After a long day of moving in, the Bricker boys had one thing on their minds: food. Located at 15 King Street South in the heart of Uptown, lies a true hidden gem, Famoso Italian Pizzeria. Inspired by the pizzerias in Naples, Italy, Famoso has been blending traditional techniques with a modern dining experience since 2007. Whether it’s pizza, pasta or house-made salads, Famoso has a little something for everyone. We hope you enjoy our review just as much as we enjoyed eating.
We were greeted with a warm, cozy vibe, complete with soft lighting, an eye-catching bar (with a built-in gelato section), and a GIANT pizza oven visible from the dining area. The restaurant is filled with plenty of TVs and intriguing artwork, with outdoor seating also available during the warmer summer months.
We started things off with a round of Peronis, a smooth Italian beer, priced at a reasonable $8 and served in an authentic Peroni pint glass. Before we could even finish our first round, the food had arrived, which was a welcome surprise for four hungry guys.
Bradley opted for the pollo artichoke rolls, a seasonal main off of the now defunct summer menu, and they did not disappoint. The tender chicken and creamy mozzarella were balanced by the earthy artichoke, bright lemon zest, and sweet kick of the balsamic glaze, creating a tasty and filling meal for just under $20.
Will’s pick of the day was the spaghetti pomodoro, one of the various pasta options. It’s described as a pomodoro sauce (a classic Italian tomato-based sauce) with the optional $6 beef, pork and ricotta meatballs bringing the total to $26. It was a light, fresh tasting pasta with a nice al dente cook. However, the meatballs are a much needed addition to balance out the dish for a more well rounded meal, making it worth your time and money.
With a large variety of pizzas, Ben went for the 12-inch Siciliana meat lovers. This pizza features Campania tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, Grana Padano, prosciutto, Italian sausage, ham, and large slices of spicy capicola. For $26, it is safe to say that Famoso did not go light on the toppings. Every bite left a great flavour in my mouth, with the savoury meats and cheese sticking around even after you swallow, making me want to go back for another bite.
Liam decided to go with the classic 12-inch margherita pizza. Coming in at $20, the pie was packed with flavourful tomato sauce, cheesy mozzarella and scattered basil leaves. One bite and the rules were clear: the slice had a solid undercarriage, with hints of char from the oven, and was still hot enough to put up a fight. After half the pizza, Liam tapped out, and the remaining slices were boxed up, destined to be eaten cold over a textbook at 1 a.m.
Whether you are grabbing a post-move-in beer or craving gourmet Italian, Famoso delivers on all fronts. With quick service, rich flavours and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Uptown, it has earned a spot on our list. Until the next bite!
Here are our rankings:
– Affordability 7/10
– Atmosphere 9/10
– Drinks 8/10
– Food 9/10
Contributed photo Kendra Schmidt & Bricker boys
