Pizzeria Varuni Napoli to Bring Authentic Neapolitan Dining Experience to Centennial Yards
Downtown Atlanta’s dining landscape is set to gain another celebrated culinary destination as CIM Group and Centennial Yards Company have announced that award-winning pizzeria Varuni Napoli will open a new location within the Entertainment District at Centennial Yards. The addition marks another milestone for the transformative $5 billion, 50-acre mixed-use redevelopment project that is reshaping the heart of Atlanta into a vibrant hub for dining, entertainment, hospitality, and retail.
Founded by Naples-born Chef Luca Varuni, Varuni Napoli has earned a reputation as one of Atlanta’s premier destinations for authentic Neapolitan pizza. Known for its unwavering commitment to traditional Italian cooking methods, premium ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The new Centennial Yards location will represent the brand’s first venture into Downtown Atlanta, bringing its celebrated flavors and authentic dining experience to one of the city’s most anticipated redevelopment projects.
Since opening its flagship restaurant in Midtown Atlanta in 2014, Varuni Napoli has established itself as a standout name in the region’s culinary scene. The restaurant expanded in 2017 with a second location at Krog Street Market, further growing its loyal customer base. A third restaurant is scheduled to open in Dunwoody in July, reflecting the continued demand for the brand’s authentic Neapolitan cuisine. The Downtown Atlanta location at Centennial Yards will further extend the company’s footprint while introducing its signature offerings to a new audience.
The new restaurant will stay true to the traditions that have defined the Varuni Napoli brand. At the heart of the dining experience will be the restaurant’s signature 900-degree wood-fired ovens, which produce pizzas according to time-honored Neapolitan techniques. These ovens, combined with carefully sourced ingredients and traditional preparation methods, create the distinctive flavors and textures that have made Varuni Napoli a beloved destination for pizza enthusiasts.
According to Centennial Yards Company President Brian McGowan, the addition of Varuni Napoli aligns perfectly with the broader vision for the Entertainment District. The development team has focused on curating a collection of dining and hospitality experiences that celebrate both local favorites and internationally inspired cuisine.
“Varuni Napoli is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a celebration of Italian culture and community,” McGowan said. “Chef Luca Varuni’s passion for authentic cooking and his ability to create a welcoming, high-energy environment make Varuni Napoli a natural fit for our vision. As we thoughtfully curate a dynamic mix of culinary offerings, its commitment to tradition and quality makes it an exceptional addition to the diverse dining experiences we’re building at Centennial Yards.”
For Chef Luca Varuni, the opportunity to establish a presence in Downtown Atlanta represents an exciting new chapter for the brand. As someone deeply committed to sharing the culture and traditions of Naples, he views the Centennial Yards project as an ideal setting for expanding the restaurant’s reach while remaining true to its roots.
“Bringing the spirit of Naples to the heart of Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Yards is an exciting opportunity,” Varuni said. “I love the vision and high energy of this project, and I believe it will work great with the high energy we are known for. Our mission has always been to share our culture and authentic flavors and hospitality of my home with Atlanta. We look forward to being part of this historic redevelopment and creating new memories for residents and visitors alike.”
Guests visiting the new Downtown location can expect many of the menu items that have helped establish Varuni Napoli’s reputation. Signature pizzas will include favorites such as the Bastardo, topped with fresh mozzarella and spicy nduja, and the Oro Bianco, featuring black truffle oil and buffalo ricotta. Beyond pizza, the restaurant will offer a selection of artisanal salads, traditional Italian appetizers, including arancini and burrata, and a carefully curated beverage program featuring Italian wines and craft beers.
The arrival of Varuni Napoli further strengthens the growing collection of dining establishments that have committed to Centennial Yards. The development has attracted several well-known local and regional restaurant concepts, helping to establish the Entertainment District as a major culinary destination. Existing and planned food and beverage tenants include Atlanta favorites such as The Busy Bee Café, Chops Lobster Bar, and Khao Thai Isan.
In addition to its expanding restaurant lineup, Centennial Yards continues to attract significant entertainment and hospitality investments. The Entertainment District is expected to welcome several high-profile openings in 2026, including immersive entertainment venue Cosm, popular burger chain Shake Shack, and hospitality concept The Irish Exit. These additions are expected to increase foot traffic and further position the district as a destination for residents, tourists, and event attendees.
The momentum is expected to continue into 2027 with the opening of a 5,300-seat Live Nation music venue and a 261-room Virgin Hotels property. Together, these developments will enhance the district’s appeal by offering visitors a combination of dining, lodging, live entertainment, and retail experiences in a walkable urban environment.
Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal of CIM Group, emphasized that Varuni Napoli’s arrival reflects the broader effort to create a destination that captures the diversity and energy of Atlanta while introducing new experiences to downtown visitors.
“Varuni Napoli brings the authentic spirit and tradition of Neapolitan cuisine to Centennial Yards,” Kuba said. “We’re excited to introduce a taste of Italy in the heart of downtown, just steps from Atlanta’s major sports venues, while continuing to curate a welcoming district that reflects the energy and diversity of the city.”
Centennial Yards stands as one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects currently underway in the United States. Created and managed by Centennial Yards Company, which was established by CIM Group as owner and master developer, the project aims to reconnect and revitalize a large section of Downtown Atlanta. Built on land that has long been underutilized, the development is transforming former rail-adjacent properties into a thriving urban district featuring new city blocks, public spaces, residential units, offices, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Located at the historic junction of the rail lines that helped give birth to Atlanta, Centennial Yards seeks to bridge surrounding neighborhoods while creating a dynamic destination that supports economic growth and urban revitalization. As new tenants continue to join the project, the development is steadily moving closer to its vision of becoming one of the city’s most vibrant and influential mixed-use destinations.
The addition of Varuni Napoli underscores that vision, bringing authentic Italian culinary traditions to the center of Atlanta and further enhancing the district’s growing reputation as a premier destination for food, culture, and entertainment.
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