Italians of Pittsburgh, rejoice! The brand new F&F Pizzeria in Mt. Lebanon is your secret to authentic pizza, pasta, arancini, and so much more. Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo, a.k.a “The Franks,” are a match made in heaven from Brooklyn, New York and their creation screams true NYC-style. Think flat, fire baked crunchy crust with creamy cheeses and a tomato sauce that’s as fresh as it gets. But, here’s the thing about F&F’s pizza. It’s not just a representation of New York City, it’s a representation of Italy with all their ingredients coming straight from Italian farms.
Big Green Salad and Finocchiona Salami
F&F Pizzeria Opens in Mt. Lebanon, Showcasing NYC Pizza in Pittsburgh
Officially opening October 27, F&F Pizzeria is your chance to try the specialties of Italy you may never get a chance to have in person. For instance, their Frankies 457 Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which the two use on just about everything you’ll find on the menu, comes from olives organically grown in Selinunte, Sicily. The cold-pressing process and specific blend lead to an olive oil that’s extremely versatile and truly Italian. Order their Castelvetrano Nocellara Olives for a similar experience that takes you straight to the vineyards of Italy to try these green gems at their ripest, plumpest point. After all, each olive tree is meticulously picked throughout the season, meaning harvesters return to that same tree until every single olive is at the proper ripeness.
You’ll also dive into authentic Italian products through their handmade pasta line. Over in Italy, there’s a man and his family who make pasta by hand in order to capture the sweetness of each noodle. Here you won’t find any robots doing the work. Instead, a group of people work each day to prepare pounds of pasta using ancient grains that are then slow-dried for four days before they are bagged. Every minute matters and every detail makes a difference to The Franks.
Anthony’s Ember
At the Restaurant and Bar
That same conscientious practice applies to the restaurant and bar the two run in Brooklyn and now their first location outside of New York in Mt. Lebanon. From the moment you walk into the clean-cut, sleek, and open environment, you’re invited by smells from the ovens that surround the kitchen. This restaurant is an example of luxury meets comfort with a drink menu that selects hand-crafted classic cocktails alongside imported Italian wines and brews. Plus, a well-prepared and clutter-free bar lends to a speedy staff that puts quality above all else.
Quality is an interesting trait in Pittsburgh. It seems the city is consistently in search of quality without having to compromise on its usual morals. So, in F&F Pizzeria’s case, the challenge is blending the worlds of New York City, Pittsburgh, and even Italy all into one. How does one deliver a product that’s new and high-quality while also maintaining a Yinzer mentality? The Franks’ answer? You do what you know and you do it well.
What’s on the Menu?
This means that yes, there is a Clam Pizza on the menu which more Pittsburgh-ers have probably never tried before. But, it’s one of the most captivating and intriguing slices you’ll have in your whole life. Choose from a savory, melty garlic white sauce or a tangy, classic marinara to meet a helping of chili flakes, fontina, parmesan, lemon, breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley. Then, on top of it all you’ll find tender clams all over. We recommend adding that extra squeeze of lemon on your slice for that first pop of citrusy, buttery goodness.
Even if something more experimental like Clam Pizza is not quite your jam, The Franks assure that everyone can find something to love on the menu, even if it’s just their Classic Cheese Pie. After all, the two want this establishment on Beverly Road to become a place where you can watch a Steelers game while also toasting to the history of Italy in the form of an Olio Martini or Bianco Negroni.
In case you’re looking for something outside of your usual pizza delivery joint, F&F Pizzeria excels as an option to enjoy the bona fide Italiano life. Not to mention a pizza pie here costs a lot less than a plane ticket and hotel room.
Story and Photos by Kylie Thomas
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