A walking tour of downtown Greenville pizzas: City Juice with John Malik

Exploring Downtown Greenville’s Pizza Scene

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all enjoyed variations of flatbread topped with ingredients and cooked in wood-burning ovens, which eventually evolved into the modern-day pizza. In downtown Greenville, pizza is a staple, with numerous pizzerias lining the streets. Recently, a group of pizza enthusiasts embarked on a walking tour along Main Street to sample some of the city’s best pies. Here is a recap of their pizza adventure:

Antonio Bertolo’s

The journey began at Antonio Bertolo’s, a longstanding pizzeria known for its classic offerings and robust selection of beers and wines. The group ordered a margherita pie, featuring a yeasty and chewy crust, familiar sauce, and softer texture compared to New York-style pizza. Priced at $14.25 for a 12-inch pie, the margherita was deemed a good value by the reviewers.

Belladina’s

Next on the tour was Belladina’s on Washington Street, where the team was intrigued by the Detroit-style pie. Baked in a steel square pan dusted with Romano cheese, the pizza boasted a crispy crust with caramelized cheese, topped with spicy soppressata, arugula, pecorino Romano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Described as the most unique pizza sampled during the tour, the Detroit-style pie impressed the reviewers with its unconventional yet delicious combination of flavors.

Additionally, the group indulged in a 12-inch margherita pizza at Belladina’s, featuring a crispy crust achieved through a longer proofing process. Priced at $16.69, the margherita pizza offered a satisfying and flavorful experience.

Indaco

The tour culminated at Indaco, the newest addition to the pizza scene in downtown Greenville. While not a traditional pizza joint, Indaco excels in crafting artisanal pies with a four-day dough process, house-made mozzarella, and a wood-burning oven. The 12-inch margherita pizza at Indaco, priced at $17, featured fresh basil, tomato, hand-pulled mozzarella, and a smoky, crispy crust from the wood fire. However, visitors should be mindful that a dining experience at Indaco, complete with table service, an extensive wine list, and delectable desserts, could lead to a higher bill than expected.

All three pizzerias visited on the tour are open daily, welcoming pizza enthusiasts to savor their unique offerings.

“City Juice,” a term referring to tap water served at diners, provided a refreshing break between pizza tastings. John Malik, a culinary adviser and broker with National Restaurant Properties, organized the tour and shared his insights on the Greenville pizza scene.

For pizza lovers in Greenville, the diverse array of pizzerias in the downtown area offers a delightful culinary experience, with each establishment adding its own twist to this beloved dish.