Central City, Phoenix is a culinary hotspot, and when it comes to comfort food, few things beat a perfectly baked calzone. This article dives deep into the best calzone experiences this vibrant area offers, exploring diverse fillings, crusts, and overall dining experiences. We've compiled this list after extensive research and taste testing (a tough job, but someone had to do it!), focusing on quality, authenticity, and customer reviews. Find your new favorite calzone haven below!
Finding the Perfect Calzone: What to Look For
Before we jump into our top picks, let's discuss what makes a truly exceptional calzone. Several key factors contribute to a memorable experience:
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The Dough: A good calzone starts with the crust. Look for a dough that's both perfectly chewy and slightly crisp, offering a delightful balance of texture. Too soft, and it becomes doughy; too hard, and it's unpleasantly brittle.
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The Filling: The heart of the calzone! High-quality ingredients are key here. Expect generously portioned fillings that are flavorful and well-balanced. Avoid anything that tastes bland or overly greasy.
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The Cheese: Cheese is arguably the most crucial element. A rich, melty blend of cheeses, often including mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone, is essential for that perfect gooey interior.
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The Sauce: A simple yet effective marinara sauce complements the calzone beautifully. Look for a bright, tangy sauce that enhances, not overpowers, the other flavors.
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The Overall Experience: Consider the atmosphere, service, and value for money when choosing your calzone destination.
Top 12 Calzones in Central City, Phoenix: Our Picks
Here are our top 12 choices, carefully curated to showcase the diverse calzone options Central City offers. We’ve included a variety of styles and price points, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
1. Bella Napoli Pizzeria
- Speciality: Authentic Neapolitan calzones with a thin, crispy crust.
- Highlight: Their signature "Diavola" calzone, featuring spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and a fiery Calabrian chili oil.
- Price Range: $
2. Pizzeria Bianco
- Speciality: Award-winning, innovative calzones with unique ingredient combinations.
- Highlight: The "Rosa" calzone with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and basil pesto. A true taste of innovation.
- Price Range: $$
3. Fat Olives
- Speciality: Large, generously filled calzones perfect for sharing.
- Highlight: The "Veggie Supreme," packed with fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta.
- Price Range: $
4. Spinato's Pizzeria
- Speciality: Classic calzones with high-quality ingredients and a focus on fresh flavors.
- Highlight: Their simple "Margherita" calzone demonstrates their commitment to quality ingredients.
- Price Range: $
5. Cibo Pizzeria
- Speciality: Calzones with a unique, slightly sweet crust and gourmet fillings.
- Highlight: The "Prosciutto e Funghi," featuring prosciutto, mushrooms, and a touch of truffle oil.
- Price Range: $$
6. Pomo Pizzeria
- Speciality: Roman-style calzones with a thin, rectangular crust.
- Highlight: Their "Four Cheese" calzone offers a delightful symphony of different cheese textures and flavors.
- Price Range: $
7. The Sicilian Baker
- Speciality: Authentic Sicilian calzones with a thicker, more rustic crust.
- Highlight: The "Caprese" calzone, a fresh and vibrant choice with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Price Range: $
8. Grimaldi's Pizzeria
- Speciality: Coal-fired calzones with a smoky, charred crust.
- Highlight: Their "Meat Lovers" calzone is a carnivore's dream come true.
- Price Range: $$
9. Rusconi's American Kitchen
- Speciality: Calzones with creative and unexpected twists on classic combinations.
- Highlight: The "Spicy Chorizo" calzone, with a kick of heat that will leave you wanting more.
- Price Range: $
10. Flower Child
- Speciality: Health-conscious calzones with fresh, organic ingredients.
- Highlight: Their "Mediterranean Veggie" calzone is a light yet satisfying option.
- Price Range: $
11. Matt's Big Breakfast
- Speciality: Unexpectedly delicious calzones offered alongside their breakfast menu.
- Highlight: The "Breakfast Calzone" a unique combination of savory and sweet breakfast flavors.
- Price Range: $
12. Postino Annex
- Speciality: Calzones that perfectly complement their extensive wine list.
- Highlight: Their selection of gourmet calzones changes seasonally.
- Price Range: $$
Finding Your Perfect Calzone: A Final Word
This list represents a starting point on your Central City calzone journey. Remember to check online reviews, explore menus, and don't be afraid to try something new! The beauty of the calzone lies in its versatility, so happy exploring, and happy eating!
