A traditional Neapolitan feast

Using the finest flour from Naples and high quality fresh ingredients makes a simple Neapolitan pizza, a fine treat to indulge.The key I am told, to a good Neapolitan pizza is that it shouldn’t be overloaded with toppings. Minimalism in the key here! I can understand why because you don’t really get lost in the flavours but instead each ingredient can be savoured on its own while also combining subtly to give you some really great flavours.

This delicious pizza is available at Oro 1889 at the Liberty Arcade (next to Liberty Plaza), and the hard working couple behind this trendy, rustic restaurant are Thilini and Nish Punzi. Nish is the man behind the menu at Oro 1889 where he brings alive his family's recipes, as well as typically authentic Neapolitan recipes while his bubbly wife Thilini handles the orders and serving along with her brother Gayan De Silva.
What is great about the restaurant is that it is not just the pizzas that stand out, their coffees, starters and desserts are amazing too. Oro’s Cafe 1889 is a sweet coffee served in a coffee cup made in Amalfi. It has a cashew and sugar paste at the bottom and topped with a shot of espresso. I felt it was a great way to start my meal. They also serve up a good Caffè Latte.

These beverages were followed by the most rustic and delicious of starters I’ve had in a while. To start was the delicious Aubergines Parmigiana –  Served in a white dish layered with aubergines lightly cooked in olive oil, tomato sauce and topped with a light sprinkling of mozzarella, parmesan and fresh basil – This dish definitely has a ‘Wow’ factor. I’d also recommend their fresh Garlic Focaccia with rosemary. This light and fluffy bread is such a delight because of the fine grains that make Neapolitan flour.

The pizzas at Oro 1889 take you a step closer to pizza heaven (if there is such a place!). The San Daniele and Panuozzo Del Papa are two pizzas that are a must. The former is topped with tomato, mozzarella, Parma Ham and wild rocket and drizzled with shavings of parmesan and extra virgin olive oil. I loved how the peppery-ness of the wild rocket complimented these subtle ingredients as well as how the pizza gets a little soggy in the middle. It is a really unique experience.

Before I go any further, these aspects might come in handy before you actually try out a Neapolitan pizza –  They are typically about 12 inches in diameter, best eaten on your own, they come uncut and the pizza must be eaten before it goes cold. Also remember that a Neapolitan pizza will strike a careful balance between the crust, sauce and cheese, therefore ingredients are minimal but the taste is great.

And now on to the Panuozzo Del Papa, this folded pizza is filled with tomato, fresh mozzarella, speck ham, lightly fried aubergines, red peppers and extra virgin olive oil. If you are a fan of aubergines, this is the pizza for you as they really compliment the sweetness of the  red peppers and the soft dough, while the speck ham gives a lovely texture and flavour to it. Nish explained that this pizza is a family recipe, so it is no wonder it tastes so good.

As for the desserts, I’d say if you like something naughty and dark, go for the Calzoncino alla Nutella. This folded pizza or Calzone is stuffed with Nutella, topped with powdered sugar and served with home-made vanilla ice-cream. While the Zeppole, (a soft soft and airy Neapolitan doughnut), topped with cinnamon sugar and served with home-made cinnamon ice cream definitely feels like a far less sinful dessert. The perfect finish to my first Neapolitan pizza experience!

Ratings:

Variety of food – 5 stars
Taste – 5 stars
Value for money – 5 stars
Friendly staff – 5 stars
Cleanliness – 5 stars
Parking – 4 stars

Address:

2nd Floor, Liberty Arcade, 282 R.A. De Mel Mawatha,  Colombo 03

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/oro1889

Price Range:

Beverages (include soft drinks, coffees and teas) – Rs 150 to 550    
Starters – Rs 550 to Rs 1,200
Pizzas – Rs 900 to Rs 2,000
Desserts – Rs 450 to Rs 950

By Natasha Fernandopulle
Pics by Kanishke Ganewatte