Michael's Pizzeria Awards

Michael's Pizzeria Restaurant Review:

Michael Dene, owner of Michael's on Naples Ristorante, opened the first Michael's Pizzeria near the Naples restaurant and has since expanded with this downtown Long Beach location. Situated along the pedestrian-only Promenade, the restaurant has a dog-friendly patio with heat lamps and several marble-topped tables, including a communal table with a glass fire pit in the middle. There are about as many seats inside the modern dining area, which features a counter facing the wood-burning ovens. Around the restaurant are a few TVs broadcasting sports, but Michael's thoughtfully keeps kids entertained by giving them pieces of dough that the kitchen then turns into their own personal pizzas. Meanwhile, the adults should consider starting off with the very good Parma prosciutto salad with cantaloupe, balsamic vinegar and arugula. Neapolitan-style pies range from the Frutti de Mare with tomato, shrimp, Manila clams and Calabrian chili to the Carbonara "white pie" with corn, pancetta and organic eggs. House-made gelato comes in classic flavors such as vanilla and mint stracciatella as well as more exotic selections like banana. Choose from craft beers and a wine list that highlights Italy but is also phasing in American wines on tap. Sunday brunch brings options like wood-fired cast iron frittatas. Michael's Pizzeria also offers specials: Margherita Mondays is when diners get a free margherita pizza with the purchase of any regular pizza.