Via Della Slice Shop — Restaurant in Phoenix

Before reading my review, I would just like to clarify: in my opinion this pizza shop is THE BEST PIZZA IN PHOENIX!! The vegetarian options are absolutely fire and genius; a perfect mix of sweet and savory that is unlike any pizza you will find elsewhere. The slices feel light and not overly greasy while being packed with flavor. I haven’t found as unique and tasty pizza since moving to Phoenix 3 years ago, which is why I can’t help but keep coming back.

That being said, nearly every time I have come here I have had a poor experience at the register. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt as everyone has their days but a male at the register wearing a baseball cap has been rude to me on several occasions. Today particularly hurt when I suggested to my coworker that we stop by after our shift. I take 911 calls for a living and today had been a harder day than usual for everyone; I was excited to show my coworker my new pizza spot and step away from some of the general heaviness of the day. When we walked in, I had to use the restroom and asked if I could borrow the key. The cashier then pronounced that the bathroom key is for dine-in customers only to which I stated that we were planning to dine in… I had just wanted to use the restroom first before digging in. Instantly, I felt as though I was a burden. He then proceeded to stare at me blankly while customers looked on before telling me that someone was already in the restroom. I learned after that customers were just lining up directly at the door and not having to ask for the key from staff in the first place. So then, there we were; dining in like we had intended but now we were sitting in the barstool area right next to the register silently eating in embarrassment. My coworker figured we got treated like that because we were still in uniform… I felt bad for bringing her there in the first place.

I love the food here but I think getting it to go might be the...

I had been looking for a good slice joint when I started working downtown Phoenix, which was after living in NYC for 20 years. I heard about Via Della and took a coworker to try it for lunch.

Immediately upon entering I knew I was going to be happy. My ears were greeted with the sound of the oven doors constantly being opened with slices going in and out, a technique I had observed in NYC pizzarias. My eyes took in the brick, and I noticed the historical photos on the walls which made fall in love with the place, I love history, especially Phoenix and Arizona history.

A selection of pies is behind glass and you order your slice from the register. I always get a pepperoni slice at a new joint to judge the place. They throw the slice in the oven and then bring it to you once it's been warmed up. The slice had the appropriate amount of grease, little, which meant quality pepperoni and cheese. The cheese was melted and just enough stretch, delicious on top of the tasty tomato sauce. The crust was the proper thickness, which for me is on the thinner side, crisp not doughy but easily folded in half. The Grandma slice is a staple in most NYC pizzerias, pleased to see it here and enjoy mixing it up by ordering this every so often.

I've tried every pizza option available and have enjoyed every single one. A coworker of mine loves their sandwiches. And we've tried the wings which were tasty, did take a little longer to prepare which they told us when ordering.

Parking is on the street, most of it is metered parking. Currently in the spring of '23, they are only open Wednesday-Sunday which is their biggest drawback for me (I understand, I just wish they were open during more of the work week). I recommend this spot to anyone looking for great eats in DTPHX, especially...

Via Della Slice Shop is located at 222 N 5th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Here's the score sheet:

Sauce / Rub AVG: 9.31

Plain: You know this is what I always recommend for a first visit with sauce on the side, but “Plain” doesn’t even apply in the case. Coated in cornmeal (definitely some other spices as well) and fried to a deep golden crisp, one of the best plain wings I’ve ever had. 9.25

Mild: The epitome of what a handcrafted mild sauce should taste like, buttery, vinegar, pizzaz, delightful. 9.25

Hot: Mild with a punchy side, if left to its own devices it may take a chunk out of your ear, Holyfield! 9.5

Hot Honey: Not “Mike’s” Hot Honey, something more twisted and fierier than you’re getting from a mail order or grocery store. Pair it with the plain wings, you won’t be sorry. 9

Golden BBQ: MUSTARD, BBQ, MARRY ME NOW! 9.5

Consistency: CRUNCHY with a capital NCHY (whatever) but still juicy on the inside, pulls off the bone with minimal effort, great size but the coating does add a little girth, they’re Double CC THICC. 9

Meat Flavor: How could it be anything but remarkable? I believe the hostess said they brined in buttermilk but I could be wrong, whatever they’re doing it’s right. 9

Presentation: Basket stacked to overflow, this is the only thing I’d prefer a little more care put into, but they do market themselves as a slice & wing shop so… 7

Accoutrement: Notta. Unsure if they have bleu or ranch, wasn’t offered.

Heat: Plain – 0, M – 1.5, H – 2, HH – 3.5!, GBBQ – .5

Syndicate Score: 34.31 / 40 (excludes heat / accoutrement)

Recommendation: Loved every minute of it, grab a grandma slice or a specialty and you're set for the afternoon.

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