Pizza Maru is the ideal place for adventurous pizza lovers with its unique flavors and quirky innovations.

Our taste buds had to acclimate to the sweet-slash-savory Chicago pizza. Thankfully, it wasn’t weird-tasting and we got to enjoy our next bites! 

We were also curious about the plant-based dough, so we ordered the Korean Surf’nTurf. 

While its texture can be hit-and-miss, the pizza’s generous cheese toppings and innovative blend of ingredients made up for it.

Aside from the pizzas, we also loved the joint’s cream pasta and Korean fried chicken.

We also liked the overall vibe of the place, especially the slightly higher ceiling and wooden tables. It can get a bit crowded during peak hours, though, as it’s small.

Some of us noticed that a few of the waiting staff were not too subtle at rushing customers to finish. We think that’s something the management can improve. 

We also waited about 30 minutes for the food, but it’s understandable since the restaurant was busy when we visited. 

Zazz Pizza’s Italian style selection was a real head-turner for its wide range of options. The list even includes a couple of vegan pizzas that delighted the health-conscious in us!

Since it’s wood-fired and Italian, our expectations were high. Fortunately, Zazz nailed the Bufala and Parma Burrata it served to us. 

We particularly loved the crust—slightly charred and crispy outside and chewy inside. The resto didn’t pull any punches with the toppings, too!

The pasta could be hit-and-miss, though. 

We ordered a Fettucine Bolognese which was a bit overcooked. The Linguine Pesto chicken, though, was superb.

Know that Zazz’s place is quite small, so you might want to visit on early weekdays. 

We’re also not a fan of its mostly neutral-colored interiors, as we think it wasn’t a good match to the Italian richness of the pizzas. (But this is just a minor aesthetic complaint.)

Yeast Side may have fewer pizza options than our other picks, but the exquisite taste makes up for the small selection.

We loved the Foursome with Honey Pizza for its creative take on cheese and honey. Also, the bestseller Hold My Salami Pizza lived up to its flavorful reputation.

We paired our orders with the joint’s truffle fries (which were divine) and spicy popcorn chicken for an extra oomph. 

The all-day craft beer, of course, was the cherry on top.

However, pizzas here are only available during dinner, so we didn’t manage to indulge in carbs during the daytime. 

That said, the sourdough bread and coffee here were tasty, making it worth visiting even before evening. 

Know that the place is quite small. Fortunately, there’s both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate customers.

Pizza Express’ charm is in its wide range of unique, scrumptious pizza flavors, which we’re thankful for, as we exposed our tastebuds to a brand new experience. 

We particularly liked the Romana pizzas—Pomodoro Pesto and Giardiniera—as both came with vegan-friendly mozzarella. The baked chicken wings were also delightful!

Aside from the great food, we appreciate the restaurant’s atmosphere. 

The interior design is a cross between elegant and homey, which makes for an ideal setting when eating with friends and family.

However, we think some of the resto’s staff could use some additional training, especially in welcoming and finding seats for guests. 

We had to be a bit assertive to get a decent table, which we think would not have been necessary had the staff who welcomed us been more thoughtful.

Pizza Express can be too busy during the later part of the week, too. We recommend visiting the place on Monday and Tuesday evenings if you want to avoid the crowd. 

Trattoria de Mimmo managed to satisfy our cravings for Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on pizzas with their extensive menu options.

The taste was remarkable, too. We ordered the Siciliana and beef flavors, and we enjoyed the soft base, chewy crust, and balanced blend of sauce and toppings.

The pasta was also cooked to a satisfying al-dente, which was important for us who love the dish in all its forms.

We appreciate the staff’s attentiveness, too. We’d say that we enjoyed our time here in part because we were welcomed warmly.

That said, know that dining here can be expensive. We suggest only trying the daily specials if you have a higher budget.

We also experienced a bit of difficulty with parking. We think arriving earlier can be more favorable to those who will bring cars with them.

Baci Baci Restaurant invites patrons to savor an authentic blend of coziness and rustic elegance, creating an environment where the essence of Italian cuisine is celebrated. Nestled in a serene setting, the restaurant exudes tranquility, making it an ideal choice for both family gatherings and intimate, romantic evenings. 

We like that Baci Baci takes pride in offering a diverse menu that captures the essence of Italy’s culinary landscape. From the renowned signature dishes like Amalfi Pasta to the innovative Zesty Pizza and gourmet Submarine, each item is a celebration of flavors, ensuring a delightful and memorable gastronomic experience.

Furthermore, the restaurant’s wood-fired pizza is a testament to culinary artistry, meticulously crafted with the freshest ingredients and expertly baked to perfection in a traditional wood-fire oven. The commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in each bite, offering patrons an unparalleled pizza experience.

Note though that the restaurant’s closure on Tuesdays may inconvenience patrons seeking a mid-week dining option. A more extended opening schedule throughout the week could cater to a broader range of diners and enhance accessibility.

Overall, Baci Baci Restaurant stands out as a haven for those seeking an authentic Italian culinary experience. With a diverse menu, a focus on wood-fired pizza perfection, and a passionate culinary team, the restaurant successfully captures the rich flavors of Italy.