The crispy joys of Matchbox pies are matched only by the long list of add-ons that come atop each offering. (Credit: matchboxchinatown.com)
The crispy joys of Matchbox pies are matched only by the long list of add-ons that come atop each offering. (Credit: matchboxchinatown.com)
Matchbox
713 H Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 289-4441
www.matchboxchinatown.com
A friendly warning on the Web site of this long-running hit maker states that “due to the extreme heat of our oven, some charring or blistering of the crust is to be expected.” Not just expected, but enjoyed — the crispy joys of these pies are matched only by the long list of add-ons that come atop each offering. The Fire & Smoke, with chipotle sauce and smoked Gouda, is rightfully marked for the hardiest palates, but spice lovers will also enjoy the bacon-flecked meatball pie and the piquant Spanish ham. Lower-key standouts include a vegetable pie featuring crispy fingerling potatoes and a four-cheese option with smoky buffalo mozzarella. Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to close (closing hours vary, please call for details); Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to close (closing hours vary, please call for details).
Seventh Hill
327 7th Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 544-1911
www.seventhhill.com
Trained pizzaiolo (“pizza chef,” in the expert jargon) Anthony Pilla tosses the Goldilocks of pizza — not too thin to sag under the weight of his creamy mozzarella and not too thick to collapse in a burst of flavor on the first bite. Pilla’s hand-made crust is vaguely sweet amid the spice, blending perfectly with the fragrant vegetables of the Stanton Park pie and the piquant prosciutto of the Seventh Street. Other top-notch pizzas, available in 8- and 12-inch sizes, are the olive-scented Penn Ave and the Union Station, a symphony of strong pecorino and gorgonzola. A selection of rare and tasty beers makes the perfect accompaniment. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
Two Amys
3715 Macomb Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 885-5700
www.2amyspizza.com
You might not know it from the stripped-down, family-friendly interior, but this longtime local favorite is one of only a few American restaurants to boast the Italian government’s D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) label for accredited Neapolitan pizza. Only the most top-quality dairy and dough are used to turn out the margherita and marinara pies. For those who’d trade a little authenticity for tasty toppings, the anchovy-topped spicy puttanesca pie and meaty stuffed ricotta varieties are equally mind-blowing. Hours: Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.; Monday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
