Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood

(This is weekly post #1 in the Frugal Foodie Thursday series.)

For months, Friday nights have been pizza nights. My brother and I started this tradition last winter in an effort to find the best pizza in Chicagoland. We’re big pizza fans—I, more than anyone. I could eat it every day: cold, hot, toppings, no toppings. And since I’m feeling especially daring, I might as well tell you my culinary exploits have involved my making every imaginable substance into its own kind of pizza. Crusts I’ve tried: store-bought dough, homemade dough, pita, Italian bread, crackers… I’ll spare you the details, but suffice it to say, each has its pluses and minuses. Each, that is, except the one I’m about to describe.

I should also tell you, in the interest of full disclosure, that, while I wouldn’t refuse it of course, I don’t especially prefer Chicago-style pizza. Call it sacrilege if you must, but this Chicago girl likes her pizza thin-crusted, Neapolitan-style. Blame it on world travel or perhaps my Italian grandmother. Either way, this is how it’s got to be.

A while back, Chicago Magazine did an issue that highlighted the best Neopolitan-style pizza places in Chicago. We’ve tried as many as we could. Some have been good, some great—but none could top Spacca Napoli, the first we visited and I daresay the best pizza in the city.

When you go, if at all possible, get the Pizze Margherita. It’s covered with just enough ripe tomatoes, Italian mozzarella, fresh basil and perfect olive oil. The crust is soft—not too soft, but easy to break off and chew, and crunchy—not cracker-crunchy but crisp. The flavor is sweet in a deliciously olive oil way, which, I’ll just say it, is the best kind of sweet in the world of pizza. It’s pizza perfection and, top this: it’s ready in minutes. Their ovens cook it up quickly and I mean quickly.

Other reasons to visit: a beautiful atmosphere, complete with al fresca dining, should you choose; great service—our waiter was completely charming; and easy parking just a block or so away.

Even more! Stop by their website, where a 25% OFF coupon will work for lunch Wednesdays or Thursdays through the end of the year. For dinner, I spent around $12, but I’ll admit I just drank tap water; I don’t know if the lunch menu’s even more affordable, but with the coupon, what could you lose?

Make plans to visit this incredible spot soon. I know you’ll love it.

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Filed under food, frugal foodie Thursdays, restaurant reviews |