A bite of Italy at the Marina!!!

Had I known that there were a hidden piece of Italy in SoCal, I would have made it a point to drive there sooner!!

Tucked away in the heart of Marina del Rey at the Villa Marina Marketplace on Maxella, there is a small place called Antica Pizzeria that is all about great Italian!! Very cute, eclectic eatery... looks like something straight from the “Boot”. The food is Neapolitan Cuisine, and though I have yet to visit Naples, every bite was so authentic (at least to the Italy that I know) and it took me back to the Italy that I was fortunate enough to experience... Delicious and savory!!

First, we ordered a glass of an amazing red wine from Montepulciano, Tuscany! It took me right back to a lovely osteria in Arezzo that I had dinner in...(sigh!)... 
It was a flavorful full-bodied wine through and through, made with the Sangiovese grape. Antica offers a modest wine list, but because they have great varieties from Italy... go with the Italian... you can get the Merlot anytime!

For starters, two pièces de résistance. First, there was the Arancino di Riso, very similar to the Roman Suppli, which in essence is a savory risotto ball that is mixed with cheese or a variety of flavorings and flash fried to create a fantastic and decadent treat, the one that we had that night was filled with mushrooms and peas... so good!! Probably not the healthiest choice... but certainly worth the splurge! This variety offered at Antica was the family size, easily shareable with four people (it is supposed to be an appetizer, after all!). It was served on a light tomato sauce... sure to be a crowd pleaser!! 

Second, there was the Timballetto di Maccheroni!! On paper it was probably not the first thing you would want to try... but when in Antica... ordering this is a must!! It's a puff pastry filled with spaghetti, sausage meat, peas and cheese! I know, it doesn’t sound that great... but trust me... you won’t be sorry!! DELISH!! This too, can be shared with at least four people... Small portions, people!! ☺

So many great pizzas... What to choose???

We went with two pizzas, both bianca... which in essence are, pizzas minus the traditional tomato sauce. The first was Pizza Bianca al Prosciutto... this was served with buffalo mozzarella cheese, fresh arugula and fresh prosciutto! I was transported back to Italy and did not want to return! Your taste buds will will dance with this one... drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on it for a fresh, crisp bite... So good! You’ll want to call me and thank me! ☺ 

The second pizza was Pizza al Cafone; which had italian sausage and broccoli rabe! I know it sounds strange to have broccoli on pizza... Live a little... walk on the wild side a bit... your taste buds will thank you!! Very much worth the try... and for you parents out there, great way to get the kiddies to eat their veggies!! ☺

I think our eyes were bigger than our stomachs because we ordered two appetizers and two pizzas, and for two people this is a lot of food! If you don't mind taking the leftovers home... order two pizzas so that you can sample the varieties!! You won’t be sorry!

All in all... Eating at Antica Pizzeria is a great experience! The staff is lovely and very attentive. The prices are easy on the wallet, and there was no compromise on quality, ambiance or flavor! Truly authentic, right down to the deli cases in the front of the restaurant, it just feels like Italy... And the taste... makes me want to jump on a plane to go right back!

Visit them at www.anticapizzeria.net... (make it a date night… there is a movie theater right next door and the marina is a stone’s throw away!)

Buon Appetito!