News > DeSano Pizza Bakery Blesses Charleston with Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Lately, it seems as if the Italians have taken over the town.  This invasion is definitely most welcome, especially if it means the kind of authentic Italian found at Ken Vedrinski’s seafood ristorante, Coda del Pesce, or the rustic Italian fare found at the recently opened Indaco.  And now, we welcome the latest player in Charleston’s Italian scene, DeSano Pizza Bakery, honing in on the popular pizza pie.

On Thursday, DeSano Pizza Bakery, named for owner Scott DeSano’s great grandparents, held a preview event to bless the ovens before officially opening to the public this Friday. The owner is quick to tell you that these are no ordinary pizza ovens, but three world famous Acunto ovens handmade in Naples, crafted out of volcanic rock from Mt. Vesuvius.  Each oven is named for three Patron Saints of Italy — San Paolino, San Gennaro, and San Felice.  After the official blessing of these very special ovens, students from Meeting Street Academy sang and danced to add to the festivities.

The majority of the menu consists of authentic Neapolitan pizzas.  According to DeSano’s, the two key ingredients are San Marzano tomatoes and bufala mozzarella, both native to Naples.  As waiters brought out pie after pie, I grabbed a slice of the Pomodorini, topped with Vesuvian cherry tomato, buffalo mozzarella, basil, and garlic.  The attention to simple, quality ingredients made for a spectacular slice.

The atmosphere in the downtown establishment is casual and fun, making it a good choice for groups and families, as well as pizza connoisseurs.  The huge family-style dining area allows guests to watch the process, from the tossing of the dough to the placing of the ingredients.  To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s a selection of cannolis, such as coconut and amaretto, and a variety of gelato flavors.

Be sure to stop by this friendly, neighborhood pizza spot, have a slice or three and cue an Italian-sized coma.

DeSano Pizza Bakery is located at 94 Stuart Street in downtown Charleston, with one other location in Nashville.

words: Christi Hardin

images: Christin Hardin and Daniela Weinapple