So...I ate lunch at Proof at 12:30...but the chilled soup I ordered was super strange and the salad lack luster and a bit too tart. I didn't eat much. Almost three hours later I was (still) hungry. Walking around in the 100 degree heat I thought I was beginning to see and smell a pizza mirage. But no, it was no mirage. It was Luigi's! With a tiny gelato cart outside, natch.
In I went for a crispy, greasy (giant) slice of cheese and a small gelato. Was it the best pizza I've consumed? Hardly. But I'll tell you, it certainly filled the gaping hole of the lunch that was missing from Proof. And while my meal at Luigi's was certainly cheaper than that of Proof, I still found it pricey for what I received. But hey, I took my slice and small cup of gelato and mowed it down.
Note that there are a few outdoor tables that are great for lunchtime people watching! And, if you're paying via credit card there's a $6.50 minimum. Grazie, Luigi!
Gave this place a try due to a Groupon. Â The first time I went I loved it because the eggplant parm was freakin awesome. Â But then I found out that they have a rotating menu - which is great, but so far nothing has stood up to the eggplant parm. Â Pretty disappointed about that. Â I will keep going due to it's convenient location, but I'm not going to get my hopes up every time. Â
You know the other thing that really gets my goat? Â They make you buy bottled water. Â Seriously, what is that all about. Â I hardly ever buy soda when I'm at a restaurant and I do not feel like I should have to start. Â What does it take to get a soda dispenser that has a water option. Â Water costs pretty much nothing, just offer it. Â You know you have it on tap. Â Give me a cup with no ice and just tap water and I'll be a happy camper.
There must be something said for a pizzeria who all speak Italian.
This shop has odd hours for evening so I normally do not have a chance to try them out. I was walking by Saturday afternoon and stopped by for some pasta, however on Saturday there is no pasta. I thought it odd that they would not have their full menu since Saturday downtown is when you would get most of your business from hungry tourists. The service is like a lunch buffet where you can choose your items. There are traditional calzones, sandwiches, and pizzas that are premade for you to choose from. You can also have a whole pizza or pasta dish made to order.
When I ordered my spinach feta Calzone they placed it in the oven for a few minutes and it came out perfectly toasty. My boyfriend got a huge Italian sandwich that got toasted too. The flavor of both items were very delicious. The cost of both items was a little to rich for me. I was a little peeved they would only give me bottle water and not let me order it from the fountain.
For a quick Italian fix, that is slightly more flavorful then a regular pizzeria this is the place to stop.
Eh it's ok. They premake everything, and granted I went late in the afternoon so my $9 calzone was a bit stale, but it was quick and open, which is rare late in the afternoon downtown. They only have plastic forks and knives, which is not ideal for stale calzones. The staff is great and friendly for counter service though.
I think you can do better. If you're willing to spend $15 for lunch and you want really good Italian, go to Vincenzo's 2 blocks away. Absolutely amazing food and most likely the best service in town there, though you might stand out in jeans and a t-shirt, the waiters wear tuxes.
I had a cheese calzone that was delicious. It was just the perfect blend of different cheeses and dough. They serve sauce on the side for you to dip. I personally thought the sauce was bland and did not add anything to the food. This is right down the street from the Louisville Slugger Museum and some of the other museums so it was pretty busy when we stop there. They do have outdoor seats if it is too busy inside.
Review Source:August 6, 2011. My husband and I were on a cross country road trip and have been to many local restaurants, this place received a "meh". My husband's small $7 calzone was nothing great and my $3 slice of pizza was certainly not worth three dollars. Also, we were here on a Saturday during an art show (on Main street outside their doors) and they did not offer more than half of their menu. Calzone and pizza only, none of the pastas or salads that they advertise. When I was deciding what else to order (I had wanted pasta) the manager was not the nicest about waiting for me to decide, not great customer service. The atmosphere was  decent and the food came out quickly- only redeeming qualities.
Review Source:I am absolutely in love with the salads at this place! They are sooo good. They come with these huge ball of mozzarella cheese and this dressing with just the right amount of oil and herbs. I wish I knew how to duplicate at home! I know it's a pizzeria, but I've never had I the pizza. I will say it smells and looks really good.
The only downfall with Luigi's is that you have to spend at least $7 if you want to use a credit or debit card. I'm notorious for not carrying cash, so I usually end of having to order something that I really don't want to go with my salad.
It's a great lunch spot with both indoor and outdoor seating. Get there early for the best selection. The staff is always super friendly -- always an added bonus!
Agreed, this is probably the best pizza in Louisville if you like it NY-style and by-the-slice. Â Their veggie pizza features lots of garlic, fresh tomatoes, and spinach, but the plain cheese pizza is still worthwhile. Â I wonder whether they make their own sausage because the pepperoni and sausage pizza is something to experience too. Â The sausage is sweet with a slight hint of spice, and it also features prominently in their pastas. Â
Speaking of which, I've had the grilled vegetable ravioli, the gnocchi with sausage, and a few other pasta dishes. Â All are delicious, though they can be a tad salty. Â
I haven't had their salads or antipasti, but if they are half as good as they look, then I am missing out. Â The salads are big and filled with lots of fresh, traditional ingredients.
If I could do it and not blimp out to 500 pounds, I would eat here every day.
THIS IS THE BEST PIZZA IN LOUISVILLE, PEOPLE.
Granted, I much prefer floppy NY style pizza to the thicker crust, overloaded with cheese style that seems popular on pizzas in Louisville (Bearno's, Impellizari's, etc.). It is a great pizza by the slice place if you're in the downtown area for the day. Their calzones are divine. The place is so good that it closes at 5 and does not deliver after 3pm and apparently still turns a profit.
Go get a slice of the veggie and a spinach calzone and thank me later!