2 Amys Washington DC

Folks come from all over the metro area to taste what the magic of the wood-fired oven at 2 Amys Neapolitan Pizzaria can do to a blend of flour, yeast, water and salt. The result? A lofty crust, bubbled with air pockets as light as a cloud, sublimely melted cheese as a base to the toppings of your choice. It's a beautiful oven, too, a white brick hive with a fiery core into which pies are shoveled with wooden pizza peels. For non-pizza eaters (I'm one, unfortunately) there's a list of small plates and specials prepared with the same fresh and simple attitude.

Owner Peter Pastan, then owner of Dupont Circle's Obelisk, sold his stake in Pizza Paradiso and opened 2 Amys in 2001 to make authentic D.O.C. pizza, as certified and defined by the 'Denominazione di Origine Controllata.' While no longer affiliated with the DOC, the pizza doesn't seem to have changed, and after a flood-forced renovation, the restaurant boasts an overhauled wine list, with unique, affordable bottles, and a wine bar. It's still a popular family destination as well. For balmy nights, the back deck is strewn with lights and, usually, laughter. Except when people are chewing. That's serious business here.