1 of 3
Amy Miller
2 of 3
Amy Miller
3 of 3
Amy Miller
No story of pizza in Nashville would be complete without The Macca Brothers.
Manny and his younger brother Joey are responsible for treating Nashvillians to the real deal: New York-Italian pie, by the whole or by the slice, served up with side of inimitable New York-Italian attitude. They’ve been doing it for more than 30 years.
Manny’s House of Pizza has been an icon in the Arcade since 1987. Joey’s House of Pizza followed in 1999, first in Brentwood, then on Elm Hill Pike. Both are family-run businesses and destination eateries, serving lunch only, Monday through Friday. Weekends are reserved for catering.
Manny will tell you that great pizza is his heritage. Born in Sicily, he and his family came to Brooklyn in 1961, when he was just nine years old. As a teen, and throughout college, he worked at L&B Spumoni Gardens Pizzeria, famed since 1939 for its bonafide Sicilian pizza and ice cream. There, he learned his craft.
Manny’s first foray south was to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1982, to help his brother-in-law to open a pizzeria. It didn’t take. In 1984, he turned his sights to Nashville to pursue his songwriting dreams. That’s when he took a job at the House of Pizza in the Arcade. Three years later, he returned to New York to open his own pizzeria. He and Joey scoured all five boroughs to find the right place, but no luck. Then came the call: The House of Pizza owner wanted to sell—was he interested?
“I bought the business,” Manny says. “When I got here, the place was in shambles. But we got it cleaned up and in no time the customers were lining out the door.”
It’s been that way ever since.
Joey moved his family to Nashville and worked alongside Manny, honing his craft, until he broke off to open his own place in 1999.
His wife, Crescenza was concerned about the move but, as Joey says, “we had instant business—like the coffee.”
Both brothers credit their success to quality ingredients, tried-and-true hands-on methods, family support, and loyal customers.
“The people of Nashville appreciate the good things and will go out of their way to get it,” Joey says. “We’ll keep giving it. They love us and we love them.”
Manny’s House of Pizza
Run by Manny and Adele, their children John and Gabriella Macca
Insider Tip:
Try the Sicilian style—Manny cut his teeth on this pie. It has a thicker yet fluffy crust, with cheese under the red sauce. Baked in large pans, and cut into squares, it’s a more labor-intensive process than the round pies, and exceptional in taste.
His idea of a perfect slice?
“Keep it simple. For me, it’s sauce, cheese, a little oregano, red pepper, and touch of garlic.”
Defend your pie:
“Believe. Our customers will tell you it’s the best. For three generations now! I’ve been making pizzas since 1965. I’m still eating it and I’m not tired of it yet!”
Joey’s House of Pizza
Run by Joey and Crescenza, their children Jon Battista and Stefany Macca
Insider Tip:
Joey’s creation, The Gladiator, is a mozzarella-smothered double-crust wonder stuffed with pepperoni and sausage, and has become his bestseller. Warning: more than one slice can induce food coma.
His idea of the perfect slice?
“The dough’s gotta have the right texture, you gotta use the best cheese—moozarelle—and then there’s the sauce. It’s like the Beatles. Separate, they’re fine. They come together and it’s magic.”
Defend your pie:
“I tell people—if this isn’t the best you’ve ever had, I’ll give you your money back. And in 19 years, that’s never happened. I’m the best. I don’t say this; my customers say this. And I’ll go up against anyone in the country—including my brother.”