El Paso, TX
(915) 234-2309
Cafe Italia on Paseo del Norte
The original Café Italia on North Mesa had been my favorite place in town for pizza due to its being cooked in a wood fired brick oven and the fresh ingredients that were used. I thought it came very close to Neapolitan style despite not being certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana (the organization that decides such things). My more recent visits were still good but not quite like they were in 2007 when it opened. At this point I would say they might be flukes rather than a change in the food.
They have now opened a second restaurant at on Paseo del Norte near Resler (the Cimarron Market location). This has turned out to be a good alternative, particularly because it is open for lunch on Friday and Saturday. The location is more convenient for many people as well.
Pizza
Margherita pizza
One of the pizzas I have tried here was the Margherita Pizza, topped with an extremely fresh and flavorful basil. Overall it was very good but I thought not to the level that people might make a trek here for real Neapolitan style pizza. The crust, sauce, cheese etc. struck me more as being just fresh than being something that is a flavor sensation.
Mushroom pizza
The Mushroom Pizza, though, was more satisfying to me. The mushrooms were particularly good and the cheese was top notch (as I think it was on the Margherita pizza). I probably cannot say this pizza was better but just that I particularly liked it.
Additional Comments
I do like the food but prices are a little high, they do not have smaller sized pizzas that might be good for solo diners, and there are a number of other good restaurants in the Cimarron Market complex.
RATING: 24
Cuisine: Pizza
Cost: $$$
Hours: Dinner Tue-Sat, Lunch Fri & Sat
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No smoking
Alcohol: Wine
Most Recent Visit: Aug. 1, 2024
Number of Visits: 2
Best Items: Margherita Pizza, Mushroom Pizza
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Margherita Pizza |
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Mushroom Pizza |