Make no mistake, this is far from health food, but it is really, really good, and is made with fresh, simple ingredients brought to you by my friends at Pizzeria Libretto who make the best pizzas, with the kindest service in Toronto – in my opinion. As soon as I learned that Rocco Agostino opened A3 Napoli, I knew I had to at least try it once before I left the city for camp this summer, so yesterday was the day!
Considering the gigantic size of the deep fryer (see picture below), it’s a super clean and well-organized open kitchen, including one of Libretto’s signature pizza ovens (which apparently does not liked to be hugged – see that picture below too!). It’s fast food like I’ve never seen, although I don’t patronize fast food places, so I guess I’m not the best person to judge that! It’s good that they have lots of friendly staff smiling and ready to explain how A3 Napoli works! Here’s how it goes:
1. walk up to the “order here counter”
2. try to avoid getting drawn into the glass pane separating you from the goodness in their kitchen (I have some attention issues and found this particularly challenging!)
3. read the menu, and ask questions or listen carefully when explained – but know this – everything seems to be fried or done in the pizza oven – simple!
4. order, pay and take a buzzer and find a table – there are plenty of stools at a long bar, tables inside and even a great little patio out back with shade and sunshine (note – every table comes with a bottle of their chili oil, so don’t worry!)
5. when your buzzer vibrates and lights up, immediately run or skip to the front of the restaurant to claim your awesmazing food! (we had chosen an assortment of fried veggies, and this is when you get to choose those items)
6. Don’t drop anything as you get back to your table to dig in. Enjoy with a smile!
I had a great pizza, which is not surprising especially when there is bomba involved – that stuff is spicy awesmazingness. I can’t wait until they have their spelt crust on the menu here! I was with my mother and sister, who were not planning on eating, but the fried vegetables seemed to be calling them, and they shared sweet potato, cauliflower, asparagus and rapini out of a big paper cone, with a marinara dipping sauce and a “verde” pesto-like dip which ended up being equally incredible all over my pizza! We deemed fried rapini to be the thing to actually drive back to A3 Napoli for. I know I will be going back to Little Italy to A3 Napoli in order to try the fried pizza – right after I have a big green juice before or after to offset it, made easy with Sunshine down the street one way, and Village Juicery down the other!
If you are going to eat fast, greasy food, this is the best place to do it. Enjoy and thanks again, Rocco!
