By Jean Totti
The Great Pizza Debate continues, and having recently moved to Parrish, our target is on 3 restaurants well known for their Italian pie. My eye is always on the flavor and the ingredients of the pizza, whether it’s thin crust, traditional, or deep dish.
A seasoned and crispy crust, mounds of toppings, and freshness always score high in my book. Recently, we visited Michaelangelo’s 301, Ferraro’s Italian Grille, and Parrish Pizza. Here’s my two cents…
Michelangelo’s 301
A small restaurant, best known for their great pizza and more in line with your well-known pizza joint does wonders with their limited space.
This place is always busy, and it’s best to visit during the week or late in the evening if you’re going to dine in.
Their pizzas are only served as 16-inch pies except on Monday and Tuesday, which are Customer Appreciation Days, and you can order a 14 inch pie. You can also always get it by the slice.
But believe me when I say that you’ll want leftovers.
My first taste was the Lasagna Pizza, with crumbled meatballs and sausage, lots of ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce. This thing is a beast, and the flavor is beyond delicious.
Other pizzas include the Eggplant Parm Pizza, Chicken, Broccoli & Tomato Pizza sautéed with garlic and oil, and Stuffed Pan Pizza with ham, salami, pepperoni, meatballs, sausage, and mozzarella.
Interestingly enough, they also have a cold pizza or salad pizza called the Gorgonzola Cheese Salad Pizza.
And if you're not in the mood for a slice, don't worry. You'll find Chicken Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Baked Clams on the menu too.
Italian Baked Dishes, Italian Soups, Heroes, and Garlic Knots are served too. It’s a small wonder of a joint, and one you should definitely check out.
11255 US-301, Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 776-1160
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Ferraro’s Italian Grille
Many know of Ferraro’s, and the three generations that have kept this restaurant thriving. It’s a little fancier than a pizza joint and serves a full menu of Italian food.
Appetizers include many of the traditional items, but they distinguish themselves with Arancini, or Sicilian rice balls, Bruschetta, and New Zealand Mussels.
They also have 12 different salads, 10”, 14”, and 16’ pizza selections, Stromboli, Panini, and Burgers, including a Pizza Burger that has to be amazing!
Oh, and you can’t forget about the pasta. Everything from Fettuccine, Ravioli, and Gnocchi is on the roster. Some other entrees include Veal, Poultry, Fish, and Seafood, all prepared in Ferraro’s traditional kitchen.
The dessert category doesn’t fall short either. I had probably the best Cannoli in Florida here. You also don’t want to sleep on Frankie’s Delight, which consists of a cannoli cream-filled deep-fried calzone and their Nutella Pizza.
My favorite thing about Ferraro’s was the Pizza of the Week selection. Last time I had a Sausage Mac & Cheese Pizza (pictured above).
I can’t even begin to explain how delicious it was. Tread carefully, with this one, I guarantee you’ll be left wishing you had more!
8348 US-301, Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 723-1111
Parrish Pizzeria
Parrish Pizza is a hyper-local pizza place with a small menu but quality throughout. They have pizzas up to 18” in size, a super pizza for the extra hungry crowd.
Of course, when in Rome… be sure to try the Parrish Supreme with mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. The Pop Eye Pizza is covered with fresh spinach, and the Arugula Prosciutto is one of my favorites.
They also have a Broccoli White Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, and Traditional Margherita Pizza. They’re all are loaded with toppings and are delicious.
Wings are also their thing and they come in so many variations – Plain, Buffalo, Mild, Hot, Mango Habanero, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Chili and BBQ. They go perfectly with a House Salad, Caesar Salad, or Spinach Salad.
Parrish Pizza also has a large beer and wine selection to go with your meal, and they have the Daily Special, which includes a 10” single-topping pizza with a soda for $9.95 or with beer for $1 more.
12345 US-301, Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 981-9008
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