Mystic Pizza

Sometimes a neighbourhood spot comes along that’s so good, we’re hesitant to share the address. But we just can’t keep Via Tevere to ourselves.

This quaint east side restaurant is Neapolitan pizza heaven, from the top-notch flour to the proper wood-burning stove, which takes centre stage. (And it should – this blue-tiled wonder heats to 900 degrees and churns out perfectly-cooked pizzas in 90 seconds.) The menu is tight, but that doesn’t make choosing a dish any easier. The antipasto misto for two ($16) was overflowing with deliciously salted cured meat, fresh Italian cheese, pickled veggies and olives. Choose from the daily pasta (on our night, a hearty smoked salmon penne, $14) or go for the main event, a pizza. The Capricciosa (tomato, fior di latte, prosciutto cotto, salami, artichokes mushrooms and olives, $18) was crispy around the edges, soft and easy to cut in the middle, and insanely delicious to the last bite.

So now the secret’s out. Why should food bloggers have all the fun? Maria Tallarico

1190 Victoria Dr., Vancouver, 604-336-1803, www.viateverepizzeria.com