Il Pizzaiolo

Il Pizzaiolo Restaurant Review:

Owner Ron Molinaro and company have consistently made such first-rate pies --- the restaurant name translates to "pizza-maker" in Italian --- that they continue to pack a crowd at this location. All materials for the classic hand-built, wood-fired brick pizza oven were imported from Italy, as are ingredients including flour, sea salt, buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes. The pizzas have thin, crisp crusts and multiple options for toppings. But the purest expression of the restaurant’s mission is the classic pizza margherita D.O.C., graced only by tomatoes, Parmesan, basil and mozzarella. The menu also lists numerous pastas, salads, appealing antipasti --- especially a mixed platter --- and classic desserts like tiramisu, ricotta torte and cannoli. Diners in the high-decibel place spill over into a quieter, cozy wine bar to the rear. Not surprisingly, the wine list features Italian labels.