Duo from Italy opening authentic Neapolitan pizzeria and wine bar in downtown St. Pete
/What do a queen and pizza dough have to do with St. Pete, Florida?
Answer: an upcoming pizzeria and wine bar aptly named Original Flavor 1889.
Soon, you won’t have to go far to get a slice of an Italian classic, the Neapolitan pizza, which is characterized by a super thin base with a crispy but light and airy crust. Thanks to Melissa Mihok at Barkett Realty, who represented the landlord, Original Flavor will be coming soon to 409 Central Avenue, which was formerly home to Bombay Grill.
The new pizzeria will be brimming with tradition – all the way down to the prep work. Made only with imported ingredients, every splash of flavor honors an authentic taste. And while you’re rejoicing over unprocessed food, there’s a history lesson happening on the other side of the bar.
The Acunto Neapolitan pizza oven fabricated for Original Flavor 1889
Take a seat and watch the massive Acunto Neapolitan pizza oven fire to life, rising to a blistering 700 degrees Fahrenheit. If the sheer size doesn’t impress you, perhaps the weight will. Styled after the original Victorian-era models that brought contemporary pizza to the dinner table, it clocks in at a massive 6,000 pounds.
Sal Esposito and Davide d'Antuono, owners of Original Flavor 1889, trace their food’s origin to the 19th century, when royalty knocked on a pizzeria door. In the eponymous year of 1889, the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, wanted something fresh. Something she hadn’t yet tried before. Naples responded by creating a dish and naming it in her honor – Pizza Margherita. As a tribute to the nation, the pizza was created using tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, which represent the colors of the flag of Italy.
A Neapolitan-style Margherita Pizza, with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
“We wanted to call back to that time,” d’Antuono explained. “To honor traditional pizza.” The two didn’t have to scramble for inspiration. Both Esposito and d'Antuono grew up in Naples, Italy and quickly knew this Italian staple would be a part of their future.
Although there are other restaurants in downtown St. Pete serving Neapolitan pizza, such as Bavaro’s and Fabrica, Original Flavor will be the only of its kind run by first-generation Italians.
“St. Pete is a beautiful city with beautiful people,” said d’Antuono. “But it was missing something. We wanted to bring something new to the area.”
Esposito and d'Antuono’s main goal is to make dough that doesn’t stick to your gut. According to d’Antuono, it is possible. “You can make tasty, healthy food with simple ingredients.”
By letting the yeast ferment for 48 hours, the dough becomes flakier. “It melts in your mouth,” says d’Antuono. “Like a croissant!” The lighter the dough, the easier it is for your stomach to break down the gluten – so you won’t feel bloated halfway through your meal.
Not in the mood for pizza? The menu will also offer a veggie bowl and a variety of pasta. Wash it all down with a glass of red or white wine (also imported from Italy).
At 2,000 square feet and an inside seating capacity of 51, there’s plenty of space to social distance. Outdoor café seating will also be available.
And if you ever find yourself in the Baltimore area and craving more “American” pizza, check out Pasta Mista, d’Antuono’s other restaurant, which serves New York-style slices, baked ziti, stuffed shells, and more. And with rave reviews under its belt, we’re ready to try d’Antuono’s St. Pete style with open arms.
Original Flavor 1889 will be located at 409 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates as the restaurant begins construction.
