A recent nationwide tasting-tour conducted by Zagat dubbed “Pizza Week” sampled pizzas throughout the 50 states in search of the best 50 pies. Bella Napoli Pizzeria’s “Salsiccia” pie was awarded the honor of “Best Pie in Tennessee“.
Located in Nashville’s Edge Hill Neighborhood, Bella Napoli offers authentic Italian pizza, (Neapolitan Style) as well as some traditional Italian dishes. “We offer several traditional dishes and fine Italian wine pairings, but we’re a pizzeria first,” explained owner, Paolo Tramontano. “Our wood-fired brick-oven seals in authentic Italian flavor and creates the flame-blackened blisters on the crust that are characteristic of a real Neapolitan pizza, just like back home,” he added.
Zagat’s website had the following to say about Bella Napoli’s “Salsiccia” pie:
“Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables, so throw it on your pizza and you’re eating health food, right? Ok, maybe not, but that’s not going to stop us from enjoying the Salsiccia at Nashville’s Bella Napoli Pizzeria, which also features Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella and garlic. They import most ingredients from Italy and list details about them on their site. This isn’t a place with a massive menu or crazy ingredients, but one that has a great assortment of traditional pies.”
Source: http://www.zagat.com/b/50-state-50-pizzas#42.
Chef Paolo commented, “It’s a great honor to be recognized like this by Zagat, and it’s pretty exciting for me and my staff.”
Born in Aversa, Italy approximately 10 miles north of Naples, Paolo moved to the United States in 2000. After several years of working at Valentino’s as Executive Chef, Paolo Tramontano opened Bella Napoli Pizzeria. Paolo’s vision was to return to Italian-style roots, and so Nashville’s first Traditional Neapolitan Style Pizzeria was open in August 2010. Paolo fell in love with the ambiance of Edgehill Villiage’s courtyard, which made him feel like he was back home with his family, “when I first saw the courtyard, I could picture myself having ‘vino con le pesche’ ahhh… la dolce vita,” reminisced Paolo. And so it was, a home was found for Bella Napoli Pizzeria and thus his dream was born.
Today, Paolo is very proud of the support his Pizzeria has received by the Nashville community and its acceptance of his culture and style of cuisine. He was very pleased to learn of the recent Zagat accolades bestowed on his pizzeria. As chef and owner Paolo and his staff are thankful and happy to receive this honorable recognition for simply doing what they love and are passionate to do everyday.
