La Perla Pizzeria

I was born and raised in Naples Italy, the birth place of Pizza, so when I read "authentic Pizzeria Napoletana" on a menu, I am always very skeptic. Let me forewarn, If you like nothing but the american style huge doughy pizza loaded with crappy cheese and oil, or the crunchy thin pizza that feels like you're eating a cracker with some tomato sauce, then steer away from this place, unless you're an open minded eater.
Now on to the pizza. I was impressed. What makes or breaks a pizza napoletana is 70% the dough and how it is cooked. This had the right consistency, it was soft, but not undercooked, and the crust was perfect, lightly crunchy and fluffy, with a few lightly burnt spots that give it hat distinct flavor. I oredered the Margherita. That is the very first pizza invented, and when I try a pizza place I always try the simplest one. My philosophy is, if they can't get right the simplest of pizzas, How can they do the more complicated ones well? I would give this pizza, on a scale of 1 to 10 (one being terrible and 10 being a real pizza napoletana) a 7. Not to be mean but unfortunately the mozzarella was very disappointing. It's hard to get good fresh mozzarella in the US, and when they do, they make you pay for it.
Mozzarella is an essential ingredient and nobody makes it better than Naples Itlaly, If you're curious, research Mozzarella di bufala campana and see what mozzarella should look like. And if you want to taste it, either fly to Naples, or go to Miami Florida, and visit Fratelli la Bufala Pizzeria THE best pizza I've ever had in the US, and oreder the Mozzata. Shell out $30 bucks if you're curious... I loved it.

Anyway back on to La perla. Will I go back? Yes there are many other pizzas to try. Is it worth going? Yes, the pizza is very good (the margherita for now). Steer away from the cold cuts cheeses plate in the Antipasti, they're mostly picked veggies, 3 pieces of crappy cheese and some passable cold cuts, drowned by the veggies vinegar and oil.

I will update on my next visit. Till then, I hope this was helpful.

Excellent food. Even better staff! Thank you for only hiring amazing staff. It makes a HUGE difference.

Best pizza West of New York.  Visited our niece at  univ Oregon and she took us over to La Peria and what a surprise!  The crust, cheeses and sauces are right out of Italy. My wife had the pracito and arugula pizza and it was #1.  I had the 4 combo and was extremely good but loved the simple favors. I might have to drive down from Portland more often!