Friday, April 1, 2011

Overview: TAGOLIO PIZZERIA and ENOTECA

Initial Thoughts:
  • Design and Decor:  Cozy setting with beautiful Italian artwork
  • Food:  Coal fired pizza
  • Drinks:  Excellent wine and cocktails options
  • Service:  Friendly and fun
  • Would I go back?  Yes. 
We walked into Tagolio Pizzeria and Enoteca and were greeted by Carla Warner and Tagolio's Founder, Gil Fornaris.  

We loved the homemade Focaccia with Italian olive oil.  
It went well with the beautiful red wine and signature cocktails.

Pretty much everything is made in-house including the creamy burrata cheese (he must have known the way to my heart) to the Caponata.  

In January 2009, Gil Fornaris found this great location in the heart of "restaurant row" in Crystal City and decided to open a coal fired pizzeria and enoteca.   Gil is extremely welcoming and friendly with a fabulous knowledge about food.
Born and raised in Nice, France, minutes from the Italian border and where pizza and Italian food are a way of life, Fornaris grew up working as a "pizzaiolo" with a gentleman from Napoli named Giuseppe Tagolio.  

 He quickly developed a deep love of Neapolitan pizza which eventually led him to open up Tagolio. Tagolio not only offers pizza, but they also make wonderful seafood including these scallops and shrimp with marinated tomatoes and arugula pesto.

You can't leave Tagolio without tasting the delightful cannoli.

We'll be back again soon for seconds.  Tagolio will also be offering Italian cooking classes.  More information on the classes will be coming soon.

TAGOLIO PIZZERIA & ENOTECA is located at 549 S 23rd St in Arlington, VA.  The restaurant serves dinner Monday-Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm.  

Patrons can also enjoy lunch and dinner service on Fridays from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm or Tagolio's Sunday Italian Brunch from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Private dining is offered in their upstairs Barolo Room, where gusts can custom tailor a menu for their special occasion and accommodate up to 30 seated guest and 50 cocktail reception-style.

Tagolio Pizzeria on Urbanspoon

 Photos by Emily Clack

No comments: