Houston – Houston has no shortage of pizza spots, but one of the newest additions to the city’s diverse food scene is already a fan favorite.
Pizzana recently opened in River Oaks and brings authentic Neo-Neapolitan pizza to the city. Behind the success is LA-based master pizzaiolo chef Daniele Uditi from Caserta, Italy. Growing up in a culinary family, chef Uditi learned the art of dough-making from his aunt in their underground bakery, where they baked bread for their community. This experience allowed him to garner traditional techniques, which he later refined under Michelin-starred chef Rosanna Marziale at Le Colonne.
During his visit to Houston, Daniele brought a special meat-focused menu that featured dishes like Tartare di Manzo and the Gladiatore Pizza. The four-course menu was crafted to showcase his Italian heritage and Houston’s love for bold flavors.
Chef Uditi arrived in LA In 2010, with just $300 in his pockets. He then developed his signature “slow dough” his decade-old sourdough started that is fermented for a long period of time. This style is one of the reasons that sets Pizzana apart. Chef Uditi made sure to note that the dough complements the flavors of the pizza’s toppings rather than overpowering them.
Pizzana offers both classic and innovative flavors like his pasta-inspired pizza. Watch the player above to learn about his “Cacio e Pepe” pizza. He blends sour cream with black pepper to mimic the texture and flavor of pasta. At all of Pizzana’s seven locations, their food is made from quality ingredients like Fior de Latte cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and stone-ground flour all sourced from Naples. Pizzana’s gluten-free pizzas have gained a reputation for being so authentic that some customers mistake them for the regular crust.
Pizzana, located at Shepherd and West Gray is owned by Candace and Charles Nelson, the couple behind Sprinkles Cupcake. The Nelsons met Uditi during a private dinner event where they were blown away by his pizza. This meeting was the start of a partnership that created Pizzana. Since it’s opening in Brentwood, California the pizzas have garnered critical acclaim, including a spot on the LA Times’ “101 Best Restaurants” list and a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award.
Get social with Uditi here or stop by Pizzana from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.