Updated June 6, 2022. There’s nothing better than biting into a piping hot, melty, cheesy piece of pizza. Of course, it’s even better when the pizza is perfectly Instagram-worthy. Here are five of the best pies worthy of tonight’s post.
Pupatella
Pupatella serves authentic Neapolitan pizza the way Neapolitan pies have been prepped for over 150 years. Every pizza-maker goes through training that lasts up to a year. Expect your pies to be baked in traditional, 900-plus-degree ovens manufactured by pizza aficionados in Naples. If you’re wondering about the name, “pupatella” is Naples slang for “little doll,” and was the nickname of founder Enzo’s grandmother.
As far as Insta-worthy pizzas, it’s worth trying one of Pupatella’s newest, the “Rapini.” It’s a sauce-less pizza topped with smoked mozzarella, spicy sausage, and rapini, a leafy green. It’s colorful and delicious. 5104 Wilson Blvd., North Arlington; 1621 S. Walter Reed Dr., South Arlington
Stracci Pizza
Stracci, pronounced “stra-chee,” means “rags” or “tatters” in Italian. Stracci Pizza, however, is anything but raggedy. The pizza joint is a 20-foot trailer that owner Tom Cardarelli and his wife Annalisa converted into a curbside pizzeria and restaurant in Arlington.
Cardarelli has 15 years of experience in both Michelin-starred restaurants and small community places, too. He moved to Alexandria five years ago to become executive chef at Vermilion, then opened Stracci in 2020.
Stracci offers a rotating menu with special flavors weekly. Instagramming ones like the “Brooklyner”—made with pepperoni, sausage, honey, Calabrian chili, and stracci (which also happens to be a type of cheese) will make you the talk of the town. 106 Hume Ave., Alexandria
Ballston Local
Ballston Local is a comfortable, cozy neighborhood pizzeria, sandwich, and burger joint. Serving New York style pies, the pizzas are big, round, and tasty. You can’t go wrong with the “Sausage and Roni,” which goes great with a beer or glass of wine. Ballston Local’s mission is to serve the community the best “crave-worthy foods,” paired with crafted cocktails, beer, and wine. They aim to get you in and served quickly, something crucial during these times. 900 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington
Pizzeria Orso
The 117-seat Pizzeria Orso is a great place to go for an intimate meal or to grab some takeout pizza. Insta-worthy pies are Neapolitan-style, and if you want to create your own masterpiece, try their $8 home pizza kit. The kit includes one pizza dough, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil, grana, and Bufala Mozzarella. Too tired to make your own? Order the “Capricciosa,” made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, artichokes, cremini mushrooms, olives, and basil. Don’t forget to snap a photo before you dive in; as the kids say, “phone eats first!” 400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Rocco’s
Rocco’s was created 45 years ago in 1977 by the late John Rocco Juliano with his dad, John Joseph, and mother, Mary, who was the mastermind behind Rocco’s famous sauce. Rocco’s is still owned by the Juliano family to this day.
The restaurant has become a family favorite in McLean. Instagram-worthy pies include the “Mamma Mia,” with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and bacon. While you’re there, try the new Tuesday special: all-you-can-eat pizza, spaghetti, or rigatoni with meat sauce that comes with garlic bread and a garden salad. 1357 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
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