It’s early Saturday evening and I am driving around Little Italy in Cleveland in search of an Italian Restaurant for lunch.  My stomach is growling and mouth watering from the smell of garlic and pizza dough.  I passed by La Pizzeria, just off of the main drag where I found a parking spot down the street.  I followed my nose to a cute little pizza parlor with outdoor seating.  Taking a seat along the cobblestone street, this was the perfect stop for a pizza pie.

The cook behind the counter was busy making pizzas but took a moment to take my order for a small Aglio e Olio pizza. He mentioned that it would take fifteen to twenty minutes as he was wrapping up twenty-five pizzas for a local graduation party.   Watching him place the pizzas in the warmer and the smell of garlic and butter, I knew it would be worth the wait.

I ordered a medium 8 cut and took a seat alongside the beautifully bricked roads.  Sitting beneath the Italian flags, I reviewed my photos of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.  I had visited both of these locations earlier to take in a couple of exhibits and before I could finish my photo review, my pizza was being delivered to my table.

Loaded with a variety of white cheeses, butter, garlic and olive oil, this pizza transported me temporarily into culinary heaven.  Sinking my teeth into the first piece of pie, I was so excited with the thickness of the cheese as it pulled away from pizza.   The perfect combination of garlic, olive oil and spices were divinely decadent and I enjoyed every bite.  The thin crust was perfectly cooked, just as the cheese was broiled to perfection.  I was super excited that I would have to box up a few pieces to have over the next couple of days.

I looked over the menu one last time to take notice of the long list of gourmet pizzas that included Gigi’s Veggie and Nico’s Philly.  There are calzones, pastas, salads, wings, freshly baked subs and an appetizer menu that includes the Salerno Family’s Homemade Meatballs.  If the items on the menu are just half as fabulous as the Aglio e Olio pizza, it’s no wonder the call in orders keep coming in nonstop.

I checked in again at the front counter for a box for my pizza and settled up my bill before heading out the door.  I was tempted by the Italian Gelato and dessert pizzas, but I will be just as happy thinking about my spectacular leftovers that I will enjoy over the next couple of days.  I hope I can wait that long…I may need to break into the box before I make it home.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Little Italy in Cleveland?  I would love to hear about the restaurant(s) you visited and what you ordered if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!   Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

Where to Eat:

La Pizzeria
2188 Murray Hill Road
Cleveland, OH  44106
Telephone:  216 229 9050

With so many restaurant choices in the Little Italy district of Cleveland, La Pizzeria is one of my favorites!

Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio