Marc Vetri is a great Philadelphia chef, a pioneer of authentic Italian cuisine, and a champion of his city. His high-end Italian restaurants are pillars of a robust restaurant landscape.

But if you are on a budget or looking to dine without reservations, try Pizzeria Vetri. With locations near the Art Museum and Rittenhouse Square and now the suburbs, Pizzeria Vetri is a bustling place. Craft beer and creative salads complement the calzones and the authentic Neapolitan pizza.

The open kitchen and big tables add to the sense of energy that reminds me of some of my favorite spots in Italy’s cities. The food is simply divine. I love the Margherita, done just as well as the pizzas I have had in Naples. The dough is slow fermented, one of the secrets to its uncommon taste. And the sweets are surprisingly good, with sweet pizzas and fried dough with Nutella. The food sounds basic, but it is well executed, with flourishes that elevate it from the everyday.

And Marc Vetri is the real deal, a booster of Philadelphia and its public schools. His foundation focuses on childhood nutrition and food education. It feels good to spend money in this man’s restaurants!

You can find another location at 1615 Chancellor St. Let this pizzeria be your entry point into Vetri dining. It only goes up from here!