Carolyn Haswell
Northside News
We mourn the loss of Café La Bellitalia, from the warm embrace of the location, the memories we all share, and of course the food. Personally, I adored their pizza. It reminded me of the pie I used to get in my humble town in New York — saucy, cheesy and a delightful thick crust.
But, my friends, I want to remind you of how spoiled we are with pizza here on the Northside. We not only have a selection of two unique styles, but they are dang good at doing them. Of course, I am talking about Dough Boy’s Pizza and It’s Good For You.
Dough Boy’s is a grand story of a family setting out to make a better pizza in their home kitchen with a sauce that has been in their family for generations. Their pizza is a delicious mix of a hearty sauce, fresh shredded cheese that extends all the way to the edges, and a weight that makes you know you got a good deal.
If you’re in the mood for a “meal” of a pizza, go for the Chicago or thick crust. If you want pizza that reminds you of ordering on Friday nights as a kid (but upgraded), go for their thin crust or tavern style. I adore their thin crust, with several different toppings. Their unique application of cheese on the edges is reminiscent of a Detroit-style pizza, and it’s to die for.
Have you tried It’s Good For You pizza? I hadn’t until a coworker implored me to give it a try. (Hi, Kris!) They have limited hours (Thursday–Sunday), but trust me, if you are a fan of wood-fired pizza, you’ll be a fan of this.
The story of IGFY pizza is interesting for sure. As they say, “A Cook and a Radiologist Walk Into a Bar.” These two developed a lifelong friendship over a love of good, local food. This passion led them to start a catering business, which blossomed into their commercial kitchen in 2022.
Their pizza is a decadent mix of thin wood-fired crust, succulent toppings, and ingredients sourced from both Italy and local farmers. I have tried both their Salsiccia, and Mushroom Trifolati, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly if I tried.
Remember my friends, next time you’re thinking of catering an event, getting a couple pizzas for the family, or a sneaky pie all to yourself, don’t forget what our local Northside restaurants can provide for you.
