I have a huge crush on DeSano Pizzeria.

The owner, Jimmy, gave Joel and I a tour of the restaurant, from the dough room, to the cooler, to the wood burning ovens and pizza making stations. I was wowed in so many ways. Did you know he imports his mozzarella and ricotta straight from Italy to make sure it’s as authentic as possible? And that each wood burning oven weighs 3 tons, which were also all shipped from Italy (there are 4 ovens in total). There is so much to love about Desano’s – for its authenticity, its character, and of course, amazing pizza.

Let’s talk about this cheese.

The freshness component is out of this world. I have never had cheese so fresh that it nearly melts in your mouth! Paired with the best tomatoes in the land, Sunset tomatoes, and basil grown in Hawaii, there will never be another caprese that can compete with this one.

Their meatballs are also something to be noted.

The meat is perfectly seasoned and tender, with an amazing marinara paired with it. They go one step further and top it with pecorino romano (which if you know me, is my favourite Italian cheese to use for topping). I couldn’t stop eating these little balls of heaven!

The pizza is obviously the star of the show. We were given THREE different types: the San Gennaro, which includes their incredible San Marzano tomato sauce, sausage, peppadews, garlic, caramelized onions, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, and pecorino romano. If that list of ingredients doesn’t make you drool there is something wrong with you.

Jimmy also gave us the Vesuvio calzone filled with soppressata, prosciutto, pepperoni, garlic, scamorza, mozzarella di bufala, and topped with pecorino romano. This was my favourite ‘za because I am a freak for calzones. This is why I love Ben from Parks & Recreation so much. He understands my weird love for calzones.

Lastly, we were presented with an off-the-menu item: the beautifu Carnaval. This pie is special because it’s not only delicious and beautiful and amazing just for being a pie from DeSano’s but the crusts are stuffed with ricotta and then folded over into pockets of sunshine and happiness. What I would do to have those little bad boys right now…

If that wasn’t enough, Jimmy also sent us amazing cannolis (pictured are the triple chocolate and pistachio), plus their nutella pizza. WHAT IS A GIRL TO DO? Eat. Eat it all. (well actually Joel and I had glorious leftovers for about 3 days but you know what I mean)

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for your health that you go to DeSano’s for your next meal. Whether you try just one pizza or 72 things on the menu like I did, you won’t regret it. And if you think, “hey Monique, I thought you were thrifty and these prices do not reflect your thriftiness” you are wrong. Because for getting an incredibly authentic, true to Italy pizza with ingredients flown halfway across the world, you’ll know that a $17 ‘za is nothing compared to the quality and integrity of food you’re getting.

So, go. Go and eat and be merry and fill your stomachs and hearts with all the pizza and Italian goodness you can get your hands on.