It is not often that we go out for dinner and feel like we really get our money’s worth. More often than not we are a bit disappointed in the quality of the meal. In all fairness to the places we go…we are a bit picky. We value the money we decide to spend when we go out because we know how much we could get at the market for the same price. Tonight we were so pleasantly surprised and felt that for the first time in a long time we did not waste one dollar but rather enjoyed a great family experience.

We have been anxiously watching the progress of the new Pizzeria Longo on High Street here in town all winter. Tonight we had the opportunity to go for dinner and let me just say…we have found our new favorite hang out spot. The absolutely gorgeous industrial interior is comfortable, modern and really lovely to just be in. Although we sat at a table, the counter looks like a fun place to gather and have a few drinks and a snack. From the minute we arrived until our departure the staff was friendly and inviting. Our server was fantastic. He was attentive, personable and great with our kids. We loved that we could see the pizzas being made in the open kitchen. For a fairly early spot on a Tuesday night the place was buzzing.

We started with the meatballs ($10) and antipasto board ($14). Our kids love meatballs and these meatballs were delicious. They were not dense, as meatballs sometimes are, but rather light and served with gorgeous sauce and a scoop of ricotta. The antipasto board was fun to share and included olives, cheeses and a few varieties of artisinal meats. Everything about this was fresh. The board was served with two toasted pieces of bread and a lovely drizzle of a peppery sauce which left you with just enough heat to notice it was there.

 

 

We shared two pizzas for dinner. The “Little Italy” ($13) which was topped with mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms and artichokes and the “Brooklyn” ($13) topped with Sicilian anchovy, capers, cherry tomatoes and olives. The pizzas were, by far, the best we have had since moving here last year. They were thin and crispy. The toppings were not loaded on, but rather each ingredient seemed to be carefully placed on top. We loved that they were not heavy. The flavor combinations were well thought out. We really can’t wait to head back and try the others.

We couldn’t leave without dessert so we split the Nutella Pizza ($8) and the Affogato ($5). What a bargain! The Nutella pizza was enough for an entire table to split- oozing with warm marshmallows and loaded with bananas, strawberries and of course, Nutella- each bite was sweet and crunchy. The Affogato was so fun to make yourself. It arrived on a little platter with a dish of chocolate shavings and a pot of espresso to pour over the incredibly delicious vanilla gelato.

Pizzeria Longo serves food “appena pronto” meaning – when it is ready it is served. Nothing sits on the pass but rather gets out immediately. Everything is fresh and the simplicity of the execution allows the ingredients to stand on their own. Eating here was such a nice, nice change to so many restaurants which are clearly serving frozen reheated food.

I wasn’t kidding when I said this would be our new hang out spot. It is incredibly comfortable, unpretentious and welcoming. We are so glad it is finally open and look forward to the opening of the incredible Italian marketplace which is soon to come…mostly for the possibility of finding incredible cheeses and unusual olives.

Pizzeria Longo is located at 84 High Street in Westerly.