You’ve probably walked past it a dozen times if you’re hanging around Deerfield Beach. Or maybe you saw the glowing reviews online and wondered if it’s just another "Italian-style" spot or the real deal. Honestly, the South Florida food scene is crowded with places claiming they have the best pizza, but Parthenope Ristorante & Pizzeria Napoletana hits different. It isn’t trying to be a fancy fusion bistro. It’s basically a love letter to Naples, tucked away in a strip mall on Military Trail.
The Secret to the Parthenope Ristorante & Pizzeria Napoletana Crust
Most people think "thin crust" means crunchy like a cracker. That’s not what’s happening here. When you sit down at Parthenope Ristorante & Pizzeria Napoletana, you’re getting a crust that is soft, airy, and slightly charred—what the Italians call "leopard spotting."
They use a wood-fired oven. High heat. Like, 900 degrees high.
It cooks the pizza in about 90 seconds. This method keeps the toppings fresh and the dough hydrated. If you try the Margherita, you’ll notice the San Marzano tomatoes have that specific tang that only grows in volcanic soil. It’s simple. Flour, water, salt, yeast. But the way they handle it makes all the difference.
What to Order if You’re Bored of Pepperoni
Look, we all love a classic slice. But if you’re at Parthenope, you’ve gotta branch out. Their menu is surprisingly deep.
- The Mortazza: This one is a game-changer. It’s a white pizza (no tomato sauce) topped with mortadella, creamy burrata, and crushed pistachios. It sounds weird if you haven't had it, but the saltiness of the meat with the nuttiness of the pistachio is incredible.
- Salsiccia e Friarielli: This is the ultimate "if you know, you know" pizza. It’s got Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. It’s bitter, savory, and very traditional.
- Diavola: For the spice lovers. It uses spicy salami and fior di latte mozzarella.
It’s Not Just a Pizza Joint
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking this is just a quick takeout spot. It’s not. It’s a full-service ristorante. They have these Arancini (fried risotto balls) that are crispy on the outside and literally melt when you bite into them.
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Then there’s the Ziti alla Genovese.
Don’t confuse this with pesto. A true Neapolitan Genovese is a meat sauce made by slow-cooking onions and beef for like 24 hours until the onions basically turn into a jam. It’s rich. It’s heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to take a nap immediately after, but in a good way.
They also do a Zuppa di Pesce that is loaded with clams, mussels, calamari, and shrimp. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you Naples is a coastal city.
The Atmosphere and Vibe
Kinda cozy. A little bit loud when it’s full.
The service is usually pretty warm, though it can get hectic on Friday nights. It feels like a family-run place because, well, it is. You’ll see people having first dates at the small tables and big families sharing carafes of house wine at the larger ones.
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It’s located at 1125 S Military Trail, Deerfield Beach, FL.
If you're driving there, just look for the sign near the Target. It’s unassuming from the outside, but once the smell of burning oak hits you at the door, you know you’re in the right place.
Common Misconceptions About Neapolitan Pizza
One thing that trips people up is the "wet" center.
If you’re used to New York-style pizza that you can hold upright, a Neapolitan pie might surprise you. Because of the fresh mozzarella (fior di latte) and the quick cook time, the middle of the pizza is often soft.
In Naples, people often eat it with a fork and knife.
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Don't send it back thinking it's undercooked! That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. The moisture from the cheese and tomatoes creates a sort of sauce in the middle that you're supposed to dip the crust into.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Hours: They usually close for a few hours in the mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner. Always double-check their current schedule before driving over.
- Make a Reservation: Especially if you have more than four people. The space isn't huge, and it fills up fast.
- Try the Specials: They often have seasonal pasta dishes or appetizers like baby octopus (Polipo alla Luciana) that aren't on the regular menu.
- Save Room for Tiramisu: Theirs is house-made and isn't overly sweet. It’s the perfect end to a salty meal.
- Parking: The lot can get crowded since it's shared with other shops. Give yourself an extra five minutes to find a spot.
If you want to experience what actual Italian food tastes like without buying a plane ticket to Italy, this is one of your best bets in Florida. Just go in with an open mind, forget the "extra cheese" American habits, and let the chef do his thing.
Next Steps:
If you're planning to head there this weekend, call ahead to see if they have any seasonal seafood specials. If you're ordering takeout, keep in mind that Neapolitan pizza is best eaten within 15 minutes of leaving the oven, so try to eat it while it's hot.