Restaurant Review: Pappone’s Pizzeria

Restaurant:

Address:  1145 W. Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063

Rating: (out of 5 stars): ★★★1/2
Style: Sit-down, take-out, delivery

Food: Pizzas, hoagies, steak sandwiches, salads, soups, dinner platters

Atmosphere: Casual, pizza parlor
Parking: Small parking lot
Service: Quick, casual service
Price Range: Inexpensive
Unique Features: Pizza of the month, daily lunch special, menu items honoring the six Pappone children

When I was a little kid, I spent a lot of time with my family on the boardwalk in Ocean City, N.J. When they’d ask me what I’d like to eat, without batting an eyelash, I’d exclaim “Pizza!” It didn’t matter what time of the day it was, and that hasn’t changed. I could eat the Italian staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. To me, there is nothing like a slice of fresh, warm dough topped with gooey cheese and sweet marinara. I have undoubtedly consumed thousands of slices in my lifetime, and never pass up an opportunity to try a new pizza parlor.

Pappone’s Pizzeria turned out to be a solid choice. The family-owned restaurant is on Baltimore Pike near the . Hanging on the walls are old photos of founder Maria Pappone and her family. The menu is extensive, offering pizza with dozens of topping choices, salads, sandwiches, lunch specials, dinner platters, and a kids’ menu. It’s BYOB, so diners are welcome to bring wine and beer.

We started off with the power salad ($6.75), which was definitely enough to share as a starter. The mixed lettuce was crisp, and topped with fresh broccoli and carrots. The al dente pasta, sunflower seeds and flaked albacore tuna dressed with low-calorie Italian, made this salad enough for a healthy meal option.

We also sampled the wings, but just the smallest 10-piece order ($6.75). The chicken was tender, and the medium buffalo sauce had some bite, but also I could taste some sweetness. The wings are served with celery and bleu cheese, and come in five different sauces.

Then, the main event. We ordered two personal (10”) thin crust pizzas, a traditional and a specialty white. Both were piping hot. The traditional ($5.95) had the right balance of fresh crushed tomato sauce and Grande mozzarella cheese. The oregano and garlic were prominent, but not overpowering. The crust was thin and reminded me of my boardwalk pizza.

White pizza ($6.50) is another one of my favorites. Pappone’s pizza bianca fared pretty well. We tried the BTR, which is broccoli, tomato and ricotta cheese. The pizza was drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and oregano, but I thought it was a little bland. I sprinkled on some salt and Parmesan cheese, and that did the trick.

I didn’t save room for dessert, but Pappone’s does offer homemade cheesecakes, pies, cannolis and other selections that change weekly.

Next time I visit, I want to try an Italian hoagie or roasted pork sandwich. I hear they are delicious.

The staff was fast and courteous, and the restaurant was clean and spacious. After a long day of shopping, or if you don’t feel like cooking one night, Pappone’s is a decent option, and if you don’t want to eat there, have it delivered or order take-out. It did earn  award this year.

They also offer daily lunch and dinner specials. Check out their website to see the menu, specials, and hours of operation.