Handcrafted Ovens Shipped From Naples To Deliver The Most Authentic Italian Pizza Experience In Austin
Pizza was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late nineteenth century. However, the original pizza dates back to the tenth century in Naples, Italy. This extremely popular dish has transformed throughout the years with a variety of ingredients to suit palates from the different regions of the world. Since 1984, the international organization Asssoziacione Vera Pizza Napolitana (VPN) has designated a prestigious recognition to pizzerias that meet strict requirements respecting the true tradition of the art of Neapolitan pizza-making.
Austinites are more than happy to say buon giorno to DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana as the newest addition to the Burnet Road culinary scene. Owner Jimmy Fitzgerald has an impressive 43 years of experience in the restaurant business and is also the owner of Bob's Steak and Chop House with Texas locations in Austin, San Antonio, and The Woodlands. What makes this hotspot different from the rest is one word: authenticity. From the cooking method down to the ingredients, almost everything is shipped from Italy. The four Acunto ovens flown into Austin weighed in at 6,000 pounds each. Each is handcrafted in Naples from Mount Vesuvius volcanic rock, which can withstand 900-degree temperatures. Each oven is individually named after an Italian patron saint and blessed before the grand opening of each restaurant. Oak is the only source of heat used to bake the wood-fired pizzas. As such, this state-of-the-art oven can cook a whole pie in just 90 seconds.
The flour, salt, tomatoes, and cheese are imported weekly from Italy, and guests can quickly taste the difference. Unlike mainstream mozzarella produced with whole milk, DeSano's secret weapon is its mozzarella di bufala crafted from buffalo milk in Italy. This fresh curd cheese is rich and creamy in flavor, and not produced anywhere in the United States. There is a vast selection of Italian beverages including sodas, mineral water, bottled beer, and beer and wine on draft.
The Caprese salad, a refreshing ensemble of fresh spinach, mozzarella di bufala, Vesuvian cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, is served with a prized raw sea salt of Cervia from the historic salt flats of the Mediterranean. Dough is kneaded every day for the next day. Hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. until the pizzeria runs out of dough. If you think you know everything about pizza, head over to DeSano to test your own knowledge.