Gourmet pizzas were hot; flavor trend was to hearty side
Zavino
112 S. 13th St.; 215-732-2400; www.zavino.com
This lively pizzeria-wine bar adds a worthy new option to Philly's suddenly growing artisan-pizza scene, with a corner cafe space at 13th and Sansom that hums with a casual, youthful vibe. Founding chef Steven Gonzalez has left since the initial review, but a recent revisit proved Zavino's kitchen remains steady under new chef Matt White, with flavorful charcuterie and cheese plates and heat-blistered pies that easily rank among the city's best, from the minimalist perfection of the puffy-crusted Margherita (yes, better than Stella's) to the signature spicy meatball. The small and quirky wine list remains a mixed-bag work in progress. But a Snap liqueur-infused panna cotta for dessert was not to be missed. Reviewed April 18; revisited December.