Since opening in the Spring of 2024, Pizza Verdura Sincera in Little 5 Points, has welcomed guests to experience and enjoy traditional pizza and Italian specialties in entirely new ways. Founded by experienced Atlanta restaurateur David Smith, Pizza Verdura Sincera has been intent on apply traditional ingredients and techniques to break with traditions and exceed guests expectations. Every sauce and dressing is homemade from clean natural ingredients. Every crust is hand-spun to order from dough made with 00 Caputo Flour from Italy. The wines are all Italian, pizza-friendly in their flavor characteristics, approachable and affordable…as they would be in Italy. Where things break with traditions and become more exciting is that Pizza Verdura Sincera does all of this with only plant-sourced ingredients. This has opened up Italian and pizza joy to many guests who could not enjoy pizza for health, religious or philosophical reasons. Everything, including the cheese and “meats,” cannolis and cheesecakes are plant-based.
Smith explained that “Pizza Verdura Sincera also breaks with traditions in terms of the offerings at the restaurant. Every holiday or occasion is an opportunity to take pizza to unexpected places. We just finished celebrating the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, by featuring Tandoori Chicken topped pizza that is garnished with mint and cilantro Raita (non-dairy yogurt dressing), as well as hand-made plant-based samosas with a sweet and spicy mango chutney. Earlier this Fall, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by serving “Ropa Vieja Pizza,” that was made with slowly braised jackfruit rather than beef.
The result has been named by Atlanta Magazine “Best New Restaurants 2024,” and Jezebel Magazine “Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants 2025.”
Located in the former home of the Little 5 Points Zesto’s restaurant, Pizza Verdura Sincera feels like it could have occupied this 77 year old building since it was constructed. The Zesto’s closed in the early 2020’s after a tree fell on the building. It remained dormant until Mr. Smith and his partners bought the property and embarked on a thoughtful and loving historical rehabilitation of the structure. After removing all evidence of 1970s fast food, they were able to retain and showcase many of the building’s original materials.
The last thing that distinguishes Pizza Verdura Sincera its engagement with the community. They have collaborated with, and supported a wide array of organizations including: 7 Stages Theatre, Essential Theatre Play Festival, Pride RunATL, the Wylde Center, Lake Claire Community Land Trust, Southern Fried Queer Pride, Atlanta Fringe Festival, Candler Park Fall Fest, Atlanta History Center, the Center for Puppetry Arts and The Giving Kitchen. When asked if an 18 month old restaurant can afford this level of community engagement, Smith said “I don’t really know if we can afford it, but I know for sure that we cannot afford not to support the community of which we are a part.”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
David Smith, Founder
770-329-8659
[email protected]
www.pizzaverdurasincera.com
IG/FB @pizzaverdura
Dining and Cooking