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Pizza Nostra (La)

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Andariega
Andariega
First Reviewer
3 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
5
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La Pizza Nostra

  • May 4, 2008
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Andariega from Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico
La Pizza Nostra

Many years ago, when I lived in this part of town, I was a regular customer of La Pizza Nostra. It was comfortable; the owner was friendly; the pool table was busy; the pizza was edible and the onion soup was spectacular. When I moved those long fifteen miles, I just forgot about the place. I was in the neighborhood. It was time to try it again.

We chose to sit on the patio. It now had a roof over it. Since most of the seating is on the patio, this must make rainy season dining much more comfortable. Little changes over the years gave the place a classier and more Italian feel. The delicate metal chairs, green and white striped cushions and red-checkered tablecloths work well together. Inside, what I think of as the bar, is more seating. The decor is the same as before but two very important things are missing - the bar and the pool table. I stomped back outside to read the menu.

The menu had changed too. It still offered plenty of pasta dishes and pizza still held center stage but there were now many Italian, meat, chicken and seafood dinners added. The prices were on par with the rest of the neighborhood with pizzas running from 85 pesos for a small cheese to 235 pesos for a large extravaganza with ham, pepperoni, shrimp, bell pepper and onion. We decided to have a light dinner here and get pizzas to go. Pablo, stuck in bed, in the jungle, across the river, might need something to eat.

Our waiter, who was friendly and sweet, was a little confused about what was for here and what was to go. He understood about splitting finger food but couldn't fathom three people sharing one soup and one salad. He finally understood that we were unbalanced and very hungry. He brought us just what we asked for the way we asked for it. Not a mistake was made.

We started with the onion soup. I guess things hadn't changed so much. It was wonderful - loads of onions in a flavorful broth and covered with tangy melted cheese. We had a couple spoon fights over the cheese but no injuries. I think Sails won. Next came the bruschetta, both traditional and Pizza Nostra style. The first, topped with tomato, basil and olive oil was quite good. (Unfortunately for them, the restaurant two doors down makes it much better.) The latter was topped with cream cheese and sautéed mushrooms. Even though it didn't taste all that Italian, it was really good.

The waiter, who had been keeping a close eye on us, ran inside as soon as the bruschetta was gone and brought out our Italiana salad. It was tomatoes, mozzarella, bell peppers, olives, onions and carrots on a bed of lettuce, served with a tasty vinaigrette. It was cool, crisp and refreshing. We asked for our check. The to go pizzas came with our change. We looked at each other, opened them and started eating. The waiter looked as if he were about to cry.

The pizzas, labeled as thin crust, were anything but. We had ordered a margherita and a vegetarian. The first had plenty of cheese, paper-thin slices of onion and oregano. It was actually very good, much better than the good old days. The latter was cheese liberally topped with onion, tomato, mushrooms and bell peppers - also very good. The crust, although not thin, was decent and the sauce was good. Remembering the starving Pablo, we closed the half-empty boxes, left a good tip for the tormented waiter and headed home.

Sails said, "We hadn't eaten here in years. The onion soup is still really good and the pizza is so much better than it used to be. I still don't see where they get off calling it thin crust though."

sample menu
Bruschetta............55 pesos/US$5.25
Salmon Carpaccio............125 pesos/US$11.90
Chef's Salad............80 pesos/US$7.60
Spaghetti Aglio Olio............90 pesos/US$8.60
Fettuccine al Pesto............95 pesos/US$9.00
Mushroom Pizza............100 pesos/US$9.50
Lasagna............95 pesos/US$9.00
Chicken Florentine............165 pesos/US$15.70
Shrimp Diavola............225 pesos/US$21.50

La Pizza Nostra is open Wednesday through Monday from 4:00 pm until midnight and delivery is offered in a limited area. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

DirectionsLa Pizza Nostra is on the corner of Olas Altas and Francisca Rodriguez. From the southwest corner of parking/plaza Lazaro Cardenas (the ocean is to the west) head south along Olas Altas three blocks. The restaurant is on the right side of the street.

From journal Romantic Italian Dining

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