Good Value and Taste for Less Money: Pietro's Coal Oven Pizzeria

Spring is definitely here, as it’s getting warmer and sunnier day by day! If you are motivated to take a 20 minute walk to the Center City just because the weather is so nice, don’t forget to drop by Pietro’s at 17th and Walnut Street.

Pietro’s is a great place to eat, whether you are with a big group of people or with a cute date. The generous portions of delicious Italian pizza and pasta make your trip to Pietro’s worthwhile. While the noise level of the restaurant is quite high due to its lively atmosphere, it may be peaceful if you sit by the window.

The warm, freshly baked bread is very tasty especially if you dip it into the vinegar and balsamic sauce. The pizzas have thin crust at the bottom but chewy and soft crusts on the edges. You have the option to choose the pizza from the menu or to create your own pizza by adding the toppings you like.


Recommendations
Pasta:
Linguini cielo e mare. This pasta has soft chicken breast and shrimp, with a tomato cream sauce. The “small” size – which is good for sharing – is only $18.

Rigatoni alla vodka – it is known as one of the best pastas at Pietro’s. It comes in a tomato cream sauce, with onions, pork pancetta and pecorino cheese. $13

Pizza:
All pizzas on the menu are good, but I especially liked Barese, which has sausage, hot pesto, tomato, basil and mozzarella. $14

Appetizers:
Insalata Caprese is under “salads” and it is very fresh. It has tomatoes and onions topped with fresh mozzarella, in Pietro’s own house dressing. $9, The portion is big for salads too.

Grilled Shrimp. If you like zucchini, then you should definitely try this. You would certainly enjoy the large shrimp wrapped with zucchini stuffed with mozzarella!

One thing to add is that because the portions are very large, you do not need to order appetizers if you go in two’s or three’s, especially if you are planning to eat the bread.

Pietro’s may not be the best Italian restaurant in the Center City, but it is the restaurant that consistently serves tasty Italian food at a relatively low price.