The Design District has Harry’s. In Wynwood, there’s Proof and Baccano. Later this year, Biscayne Boulevard just north of 79th Street will become home to Brooklyn mainstay Paulie Gee’s. However, if you head north on Biscayne toward Aventura, you’ll find there’s no shortage of dough covered in everything from tomato sauce and roasted garlic to braised short ribs and pulled pork.
North Miami may not have quite the restaurant variety of areas like South Beach, downtown, or even the southern reaches of Miami, but if you’re looking for pizza, you’re in luck. Between 120th and 163rd Streets, five locations — including a 40-year-old classic, a lounge, and even a coffee shop — offer solid pies and huge slices.
Here are five reasons to head north next time you’re on Biscayne Boulevard:
Bertoni
Using a wood-fired oven that's been warm since it was first lit more than seven years ago, this Argentine-owned restaurant and lounge is a must for pizza fanatics. The Napolitana, topped with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and loads of garlic, pairs perfectly with an ice-cold Peroni on tap. Sometime in June, this restaurant and lounge will be converted to a full-on Italian trattoria, but fear not — the pizzas will remain a staple on the menu.
Frankie’s Pizza Café
Nestled between a ceviche bar and a nail shop, this hole-in-the-wall pizzeria serves proper New York-style brick-oven pies. Packed with patrons enjoying huge slices topped with pepperoni, fresh vegetables, and heaping piles of carnivorous delights, the no-frills dining room is perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night snack. If you're in the mood for more than pizza, the cooks slaving over the stove churn out pasta dishes and hot subs too.
Alaska Coffee Roasters
Alaska Coffee is best known for slinging java varietals from around the globe, but it could easily survive on selling wood-fired pizza. Owner Karen Tuvia is so passionate about her pizza program that she takes classes on traditional Italian pizza-making. Recently, she introduced a braised-short-rib pie topped with roasted garlic so tasty it might just make you cry. Also notable is the pulled-pork pizza topped with barbecue sauce and pineapple, as well as the vegetarian Green Goddess with loads of spinach and fresh ricotta.
Evio’s
If you like your pizza served with a side of sports and beer on tap, Evio’s has you covered. Aside from a collection of TV screens showing the latest sports matches, this spot offers everything from monster slices of classic pepperoni to Buffalo chicken and even Philly cheesesteak pizza. Here, you can also find a solid basket of chicken wings, pitas, subs, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Steve’s Pizza
With cashiers and cooks covered in as much ink as the booths and tables, this North Miami classic has been serving massive slices of pie for more than 40 years. Hopping with as many guests Tuesday nights as Sunday afternoons, Steve’s is a beloved institution that keeps things simple, friendly, and delicious. Come early or stay late (it's open till 3 a.m.) for a heaping slice that's still just $3.25, a steal for a taste of near-perfection.
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