No matter how you slice it, the Exton area has a saucy bunch of pizza eateries that are making our mouths water. Offering up cheese-covered, oven-fired, hand-tossed, artisan-crafted pizzas as well as alfresco dining and take-out choices, these classics and newcomers are serving up perfect pies in this part of Chester County:
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
This southern Florida chain is serious about the charred crunch of these “well-done” loaded pies with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic recipes. Anthony’s signature menu includes traditional and specialty pizzas with meatballs and ricotta, eggplant Marino and, for the vegetarians in your crowd, a roasted cauliflower pie. All dough is made daily and stretched to order. Expect a full and inclusive bar and a high-energy vibe. Catering, takeout and al fresco dining are available. 123 E. Swedesford Rd., (610) 594-1900
Anthony’s Wood Oven Pizzeria
Home of the “classica” signature pizza, this BYOB offers up gourmet pies that include the portabello mushroom-loaded Exotica, Frutti de Mare, Capricciosa and the four-cheese mix of the Gorgonzola. Take-out and catering available. Closed Sundays. 410 W. Lincoln Hwy., (610) 524-6666
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
As one of the original anchors of bustling Main Street at Exton, this eclectic, vintage atmosphere will impress you almost as much as one of the restaurant’s family-style pizzas that will make you yell “successone!” Enjoy the kick of a spicy arrabbiata pie, or go classic with a straight-up pizza con formaggio. Relax with the smooth tunes of Sinatra and Martin as you imbibe from the well-stocked bar and drink in the feels-like-home ambience. Great times for la famiglia. Catering, banquets and gluten-free options are available. 300 Main St., (610) 524-9939
Giorgio’s Pizza & Subs
It’s difficult to decide whether it’s the house-made sauce, fresh ingredients or the fact that you can pop in for a $2 slice that make this one of Exton’s go-to pizza spots. Build-your-own or make-it-stuffed with sliced steak, buffalo chicken or Italian meats and a mile-long topping list that includes pepperoni, ham, pineapple, sausage and bubbling cheeses. Giorgio’s is known for the perfect dough-to-sauce ratio and daily specials. Eat-in, take-out or get super-speedy delivery on those busy weeknights when nothing else will do. 135 W. Lincoln Hwy., (610) 524-6104
Red Star Craft House
Boasting a menu of upscale artisan dishes, this Dave Magrogan “star” consistently cranks out stellar crusts topped with seasonal toppings. Thirty taps of local and national brew selections and cold-pressed juices for cocktails make this restaurant top the list of those looking for cooler beverages in the coming months. The outdoor patio is perfect for a happy hour or a family night out. Music on weekends keeps the restaurant hopping. Catering, parties and gluten-free crusts available upon request. 146 Exton Square Mall, (610) 524-5893
Rino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
A neighborhood stand-out, family-owned Rinos has been hand-spinning neapolitan pizzas for more than 25 years in the Exton area. Also known for authentic Italian fare, the pies here are diverse and overflowing with quality meats, veggies and cheeses like Italian flag, Nella Bella and traditional tomato pie. Reasonably priced calzones and strombolis round out the grande menu that pairs well with an up-to-date list of craft beer selections. Kids’ parties, catering and a special event list with few rivals make Rino’s a “must” on your dining list. 327 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 363-0515
Rocco’s Pizza
Owner Frank Natale and his wood-burning brick oven take house-made dough and sauces to a real-deal level of Italian authenticity at this spot opened in 1984 and renovated in 1997. The delicious menu lists rustica, naples, chicken cajun, margherita and fan favorite florentine. Specials, catering and easy parking are available. 605 N. Pottstown Pike, (610) 280-OVEN
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille
Celebrating 25 years in the Exton/Lionville location, owner Ron Inverso boasts that his Italian restaurant “has something for everyone.” Loyal customers find crispy pizza, stuffed strombolis and Ron’s exclusive “ovals” with names like Cha Cha Chicken, No Holds Barred, Fire-Veggie and the “Ultimate” for those who want it all. The Best of Main Line spot has live music with “acoustic Wednesdays” and rockin’ weekends. Call-ahead seating, a full bar, take-out brews, gluten-free selections, delivery, catering and party packages are available. 74 Uwchlan Ave., (610) 594-9900
Snap Custom Pizza
The new kid on the block in Main Street at Exton takes pizza personalization to the nth degree in a snap (minutes). Opened at the beginning of this year, the Main Line-born chain gives new meaning to “in-front-of-your-eyes-contruction” using fresh ingredients. Indulge in reasonably priced custom pizzas with choices of any toppings for no additional charge, including vegetables, cheeses and meats including pepperoni, Italian sausage, veal meatballs, applewood-smoked bacon and all-natural chicken. Not to miss for the sweet-toothed pizza lover is the Nutella Dessert Pizza with sliced bananas, nutella and whipped cream. 291 Main St., (484) 875-5800
Don’t forget our neighboring communities with perfect pies, too, as you make your way around the county. Downingtown touts Milito’s Ristorante, Pomodoro and Anthony’s Pizza and Grill; West Chester has Couch Tomato Cafe, RapiDough, America’s Pie and the recently opened Lorenzo & Sons; or head a little north to Eagleview for The Brickside Grille and Sal’s Ristorante and Pizzeria.
- Photo credits, top to bottom: Amy Strauss, Michele Kornegay, Ron's Original Bar & Grill, Snap Custom Pizza
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