Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana, located at 60 N Lake Ave in Pasadena, CA, is a distinguished restaurant that brings the authentic taste of Naples, Italy, to Southern California. Established with a deep passion for traditional Neapolitan pizza, Settebello offers a casual yet refined dining experience centered around handmade pizzas crafted the old-fashioned way. Each pizza is fired in a wood-burning oven, a method that has been preserved for over two centuries in Naples, ensuring a unique flavor and texture that sets Settebello apart from typical pizza establishments.

The foundation of Settebello’s culinary excellence lies in its commitment to authenticity and quality. The pizzeria is Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certified, a prestigious certification that guarantees adherence to strict standards in pizza-making. This certification mandates the use of specific ingredients and techniques, such as hand-kneading the dough without rolling pins, cooking pizzas directly on the surface of a wood-fired oven fueled solely by wood, and using only select tomatoes like San Marzano, which are known for their balanced acidity and rich flavor. The flour used is imported from Molino Caputo, one of Naples’ oldest mills, renowned worldwide for producing flour that creates an elastic and chewy crust. Fresh mozzarella, either fior di latte or buffalo milk mozzarella, is used exclusively, often complemented by a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino cheese to enhance the flavor profile.

Settebello’s menu extends beyond pizza, embracing its identity as a European and Italian restaurant with a full-service bar and cocktail offerings. This combination makes it an ideal spot not only for pizza lovers but also for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails alongside authentic Italian dishes. The restaurant’s ambiance is casual yet inviting, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike who appreciate genuine Italian cuisine in a comfortable setting.

The Pasadena location is part of a broader family of Settebello Pizzerias, which began with the founder Brad Otton’s journey to Naples in 2005. Otton, a former USC quarterback, and his family trained under renowned pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia, one of the founding members of the Vera Pizza Napoletana organization. This direct lineage to Naples’ pizza tradition ensures that every pizza served at Settebello is a faithful representation of the original Neapolitan style. Since opening in Pasadena, Settebello has played a significant role in the revitalization of the Playhouse District, transforming it into a premier dining destination.

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is reachable by phone at +1 626-765-9550 for reservations or inquiries. Whether you are seeking a casual meal with friends, a cozy dinner, or a place to enjoy a crafted cocktail with your pizza, Settebello offers an authentic taste of Italy’s culinary heritage right in the heart of Pasadena. Its dedication to quality ingredients, traditional methods, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout choice among Italian and pizza restaurants in the area.