Neapolitan pizza crusts are an art at Forno Rosso Napoletana which will open its second location on Monday on Randolph Street in the West Loop. The pies from its original spot on the North Side in Dunning have gained quite a following for adhering to the strict rules laid out by VPN Americas, the U.S. chapter of the Italian organization charged with regulating the production of Neapolitan pizzas —including temperature of water, the type of flour, and more. Forno Rosso is among three pizza places in Illinois which have earned VPN certification. Spacca Napoli and Parker's Ocean Grill in Downers Grove are the others.
Anyone who's visited Forno in Dunning will find themselves at home inside their new 20-table spot which has room for about 80 customers. Owner Nick Nitti wants to transport Chicagoans back to the Old World with a rustic and comfortable atmosphere. Say hello to the restaurant's centerpiece, the red-enameled, wood-burning oven that helps create all of the pizza magic. Also, get used to the five-seat bar and wood-paneled walls if you want an authentic Neapolitan experience, as take out and delivery are no-nos. According to VPN, "the Verace Pizza Napoletana — (Vera Pizza Napoletana) should be consumed immediately, straight out of the oven, at the pizzeria."
Check out the photos above.
Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana, 1048 W. Randolph St., hours not posted yet.
