Puccini's Smiling Teeth Pizza & Pasta

Years ago, my husband and I randomly stopped at Puccini's.  We didn't pay much attention to where we were, as we were on a road trip from Chicago and stopped here on a whim as an alternative to fast food. Ever since then, we've drooled over the memories of their homemade ranch dressing, the best pizza ever, and such a memorable experience but couldn't remember the name of the place. We didn't recognize the exterior because so much other retail has evolved around it in this area, but thankfully hit the jackpot on the way back into town recently and are once again in love.  (We ate at the Puccini's at 86th and Ditch-- closest to the Allisonville Rd exit off 465. This location is next to Babies R Us).

The food is absolutely spectacular.  I soooo wish there was a pizza joint this dreamy in Chicago, but nothing compares to Puccini's.  The service is quick and friendly (although a young staff all around when we were there), and the food arrived fast after placing an order.  The decor is unremarkable with checkered table cloths, and the booths are small.  Both visits had tables open, but I so hope this place stays busy and open, as the food is just to die for.

The salads-- such a simple thing, but they are so good!  The dressings are homemade and you can totally taste the difference.  All portions are generous, but they are worth every bite.  There is a wide variety (BBQ, greek, wedge, spring mix with cranberries, pecans, blue cheese), but we each devoured the dinner salad with homemade buttermilk herb ranch.  A big hit with the kids too (pre-teens).

There are a nice selection of dinner entrees-- lots of vegetarian options, low carb favorites, and you can get gluten-free pizza and spaghetti too if that's your thing.  

Personally, I love pizza and this is what I come here for.  We had to send our server away because we couldn't decide what to order.  It was a draw between the campfire (smoked sausage, sweet onion marmalade, goronzola & rosemary) and the bama jam (pecans- on a pizza- seriously unexpectedly delicious!).  We went with the bama jam and were not disappointed. The flavors in this puppy were fantastic.  Terrific crust, a great mix of savory, just the right amount of cheese. Yum.  We also ordered the chicken bada bing calzone (chix, ricotta, goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes).  The homemade marinara sauce for dipping was the best I have ever had.  We were so stuffed-- it was worth every delicious bite!

The regular pizzas (cheese, pepperoni) were a hit with the kids-- crust was just right (crispy, full bodied flavor- not to thick and not too thin) and the cheese nice and gooey.  The sauce was really good too.  No complaints from any of them. :) On top of that, our server was nice enough to re-direct us to a medium half and half vs. ordering two smalls for our boys to save a few bucks.  I love it when places do that.  Very much appreciated!

Yelp exists for places like this!  I am officially a huge fan of Indianapolis and have marked this place on our Rand McNally.  Have to admit I'm a bit jealous of you guys in Indy who can go here whenever you want.  This place is such a scrumptious memory in my mind, I asked the server if they sold their plates (which have 'Puccini's Smiling Teeth' on the edge).  I'm sure she thought I was crazy, and the young kitchen staff couldn't figure out how to sell me a plate, much to my disappointments.  However, I'm convinced after writing this review and having a taste bud flashback to their food, from now on I'll remember this place. Can't recommend it enough!

Love it! Always get great service and great pizza. I always go here when I'm in the area. I wish they had one closer to where I live.

We come here often. Its a very affordable high end pizza place that also has some pretty tasty italian pasta dishes and killer salads!  The Wait staff is really great, very friendly, service is very fast, and we pratically have our own server who we have come to like quite a lot- he isnt the best waiter-admittedly- but has a great sense of humor.  (actually he is a pretty great server and is confident enough in his abliltiies to be somewhat self deprecating- which is fun.)  

Its a fun place, locally owned with locally produced art on the walls.  From what I understand the owners are really cool people to work for so there is like no turnover- most of the staff has been here for many years.   That says a lot about how a place is run, in my opinion.

The prices are quitre reasonable, the variety of Pizzas is amazing and the ingredients are all fresh and plentiful.

Thsi is a great place for families, parties, really just about anyone.