Aaron Landry

Pizza Margherita at Pazzaluna, originally uploaded by Aaron Landry.

The area of downtown Saint Paul near the Ordway, Saint Paul Hotel and Landmark Center may not be an obvious place to hunt for pizza. After a very positive tip from Andy I decided to visit the generally upscale Pazzaluna for pizza. Having been to Pazzaluna’s bar a few times previously for drinks, I never even thought to look for pizza on the full menu.

In a recent visit, I was surprised to find that the Margherita was on their happy hour (4-6 and 9-10 PM) for five bucks. I asked my bartender what size the special was, indicating with my hands what I was guessing. “No, no, it’s full size,” he replied. Luckily showing up during their happy hour I quickly ordered it and a glass of their “featured red wine” for the same price.

Pazzaluna’s clientele during their latter happy hour on a weekday was a mix between businessmen in suits out late, couples on nice dates and a few random scruffier men at the bar. I sat at a portion of the bar where there were 4 empty stools on either side of me. A large, beautiful interpretation of the face from Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” encompasses the far wall from floor to ceiling.

The wood-fired pizza, which is apparently modeled after Brandi Pizzeria in Naples, took a bit longer to arrived than I expected but when it did I was pleasantly surprised. Beautiful and smelled fresh. Crust done to a crisp on the edges, but not charred at all. The blots of mozzarella were nice but without much flavor. Liberal amounts of basil, oregano and olive oil augmented noticeable flavor to the sauce. The cornicione of the crust was especially crispy and airy.

A good derivative of Neapolitan style and overall quite tasty. For five bucks during happy hour in this area of town, it’s a real steal.

Pazzaluna
360 Saint Peter St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-223-7000