New York has its thin-crust. Chicago has its deep-dish. Now Delray Beach has authentic Italian pizza, thanks to Mastino Wood-Fire Kitchen and Bar (25 N.E. Second Ave.), which just debuted in the Pineapple Grove district of Delray.
At the center of the restaurant is a steel handcrafted wood-burning oven that was imported from Naples, Italy. It bakes only the highest-quality Napolean-style pies – so authentic, in fact, that Chef Salvatore Campanile received certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana “True Neapolitan Pizza Association” to create them.
These artesian authentic Neapolitan personal pizzas are Mastino’s signature item. Other offerings on the menu include traditional Italian “soul food” like the “porchetta-style” brick-oven panini sandwiches and homemade meatballs. A mozzarella bar serves hand pulled mozzarellas including burrata, straciatella and buffalo milk mozzarella that’s imported twice a week from Italy. The restaurant also has a wide selection of craft beers, wines and signature cocktails.
The casual-style Italian eatery is part of Society 8 Hospitality Group, the same people who brought SoLita to neighborhood in 2011. In fact, the new concept will serve as a casual compliment to the more exclusive SoLita. It has taken over the restaurant’s former main dining room and the two establishments will share the adjoining space and outdoor patio-area. The new space has been transformed to give off an industrial feel. Black-and-white photographs of Italian-style street food hang from its traditional-style red brick walls and comfortable black leather couches create a relaxed atmosphere.
Soon Mastino will open up its kitchen to foodies interested in learning how to make their own pies. The Artisan Pizza Academy which will offer three culinary classes: The Art of Mozzarella Class, Introduction to Basic Pizza Making Class and a Five-Day Professional Neapolitan Pizza Certification Course. Those wanting to attend should call 561/922-0900 for dates and pricing.
Mastino gets its name from the Italian bullmastiff who, according to old folklore, guarded the kitchen of the chef who created the Neapolitan-style margherita pizza for Queen Margherita.
Masino will be open for lunch Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and will serve dinner daily from 5-11 p.m.
