Casanova Pizzeria - Boise

Casanova Pizzeria is situated in a large corner building off Vista Ave. in Boise, Idaho. It's a big space with surprisingly few tables, but it somehow still doesn't feel very spacious. The interior is decorated with a nice minimalist style, and huge windows lining the front of the restaurant let sunlight flood in. The restaurant describes itself as 'neo-Neapolitan', and the New Haven style pizzas come through with big flavor and crazy good crust.

Before getting into the pizzas, the antipasti offerings are really worth looking into. Really good salads are big enough for a meal, but I was most impressed by the Pagniotielli, a round of puffed dough that somehow keeps it's internal air bubble and hole structure even when it's torn open. (Pro tip: save half the pagniotielle, take it home and eat it the next morning for breakfast with butter.)

Everyone will find a pizza at Casanova that hits them right in their comfort zone. Vegetarian pizzas don't feel tacked onto the menu as vegetarian options; meat pizzas aren't there just for salty, fatty overindulgence. The pizza menu is surprisingly huge, from the Clam Bacon (to the right) to the Medusa (gorgonzola, pineapple, and fig.) My favorites are the Clam Bacon, with huge chunks of thick, salty bacon and sweet clams that are happy at home on the crispy-chewy crust, and the Juno, a red sauce pie with prosciutto and arugula. 

The crust at Casanova is something special to behold. Thin and crisp but with a great chewy pull that isn't too dense, it's a great canvas for the pies to take shape on. The cornicone has good hole structure and a uniform golden glow. While the upskirt might look a little pale, don't be fooled; that's a perfectly timed bake. The only tip sag comes from the sheer weight of the toppings; the pies are perfectly balanced and not overwhelming, but these are not minimalist pies. This is one of the best pizzerias you've never heard of, and you should not miss it if you're in Idaho.

Louis Prima Suprima
(Sausage, Meatball, Pepperoni, Bacon)

Eggplant
(Roasted Eggplant and Basil)