Overview: Pizzeria da Marco

Photos by Emily Clack

When you venture a little ways outside DC to dine, you can really tell that you've left the city.  Restaurants are filled with families and children, adults are sipping on milk and soda, and everything is a little quieter.  Bethesda is Pizzeria da Marco's first location and if all goes well they plan to eventually expand into the city. 

Get started with some authentic antipasti.  This pizza is the real deal.  Enjoy the Neapolitan pizza prepared by Italian born Chef Dino Santonicola.  

Dino's been making pizza his whole life and he knows what he's doing.  If you haven't had Neapolitan pizza before, realize that the pizza is soft in the middle with ink-black bubbles on the  singed crust.  Pizza originated in Naples.  If you're going into Pizzeria da Marco and expect Domino's style pizza, just stay home and order delivery.  Don't insult the chef by telling him how to make pizza.  Properly making Neapolitan pizza is an art and a profession in Italy. 

Dino gave us a taste of his Margherita pizza which owes its name to Italy's Queen Margherita who in 1889 visited the Pizzeria Brandi in Naples. The Pizzaioli (pizza maker) on duty that day, created a pizza for the Queen that contained the three colors of the new Italian flag. The red of tomato, white of the mozzarella and fresh green basil was not only a hit with the Queen, but eventually became popular all over the world. It is the simplicity of the ingredients and the flavor of the dough that make it so delicious.  

We also loved the Bianca with four cheeses.

Nutella

 You'll love the gelato and the Nutella La Dolce.  Great wine pairings with each course!