Omaggio Pizzeria
Background:
Omaggio means "tribute" in Italian, and Omaggio Pizzeria in the Metropolitan Center in Midtown, Charlotte is just that--a tribute to the simple and flavorful cuisine of Rome. Owner Daniel Siragusa moved from Rome with his family when he was three, and he has maintained a strong connection to his family's roots ever since.
Omaggio has pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. Recently, Siragusa invited us out to try some menu items, including their seasonal spring pizza. We liked it so much, that we came back the following week with Jason's grandma! At 96, she is the toughest critic we know, and we were sure that Omaggio would pass her strict muster. We were right--she loved it!
On our two visits, we have tried a couple of appetizers, pizza, and pasta. Their pizza is now one of our Charlotte favorites. The thin Roman-style crust is a welcome change from all of the Neapolitan pizza we have had in our lives lately. Check out all of the delicious things we tried below!
Eat This:
Burrata
Proscuitto San Daniele & Burrata
up close & personal
Bruschette
originale & truffle
Parmigiana
tomato sauce, homemade Italian sausage, fior di latte (fresh mozzarella), roasted eggplant, shaved parmigiano reggiano
Fior di Zucca
whole milk mozzarella, ricotta, zucchini, zucchini flower, salt, pepper, EVOO
Pepperoni
tomato sauce, whole milk mozzarella, pepperoni (delicious baby pepperoni!)
Ortolana
tomato sauce, whole milk mozzarela, roasted red peppers, eggplant, zuucchini
Bolognese
with spaghetti (sub for rigatoni)
Garlic Rolls
Hey Mikey! She likes it!
Dessert:
The tiramisu and cannolis are made in-house, and we tried the tiramisu on our first visit. It was the fluffiest and most flavorful we have had this side of the Atlantic. We also tried their peach and lemon sorbets, and those were also fabulous.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
House-made Tiramisu
as fluffy as a cloud
Peach Sorbet
with house-made whipped cream
Lemon Sorbet
Grandma's favorite!
Drink:
Omaggio offers soft drinks, beer, wine, and really good Illy brand coffee and espresso.
Americano
Atmosphere:
Casual, light, bright, and clean. There is also a lovely patio dining area.
Roman Hospitality:
Siragusa and his staff provide top notch service, and this is one of the biggest draws. You are treated like family at Omaggio, and that's a rare and precious thing in our city's rapidly growing restaurant scene.
Frankie's Notes:
When Grandma likes a restaurant, you know it is top notch; I didn't share even a bite of those garlic rolls with anyone; We love all of the decorative bikes at Charlotte restaurants; The tiramisu at Omaggio is so good it will make your forget your own name; We are starting a petition for more flowers on pizza; Does Omaggio get the baby pepperoni from miniature pigs?
Disclaimer: [Some of these] meal[s] were provided free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are our own, and we were not compensated for this review.