Dagwood's Pizza and Deli Sandwiches

Reviewed by Sarah Watton

The slice I had this past weekend at Dagwood's Pizza in Peachtree Corners was worth the drive to this suburban dive that’s tucked into one end of a Publix strip mall. Still in our church clothes, my husband and I were definitely overdressed for the dimly-lit, but cozy room with walls fittingly adorned with framed memorabilia and large-screen TVs. The menu includes standard bar fare, but it’s the pie that’s kept butts in the wooden booths since 1980 that you’re here for. Pizzas are offered whole and by the slice, with a thin crust option available, as well as strombolis, calzones, and even a stuffed crust pie for those who prefer things neatly packaged.

My husband and I ordered the Deluxe and Greek slices, respectively. A little over ten minutes later, the server brought two huge, steaming slices to our table. With one bite I knew that Dagwood’s pizza had trumped my longtime favorite Atlanta pizza, Napoli’s Pizzeria in Sandy Springs. The dough at Dagwood’s was crisp enough to support the sauce, cheese and toppings without getting doughy or soggy, but still very tender on the inside. The flavor of the dough was also great, but not so much to overpower the taste of the pizza. What earned the gold for me was how each element seemed lovingly attended to. The sauce tasted like a homemade marinara laced with just the right amount of tang and sweeter elements of basil and oregano. The ratio of sauce to cheese to toppings was also just right. My Greek slice had shaved pieces of lamb with caramelized edges and drifts of feta goat cheese and pepperoncini rings, and the Deluxe was loaded with olives, peppers, meat and a thin layering of extra mozzarella across the top to keep it all together.

Dagwood’s is located at 7746 Spalding Drive, where the latter intersects with Holcomb Bridge Road. ITP Atlantans and pizza aficionados willing to make the drive up 141 to this outpost that is serving up some seriously tasty pie will not be disappointed. I know that I will be returning, maybe in the evening for a little team trivia and an ice cold frosty beer.

5 out of 5 Peaches

Address and Directions:

Dagwood's Pizza
7746 Spalding Drive
Norcross, GA 30092
Phone: 770.441.7773

7746 Spalding Drive at Holcomb Bridge Road, in the new Publix Shopping Center

Carrabba's

Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Town Center Location
1160 Ernest Barrett Pkwy.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-499-0338
http://www.carrabbas.com/

5 out of 5 Peaches from Atlanta Foodies

My latest epicurean adventure with my husband, Dan, took me to Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Kennesaw. If you haven’t been to Carrabba’s, you are in for a treat. I love Italian food, and Carrabba’s does it best. They are better than Olive Garden, better than Ippolito’s, and better than Macaroni Grill, although I do enjoy all of these. Carrabba’s on Barrett Parkway sits among many other chains, but its excellent food makes it a stand-out.

We walked in and immediately liked the atmosphere. It’s very romantic, with dim lights, grape vines, and comfy booths. We only had to wait a moment for our tables. We had just gotten glasses of Chianti at the bar when our coaster began to buzz. The hostess seated us in a private booth in the corner.

The waiter was very friendly and brought us warm bread with a dish of olive oil and herbs. He mixed the oil with the herbs at the table. We loved the flavor of the bread with the mixture and requested another. It was delicious. Throughout our meal, the server was conscientious and knowledgeable, and he refilled our wine glasses and soda glasses at the right times.

We skipped appetizers and went straight for the entrees. Dan ordered Filet Fiorentina. He is a cook, so he knows his stuff. He loved everything on his plate. I ordered the current special, Piatto di Pollo – Chicken Bryan and Chicken topped with Port Wine Sauce. It came with sautéed asparagus and vegetable ravioli. The attached photo shows Chicken Bryan, which can be ordered by itself. Let me tell you, my dinner was scrumptious! The different styles of chicken played against each other wonderfully, and the side dishes were sufficiently light that I was able to finish my whole meal. Both of our dinners were perfect. For dessert, we had the Chocolate Dream – a fudge brownie with chocolate mousse, Kahlua, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Oh my goodness, it was to die for!

To sum up, Carrabba’s is a lovely restaurant with superb food. I would recommend it to anyone I know. The prices are mid-range. Overall, we had a wonderful time and will definitely go back to Carrabba’s!

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best), how would you rate this restaurant compared to the other restaurants you visit on a regular basis.

10 for delicious Italian cuisine.

This restaurant is best for (Choose all that apply)

• Good food • Family-friendly • Romantic • Special occasion