EATS

ISABELLA'S

Little Italy is full of Brick Oven Pizzerias. But Isabella's is one that shouldn't be over-looked.

Isabella's is an order-at-the-counter shop with very little in the way of formal dining, though there are some indoor and outdoor seating options available. (Like sitting in the nearby parks of Little Italy.) But, what's great about Isabella's is the food. You can drop in twice a week, and know that you're getting a quality Italian dish.

Menu options include sandwiches, paninis, salads, appetizers, and of course - oven-baked pizzas. Their sandwiches are authentic and satisfying, but aren't the over-stuffed mess fest that can make eating out in front of others awkward. The pizzas are also equally delicious, and the crust of these options are worth noting - not crisp enough that you have to tear away or egads! use a fork and knife to cut your pizza, but not so soft that the toppings slide right off. (This is a difficult balance to pull off in traditional oven-baked cooking.) The only thing that may perhaps be lacking is the salads you find at this little Italian joint, which leave some taste to be desired. And beware that sides are sold by the pound, so either choose one everyone in your party wants to share or come very hungry.

Isabella's focuses on freshly-made, authentic ingredients. (Their mozarella is made on-site daily.) Plus, if you ask, they staff will hook you up with bocce equipment so you can try your hand at the game at nearby Thomas J. D'Alesandro Jr. Park.