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From its humble
beginnings as a food for the European poor, to its American
immigration and transformation, pizza has become an absolute
staple of Italian American Cuisine. As a testament of its
popularity, Greenville, NC alone is home to over 20 different
pizzerias. Unfortunately, most of these pizzerias are run
under the banner of billion dollar corporations who have moved
away from the traditional and rustic methods and flavors that
makes pizza one of the most popular dishes in Italian cuisine.
Dedicated to the traditions and flavors of classic Italian
cooking, brothers Massimo & Salvatore opened Marabella Old
World Pizza in Greenville in early 2009. The brothers are no
stranger to Italian cooking or the restaurant business. Their
grandfather, Salvatore Amato, was a baker in a small Italian
town in the 1940’s. In 1969 Savatore & son Nino opened their
own bakery in Italy. In 1983, Nino opened his first pizzeria
in Queens New York, where he served stars like Frank Sinatra,
Dean Martin, and former president Ronald Regan. As Salvatore &
Massimo grew, their father Nino taught them everything he knew
of the culinary arts and restaurant management. In 2006, the
brothers opened their first restaurant in Washington, NC,
which features an impressive rustic Italian menu. Their newest
location in Greenville offers a scaled down version of their
Washington location’s menu, which is designed for quick
service and delivery. “We take great pride in our food,” said
Mossimo. “Everything is made from scratch every day, and made
with love.”
Though Marabella isn’t very much more eye appealing than its
neighbor (a laundry mat) in a small building on Greenville
Boulevard, the interior is a vast improvement over its former
occupant (Big Apple Pizzeria). Several booth tables are
surrounded by a bright and rustic atmosphere, of which the
forefront is an order counter and glass display of popular
menu items.
For my meal, I decided on the most obvious choices. A slice of
“Brooklyn” pizza, a calzone stuffed with pepperoni, sausage,
mushroom, and mozzarella, and for dessert a piece of cannoli.
After a short wait, and a little entertainment from the large
flat screen television at the rear of the restaurant, my pizza
arrives. Though the Brooklyn pizza is not the “traditional”
New York style pizza, it certainly sports the rustic and
classic features of old world style pizza. A thick and fluffy
crust is topped with fresh marinara and big slices of home
made mozzarella cheese. The dough itself was enough to
entertain my taste-buds, but the well balanced sauce, and
flavorful cheese sent my palette to a realm of happiness.
Next, my calzone arrives. Baked to a golden brown on the
outside, and a bubbling hot meat and cheese center, I am soon
ready for round two. The meats inside were well cooked and
complimented the crisp bread and melted cheese perfectly. Last
but not least, the cannoli. Cannoli is a tube-shaped dessert
made up of fried dough which is stuffed with cream-cheese, and
topped with powdered sugar. Marabella’s version was the most
impressive item of my meal. With a light hint of lemon, and a
fresh cherry, the crisp and creamy dessert left my appetite
craving more.
In addition to serving many styles of pizza, calzones, and
stromboli, Marabella’s menu includes Salads, Hot & Cold Subs,
Panini, Panzerotti Rolls, and desserts. Marabella is located
at 1898 A SE Greenville Boulevard (across from Advance Auto),
and offers free delivery service for orders of $10 and up.
More information can be found by calling 252-754-2700.
Location: B | Atmosphere: A | Service: B | Food
Quality: A
Price Range: Lunch: $5 - $8 per meal / Dinner: $6 - $13.25 per meal
Overall Grade: A-
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