Pizzaiola by Massilia Italian pizza 7th floor, CentralWorld Open Monday to Sunday: 10am-10pm Call 062-592-8586 or 02-252-8827 Visit www.pizzaiola.co
The setting
It is not often I am found in a shopping mall and on the rare occasion I will trek to CentralWorld (anything for steps on one's Fitbit). However, in recent months if you should find yourself in CentralWorld and hungry after all that walking and shopping, there is finally a place worth eating in.
Pizzaiola by Massilia has added a much needed bright spark to the "Heaven on Seven" food floor, with its open plan, colourful space. Staying true to the brand and Luca Appino, the brains behind the gourmet pizzas, Pizzaiola offers authentic Italian fare at prices that are not as expensive as his other pizza outlets.
Azzurri blue and white wooden chairs are set around the kitchen, with wood-topped tables set around the space. The kitchen has mosaic tiles with the built-in brick pizza oven in full display, having being painted on (to match the menu design) by graphic artist Jirayu Koo.
Pizzaiola is Italian for "lady pizza maker", a name that comes from the Italian movie "L'Oor di Napoili" starring Sophia Loren. It has also inspired the restaurant's logo -- half woman, half pizza slice, also illustrated by Jirayu.
The menu
If there is one thing that Pizza Massilia stands out for, it is their dough, and this is prominent at Pizzaiola, as well. The dough is made from organic flour and has a smoky taste and an aroma that will almost immediately make you suffer from hunger pangs.
The menu has a fair share of pasta and pizza and steak (insert tongue sticking out emoji), but the one pizza that stands out above the rest is from the "Pizza fusion: Thai taste" section. The Sai ua Chiang Mai sausage (medium B270, large B340), is my favourite pizza on the menu and as you are well aware, I am not one for fusions. The heady mix of sai ua sausage, deep fried pork skin (yes, you read that right), Italian tomato sauce, Fior di latte mozzarella, chilli, coriander and extra virgin olive oil make for the most delicious pizza!
If you have more of a classic palate, order the Burrata and Capocollo Calabro (large B590). Creamy burrata is served atop premium, cured pork neck from Calabria, also known as Capocollo calabro duecento, over Italian tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil. Garnished with Italian basil. Delish!
If you're alone and can't devour an entire pizza, go for the Panzotti -- baked baby calzone filled with spicy meatballs ragout or spinach and ricotta (B240). Pizzelle or three mini pizzas can also be ordered with a selection of three toppings: Margherita, Spicy salami, Sautéed mushrooms, Mortadella and Capacollo Calabro (B390).
Do leave room for the best there is: Beef tagliata (B590). Flame-grilled prime Australian beef sliced "tagliata", plated with Parmesan shavings amid rocket.
Leave space to indulge your sweet tooth. Start off with the Lemon sorbet (B140), a cooling sweet treat in a waffle cone, with candied lemon. I am a fan of Nutella and will spread it on just about anything. So the Nutellamisu' (B280), a delightful take on the traditional tiramisu with a twist of Nutella is a must-order.
Do not leave, and I mean it, without trying the Pizza color (B260), which is a pizza spread with Nutella and M&Ms as the topping. My only criticism is that it should be made mini so I don't have to share!
Insider's Tip
Recycled paper placemats are readable and also serve as colouring sheets for adults and kids alike. Look for the Italian lottery game, which appears much like Snakes And Ladders, on a few placemats. The plates are hand-painted and they add to charm of the restaurant, as does its rather green surroundings. Look for posters that announce special deals.
Value and Verdict
The splashes of colour make Pizzaiola standout in the otherwise bland humdrum of a shopping mall. While prices may be steep compared to the other "pizza" joints in the mall, quality ingredients are guaranteed. Does quality come cheap? In the case of Pizzaiola -- relatively.
