Nonna

The ambiance of a traditional Italian pizzeria in the heart of Beirut’s Monot, Nonna is renowned in the city for its wood-oven pizzas. Opened in January 2013, the restaurant’s menu evokes the cozy comforts of a small but bustling Neapolitan eatery, with a gourmet twist. Rustic chairs, hanging kitchen utensils and vintage bulbs characterize the restaurant’s endearing décor. A wall of firewood to one side underscores the essence of the place: simplicity and respect for quality ingredients.

Patrons of the place commend Nonna’s pizza for its delectably thin and crispy crust and variety of ingenious recipes. The most acclaimed among these include the Tartufo, a unique blend of olive paste, bufala and truffle oil, the Diavola, made with piquant salami, a vegetarian goat cheese adaptation and classics such as the Margarita.

But the pizzeria is also gaining popularity for its side dishes of which the truffled mac’n cheese ranks especially high. Appetizers to whet the appetite include a charcuterie assortment and eclectic salads, and an admittedly heavenly fig concoction. The restaurant is also known to change its menu from time to time.

For dessert, try the pain perdu, a slab of doughy bread with a juicy heart of custard goodness. The more adventurous are encouraged to sample the Nutella pizza, a Nonno creation slathered in chocolate hazelnut spread for those indifferent to cardiac-arrest.  But gustatory lightweights have nothing to fear, there are lighter options such as panna cotta and an array of ice cream flavors including the basics vanilla and chocolate, to fruiter varieties.