Atlanta Event

Think pizza places are all about greasy food and overactive children? Think again. Gone are the days when pizza joints were all about greasy slices and arcade games. A new crop of upscale pizzerias is gaining popularity, offering a posh atmosphere and top-notch cuisine.

So how can you be sure to book a quality pizza venue for your event? You could start by looking for the Verace Pizza Napoletana seal of approval.

Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1984, the Associazione della Vera Pizza Napoletana aims to promote the culinary tradition of Neopolitan pizza. The Verace Pizza Napoletana, the American chapter, certifies pizzerias across the country based on strict standards, looking at, among other items, the dough and ingredients used, the oven in which pizzas are cooked, and the appearance of the pizzeria as a whole. There are over 20 VPN-certified pizzerias in the United States, and lucky for meeting planners, many of them welcome group functions.

A 16

Events in San Francisco can enjoy authentic pizzas such as the Bianca (mozzarella, green olives and basil) or the Salsiccia (fennel sausage and red onions) at A 16. An award-winning list of over 500 bottles, 60 percent of which are Italian, also makes this Chestnut Street institution a winner for cocktail receptions and post-meeting happy hour events.

Named after a highway that runs from Naples to Canosa, Puglia, this San Francisco restaurant hosts large parties of nine to 20 people in its spacious Atrium.

Fritti

Looking for venues for your next Atlanta event? Fritti adds a dose of classic Italian charm to this Southern city. With 22 varieties of Neapolitan pizza, all cooked to perfection on two visible wood burning ovens, Fritti has a total capacity of 120 guests seated and 200 guests for receptions.

From the private dining loft for up to 40 guests to the outdoor patio for up to 80 guests, any space in Fritti is a good one for inviting guests to convene and network while enjoying its namesake fried appetizers including eggplant and red pepper croquettes and fried mushrooms.

Naples 45

Great pizza and New York City certainly go hand-in-hand, but your event attendees need not resort to overcrowded bars or street vendors for their fix. Instead, host your NYC events at Naples 45.

With wood burning ovens, a 75-foot-long wine bar and tiled walls, the Main Dining Room of this New York Restaurant is perfect for events of 200 to 400 guests. The open-air patio can easily accommodate up to 150 people for receptions. Best of all, your attendees will enjoy authentic Neapolitan pies and a number of fine wines or domestic and imported beers.