Pizzeria Serio is this cool little pizza place in the Lakeview neighborhood that has something most pizza places lack, style! This place is pretty darn cool! The brick walls and center stationed bar all lead up to the awesome brick oven located in the dining room. Talk about an open kitchen! Seriously, that’s their only heat source and everything is made in this 800 degree bad boy.
Due to the one oven the menu is limited, but that doesn’t mean it sucks! My appetizer was the creamy goat cheese marinara. This soul warming dip is served with warm strips of their pizza crust and is a must have. I choose their two most popular pies to see if they can make this avid deep dish lover a believer. First thing you notice is that your pizza comes out fast! How fast? Here’s the math, thin crust + 800 degree oven= 4 minutes!
The crust on both pizzas is slightly charred and has a great chew to it. The traditional Margherita has creamy fresh mozzarella, large strips of fresh basil, and a fresh made tomato sauce that makes for a very light and fresh tasting pie. The superstar here though is the Diavolo. This badass pie has spicy sopressata, sliced peperoncinis, and red onions. The pie has spice from the sopressata, a little tang and extra heat from the peperoncinis, and just the right amount of bite from the red onion. Forget about crushed red pepper flakes, this pie balances spice and flavor wonderfully!
Dessert? Uh…no. Remember I said the menu is small so that is out. Overall Pizzeria Serio offers damn good pie in an atmosphere that you could actually take a date to. While I am not giving up my deep dish, I am willing to make room for this tasty thin slice of heaven. Rating **** (very good) out of *****.
Location
1708 W. Belmont
Chicago, IL 60657
773-525-0600
pizzareiaserio.com
