Pizzeria Mozza

The spot on the SW corner of Melrose and Highland had previously been a pizza restaurant, but nothing comparable to the Mozza empire that stands there now. Since it opened last year I have wanted to grab a bite at Pizzeria Mozza, and even had a reservation for about a month ago, but we weren't able to make it at the last minute. Over the weekend, though, Chase and I were finally able to stop by. Even at 3:00 on Sunday the place was packed and there was hardly a space for us at the pizza bar, but after waiting for about 5 minutes, a place was cleared for us. We were seated in front of the pizza chefs and the wood-fired brick oven. As a starter we were torn between the caprese salad and the white bean bruscetta, but ultimately opted for the bruscetta. It was delicious and have a drizzle of truffle oil on top and a chewy onion in the center. For our main dish we split the bianca pizza, which has a white sauce and 4 cheeses, along with what I believe was fried basil. Que magnifique! It was melt in your mouth goodness. The fennel sausage and some of the other meats pizzas looked really great and I plan to try one of those next time. The special of the day was a lasagna and we watched as more than generous helpings were warmed up inches from the burning logs and then shuttled out to the tables. We couldn't help ourselves and had to get dessert. We opted for what we thought sounded like the most unique dessert on the menu: butterscotch pudding and creme fraiche with rosemary pine nut cookies. It was an interesting, but tasty combination and the flavors were subtle and worked surprisingly well as a sweet. The interior of the place looks pretty much like a normal nice restaurant, with a lavish bar on one side and the pizza bar perpendicular. One of the most charming parts of the restaurant is the display of the fresh ingredients they use sitting on the pizza bar. Next to the front door is a private wine cellar with a table set for about 10, that I believe can be rented out. Tables are limited and there are probably not more than 70 seats in the house, thus the ridiculously long waiting list to get a reservation. To go is available, and that's most certainly what we'll be doing next time!

http://www.mozza-la.com/pizzeria/about.cfm