswick is palpable on a First Friday or really any given lunchtime or evening. It’s such a walkable and friendly town. Pop in the shops. Make some pottery. Now who’s ready for some pizza??
Arté Pizza
With an open hearth oven blazing burn-cured oak, Arté crafts the finest pizza on the Georgia coast. Their pizza is light and crispy and they use cheese imported from old Italy. This is what pizza is all about. They have great desserts and sandwiches too. Read more and watch our very first episode here.
Broomelli Boys Pizzeria
If you just got off I-95 on the Golden Isles Parkway and you’re dying for some good pie, this is it. Serving up delicious eats for over 20 years, Broomelli Boys is a Golden Isles institution. Hand crafted and wood fired to perfection, this pizza is melt in your mouth delicious. They have gluten free and delicious vegan options too! Read all about it and watch the episode here.
Fox’s Pizza Den
Okay – also a chain, but we love it. Hand tossed dough and baked to perfection, Fox’s sauce is the key here. It packs so much flavor. It’s a cool little joint with some great outdoor seating. It’s pretty much right across the street from Arté so life throws you some tough choices to make sometimes. I’d say if you’re a sauce lover come here. Otherwise scroll up.
So that’s it. That’s our opinion and we’re sticking to it. If you want to argue for the Tweener style crust of Brogan’s North (a lot of locals excluding us really love it), or if we’ve missed some hidden pizza gem buried deep on a Tex-Mex menu or something, drop us a line. Pizza fuels us all in different ways so let’s keep eating Brunswick!