food & drink

Pizza Perfection

By Megan Greenberg / Photography By Kathryn Brass-Piper | April 25, 2024

Malmosto's Margherita Pizza

In the pantheon of culinary delights, there exists a universal truth, a gastronomic gospel even: Pizza reigns supreme.

Ah, pizza—the ultimate amalgamation of dough, sauce, and cheese, transcending boundaries, cultures, and waistlines. It’s the edible ambassador of joy, the cornerstone of communal feasting, and the unofficial symbol of global unity.

What makes pizza so especially special? It’s not just the perfect marriage of crispy crust and melty mozzarella, or the harmonious symphony of tangy tomato sauce and an array of delectable toppings. No, it’s something deeper, something primal. It’s the promise of satisfaction in every gooey, cheesy bite. It’s the sheer audacity of combining disparate ingredients into a flavor-packed masterpiece.

Pizza possesses a mystical ability to bring people together, from the bustling streets of Naples (Italy) to the quietest, hidden corners of New York City and even here in our area, where A+ pizza places can be found in spades. Whether you’re sharing slices with friends or enjoying an entire pie in the solitary comfort of your own home, pizza is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural touchstone.

So what does our town have to offer? Well, it’s more than a mouthful …

ROMANSQ

In the sun-soaked expanse of our sweet seaside city, RomanSQ stands as a beacon of pizza enlightenment. Freshness isn’t a tagline here, it’s a sacred mantra. Tom and Hoa, the dynamic duo behind this culinary haven, stumbled upon their pizza epiphany during an unexpected journey from Miami to Tampa. What emerged was a dedication to crafting the ultimate Roman-style pie.

Their 96-hour dough process is a testament to their pizza prowess, yielding a crust that’s not just light and airy, but downright transcendent. Say goodbye to pizza gut; this dough is a revelation. The crown jewel is the carbonara pizza. It’s an indulgent marvel: gooey, garlicky, and adorned with guanciale, eggs, pecorino cheese, and cracked pepper. It’s the kind of pizza that inspires poetry. Or at least a slew of fervent tweets.

And let’s not overlook their meticulously curated beer and wine selection. Tom and Hoa’s passion shines through in every aspect of RomanSQ, promising an experience that’s anything but ordinary. In a culinary landscape teeming with options, RomanSQ refuses to put mediocrity on the menu.

6670 Superior Ave, Sarasota, 941-237-8742; RomanSQ.com

ATMOSPHERE

Tucked away in a modest plaza, as hidden gems often are, an equally modest pizza joint boasts the mastery of Italian immigrant Antonio Mancini, whose Neapolitan-style pies hit the spot every time. From the moment you step inside Atmosphere Pizza, the aroma of wood-fired perfection draws you in like a siren’s song, powerlessly compelling you to home in on that homemade doughy goodness.

Classics like the Margherita and innovative creations like the Vesuvio beckon, each showcasing a perfect balance of flavors and textures, but it’s the creative Mortazza, a heavenly concoction of mortadella and pistachio pesto, that steals the show every time.

With a commitment to personalized service and a capacity of only 35 seats, Atmosphere has become a haven for regulars, who belly up to secure a spot in this bustling hub of flavor and warmth to watch Antonio perfect his wood-fired craft with painstaking care. Atmosphere is a genuine beacon of passion, authenticity, and the pursuit of pizza perfection.

935 N Beneva Rd, Unit 409, Sarasota, 941-203-8542; facebook.com/atmospheresarasota

NAPULE

In Italy pizza isn’t just food, it’s a pilgrimage. For Sarasota’s pizza purists, Napulè calls—honoring its homeland’s most revered art form. Here, pizzas are prepared with passion and precision, drawing inspiration from the timeless traditions of Naples, an Italian city known for its simplistic pizza perfection.

So, what makes it so special? It’s not just about the toppings; it’s about the dough, which as we already know is the soul of every great pizza. It’s soft and chewy, with a crust that’s a delicate balance of crispy and pillowy. Often topped with just a few blobs of mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, it’s a minimalist masterpiece. No drowning in shredded cheese or pools of oil—just pure, unadulterated flavor. This dedication to simplicity transforms Naples-style pizza into something truly magical, a stark contrast to the overloaded pies we often find elsewhere in the States.

Do not miss the Tartufata with its creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, earthy porcini mushrooms, peppery arugula, and a drizzle of decadent black truffle oil. Too cool for truffle? That’s OK. Opt for the Saliccia e Friarelli, a white pizza where homemade sausage meets the bold bitterness of rapini, and a blanket of fresh mozzarella.

7129 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-556-9639; napulesarasota.com

CAFE BARBOSSO

Italy, shmitaly. Looking for something a little more New York? Café BarBosso’s got you, friend. Step inside a slice of Little Italy charm nestled in the heart of Sarasota. Named after the legendary “Frankie Bumps” BarBosso, this eatery boasts a menu that reads like a love letter to classic Italian fare with a modern twist.

But let’s talk pizza. This place makes some truly memorable pies—from Grandma’s Smashed Meatball, featuring Sunday sauce and creamy ricotta, to the absolute banger that is the Lamb Kofta pizza: thin-crust perfection topped with tender lamb, coconut curry, and cardamom-infused yogurt. I mean, c’mon. Maybe that doesn’t scream “New York Italian pizza,” but it definitely makes me want to raise my fist and shout “Marone, that’s some ******* good pizza.”

And it’s not just about the food; it’s the atmosphere that sets Café BarBosso apart. With the hustle of a bustling northern pizzeria, complete with a lively bar, cozy booths, and an open kitchen over-seen by Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr., it’s an experience not easily found anywhere else in the area, seamlessly balancing the taste of nostalgia with bold new flavors.

5501 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, 941-922-7999; cafebarbosso.com

MALMOSTO

Malmosto is electric. If you’ve never been fed by Chef Andrea Bozzolo, please set the magazine down and go. This place is tiny. And I do mean tiny. But that’s part of its charm. It’s dark and extremely intimate with awesome throwback tunes, a colorful chef, and hidden drawings adorning the menu and walls. If you know, you know.

Chef Andrea and restaurateur Rossella Savinelli, with their boundless passion and Italian proclivities, have crafted a destination where the flavors and flair will bring you back time and again. The pizza—the heart and soul of Malmosto’s menu—is made with imported Italian flour, wood-fired ovens, and an enticing array of flavors that feel all at once familiar and completely foreign. Each slice is a love letter to Italy, a testament to Bozzolo’s true culinary prowess and Savinelli’s dedication to creating an unforgettable dining experience. But, honestly, the entire menu is *chef’s kiss.*

Here, the food and wine are not just sustenance but lend themselves to celebrating the deliciousness of life itself. Oh, and wine aficionados? I promise you’ve just found your new favorite spot.

So, go on, scoot. The table is set and the door is open.

2085 Siesta dr., Sarasota, 941-706-1460; wineshopandkitchen.com

ATRIA

In the land of planned communities and pristine landscapes, Atria Café in Lakewood Ranch stands as a beacon of authenticity and community spirit. Founded by Jim and Weyli Angus, this eatery isn’t just about serving food—it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing a meal together.

Their pizzas are a testament to this ethos. Crafted from 100 percent natural sourdough, each pie is fermented for a minimum of 24 hours, resulting in a crust that’s both light and flavorful. But, for once, it’s not just about the dough—it’s about the thoughtful combination of simple, often locally sourced ingredients that elevate each bite. Every topping is carefully selected and expertly prepared. The result? Pizzas that might seem familiar at first glance but surprise and delight with their depth of flavor and attention to detail.

Amidst a sea of fast-food joints, Atria offers a haven for savoring meals with loved ones, where every moment feels like a cool night out.

4120 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton; atria.cafe

TRALIA

In the ever-evolving landscape of pizza, Tralia Pizza stands as a testament to innovation and tradition colliding in the most mouthwatering of ways. Helmed by pizza prodigy Anthony Petralia, Tralia’s journey from nomadic pop-up to brick-and-mortar sensation is a story worth savoring. Tralia sets itself apart from the pizza pack by offering something the others don’t: Detroit-style pie. We know you Michiganders have been waiting for this one. And spoiler: It was worth the wait.

What does Detroit know about pizza? Well, for starters, they turn out thick, pillowy crusts with super crispy edges, generously topped with big flavors that are as bold as Detroit. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, and Tralia does it justice with tastes you’re going to want to shove straight into your pie hole. It’s Detroit-style, after all. Go big or go home.

And yeah, yeah. Tralia offers the round Neapolitan style, but that’s not what we come to Tralia for. We come for that deep dish and flavors that sound heavy-handed but are expertly executed in a way that shows clear finesse.

Do not skip out on the Sausage and Peppers with fennel pork sausage, marinated sweet peppers, and caramelized onions, or the Funghi with garlic cream, grilled oyster mushrooms, goat cheese, truffle oil, and oregano.

6596 Superior Ave, Sarasota, 941-312-1621; traliasrq.com

Some of Our Other Favorite Local Pizza Spots

IL Panificio

Capo Pazzo

Cafe Epicure

Osteria 500

Bavaro’s