After sleep, pizza is arguably the most important part of life. I kid – slightly.
I’m an East Coaster with an affinity for the two-fisted meal of meat, sauce and cheese on a freshly baked layer of dough. In researching this story, I found a general consensus that we do pizza fairly well but don’t exactly meet the standards set by those pizza pros in Detroit, Brooklyn or Chicago.
Still, we can do a mean pie. Whether thick or thin, meaty or veggie, the city’s pizza scene is worth chewing into – with a bottle of cold suds or glass of red to wash it all down. I wouldn’t classify myself as a foodie but having consumed pizza from dozens of places in and around Seattle, it’s a fair bet that you will agree with at least one of these local establishments. Here, now, my very subjective list of five favorite pizza palaces around town (in alphabetical order):
Bambino’s | 401 Cedar Street, Belltown
This is a slightly secretive pizza place in Belltown, just a few steps from the not-so-secretive 5 Point Café. (Ah, now you know where this place is!). Bambino’s pizza puts a Pacific Northwest touch on traditional East Coast style pies – thin crust scorched directly on the brick oven to deliver a unique flavor each time.
Bambino’s is a great place to hang out, watch the game, enjoy their craft beers and dig into one of many pie options. I usually go with the Primavera for the garden-fresh flavors of onion, pepper, olive, tomato and mushroom.
When looking for a change of pace, I get the Calzone (Bambino’s calls it Calzoni). The baked pocket of dough, mozzarella, red sauce and meat (usually Italian sausage) is delicious and filling. I rarely finish it in one sitting.
Hot Mama’s | 700 East Pine Street, Capitol Hill
What’s so hot about Hot Mama’s? The pizza is like bringing Brooklyn to the PNW. Traditional. Authentic. Consistent. Open late. Reasonably priced. What else could you ask for in a pizzeria?
If you want a taste of New York (in a good way!), then go for the pepperoni. Have a napkin or two by your side to catch the dripping, flavorful grease. That’s how you do it! Another standout is the chicken garlic that’s baked on a butter base. Mighty fine.
Order by the slice or by the pie. Mix and match. Just order!
Italian Family Pizza | 1028 Madison Street, First Hill
First, a hat tip to The Seattle Times, which introduced me to this pizza parlor in 2016. Yes, it’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall on a busy street corner across from one of our hospitals but that essentially assures there is a lot of turnover. No cold slices here!
As The Times told the story then, a husband-and-wife team from my hometown of Philly arrived here in 2012 to embark on their pizza-and-pasta perfections and, as they say, the rest is history. And, yes, the family is Italian!
While most people may lean toward the traditional red, cheese or margherita pies, I’m a fan of their white: a blend of fresh ricotta, mozzarella and pecorino cheeses, with a touch of garlic and clams (optional). And don’t forget to order the family-made cannoli for dessert (or to go). Delicioso!
Tutta Bella Neapolitan | 6 locations, including 3 in Seattle
Back around 2011, a friend took me to Tutta Bella in Columbia City – and I fell in love (with the pizza, not the friend). This was my first experience with traditional Italian, wood-fired pizza in Seattle and it was outstanding.
There is authenticity with everything they do. Seasonal wild mushrooms smell as if they were picked that day. Tomatoes are San Marzanos, I’m told. Roasted eggplant is surprisingly good as a topping. Crusty edges can bubble to extreme heights. The overall experience is unbeatable. It feels as if you’re in Naples enjoying a taste of Italy.
I have also frequented their Wallingford location, which is big with friendly staff and home to delicious cocktails, chilled Peroni lager (my favorite) and an impressive wine list. A great family experience awaits.
Windy City Pie | 5918 Phinney Avenue North, Phinney Ridge
As the name suggests, Windy City Pie specializes in deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza. And it’s deeply delicious.
While you may want to try the traditional meat-topped pie, consisting of pepperoni, hot sausage, candied bacon and mozzarella over red sauce, I suggest going a little extravagant. Try the Mamma Mia for a true Chicago experience: roasted garlic, meatball, Chicagoland’s own sport pepper, mozzarella and red sauce. Glory, Hallelujah!
How good is Windy City? It won a Seattle Times reader poll in 2016 and the reviews on Yelp speak as if the deep-dish pie is a religious experience.
I was tempted to sprinkle five more of my favorite pizza palaces around Seattle/King County in this blog but decided to seek your expertise instead. What do you think of my favorite five and which ones would you choose? Drop me a note!
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