Pupatella (Arlington, VA)

Margherita DOC: Neopolitan buffalo mozzarella, basil, olive oil ∙
Diavola: Spicy salami, fresh mozzarella, basil

Spawned from a successful food cart, the first restaurant opened in Arlington, VA in 2010. Pupatella is certified by the Assozione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), which dictates strict traditional rules of pizza preparation.

First, lets talk about their Margherita DOC. From their website:

“The toppings for the D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) pizza may only include sauce made of San Marzano tomatoes grown in Italy, fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella made with buffalo milk or fior di latte, sea salt, fresh basil and olive oil.”

Do I need to say, incredible? How could you possibly NOT visit this place if you were in town? Don’t worry, they are expanding in the region quickly. I’m fortunate to live close to the original location.

So, the Diavola. It’s the first pie I had when my eyes were finally opened sometime in 2015. Spicy salami and Neapolitan pizza go together. It is one of the most flavorful I’ve ever had, which is no surprise considering Pizzaiolo Enzo’s passion.

It’s no surprise that 2016 Foursquare data showed it was the best pizza in all of Virginia!


Pizzeria Lola (Minneapolis, MN)

Margherita ∙

Very similar to the Zelo pie, but with a bit more sauce – maybe some herbs included… very soft and delicate, but flavorful cheese, great crust – light, not too burnt. The red pie with gluten free crust was solid as well (saying a lot IMO). This might have been my favorite margherita in Minneapolis (sounds like a love song, doesn’t it?). Not surprising that it is another gem from the lovely Chef Ann Kim. I did not expect to be this in love with Minneapolis pizza. You can’t visit without going to one of her many shops.


Zelo (Minneapolis, MN)

Margherita ∙

Sauce is sweet and delicate. Puréed tomatoes… wonderfully balanced and light. The mozz drops are solid. Not too rubbery, and a very light flavor. Stripped basil before firing. Crust is good, has solid structure… no extreme flop. Light taste to it, a bit salty and good. Not quite cracker thin. Strong details in the subtle balance of fresh quality ingredients. This is the perfect example of a simple, textbook, back to basics margherita. Nothing stands out aside from the delicate simplicity. Each aspect is very well done. Well expected from a white tablecloth, high end Italian spot. Would recommend any day to a friend.


Red Rabbit (Minneapolis, MN)

Spicy Salami – red sauce, chilies, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, chili honey ∙

The spicy salami is fantastic. Crust is solid – wood fired, a little burnt. Sauce is wonderful. Chili honey is an excellent accent. The ricotta drops make an INCREDIBLE bite. The flavor balance is wonderful. Although, the pizza balance could be improved. I thought the crust portion was too large… I’d prefer it kneaded out further. As if you could complain while this pizza is making sweet love to your tastebuds.


Young Joni + back bar (Minneapolis, MN)

Cheese ∙

Korean BBQ: beef short ribs, mozzarella, scallion, arugula, sesame, soy chili vinaigrette ∙

(back bar first) my buddy described the cheese as a “happy medium between Neapolitan and NY style.” Cheese has good flavor, sauce is delicious. Crust is great – its almost like a firm thin crust. You can taste the basil/oregano in the cheese a bit.

Bulgogi in itself is amazing, and on pizza it is decadent. The tender, flavorful, wonderful accentuation of KBBQ flavors on what is a…..white pizza, and inundated with sesame soy chili vinaigrette arugula. Still amazing. The fat from the bulgogi mixed with the sesame flavoring makes up for the white pizza (as you can see, white pizza is not my favorite). The sprectrum of deliciousness between the simplicity of the cheese pie and the (I’ll repeat) decadence of the bulgogi pie is tantalizing. Chef Ann Kim is spoken very highly of in the Minneapolis culinary attractions, and I can also highly recommend!


Turu's by Timber Pizza Co (Arlington, VA)

Pepperoni ∙

Great for delivery – not terribly warm, but typical Neapolitan crust, where you can taste the wood fire. Cheese was good with what looks like light drops of mozz. Sauce is solid. Wonderful cup pepperonis, nice and spicy. I topped with my own fresh basil. I need to visit to try this pizza fresh….this shop is the baby of the nationally ranked DC location.


Fortina (Rye Brook, NY)

Margherita ∙

All Amatraciana: tomato, smoked bacon, red onion, chili, pecorino, mozz, parm ∙

Tenderoni: pepperoni,mozz,parm, calabrian chili-honey ∙

The incredibly dependable Neapolitan slice with great sauce – sweet and light. Basil on the pie prior to cooking. Great balance, crust holds up really well for the toppings. Tenderoni is a great pep pizza with fire chili honey.. delicious. Visited this shop once to twice a week for 3 months while working in the area. It wins the Rye Brook pizza award in my book


Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana (Tampa, FL)

Margherita: san marzano tomato, mozzarella di bufala, basil, parmigiano reggiano, extra-virgin olive oil ∙

Diavola: san marzano tomato, fior de latte, mixed peppers, spicy home-made sausage, parmigiano reggiano, basil, extra-virgin hot olive oil ∙

“Fork and knife pizza”… because the oven isn’t hot enough? I get Neapolitan, but the crust has no structure at all. The sauce is so delicate and subtle, it barely makes an impact with the excess. The basil wasn’t spread, the mozzarella buffala is alright, but not mindblowing. They do have chili oil though! Diavola had excellent toppings, but same story with the base. I would come back to see if I maybe caught an off night. Awesome restaurant though.


Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria (Philadelphia, PA)

Margherita w/ Smoked Mozzarella ∙

The sauce is surprisingly sweet…almost distracting, even with the smoked mozz. I think smoked mozz may be a no go for me. Flavor is good, the texture kind of.. overcooked? Crust was solid to start, but felt somewhat rubbery after a few minutes. Smoked mozz also seemed to firm up quickly. At the end, the waitress stacked slices into a sectioned to-go box….must have been out of the pizza boxes. Not my favorite Philly spot.


Pizzeria Vetri (Philadelphia, PA)

Margherita ∙

Salsiccia: fennel sausage, roasted fennel, tomato sauce, mozzarella ∙

Pepperoni: pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, oregano ∙

The Tim Duncan fundamental layup, the deep Curry 3, and the Kobe turnaround mid-range jumper. Crust was good…chewy, but supportive. Sauce was solid. Cheese was okay… not comparable to the buffalo mozz. The Fennel pie had a very cool mix of flavors. I love the small cup pepperonis. Excuse the terrible screenshots.