Inizio is bringing true Neapolitan style pizza to south Charlotte

There are strict rules for creating real Neapolitan pizza and an actual agency that verifies the standard.

The Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana has guidelines for everything from the type of flour used for the dough (wheat flour type 00) to how long the pizza should cook (60 to 90 seconds) and what type of oven must be used (wood-burning). Although Inizio isn’t officially certified by AVPN, they’re following all the rules.

The Polselli wheat flour type 00 and water used to make their dough are both imported from Italy, as are most of the toppings.

This is to ensure the water has the correct pH balance and mineral content to match that used to make pizzas in Naples. It’s topped with San Marzano tomatoes and real buffalo mozzarella. In the same way real champagne can only come from one region in France, true buffalo mozzarella is only produced in Campania, Italy.

Pizzas are baked in 900-degree wood-fired ovens that were also imported from Italy.

The ovens are so hot, the pizzas bake in just 90 seconds. My kind of fast food.

The menu features a selection of traditional Italian pies and new unique flavors.

The pistachio pizza ($22) with rosemary, sea salt, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, garlic and pistachio pesto sauce is a specialty.

Right now, pizzas are only available in one large size.

This is to maintain the integrity of the dough but it means this isn’t exactly a cheap spot for a solo meal. Pizzas are $18 to $22 each so I’d be inclined to share. Additional vegetables are $3 and meats are $4.

Pizza is the main event but they’ve also got salads, gelato and assorted desserts.

Look at that cannoli.

Branding was done by Rachel Martin Design.

And it’s lovely.

Inizio will open on Thursday, March 10. See you there. High five.

Address: 10620 Providence Road

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