10/29/09

Drool.

by Kranitz

The pizzas here are not for the folks that enjoy stuffing themselves silly with a cheese heavy, thick crust generic pizza like any of the hundreds of pizza joints around town. You have to try it at least once, provided you aren't expecting to down a quart of pizza sauce and a pound of cheese per the slice! The process used to create this pizza has been exhaustively researched by the owner in Italy for years, and continually refined here in Chicago. You can't go wrong with the prosciutto d' arugula. In my opinion, the simpler the pizza you order, the better you can really enjoy the flavors.

• Pros: The best neopolitan pizza in Chicago
• Cons: Nothing

06/16/08

bummer

by bergenrodin

I too went to spaccanapoli after hearing positive statements like, "people come from Italy for their pizza" and "the pizza is incredible, delicious crust"

so, the first minor bummer was that that's it - they have pizza, no other entrees. Not bad for me, but one of our guests is not crazy about pizza. but hey they have lots of appetizer choices if you like antipasti, each with an italian name, so the server has to tell you what each one is. You lika the cold antipast? we got you covered.

we ordered two apps and 4 pizza to share. these were the apps

marinated octopus: first octopus I've had that smelled and tasted like fish. I guess we got the bottom of the barrel because it was taken off the specials board after we got it.

salad: big plate of high quality green with good olives and average tomatoes. basically good lettuce with too much balsamic vinegar.

the pizzas looked and smelled really good.

the marinara: this is a sauce only pizza, no cheese. the sauce was um...nothing special, not sure why it is featured element of any pizza, taste wrecked by over spicing with dry oregano.

the quattro formaggio: first 4 cheese I've had that featured a blue cheese. I like blue cheese, I thought the flavor too strong, it overpowered all other cheeses.

the sausage, mushroom: my favorite, excellent sausage, mushrooms appeared to be from a jar, though taste was fine.

the margherite (sp): standard margherite, mozz, tom, basil sauce. tasted great.

the crust of all the pizza was the best thing about the whole experience. it is unique, unfortunately the rest of each pizza seemed overly soggy, everything drooped and went down as a mushy bite, except the crust.

the wine (got the shiraz type) was a syrupy wine flavored beverage with alcohol.

service was fair, personally though for me, I go out for the food.

$90 for (4) people + $20 tip. No plans on returning for the crust.

• Pros: very fresh pizza ingredients, fantastic crust
• Cons: decided to serve unfresh octopus, only nonsoda kids drinks are milk/water

05/20/08

Great pizza, expect less than great service.

by DavidDeCampo

I must say that I had heard a lot of good comments about this restaurant.

Most of them lived up to my expectations, mainly the pizza. If you like traditional Neapolitan style pizza, then this is the place to eat. The prices are fair for the quality of the meal. You can't compare the pizza to a franchise store, because this is far from a national chain, or a low end local pizza place. The food is very good and the pizza is authentic Neapolitan, thin crust, wood burning oven cooked.

The service is not that great and we have tried the place twice now. The service is notably non-genuine, the hostess on both occasions was less than personable. The feel for the service is similar to a Pompei, where food is just brought to your table, not a true full service restaurant. I felt like the waiters, both times, couldn't wait to flip the table, get my 15 to 20 percent tip, and move on to the next guest.

Luckily, the food really is good, and mostly makes up for the undesirable service. The decor is nice as well, nothing to fancy, or too simple..just about right for the neighborhood and guests they are attracting. We will certainly return, and will cross our fingers for improvement in the staff's customer service attitudes.

• Pros: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
• Cons: Hostess/Waiters