My wife and I were out shopping last Saturday. On our way we decided to stop for lunch at Crostata’s Pizzeria at the corner of Bishop and Highland Roads. We had been watching the transformation of this location from a coffee bar/shop into a rustic looking building. Upon exiting our car, we were received by the smell of baked bread and wood fire. We knew we were in for a treat! Entering the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by the hostess who seated us at a table. There is a full view of the kitchen area. Our server greeted us almost immediately and asked for our beverages. Soda and ice tea are bottled here. They also have a complete wine list. We looked over the menu. Appetizers, salads and soup were listed on one side. Pizzas and dessert were listed on the other. Since it was lunchtime, they also had a sandwich menu. Everything looked great! We ordered the Pizza Classico and a Caesar salad. The salad was delivered by the chef, Anthony Pilla (who happens to be a nephew to the former Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland). The salad had fresh toasted homemade bread croutons that were still warm, shaved mozzarella cheese slices, and a wonderful dressing. It was served with wonderful warm homemade bread sticks. We devoured our salad and bread and were almost too full for pizza. Then the pizza came, again delivered by Chef Pilla. Pizza Classico had a wonderful blend of buffalo mozzarella, roasted Roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms. Chef Pilla stated each pizza is a work of art. The tomatoes were roasted there. The caramelized onions were sweet and delicious. We took about half of the pizza home. We had no room for dessert, but they serve many Italian delicacies.
Crostata’s is a restaurant in the Quagliata family. Many Mentorites may remember the White House. The Quagliatas also operate Giovanni’s in Beachwood. Chef Pilla grew up in Mayfield Heights and studied in Chicago.

We would definitely recommend Crostata’s . Go there if you want a delicious wood-fired pizza!

Crostata’s Pizzeria
585 Bishop Road
Highland Heights, OH 44143
440-449-7800

Hours
Monday – Thursday
11:30 AM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday
11:30 AM - 10 PM
Closed Sundays

Website in development:
www.crostatas.com

--Chuck Hogye
chogye@news-herald.com