Since I don’t get to Charlotte as much as I’d like to, I always try to squeeze in some great restaurant visits when I’m in the Queen City! Sitting in my hotel room after a long day, I was weighing over dinner choices in the cool air conditioning of the Hyatt House and figuring out what I was hungry for. I had run into Pizzeria Omaggio on social media feeds but wow, it was nearly a mile away! And after a long day of Van Gogh Immersive, I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the trek. But being the pizzaholic I am, I pulled myself off the clean, soft bed, threw on my clothes and walked out into the humid North Carolina evening, partially convinced it would be worth the walk. Fifteen blocks later and just past Elizabeth Park, I find a neat and updated plaza where Pizzeria Omaggio sits next to some fast, casual eateries. I’m a bit concerned and pull open the doors in front, walking into a surprisingly GREAT Italian dining experience.
Inside Pizzeria Omaggio, it’s pretty basic but modern. I’m seated at the counter by the kitchen as a solo diner but that’s cool, I get to watch the staff in action! As I’m perusing the wine and beer menu, an older gentleman spies me and heads over with some wine advice. I’m pretty certain he’s the owner or certainly family so I go with the recommended chianti. It’s a nice fruit-forward glass of vino which will work nicely with pizza. Looking over the menu, I figure I’ll do dessert at Omaggio since it’s made in-house so that means no appetizer! I go with the Calabrese (mozz, sausage, pepperoni, pecorino romano) individual pizza but Pizzeria Omaggio also has a nice selection of apps, salads, sandwiches, and pastas along with their pies.
I get to watch my pie get put together, there’s a lot of kneading and flouring, it takes 10 minutes or so for my pizza to get assembled and cooked. Taking a peek underneath, it’s got a perfectly browned crust that’s pressed to the edge. The crust is SUPER tender and light with just enough crispness to keep the toppings intact. While most Italians use fork and knife for their pizza, I try to eat it American-style by the slice. The pizza is perfectly sauced with a good smattering of toppings, so good! I hold back on the last three slices to save room for dessert. And going with my new Italian friend’s recommendation, I go with the affogato to end the meal: vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso on top, perfecto! It’s a great way to end the evening: lighter, sweet and a bit of caffeine to perk you up. The owner of Pizzeria Omaggio stops by and insists on boxing up my leftover pizza, he claims that cold pizza is still good and he is a wise man…
I head on out after a lovely meal and given I grew up in the Boston area, I totally get and appreciate what Pizzeria Omaggio is doing here. Basic, classy and delicious Italian eats and do not miss out on their pizza. I’m not sure if it qualifies as Neapolitan but it’s super close to that style and very authentically Italiano. I hoofed it back to my hotel, Pizzeria Omaggio box in hand and the owner was right! Cold pizza is still pretty durn good and I finished my leftovers by the end of the evening. Don’t miss out on this classic Italian trattoria and everything it serves up. I’ll be back soon to the Queen City and back at Pizzeria Omaggio to try more off its menu…
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