DD has requested real Italian pizza-where to go

[at2002]

Putting my questions up front and then details to follow, in case you don't want to read them: who's eaten at Via Napoli (since its so new my guidebook doesn't have a review) and do they have good/any pizza? Also, do they accept the regular DDP?
So, we're leaving for Disney in 3 days and I am of course changing my dining ressies all around. The only food my DD has requested for her first visit to WDW is *real* Italian pizza (whatever that means).
I've read mixed reviews on Mama Melrose and Tony's Town Square, although irregardless I don't seem to see any pizza on their adult menus? (she's 11)
I'm trying to make a ressie for Saturday night, and we can go pretty much anywhere (using park hopper during day for AK, which closes at 5).
It looks like Via Napoli is new enough that they don't have their menu posted, so I have no idea what they have. I see conflicting information on if they accept the dining plan or not-the 2011 pdf (which I believe is supposed to be the most correct/up to date source?) says they are on DDP. Via Napoli comes up when I request Italian food, dining plan only restaurants on the WDW website restaurant pages, but when I make a reservation it says dining plan not accepted (which I guess could mean only one of the more expensive dining plans).

 

[kaligal]

I haven't had the Via Napoli pizza, but the rest of the pizza I've had at WDW really sucked. Really. Sucked. A lot.

 

[tobikaye]

Here is the link to the Via Napoli menu: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=579#menu.

I am not sure about using the DP at Via Napoli as I have only eaten there once without being on the DP. I really enjoyed the pizza. It was not like any of the pizzas you get at the American chains.

 

[LilyWDW]

Via Napoli has pizza. It is wood fired and pretty traditional looking based off of the pictures I have seen. It is not pizza like most people in the states think of when it comes to pizza. It looks very close to what I enjoyed and saw in Rome.

I know there is a menu on Allears, but my internet seems to be acting up and I can't get a link at this moment. You can go to Allears.net ---> dining ---> Epcot ----> Via Napoli.

Edit: finally got the link.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_vianap.htm

 

[waughzee]

I was at Via Napoli in December, it was fantastic! I have photos posted in the food porn thread.

 

[JimmyV]

It is not pizza like most people in the states think of when it comes to pizza.

Not sure I agree with this. The Via Napoli pie is made in very much the same style as Naples-style pies found in New York (Grimaldi's), New Haven (Pepe's), New Jersey, Phoenix (Bianco), Los Angeles (Pizzeria Mozza). It isn't similar to Chicago style or chain pizzas. But do chain pizzas really count? I'm not saying that Via Napoli is as good as Pepe's or Pizzeria Bianco. But the style is similar.

If your DH wants a Naples-style pizza, Via Napoli would be it. It is not really a Roman style pizza, as Roman pizzas have a much thinner crust.

 

[LilyWDW]

Not sure I agree with this. The Via Napoli pie is made in very much the same style as Naples-style pies found in New York (Grimaldi's), New Haven (Pepe's), New Jersey, Phoenix (Bianco), Los Angeles (Pizzeria Mozza). It isn't similar to Chicago style or chain pizzas. But do chain pizzas really count? I'm not saying that Via Napoli is as good as Pepe's or Pizzeria Bianco. But the style is similar.

If your DH wants a Naples-style pizza, Via Napoli would be it. It is not really a Roman style pizza, as Roman pizzas have a much thinner crust.

That is why I said most and not all. Around here, people would look at that pizza funny. We have also had reviews of Via Napoli where the poster complained it was "different" and "not like any pizza they had had" and that was why they didn't like it. I also know of very few places that make pizza in the states that doesn't cover it in cheese and toppings. Other places may wood fire it, but they still drown the pizza in toppings.

I just want to be sure the OP had a better idea of the style of the pizza and that it wouldn't be what most people in the states normally get.

 

[mollygirl13]

We love Via Napoli's Pizza

DH and I have eaten there many times and have always found the pizza to be delicious!

 

[JimmyV]

Around here, people would look at that pizza funny. ...I also know of very few places that make pizza in the states that doesn't cover it in cheese and toppings. Other places may wood fire it, but they still drown the pizza in toppings.

If the original poster's daughter has stated a desire for "true Italian pizza", presumably she is not looking for "average" pizzas but is rather seeking pies done in the Naples style. Without vouching for the overall quality, Via Napoli produces pizzas in the true Naples style, irrespective or what you have in your area. I see that you are from TN. Try this anaolgy. Suppose Disney opened a restaurant called the Memphis Roadhouse and it served ribs in the style of Rendevous. If a poster asked where at Disney one could get Memphis-style ribs, imagine if someone from Rhode Island replied that the ribs at Disney were not at all like what most people in the country are used to, because they do not look like Chili's baby back ribs. You would chime in and say that to the contrary, the ribs at Memphis Roadhouse are a fair approximation of Memphis ribs. It doesn't really matter if the ribs look like what most people are used to. The original request was for true Memphis style ribs.

Here, the original request was for true Italian pizza. It doesn't matter if the pies don't look like Domino's. They are true Naples-style pies, which is all that matters.

As for "most places" smothering their pizzas with toppings, again, I don't agree. Maybe that is the way shopping mall places might do it. But true pizzerias do not. A real, honest pizza in the Italian style is best served with one or two toppings at most, unless they are segregated, at which point you can have four quadrants, each with its own topping.

Check out Alan Richman's article and you will see that the best pizzas (his list, anyway, but he is pretty much a food authority) come from all over the country, and most have more in common with Via Napoli (in style, if not quality) than differences. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30872147/ns/today-foodwine/

 

[LilyWDW]

If the original poster's husband has stated a desire for "true Italian pizza", presumably he is not looking for "average" pizzas but is rather seeking pies done in the Naples style. Without vouching for the overall quality, Via Napoli produces pizzas in the true Naples style, irrespective or what you have in your area. I see that you are from TN. Try this anaolgy. Suppose Disney opened a restaurant called the Memphis Roadhouse and it served ribs in the style of Rendevous. If a poster asked where at Disney one could get Memphis-style ribs, imagine if someone from Rhode Island replied that the ribs at Disney were not at all like what most people in the country are used to, because they do not look like Chili's baby back ribs. You would chime in and say that to the contrary, the ribs at Memphis Roadhouse are a fair approximation of Memphis ribs. It doesn't really matter if the ribs look like what most people are used to. The original request was for true Memphis style ribs.

Here, the original request was for true Italian pizza. It doesn't matter if the pies don't look like Domino's. They are true Naples-style pies, which is all that matters.

As for "most places" smothering their pizzas with toppings, again, I don't agree. Maybe that is the way shopping mall places might do it. But true pizzerias do not. A real, honest pizza in the Italian style is best served with one or two toppings at most, unless they are segregated, at which point you can have four quadrants, each with its own topping.

Check out Alan Richman's article and you will see that the best pizzas (his list, anyway, but he is pretty much a food authority) come from all over the country, and most have more in common with Via Napoli (in style, if not quality) than differences. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30872147/ns/today-foodwine/

I just would like to point out that while I live in TN now, I am from Chicago and have spent a lot of time traveling (including New York and Italy). So, you analogy doesn't really work for me.

I will also say that I have heard people ask for "real Italian pizza" and then get served it only to ask what it was. Yes, I overheard this in Italy! It boggled my mind to be honest.

You seem to be picking on one sentence in my whole post, while ignoring the rest of it. As I said, it is wood fired and looks like the pizza I have enjoyed in Rome. So, taking your analogy, it would be like someone asking about Memphis style ribs and being told yes they are seasoned like real Memphis Style ribs and look like the kind I enjoyed when I went to Memphis. However, it may not be like what you are used to because you have not had Memphis Style ribs.

I also do not think it is a bad thing to make sure a poster understands what they are getting into. I always go by the idea that more information is better then not enough. So, yes, the poster may know the type of pizza they are really looking for... but it isn't a bad thing to make sure it is understood the type of pizza that is offered. Then they can make a realistic decision based on all information and be sure about that decision. Also, other people read these threads for information because they see the question and want the answer. They might NOT have had idea of what "real Italian pizza" is so having a better explanation would help them. As such, it is a good idea to make sure that additional information is there.

BTW, Via Napoli IS on the dining plan. From the FAQ:

DDP? Yes. The restaurant will be accepting the Disney Dining Plan. It will be a "1 TS" restaurant.

* Entrees and Individual Pizza: 1 Credit
* 20in Pizza: 2 Credits (Adult Only*)
* 1/2meter Pizza: 4 Credits (Adult Only*)

 

[at2002]

THANKS everyone! I think the DISboard has been the most valuable and awesome source of info for planning our trip that I've come across on the web.

This certainly gives me enough info to go on. No matter the similarities or differences of Via Napoli's pizza to different US locales or regions of Italy, its not going to be what she's used to getting (which would be of the Papa Johns, DiGiorno variety! Her 11 year old palette has not visited the big cities to enjoy such regional treats as Chicago, New York, etc. pizza.) and thus will fulfill her request. I expect it will certainly not be what she expects, and it sounds different enough that, in her mind if not in others, she will be getting what she asked for.

All of these descriptions and food discussions are making my mouth water- really looking forward to all the foods we get to sample while we are there!

I've made a ressie for Via Napoli on Saturday night (also excited about our newly made Boma ressie for Sunday night, but that's OT).

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Memphis Roadhouse and it served ribs in the style of Rendevous

1) I have loved Rendezvous since I lived there in the late 70's.
2) However, I like all Memphis ribs
. . . Rendezvous (dry rub)
. . . Corky's (wet)
. . . Neely's Interstate (wet)
3) So, when asking for Memphis ribs, one must be specific.
4) But, your analogy is still pretty close.
5) An American asking for a "real" Italian pizza will be sorely disappointed.
6) When we ordered pizza in Italy, it wasn't what we expected.
7) But, we have come to love it as a different variety/style.

EDIT: We got to know Charlie well, and enjoyed his friendship. Even though we have not lived in Memphis for many years, we still get the famous Rendezvous rub (and somtimes the actual ribs) via FEDEX. Gotta love the rub!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

My husband and I loved the pizza at Via Napoli and yes they do accept DDP. It was really yummy pizza.

 

[Huff]

I have friends who moved from Italy and opened a pizzaria. Their idea of italian pizza is quite a bit different than I've seen others report. They told me that groups do not order a single huge pizza to feed everyone. Each person orders their own. Most pizza was thin crust, cooked crispy or a thicker stuffed pizza pie. Also told me you would rarely find what he called garbage pile pizza us Americans like with 6 or more toppings piled on.

Toppings were the biggest difference. Items such as pepperoni, sausage, etc were uncommon. Instead he told us seafood such as fish, shrimp, muscles or items such as very thin sliced italian meats or sometimes an egg were more common.

No idea as I've not been to Italy but his pizzas were awesome.

The only good pizza I've had at WDW so far is at Wolf Gang Pucks in DTD. Very good woodfired oven cooked pizzas.

 

[JimmyV]

I have friends who moved from Italy and opened a pizzaria. Their idea of italian pizza is quite a bit different than I've seen others report. They told me that groups do not order a single huge pizza to feed everyone. Each person orders their own. Most pizza was thin crust, cooked crispy or a thicker stuffed pizza pie. Also told me you would rarely find what he called garbage pile pizza us Americans like with 6 or more toppings piled on.

Toppings were the biggest difference. Items such as pepperoni, sausage, etc were uncommon. Instead he told us seafood such as fish, shrimp, muscles or items such as very thin sliced italian meats or sometimes an egg were more common.

No idea as I've not been to Italy but his pizzas were awesome.

Your friend is spot on, and hence the similarities between Italian style pizza and Via Napoli predominate, though, again, the quality is lower. Let's review:

Each person orders their own-Check. That is the way VN is designed, though the pizzas are big enough for two to share. Typical Disney overkill.

Thin crust-Check. That is the style at VN.

Crispy-Oops. Here is the biggest quality problem. A true thin crust pizza is cooked to a slight char on the bottom and the unsauced edges of the top crust can, and should be at least partially blackened. Maybe even fully blackened. (See the video that I linked in the prior post). I have found that the pies at VN really need an extra 2-3 minutes in the oven. To me, they are underdone. At least the ones that I have ordered have been.

No "garbage pile" pies-Check. VN keeps its toppings to a minimum. You won't find a meat lover's super supreme here.

Thin sliced Italian meats-Check. VN has them.

Seafood on the pie-Nope. This idea has not caught on in most places in the U.S. and would probably not be a big seller. But in New Haven, (epicenter of the Naples-style pies), white clam pies (no tomatoes or sauce) are the specialty.

It is safe to say that there are at least 4 styles of pizza:
1.) Pizzas made in Italy (the Naples area in particular, as your friend describes), and largely unfamiliar to most Americans;
2.) Pizzas made in the Italian style, but tailored to American tastes. These would be the top echelon of pizzas made in coal fired ovens, (yes, the better and more authentic ovens are coal fired, not wood burning, though wood is better than nothing). Via Napoli falls into this category. Maybe not every part of the U.S. has such places, but they are certainly becoming more common;
3.) Chicago style deep-dish pizzas. A different animal altogether, and not something that really has roots in Italy. Not saying that this is bad. Just different; and
4.) Chain stlye or strip mall pizzas made in Blodgett ovens. Rather boring and decidedly American, where piles of toppings hide the otherwise bland crust and sauce.

If your DD, coming from Eastern Maryland, is looking for something beyond that which she is used to, Via Napoli should fit the bill.

 

[eliza61]

Via Napoli is about as good as she is going to get at Disney.

All the rest are not even worth calling pizza.

 

[WheelCEO]

go to italy

 

[at2002]

I was at Via Napoli in December, it was fantastic! I have photos posted in the food porn thread.

That's pretty much what I've heard so far about Via Napoli-I'll be at one of their tables in 3 days!
Food porn thread! I'm relatively new around here, I hadn't found yet. <wanders off to drool over some yummy pictures>

 

[at2002]

We went to Via Napoli, and it was fabulous! Loved, loved, loved, the food. When she finished, my DD, who's 11 and very picky about foods, said she could never eat pizza again b/c it couldn't possibly be as good as what she just ate. She even ate some of the 'green stuff' (fresh basil) that came on it.

 

[cannp123165]

We ate at Via Napoli in December and really enjoyed it. The pizza is delicious, and has a thin base and fresh toppings. We had the half meter pizza which was a great experience and enough to feed a family.