Settebello Pizzeria Napoletan in Pasadena is as close to authentic as you’ll find outside of Italy. Their pizza dough, prepared in scorching wood fire oven (pictured above), is thin and tasty, with a perfectly blackened bubbly crispy crust. Ingredients are simple, and each flavor really stands out. Simplicity is the key to all their pizzas, but don’t mistaken this for plain. Fresh crushed tomatoes are the “sauce” to most pizzas, and basil and extra virgin olive oil are staple toppings.
We walked down on a Friday night and grabbed a couple empty seats at the bar counter. There were two of us and we shared the Insalata Grande (1/2 portion pictured below, they split it for us) and the Emilia pizza. Both were fantastic!
The Insalata Grande ($9.00) is a perfect salad to share. The mixed greens, balsamic vinaigrette, artichoke hearts, fresh tomatoes, roasted mushrooms, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Kalamata olives and pine nuts make it a pleasantly hearty starter salad. It is a little light on dressing, and I felt it needed a little kick so I ordered side of cheese and extra dressing to make it come to life a little more for my taste.
We went with a curve ball for our pizza selection and ordered the Emilia pizza ($12.50). It’s a white pizza, with no traditional tomato base. The dough is smeared with Panna (Italian Cream), then topped with fresh Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Regiano, Prosciutto Cotto, basil and extra virgin olive oil. The pizza was simple, but full of flavor. I would definitely recommend the Emilia!
I can’t wait for my next visit, there are so many other things I’m excited to try, including their dessert pizza!
Check out Settebello Pizzeria Napoletan in Pasadena on Yelp.
625 E Colorado BlvdPasadena, CA 91101
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 765-9550