Pizza Grace — Restaurant in Birmingham

Over the years I have learned that arguing what is and isn’t good pizza is a best not done between friends or polite company. When it comes to pizza, there are as many opinions as there are pizza joints. But sometimes the stars align, and the pizza is so good that folks drop their hands and just agree that with all preconceived notions and debatable perceptions aside, a particular restaurant just simply has fantastic pies. And so it was with Pizza Grace.

As my wife and I strolled along the cobblestone paved streets of Morris Ave, the smell of fresh baked dough and melting cheese filled the air. Bright-eyed, we both glanced at each other with that look. We didn’t even have to say it, this smells like good pizza. As we passed the glass walled restaurant, we peeked onto a table bearing a delicious looking pizza that had been so precisely kissed by the heat that the edges were slightly and perfectly charred (we would discover later it was thanks to a 720-degree oven). We immediately knew exactly where we were having dinner.

The atmosphere and ambiance of the restaurant is unique and just as satisfying as the food. Though take out is available, you certainly won’t complain about the setting should you decide to eat in. Situated on the lower corner of the Mercantile on Morris building, it overlooks the before mentioned cobblestone lined street as well as the pedestrian plaza leading to First Avenue North. Speaking of the plaza, you’ll find it offers a bit of outdoor seating if you prefer. The design of the suite is sleek and modern with airy ceilings and big windows. Hints of the rustic building still show through the contemporary accents giving a glimpse into its storied past.

As far as the menu goes, it’s just right. It’s not overcrowded or complicated with random pizza concoctions with piles of motley ingredients, each overpowering a bit more than the next. Instead, Pizza Grace focuses on a narrower selection with each offering prepared perfectly. The is one of the finest examples of “less is more” I’ve seen in a while. We opted for a simple pepperoni pizza, and I have to say I’ve never had better. As far as the crust goes, I struggle to explain it other than perfect and delicious. I’m afraid that trying to describe its texture or flavor will muddy the water and just won’t do it justice. You’ll have to trust me on this one. The other elements and ingredients of the pizza were perfectly balanced, and the freshness and quality were apparent in every bite. Warning: It will be impossible to not gaze across the table at your companion and shake your head “yes” as you savor the first bite.

There are a few items for those who want something in the lighter fare department by way of artisan salads and appetizers. Of course, there are dipping sauces and other extras available too. Save room for freshly baked and toothsome cookies as well (If you are lucky, you may happen visit on a day where cookies infused with Ferrero Rocher candy are offered). For the thirsty, there is a generous lineup of specialty beer, wines, and other soft drinks.

Oh yeah, ask for Cole. He’s an awesome server and his service only enhanced...

This is the best pizza in Birmingham, and the best pepperoni pizza, anywhere! What makes it the best? Somehow, the crust is light, thin, and delicate, but not soggy! Even the crust around the edge--the non-sauced perimeter--remains tender and delicious: just perfect. (They offer dipping sauces--primarily for the crust--and they're definitely worth trying. I'm generally not a ranch dressing fan, but their garlic ranch is a fantastic dip with the chewy-but-not-tough crust.) The red sauce is tomatoey with just the right amount of in garlic. We get the margarita with pepperoni (to get the mozzarella cheese instead of the provolone). The allotment of cup-and-char pepperoni is very, very generous, and the pepperoni has a wonderful smoky taste. Somehow, the pizza has a wood-fired oven flavor even though it is baked in a traditional, non-wood-fired oven. It is truly amazing, and I don't understand how they do it. It's almost like magic... or grace. A few other notes: salads are great, as are the beers and wines. We particularly like the Mexican beer and the Lambrusco wine; don't be scared off by wine in a can. What we've had has been very good. Lastly, their desserts rival the pizza in quality and taste. We've had several types of cheese cake, carrot cake, apple spiced cake, and a chocolate tart.

This is tremendously good food, and the restaurant should be packed--except when we want to visit, of course. Everyone on the staff has been extremely polite and friendly during our visits. If you're in or around BHM, and you like pizza, you're punishing yourself by not going. We can't wait to return next week.

Google Maps asked: has it changed? Fortunately, no, it hasn't. It's still the best pizza in town and the best pepperoni anywhere. (Try the margarita with pepperoni.)

Google Maps asked, again: has it changed? It's only gotten better. They've recently added the Magic City Mushroom pie. Get it with Benton's bacon. It's just about the best pizza that I've ever had. The Game Day is very good, too.

P.S. The man makes amazing cheese cake and many other...

The pizza is good, we got the sweet and sour one. Def on the pricier side but the pizza is big so not a problem. The biggest problem is the staff, they are extremely slow and careless. The girl we have just use the same super wet towel to wipe both the table with food crumb and the chairs, I just notice it when we already sit down, the whole restaurant is kinda dark itself so I didn’t pay much attention. I wear a light color pants and of course when I got home the bottom of my pain, my butt area got a couple of pizza sauce stain. I cover my lap with the napkin so there is no way I drop it myself. The dude is just shaky he drop a glass at the table next to us and try to swipe it up really quick, I saw he missed a couple of big chunk underneath that man. He also tried to grab our dishes the moment we stand up to leave and almost ran to us, 0 awareness of people around, not even a little excuses me. I kid you not we were ready to paid for almost 20m and not a single waiter come to check on us, it is a Tuesday night so the place def not busy, they just walk around cleaning table and talk to each other. To the point that I have to come and tap on her shoulder to get her attention and our check. I love the place and what it does for the area but some place like this and the price rank, I hope they could find people that care or just train...