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Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.4
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria in the Playhouse District serving wood-fired pies with imported Italian ingredients and a fermented dough that cooks in 90 seconds. The casual yet refined atmosphere and dedication to traditional techniques have made it a local favorite since opening in 2014.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.P., Diavola with Spicy Salami, Settebello with Truffle Oil
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: True Neapolitan certification with imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes
Who should go: Pizza purists and Italian food lovers
When to visit: Weeknight dinners to avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Margherita D.O.P., arugula salad, tiramisu
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch pizzaiolos work the 900-degree oven
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on surrounding blocks, metered until 8pm ($2/hour), small lot behind restaurant fills quickly after 6pm
Dress code: Casual - jeans and nice shirt perfect, locals come straight from work or theater
Noise level: Lively but manageable - wood-fired oven and open kitchen add energy without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min on Saturday nights without reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including Margherita, funghi, and creative seasonal vegetable pizzas
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza (no cheese) and modify salads, about 2-3 total options
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pizza dough, but excellent GF salads and appetizers available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a first date - casual enough to feel relaxed but special enough to impress, counter seating offers built-in conversation starter watching pizzas being made
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait, weekends risky - call ahead or try for early dinner (5:30pm) or late seating (after 8:30pm)
Is it kid-friendly? Very family-friendly - kids love watching the pizza oven, simple menu they'll enjoy, high chairs available, early dinner hours less crowded
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan style with leopard-spotted crusts and 90-second cook times - more traditional than trendy pizza spots, better ingredients than chains
Skip if: You prefer thick crust or loaded toppings - go to Tony's Little Italy instead for NY-style, or if you need extensive vegan menu try Cruzer Pizza
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.8
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, featuring wood-fired pies with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. The high-ceiling dining room with glowing brick ovens creates an energetic yet family-welcoming atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.C., Diavola with Spicy Italian Prosciutto, Quattro Formaggi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: VPN-certified authentic Neapolitan pizza with 200-year tradition
Who should go: Pizza purists and families seeking authentic Italian
When to visit: Saturday evenings for lively family atmosphere
What to order: Margherita D.O.C., Diavola, house salad
Insider tip: Free street parking after 7pm on Lake Avenue
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Lake Avenue after 7pm, metered spots until then ($2/hr), nearby public garage on Green Street
Dress code: Casual - anything from shorts to business casual fits the relaxed family vibe
Noise level: Energetic buzz - conversation easy at your table but lively overall
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus salads and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pizzas without cheese, ask about vegan mozzarella availability
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pizza dough, but solid salad and antipasti options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date onward - the family-friendly energy and shared pizzas work great once you're comfortable, but might be too casual and loud for getting-to-know-you conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-20 min wait, weekends risky - use the Yelp waitlist feature to join remotely while parking
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - high chairs available, kids love watching the pizza ovens, noise level means nobody notices crying, and the simple margherita is perfect for picky eaters
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan style with proper char and leopard spotting - beats chains for quality, more traditional than California-style spots
Skip if: You prefer thick crust or loaded toppings - head to BJ's for deep dish or Blaze for unlimited toppings instead
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.8
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria certified by the prestigious Vera Pizza Napoletana organization, featuring wood-fired pizzas that cook in just 60 seconds at 900 degrees. The dough is imported from Italy and hand-stretched to order, creating the characteristic soft, foldable crust with charred spots that define true Pizza Napoletana.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOC Pizza, Settebello Pizza with Sausage and Pine Nuts, Diavola with Calabrese Salami
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: One of only 10 US pizzerias certified by Naples' VPN organization
Who should go: Pizza purists and families seeking authentic Italian
When to visit: Weekend lunches for relaxed family dining
What to order: Margherita DOC, Settebello signature, house-made gelato
Insider tip: They make gluten-free crust fresh daily in-house
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in Old Pasadena structures ($2 for 90 min with purchase), street parking challenging after 5pm especially weekends
Dress code: Casual - anything from shorts to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Lively but manageable - open kitchen adds energy but you can still have conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min Friday/Saturday peak
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus salads and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, salads customizable
Gluten-free options: Yes - house-made GF crust daily, same wood-fired oven technique
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - buzzy atmosphere takes pressure off, sharing pizzas is interactive, and the open kitchen provides natural conversation starters. Skip if you want intimate/quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, but make reservations for dinner. They hold some bar seating for walk-ins - arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm for best chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love watching pizzas made in the open kitchen, high chairs available, kids menu with smaller portions, and the casual vibe means no stress about noise. Best for ages 3+.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan style that's harder to find than NY or Chicago pizza - if you want the real Naples experience with VPN certification and imported ingredients, this beats local chains
Skip if: You prefer thick crust or heavily topped American-style pizzas - go to BJ's or California Pizza Kitchen instead. Also skip if you need a quiet, intimate setting
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.0
VPN-certified pizzeria importing ingredients directly from Naples and using a 900-degree wood-burning oven to create authentic Neapolitan pizzas in 60 seconds. The Playhouse Village location offers a chic, relaxed atmosphere ideal for casual dates with serious pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Carbonara, Diavola Pizza, Nutella Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: One of first US pizzerias certified by Vera Pizza Napoletana.
Who should go: Pizza purists and casual date-nighters
When to visit: Weeknight dinners avoid weekend crowds
What to order: Settebello pizza, Diavola, Nutella dessert pizza
Insider tip: Happy hour menu offers excellent pizza deals
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Playhouse Village garage adjacent ($3/90min validated), street parking challenging after 5pm
Dress code: Casual to smart casual, anything from nice jeans to date attire works
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during theater rush (7-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options plus appetizers and salads
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, salads
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF pizza dough, but strong salad selection
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to relax, shared pizzas break ice naturally, patio adds romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 15-30 min wait, weekend reservations essential especially pre-theater hours
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids love watching pizza makers, high chairs available, Nutella pizza wins over picky eaters, best before 7pm
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan style with VPN certification, superior imported ingredients, faster service than most Italian spots
Skip if: You prefer NYC-style or thick crust, need extensive pasta menu, want quiet intimate dining
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.4
VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria using authentic methods preserved for over 200 years. Hand-built brick oven from Naples cooks pizzas in 90 seconds, creating signature thin crust with blistered, slightly charred edges. Established over a decade ago as one of the first VPN-certified spots in the U.S.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola Pizza, Settebello Special, Margherita DOC
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: One of first U.S. pizzerias certified by Italy's VPN for authentic Neapolitan pizza
Who should go: Pizza purists, families, authentic Italian seekers
When to visit: Margherita Monday specials, lunch 11am-3pm
What to order: Diavola with peppered salami, house Settebello, Nutella dessert pizza
Insider tip: Margherita Mondays offer discounted pies on their signature pizza
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Green Street and surrounding blocks, often available but can fill during peak dinner hours. Public lot within 2 blocks on Green/Raymond.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts are the norm. This is a relaxed neighborhood pizzeria, not fine dining.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open kitchen and brick oven create ambient buzz, but conversation flows easily at your table.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday 6-8pm. Reservations recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 5-10 minutes, walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - Margherita, Marinara, multiple veggie-forward pies like Verdure. Easy to customize.
Vegan options: Limited - can do Marinara (no cheese) or modified pizzas without mozzarella. Call ahead for vegan cheese availability.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust available - traditional Neapolitan dough is core to their VPN certification and 90-second cook method.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but better for casual early dates (2nd or 3rd). Lively atmosphere and quick service keep things moving - less awkward silences, but may not suit intimate conversation seekers. Outdoor patio offers quieter alternative.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and off-peak hours (2-5pm) - absolutely. Weekend dinners - risky. Expect 30-45 min waits or consider going before 5:30pm or after 8:30pm. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. Quick 90-second pizza cooking means minimal wait time for hungry kids. Simple menu, high chairs available, casual vibe welcomes families. Nutella dessert pizza is a kid favorite.
How long does dinner take? Fast by design - pizzas cook in 90 seconds. Expect 45-60 minutes total from seated to check. Perfect for pre-movie dining or when you're hungry NOW.
Do they have outdoor seating? Yes - sidewalk patio on Green Street. Weather permitting, it's a great spot for people-watching in Pasadena's dining district. More relaxed than indoor dining room.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
8.1
One of only 10 pizzerias originally certified by Vera Pizza Napoletana in the United States, Settebello imports ingredients from Naples and bakes authentic Neapolitan pies in under 90 seconds. The Playhouse District location has anchored the neighborhood for nearly a decade with its commitment to DOC standards. Happy hour specials and gluten-free options broaden the appeal beyond pizza purists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOC, Settebello Pizza, Fig and Prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: VPN-certified authentic Neapolitan pizza with imported Italian ingredients
Who should go: Pizza enthusiasts craving true Neapolitan style
When to visit: Happy hour weekdays for best value deals
What to order: Margherita DOC with buffalo mozzarella, Settebello signature
Insider tip: Ask for pizza unsliced to prevent soggy crust
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and side streets, typically easy except during Playhouse events. Public lots within 2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine, families in everyday wear
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly but energetic atmosphere with families
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially 6-8pm peak
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple pizza options plus salads, vegetarian antipasti
Vegan options: Limited but available - request no cheese, olive oil base pizzas work well
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated gluten-free crust available for all pizzas
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - relaxed vibe takes pressure off, shareable pizzas encourage interaction, but can get noisy with families on weekends. Opt for weekday dinner for better atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) usually no problem. Friday/Saturday nights almost always require reservation or expect 30-45 min wait. Bar seating available first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - high chairs available, kids love watching pizza-making, simple menu, quick service (90-second pizzas). Popular with families, especially weekend lunches.
How long does dinner typically take? 45-60 minutes total - pizzas arrive within 10-15 minutes of ordering thanks to the 90-second bake time. Perfect for quick authentic meal before Playhouse show.
Do they take large groups? Yes, but call ahead for parties of 6+ to arrange seating. Long communal tables accommodate larger groups well.
Best For
Better for: Authentic VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza at reasonable prices, quick service for pre-theater dining, happy hour value, accommodating dietary restrictions with gluten-free options
Skip if: You want thick-crust American-style pizza, quiet romantic ambiance, or extensive non-pizza Italian menu. Consider Osteria La Buca for upscale Italian or Union for wood-fired but less traditional pies.