Nashville | Craving Carbs With Personality? I’ve Got Just The Spot- Sho Pizza
Sho Pizza | East Nashville
Pizza.
The word alone can start a craving. It’s one of those rare foods that’s universally adored yet endlessly open to interpretation. classic Margherita? A forever mood. Pineapple-on-pizza drama? Still sparking debates at dinner tables worldwide, and a hard no for this girl. But no matter where you land on toppings, pizza is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug: crispy crust, rich sauce, gooey cheese, and that perfect bite that makes everything right in the world.
But let’s be honest; not all pizzas are created equal.
Then there are the pizzas that make you pause mid-bite, look at the slice in your hand, and ask, “Wait… why is this so ridiculously good?” That’s exactly what happened to me at Sho Pizza in East Nashville, a neighborhood that, let’s face it, is already a heavy hitter when it comes to good vibes and even better food. Truly, they have all of the best places in Music City.
Nestled in Riverside Village Plaza, Sho Pizza is the type of place where you stop in for a casual lunch and, before you know it, you’re plotting your return like it’s a secret rendezvous. It’s laid-back, but effortlessly cool. Basically, the culinary equivalent of that friend who somehow knows every new band before they blow up and always pulls off an outfit you didn’t think you could.
In this post, I’m slicing into what makes Sho Pizza rise above the sea of options in Music City, and why you might just find yourself falling for your new favorite pie.
Sho Pizza Bar | Orange Creamsicle | Vodka + Orange Blossom + Vanilla
The Vibe
First things first: the vibe at Sho is modern, vibrant, and, like everything in East Nashville, incredibly welcoming. It’s chef-driven craft pizza served in a space that’s elevated and laid-back. The kind of place where good food and good energy just make sense together.
The star of the show? A twelve-seat chef’s counter that frames the wood-fired oven like a piece of live culinary theater. Some equate it to a “sushi bar,” but instead of fish and rice, you’re watching dough get artfully stretched, sauced, and slid into a blazing fire. (Warning: it’s hypnotic. You might forget to check your phone.)
Sho is one of those rare spots that work perfectly for everything: a casual weekday lunch, a cozy date night, or dinner with the whole crew. And because this is East Nashville, your four-legged best friend is invited to lounge on the patio while you feast.
Sho | Caesar Salad |Romaine +Radicchio + Katsuobushi + Croutons + Lemon
The Food
Alright, let’s talk about the main event: the pizza. Sho serves up Neo-Neapolitan pies with naturally leavened dough that’s so good, it deserves its own standing ovation. The crust strikes that elusive balance between chewy and crisp, basically the holy grail of pizza bases. Pro tip: pair it with one of their dipping sauces, and you’ve just unlocked a level of pizza bliss that should come with a warning label.
While the menu is stacked with crave-worthy options, we went straight for the sho-stoppers (because, how could we not?) and not a single slice survived. I went for the Calabrese, a glorious combination of sweet roasted corn, Jimmy Nardello peppers, Calabrian chilis, and smoked mozzarella. Honestly, if there’s sweet corn on a pizza, I’m powerless to resist.
My partner in dine went for the Peachza, which is basically summer in pizza form: sweet Alabama peaches, creamy ricotta, guanciale, EVOO, and a fresh arugula & balsamic salad on top. It’s the kind of pizza that tricks you into thinking, “Hey, this is practically healthy, right?”
And while pizza is undeniably the star of the Sho (pun absolutely intended), the supporting cast deserves its own applause. The small plates and salads are far from an afterthought. Being the cheese fanatic that I am, I couldn’t skip the Caesar Salad, which comes crowned with what I consider the perfect amount of cheese. It might just be one of the best Caesars in Nashville. (Now if only they offered an option to add some protein, it would be flawless.) Consider this salad a permanent fixture in my future orders.
Sho | PEACHZA | Alabama Peaches + Ricotta + Guanciale + EVOO + Arugula + Balsamic Salad (Top)
CALABRESE | Sweet Corn Roasted + Jimmy Nardello Peppers + Calabrian Chilis + Smoked Mozzarella (Bottom)
Pro-Tips
Make a reservation | Yes, Sho is friendly to walk-ins, but why gamble with Nashville’s 90+ degree patio sauna? Trust me, that humidity doesn’t pair well with mozzarella. If your party is small, go ahead and request a spot at the chef’s counter. It’s like getting front-row seats to a wood-fired magic show.
Cocktailing | Sho’s full-service bar is not messing around. If you spot the Orange Creamsicle on the cocktail list, don’t overthink it; just order it. (Future you will say, 'Thank you.') Their wine list is also on point, and yes, you absolutely deserve that glass of something chilled and lovely.
Don’t Sleep On The Crust Dips | If you skip the dips, you’re doing it wrong. The miso ranch? Life-changing. It’s the ultimate sidekick for those chewy, crispy crust edges.
CALABRESE | Sweet Corn Roasted + Jimmy Nardello Peppers + Calabrian Chilis + Smoked Mozzarella
Sho | PEACHZA | Alabama Peaches + Ricotta + Guanciale + EVOO + Arugula + Balsamic Salad
The Verdict
Sho Pizza is one of those East Nashville gems that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a delicious little secret. It’s casual enough that you can roll in wearing your Saturday errand clothes, yet the flavors are bold enough to warrant planning an entire evening around.
If you’re craving carbs with personality, and maybe a side of wood-fired theater, this is your spot. So next time you find yourself wandering East Nashville, follow that smoky, savory scent, grab a pie, and Sho yourself a good time.
Until Next Time!
