ITPers might find it hard to believe, but OTPers know it is true. Beyond 285, mouth-watering Neapolitan and New York –style pizzerias are transporting diners to pie heaven. Whether you live in the metro or you have to plan a field trip beyond the perimeter, these four pizza restaurants demand a visit.
Giovanni Di Palma's Antico Pizza Napoletana at Alpharetta's Avalon opened in January and offers a diverse menu of classic and original pies, including award-winning creations like the San Gennaro, with Italian sausage and sweet red peppers, and the Diavola, with dry salami and stewed Italian veggies. Antico's Intown location won numerous accolades such as the highest Atlanta score in Zagat's "Best Pizza in 23 U.S. Cities" and one of 12 New Pizza Classics by Food & Wine Magazine. Unlike the ITP location, Avalon's restaurant is not BYOB, but beer and wine are available.
Travel to Woodstock for pizza? Those with Yankee roots say yes, even if home is in the heart of Atlanta. Many Georgia restaurants claim a true, New York Pizza. Few deliver. Those from the Northeast can attest that mouth-watering, authentic NY pie is about more than a thin crust. The consistency of the dough, flavor and texture of the sauce and quality of the mozzarella all lend themselves to the perfect pie. Taste of Italy in Woodstock delivers on all of these qualities. Be sure to sample the ham calzone and veal parmesan as well. In-house eating is available, but the focus here is all on the food.
Roswell's charming Canton Street offers a one-of-a-kind neighborhood pizzeria serving up authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, with a twist. Peer over the counter and watch Italian-native piazzalo Giacomo Lazzano fry each pie in a 900-degree oven for just 90 seconds. The Real Fix Pizzeria's crust is made from 96-hour-long leavened dough, and the pies are topped with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the King of the Hill, a white pizza with mascarpone, cracked egg, pecorino, mozzarella, red onion and cracked black pepper or the Hot Fix, a red pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fennel sausage, gorgonzola, mozzarella, capers, red onion and fresh jalapenos.
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