Pizza, a dish that dates back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, has evolved over centuries from flatbreads resembling focaccia to the familiar round pies we enjoy today. In downtown Greenville, pizza is ubiquitous, with pizzerias lining nearly every street. Recently, I embarked on a pizza-tasting tour along Main Street with a team of enthusiasts: George Buell, a former pizzeria owner; Julian Loue of Rise Bakery; and Nicole O’Brien of Windy City Burgers. Though we couldn’t visit every spot, here are our impressions from a few key places. More pizzerias will be explored in future tours.
Antonio Bertolo’s
Our journey began at Antonio Bertolo’s, a longstanding favorite in Greenville. Known for its reliable offerings, the shop boasts a solid selection of beers and Italian wines. We sampled the margherita pizza, which featured a yeasty, bubbly crust with a pleasant chew. The sauce was comforting, and the crust was softer than a typical New York-style pie. At $14.25 for a 12-inch pie, it provided great value.
Belladina’s
Next, we ventured to Belladina’s on Washington Street to try their Detroit-style pizza. Baked in a steel square pan dusted with Romano cheese, the crust had a delightful caramelized cheese edge. Topped with thin slices of spicy soppressata, arugula, pecorino Romano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this pie was a unique experience in Greenville. Buell enlightened us with a history lesson on this style of pizza while we all agreed it was exceptional. We also enjoyed a 12-inch margherita pizza here, featuring a crisp crust with a less yeasty profile due to a longer proofing process. This pizza was priced at $16.69.
Indaco
Our final stop was Indaco, a newcomer in the local pizza scene. Although not a traditional pizzeria, Indaco excels in its craft. The dough undergoes a meticulous four-day preparation, and they make their own mozzarella. Baked in a wood-burning oven, the pizzas here boast a smoky, ultra-crispy crust. We tried their 12-inch margherita, which was generously topped with fresh basil, tomato, and hand-pulled mozzarella. Priced at $17, this pizza also comes with table service, an extensive wine list, and a dessert menu featuring exquisite cakes and custards. While the pizza itself is reasonably priced, the overall dining experience can be more costly.
All three of these restaurants are open daily, offering diverse and delightful pizza experiences in downtown Greenville.