Attempt #109 - Baroncini Ristorante Italiano

 

Venue Outdoor Seating

The Venue 

104 S. Linn Street

Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 337-2048

 

Chef Baroncini’s philosophy of using fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients is represented in his contemporary Italian cuisine. Gianluca Baroncini graduated from the Italian national culinary institute in

Venue Store Front

Verona, Italy, in 1991. He is the former Executive Chef of Terrazza Di Giulietta in Verona, Italy, executive chef of the Mauro’s catering. He worked as Assistant chef at the Ristorante Il Desco, which received a two star Michelin guide prestigious award in Verona, Italy.  The restaurant had tables outside on the sidewalk as well as inside, booths, tables, and bar seating. 

Venue Inside

The Pizza

Chicago Style: No

Crust Thickness: Thin

Menu: http://baroncinirestaurant.com/menu/

Participants: 7 (3 children)

Pizza Ordered:  6

Menu

Sizes Offered/Ordered: Personal (12”) / Pizza Tartufi, Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare, Bianca, Pizza Pancetta, Margherita, Smoked Ham and Mushrooms

Pieces Cut: We got to cut our own pizzas!

 

PIZZA TARTUFI – Truffle mushroom pizza with roasted grape tomatoes, asparagus, and Italian sausage.  Topped with mozzarella. ($15).

PIZZA ALLA FRUTTI DI MARE – Classic thin crust with a seafood tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and a medley of shrimp, by scallops and mussels ($19).

Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare ($19)

PIZZA PANCETTA - Our four-cheese Bianca with smoked bacon and onion over a crisp thin crust. Fresh arugula added on request ($15).

MARGHERITA - Traditional Italian pizza with house-made marinara sauce, melted mozzarella chunks and fresh basil over a classic thin crust ($14).

BIANCA - Blend of mozzarella and parmesan, without marinara over a crisp thin crust. Garlic and/or fresh arugula added on request ($13).

MARGHERITA - Traditional Italian pizza with house-made marinara sauce, melted mozzarella chunks and fresh basil over a classic thin crust ($14).

SMOKED HAM AND MUSHROOMS - Our house made marinara with mozzarella cheese, smoked ham, and champignon mushrooms ($14.50).

 

The Verdict

Pizza Pancetta ($15)

Sauce: Some of the pies had sauce that was VERY rich (Pancetta and Tartufi), and others didn’t have enough (Margherita, Bianca).  I felt this could have been more consistent across all the pizzas. 

Cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese paired well with most pizzas.  The Great White had a bit too much for my liking.

Crust: Firm, it held up well. 

Toppings: Some pizzas toppings didn’t flow very well together (Pizza Tartufi); however, others like the Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare were near perfection for a seafood pizza!

 

Final Comments/Considerations:  

Smoked Ham and Mushrooms ($15)

I enjoyed the venue, having a very European feel by having outdoor seating.  It was very accommodating for the kids, and had decent service.  I would consider coming back for the Pizza Alla Frutti Di Mare, since it was the best thing on the menu for Pizza, and I would totally order 2x Torta Al Mascarpone!  So very delicious…basically a Crème Brulee  cheesecake

Bianca ($13)

Margherita ($14)

 

Here are our ratings, where 1 = worst and 10 = best.

Overall 8.43

Cheese 8.00

Topping 8.57

Sauce 7.14

Crust 7.86

Pizza Tartufi ($15)

Venue 8.86

Favorite: The Nat