Pizza Champion Debuts Neapolitan Pies Friday in Old Town

Gallucci, the pizzeria from an award-winning competitive pizza maker, will open on Friday in Old Town. Chef Gianni Gallucci rolls out Neapolitan-style pizza; he bristles at riffs and prefers to stay authentic. He’s taking over the Dinotto space at 1551 N. Wells Street. Dinotto operated from multiple locations and was a neighborhood fixture before ending a 30-year run on Thanksgiving Day.

The restaurant’s pizza menu is divided by red and white. Gallucci’s signature pie is the Tartufata, a white pizza made with black truffle cream and 600-day prosciutto di parma. Other highlights include the Norma, made with smoked provola cheese, fried eggplant, and sausage. There are 12 pies in all. Besides the pizzas, the menu features four pasta dishes and two salads.

Gallucci [Official Photo]

The chef is a character and has worked around town at some of Chicago’s better-known Neapolitan pizza parlors. He’s won competitions, with his biggest win coming in 2017. Old Town has its share of pizzerias on Wells Street. Roots brought Quad Cities-style malted crusts to the area last year. Further south, Happy Camper continues to bring millennials out at night. And there’s Old Town Pub, a venerable bar with underrated pizza. At least residents don’t have to rely on chain’s like Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Sarpino’s. The trio lurks along Division Street.

Gallucci, is meant to be experience, according to the chef. He wants his customers to grab a glass a wine and enjoy. Pizza fans can check out the champion’s food starting Friday.

Gallucci, 1551 N. Wells Street, reservations available online, opening Friday, open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.