Just returned from a quick trip to Phoenix. While I was there I decided to visit famed pizza mecca Pizzaria Bianco, which consistently ranks at the top or near the top of almost any "Best Pizza in the US" list. An pilgrimage to Bianco's involves a commitment of time. They are only open at night Tues- Sun. I got there at 9:30 and the wait was 1.5 hrs. They say that on weekend nights the wait can be up to 4 hrs!!
Having said that...is the wait worth it? In a word...Absolutely. Any serious devote of pizza must at some point pay a visit. It's just that good. I had the margarita with fennel sausage and mortadella. Every pie is handcrafted by the owner, Chris Bianco. This is a guy who really takes pride in his work.
The crust emerged from the wood burning (ash/white oak) oven charred in all the right places. It was a perfect crust flavorful, nutty and just the right amount of salt. The toppings were all first rate...the sausage was some of the best I've ever had and the mortadella was a great compliment. The sauce was simple, flavorful and perfectly tomatoey.
All in all one of the best pies I've ever had and one of the handful of places where the hype matches the reality.
