Nestled in the heart of Montrose, just a short 13-minute walk from CVHS, Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana stands as a culinary gem. The beginning of this establishment dates back to 2009 when Bill Hutchinson, initially experimenting with crafting Naples-style pizzas as a hobby, stumbled upon Italian tipo 00 flour and pomodo pelati tomatoes. The exceptional quality of the pizzas garnered immense praise from friends and family, urging Hutchinson to transform his passion into a restaurant venture. Despite initial reservations due to his lack of restaurant experience, fate intervened in the form of his son Matt — a seasoned restaurant server and devoted home cook.

After insightful conversations, market research and trips to Italy, the father-son duo decided to embark on this flavorful journey. To perfect the art of pizza making, Bill earned certification as a Pizzaiolo from the “Verace Pizza Napoletana” organization and received guidance from master pizza chef Peppe Miele. The culmination of this dedication unfolded 1.5 years later when Bill, along with his wife Gloria and son Matt, opened Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana in a quaint Memorial shopping center. Despite a low-key entrance, Pizaro’s quickly gained acclaim, earning spots on local “best of” lists, including a notable mention in Alison Cook’s top 100 restaurants in Houston for six consecutive years.

As you step into the brick-covered building on West Gray St., a yummy smell of oven-baked pizza and marinara sauce hits you. The lighting is dim enough that it is not too harsh on your eyes and the natural light from the windows gives the place a cozy feel. Right as you walk in, a big menu from floor to ceiling is there to welcome you and present you with your options for your meal, which includes categories such as starters, pizza, drinks and dessert. As you turn to your right there is an array of booths and tables to sit on with walls covered with windows. 

Last Friday, Junior Diyanah Uddin and I, both big pizza lovers, ordered an item from each category with high expectations and an open mind. We both began with a starter item or an appetizer.  The classic Caesar was, well, it’s in the name, a classic Caesar filled with romaine and croutons!

“Nothing special really,” Uddin noted. “I feel like I could get this anywhere else and the eggs weren’t my favorite.” 

After we wrapped up our appetizer we ordered a pizza, most definitely the hardest choice as there are over 20 options. Pizaro is special in the sense that they offer numerous styles of pizza such as Detroit, New York, Napoletana and a build-your-own option! Uddin and I got two pizzas, a Prosciutto Pie and a Salsiccia e Funghi. The waiter arrived in around ten minutes so the wait time was not bad at all. We tried the Prosciutto Pie first which I really enjoyed. The garlic, lemon oil, and parmesan all melted into my mouth with a perfect taste.

Uddin agreed as well, “Wow, I really like this,” she said with a mouthful.

As for the Salsiccia e Funghi, it was a rather interesting blend of flavors, as I was not used to crimini mushrooms and Italian sausages together. I did not necessarily think it was worth it for the price, probably would not repurchase it. However, Uddin noted that she liked this pizza better than the other one. 

Proceeding our main dish we ordered a drink and a dessert to finish up our experience. We ordered some Coke, Nutella flatbread and cannoli. The Coke we decided on tasted similar to most cokes you can find at grocery stores, nothing insanely special but soda is soda, and it was very refreshing to take a sip after all the grease.  The Nutella flatbread however was insanely good. Targeted towards individuals with a sweet tooth, the velvety hazelnut chocolate and powdered sugar is a must-have combo. The cannoli was just as good, the pastries with the sweet creamy substance just melted in your mouth. We agreed it was a perfect end to our visit at Pizaro’s.

Overall, I had a great time at Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana. The menu is diverse and delicious, showcasing the family’s dedication to quality ingredients and culinary expertise. However, something definitely worth mentioning is that the prices are on the higher side. Despite the cost, Pizaro’s provides a warm and delightful experience, making it a standout spot in Montrose. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or exploring the menu for the first time, it’s definitely a must-try pizza place!