Admittedly, when I initially saw the location of Amalfi Pizza located in the old Dailey’s Building in the heart of Atlanta’s downtown tourist district, I didn’t expect much in terms of décor and architecture. But once I strolled down the rustic, Italian-themed cobblestone pathway leading up the stairs to Amalfi Pizza, I was blown away with the feeling of being transported to a small village in Naples. Greeted by a smiling hostess, I had the option of dining right away or enjoying a drink at their inviting bar. The dark paneling and wide open view of their 6000-pound, wood-burning brick pizza ovens further authenticated Amalfi’s ode to Italian tradition.
Their wine list was pretty straight forward with eight options, while the beer list boasted eleven; five were from local craft breweries. I opted for the Pinot Noir which ended up pairing perfectly with the meal. The appetizer selection was well-rounded with tasty selections including the sweet and spicy Stuffed Peppadew Peppers filled with a creamy ricotta and cream cheese blend.
The Caprese di Bufala salad was served with large chunks of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and slices of toasted baguette drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Their Roasted Beet Salad consisted of arugula, goat cheese, diced beets and candied walnuts; still I was a little disappointed when the version that arrived at our table had mostly arugula and not many beets. Arugula salad would’ve been a better menu description. However, the melt-in-your-mouth Italian meatballs draped in tangy tomato sauce and topped with grated parmesan cheese had to be my favorite appetizer on the menu.
When it comes to the pizza, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu. Owners Greg Grant and Stephen de Haan went to great lengths to travel overseas to Naples to study and work alongside the Italian Pizzaiolo Maestros to learn how to make authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
I tried the Margherita pizza made with their house recipe for San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil; the Tartufo E Fungi pizza topped with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil; and the Pizza Amalfi. The latter was the most tantalizing of the three made with their savory San Marzano sauce, peppadew peppers, spicy sausage, bacon jam and dollops of Fior di latte mozzarella cheese.
If you don’t try anything else, you have to get their specialty—Pizza Carnevale—a 12-inch pizza with a crust filled with billowing pockets of fresh ricotta cheese and add an assortment of toppings like the spicy sausage, mushrooms, meatballs, caramelized onions, bufala mozzarella, peppadew peppers and Neapolitan spicy salami. Of course, the dessert choices were everything you’d expect, including traditional tiramisu and vanilla crème cannoli with dark chocolate chips.
Amalfi Pizza is a must for anyone looking for an authentic Italian Neapolitan dining experience. Great for date nights, family celebrations and grabbing a bite before heading downstairs for craft cocktails and cigars at their swanky sister location, Red Phone Booth.
Disclosure: the tasting was complimentary but opinions are my own.
Amalfi Pizza
17 Andrew Young International Blvd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-228-7528
amalfipizzaatl.com
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