Ciao bella! Today I want to share my experience at one of Atlanta’s finest pizzerias, Varuni Napoli. This little restaurant transports you from Midtown Atlanta to the streets of Naples with its traditional Neapolitan cuisine and familial atmosphere. Sticking to the Italian tradition, the team of Varuni Napoli is ready to welcome you with warm smiles and pizza.
Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of eating at Varuni Napoli. Something we immediately appreciated about the restaurant is the big, comfortable seating space. We sat in the main room where we got to see the open kitchen and brick ovens. We ordered two glasses of red wine and a few starters- Salad Varuni {wild arugula, local spring mix, roasted pecans, mixed tomatoes, Prosciutto di Parma, Luca’s homemade balsalmic vinaigrette} and Varuni’s famous meatballs. The salad was fresh and packed with flavors- I especially loved the roasted pecans with the balsalmic vinaigrette.
Next up was our main entrees we took Chef and owner Luca Varuni’s advice and ordered his favorites- the Reginella Calzone, Oro Bianco (white pizza) and the classic Margarita. Each of these were extremely delectable but let me tell you about the Reginella. This masterpiece of a dish consists of a lightly fried half-moon calzone, stuffed with Fior di latte mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, cherry tomatoes, salami, black pepper, Pecorino Romano, basil and extra virgin olive. I am not exaggerating when I tell you it was to die for! Since it’s lightly fried, it does not leave you feeling heavy and full. Honestly, I could have eaten the whole thing by myself! But good thing I didn’t so I could enjoy Varuni’s famous pizzas. With such an extensive pizza menu, here are my recommendations-
Looking for a lighter pizza? I recommend the Oro Bianco- fresh buffalo mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, Taleggio cheese, pancetta (Italian bacon), Pecorino Romano, basil and black truffle oil. Looking for something more traditional? Order the Margarita which will never disappoint- fresh buffalo mozzarella, Pecorino Romano and basil. Want to try something a little different? Be bold and order the spicy Porreca Piccante- fresh buffalo mozzarella, hot soppressata (spicy salami), Nduja (spicy spreadable pork sausage in ragu sauce), cherry tomatoes, hot Italian peppers, Pecorino Romano and basil.
Last and certainly not least is Varuni’s authentic Italian desserts. For anyone with a sweet tooth, Varuni Napoli offers a wide selection of dessert favorites, from the ever popular tiramisu, cannoli and gelato to the rich and decadent chocolate fondant and the more traditional torta della nonna. We went with the cannoli’s and they were the best I’ve had in Atlanta! The cream inside is rich and perfectly sweetened. You can actually build your own cannoli or order a pre-made one. Pretty neat, right?
Varuni Napoli is not just great, authentic pizzas but also a tradition of recipes passed down from generation to generation. With such favorites as mamma’s meatballs and eggplant parmigiana, arancini and panzerotti- there is something for everyone. Buon appetito!
Xo,
Great review! I nearly ate an entire Neapolitan pizza by myself when I went there. Such an amazing place.