Ever since we moved to Midtown Atlanta, I’ve been looking for *that* pizza place. You know the one: the place that feels like home, that has a friendly crew, and that serves up the sort of unpretentious but serious pies that appeal to those of us who prefer pepperoni to fois gras.
And — finally — I’ve found it. DaVinci’s Pizzeria (in Midtown since March) is exactly what I’m looking for in a neighborhood pizza joint. It’s directly across the street from the Arts Center Marta Station … an easy ten or fifteen minute walk from our condo. Because of the way it’s sandwiched between office towers and boutique hotels, you’ll miss it if you blink while driving down West Peachtree Street … and that, my friend, would be a tragedy.
Here’s the deal: DaVinci’s pizzas are based on a perfect crust: just thick enough, crispy at first, and chewy when you need it to be. On that foundation, they’re layering a tangy-sweet red sauce … bubbling, lightly-browned cheese … and fresh, generous toppings. Today’s pie (just pepperoni and sausage … I was in the mood for simplicity) was *exactly* what a two-meat pizza ought to be, right down to the price: just $8.99 for an 8-inch pie plus beverage.
I can also vouch for the Veggie Deluxe, a specialty pie we had delivered the other night. It arrived in record time — just 30 minutes after we phoned the order in — and was delivered by a smiling young man who called me by name … thanked me for my order … and *meant* it.
Which brings me to my other reason for loving DaVinci’s: the staff. Today, a patient long-term employee was teaching an enthusiastic new-comer to operate the register and take orders. She did so with genuine grace, and even the new employee did a great job of making us feel recognized and welcome.
Later, the tenured employee stopped by our table for a chat and really impressed me by answering all my questions with genuine passion. Yes, the construction has put some constraints on the business. Yes, I should try the wings, because they’re baked, then fried, and then tossed in sauce — and they’re naked, not breaded, and when I order them, I should order off-menu and ask for “Thai Hot” wings, which come topped with peanut sauce and cilantro. And yes, the order of five wings is more to eat than you might think, because these are *big* wings, and five *will* make a meal.
In short: here are people who really care about their offering, who are friendly and passionate about the pies they make, and who are delivering a fresh, remarkable pizza that’s five or six notches above anything available in Midtown Atlanta … and that put prissy, over-priced pizza joints (Piola, I’m talking to *you*) in their proper place. Highly recommended.
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