Best Grilled Vegetables: Charred & Crispy Guide | Arteflame
Learn the best veggies for grilling—plus times, temps, and pro tips—optimized for Arteflame heat zones for perfect char and flavor every time.
Augusta is rapidly evolving from a golf-centric town into a legitimate culinary destination, and the local pizza scene is leading the charge. Whether you are hunting for a thin, crispy New York-style slice or a rustic, wood-fired Neapolitan pie, this city has hidden gems that rival the biggest food hubs in the South. In this guide, we cut through the noise to bring you the definitive ranking of the best spots to buy pizza in Augusta.
But we don't just stop at takeout. We also reveal how you can surpass restaurant quality in your own backyard using high-heat searing techniques.
The best pizza in Augusta is characterized by fresh, locally sourced toppings and high-heat cooking methods that create a perfectly blistered crust. Based on our local testing, The Pizza Joint takes the top spot for consistency, while Giuseppe’s wins for authentic Italian heritage.
The Pizza Joint
In our visits to The Pizza Joint, we found their dedication to the "huge slice" culture impressive. It's not just about size; the dough has that specific elasticity and snap you expect from a downtown NY pizzeria. It is the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a casual evening with friends.
Giuseppe's Pizza & Italian Specialties
Stepping into Giuseppe's feels like visiting family. We loved the rich, slow-simmered sauce that anchors their meat-lovers pie. If you are looking for a place that pairs excellent pizza with traditional pasta dishes, this is our top recommendation in Augusta.
Mellow Mushroom
While a chain, the Augusta location has a unique soul. We found their crust—sprinkled with parmesan and pretzel-like in texture—to be a distinct crave-worthy feature. It is the best option if you want experimental toppings like truffle oil or pesto swirls.
| Restaurant | Best For | Price Level | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pizza Joint | Quick Lunch / Groups | $$ | NY Style Thin Crust |
| Giuseppe's | Family Dinner | $$$ | Traditional Italian |
| Mellow Mushroom | Creative Toppings | $$ | Stone-Baked Thick Crust |
I used to think my backyard pizzas were decent, until I realized I was essentially baking them on a warm stone rather than firing them. I would pull a pale, doughy pie off the grate and wonder why it didn't taste like the restaurant's. The moment I switched to using a carbon steel cooktop with a dedicated pizza oven attachment, the difference was instant—crispy, blistered, and smoky.
You can absolutely achieve steakhouse and pizzeria quality at home. The secret isn't the dough recipe; it's the thermal management of your grill.
This is where Arteflame Grills excel. Unlike standard wire grates that lose heat rapidly, the solid carbon steel cooktop retains massive amounts of thermal energy. Using an Arteflame grill comes with benefits like:
Pro Tip: If you don't have time to make dough from scratch, we found a fantastic hack: head to the Costco in Augusta. Buy their fresh take-and-bake pizzas (wholesale), which are a solid base. Bring them home, add your own premium toppings like prosciutto or fresh basil, and fire them in the Arteflame Pizza Oven. The high heat transforms a standard grocery store pizza into a gourmet experience.
An Arteflame grill isn't just for cooking; it changes how you host. Its round design invites friends to stand around the fire rather than waiting on the patio while you cook alone against a wall. It turns pizza night into an interactive event where guests can watch the fire, warm their hands, and select their own toppings right off the cooktop.