Pizza aficionados can argue all day about what constitutes a “real” pie — thin crust or thick; plain cheese or loaded up; artisanal or no-frills. Whatever your preference, we’ve got options. Which favorite local spots did we leave out? Tell us in the comments.
1. Pizzeria Orso
Orso’s pie-making operation is serious business. It’s one of only two pizzerias in the area (Pupatella is the other) boasting Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certification, a designation granted by the Italian government to pizzerias that meet “the strict requirements that respect the tradition of the art of Neapolitan pizza making.” Chef Bertrand Chemel’s team oversees a volcanic brick oven that yields beautifully blistered crusts with a range of toppings. The Verdure is a springtime treat loaded with cremini mushrooms, ramps, artichokes, zucchini and peppers. And you can never go wrong with a classic Margherita. On Tuesdays, kids 10 and under get a free dish from the children’s menu for each pizza ordered. Half-priced wines on Wednesdays make for excellent pie pairings.
400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church, pizzeriaorso.com