Alice Pizza

Last summer, I went to Rome and learned the delight of ordering pizza at a counter and getting to specify the size of the piece.  Rather than hand you a slice, they weigh the pizza and charge you per the ounce.  After long days of sight-seeing, a nice slice was a great treat to tide us over until morning.

Alice Pizza is like a little bit of Rome here in Philadelphia.  My understanding is that Alice Pizza is owned by the same people who own Gran Caffe L’Aquila, which I further understand was originally a restaurant in Italy that was disassembled and then reassembled on Walnut Street here in Philly.  I am a fan.  It seems like if you want the most authentic Roman experience, stick with these fine folks.

Alice, at the corner of 15th and Locust, is a great addition to the Philly pizza scene.  When you first walk in, you are greeted by a counter of gelato.  To the right of the gelato is a cute bar that seems perfect for a casual meet up with a friend.  To the left of the gelato

is a counter of beautiful rectangular pizza waiting to be custom parceled to your liking.

I went with a spicy tomato topped slice (no cheese), and a not-quite-as-spicy salami-topped piece.  Both were delicious.  The crust was excellent.  Crispy and light.  The tomato

pie topping was spicy, garlicky, and flavorful, stopping just short of too much.  The salami was delicious and the cheese was satisfying.  The crust, though, was what made it.

While the pizza was good, I’d skip the salad. It was expensive and not so fresh.

Alice is a great spot — best for grabbing a slice while planning your next Italian getaway.