Best Pizza in the Country?: Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix, AZ

I read a lot of lists, especially lists that talk about food.  Best burgers, best sandwiches and whenever there is a best pizza list, Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix is always at the top.  Pizza in Phoenix almost sounds like a joke.  Wouldn't it be better in New York or Chicago? Why Phoenix?

I've probably been to Phoenix over a dozen times and every time I'm told that the wait is unbearable so I go elsewhere.  Until recently when the 110 degree temperature kept almost everyone away and we made a run, albeit a sweaty run, for it.

The place is tiny.  I understand why there is a line.  In one corner is a large wood-burning pizza oven, a bar in the other and just a handful of tables.

Wine flowed and helped quench our thirst from the Arizona heat.  While we waited for our pizzas, we noshed on a tremendous antipasto with wood-roasted vegetables, sopressata and cheese.  The vegetables were perfection, the eggplant was truly divine.

We each ordered individual pizzas.  The crust was very thin and the pizzas came out slightly charred. Some of my dining companions (most East Coasters, too) were put off by the burnt crust.

I ordered a Margherita with the basic mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.  It was fine but not amazing.  Not the best in the US by far.  Pretty though.

I also tried a piece of the Biancoverde, which is their white pizza, with mozzarella, parimigiano reggiano, ricotta and arugula.  The arugula was raw on top and didn't mesh well with the other cheeses.

And that was it.  In less than an hour I was able to debunk all of the top pizza lists.  Now off to find truly the best pizza in the US.  Ideas?

Until our next Burger,
KLB



Pizzeria Bianco
623 E. Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ
602.258.8300
pizzeriabianco.com