Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana set to open in Starland District

It has been a little over 5 years since Kyle Jacovino arrived in Savannah. The first time I met him, he was in the kitchen at The Mansion on Forsyth Park. It was November 2013. Kyle was working alongside Hugh Acheson as they prepared not only for that night’s James Beard Celebrity Chef dinner, but also the highly anticipated opening of The Florence. Chef Hugh’s Italian concept in Savannah was months away.

The Florence closed 3 years plus later. I think that topic has been discussed more than the series finale of The Sopranos. Tony got whacked, by the way.

It says here that The Florence did a lot of things well. Tops among them was the pizza in my book. Kyle’s dedication to the art of pizza was obvious from every conversation about it.

He spent a few months in Italy trying to learn as much as he could from whomever he could. Still, like any other acquired skill, you don’t become great without putting in the time. Kyle says since he graduated high school all he ever wanted to do was open an Italian restaurant or a pizzeria. In the few years I’ve known him, I’ve heard him say “I just want to make great pizza” dozens of times. His friends will tell you that’s really all he wants to do as well.

“I want to put Savannah on the map for pizza” Kyle recently told me. Alrighty then. I can see the headlines now “Kyle Jacovino – The Paula Deen of Pizza.”

All jokes aside, I could absolutely see that happening. When you see Vittoria Pizzeria Napoletana in the Starland District you might just see why as well.

Kyle Jacovino at the all new Pizzeria Vittoria

Vittoria is the only ‘brick and mortar’ eatery anchoring the all new food truck park in the Starland District. Starland Yard is an outdoor recreational area. There is lots of outdoor seating, games and, of course, a large bar right in the middle. That space is going to be a huge hit. Especially when the TVs go in and temperatures cool off. Georgia vs. Notre Dame anyone?

Crudo Bianco. Whipped Ricotta, Arugula, Olive Oil and your choice of Salumi (photo: Pizzeria Vittoria)

Food will be provided by a rotating group of food trucks as well as Kyle’s pizza. You may not know what trucks might be there on any given night, but the pizza will be a constant that will keep you coming back.

The space is tiny. I think I counted 15 seats. That’s indoor seating. All of it two steps away from the oven and the production line. These are tight quarters. Most of us eating this pizza going forward will be doing so outdoors. Or standing at one of the cocktail high-tops just outside their front door. Pizzeria Vittoria is going to be crowded. For a while.

On the menu, some of the favorites from The Florence return. La Diavola, Calabrese Sausage, Calabrian Chilis, Soppressata and Mozzarella. Quattro Formaggi, and 6 others. There are 3-4 bruschetta offerings and a calzone. “It’s huge” Kyle says.

The pizza is outstanding. The vibe in this tiny corner of the continuously bubbling Starland District? Straight out of the big city. You will Eat It and Like It.

Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana will be open from 11am-3pm for lunch. Dinner 5p-10pm Tuesday-Thursday. A little later on the weekend. Look again. That means closed between 3pm and 5pm. The address is below, but it’s right behind Back in the Day Bakery.

Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana
2411 DeSoto Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401

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