Punch Neapolitan Pizza

210 E Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN
612-623-8114
http://www.punchpizza.com/

Additional locations in St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Uptown and Wayzata

Category: Pizza

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 8
Service: N/A (self serve)
Ambience: 8

Recommendation: Very Good. Punch serves delicious and simple Neapolitan pizza and is located in a happening stretch of Hennepin Avenue in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Punch serves classic Neapolitan style pizza which originated in Naples, Italy. Neapolitan pizzas are simple yet flavorful and are made primarily with San Marzano tomatoes (grown in the rich volcanic soil of San Marzano, Italy), Mozzarella di Bufala (made with milk of water buffalo), and other ingredients such as basil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are made in a blistering hot wood fired oven and cooked for only 90 seconds. Punch’s oven is surrounded by mosaic tile and is very beautiful. The edge of the pizza crust typically has charred bubbles which apparently are the hallmark of a classic Neapolitan style pizza. Punch is the English translation of Pulcinella, a clown like character. The décor of this restaurant has clown masks interspersed on the walls with black and white images of Pizza and other pieces of colorful art. We love the dark woods, brick walls, and the warm reds and browns in the restaurant. You have to stand in line and order your pizza. This place is typically packed and sometimes you might have to wait to find seating. Along with booths, they have a long table in the middle that can be shared and seats around 15-20 people so you might end up with a not so private dining experience. They have outdoor seating in the summer. Take-out is also a good option here.

The menu includes around 15-16 classic pizzas with a variety of toppings such as Sun-dried tomatoes, Sausage, Capers, Salami, Olives, etc. You can also craft your own pizzas by picking your toppings. The menu includes 3 varieties of Pizza Bianco, which is pizza made with fresh mozzarella and no tomatoes. Punch also serves a handful of starters such as salads, Artichoke Dip, and Focaccia. We love their Margherita Extra Pizza, which is a classic with simple toppings of Basil, Mozzarella, and Mt. Vesuvio tomatoes (grape tomatoes). The combination of fragrant basil, tart tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella is heavenly. Another favorite is the Bruni, which comes with Sausage, Spiced Salami, Onions, and Oregano. Simply delicious and so flavorful. Nick likes the Bufalina, which is a new Pizza Bianco that comes with Mozzarella, Prosciutto, and Arugula. The Prosciutto gives the pizza some saltiness while the Arugula adds a hint of bitterness. If you like the Prosciutto and Arugula toppings, you will love the Toto – garlic, goat cheese, and red pepper makes this pizza one of Nick’s favorites. Although we love their pizza, we find that sometimes the center does not fully cook and is a bit limpy. And keep in mind that you have to appreciate their hallmark burned crust to enjoy the pizza. At roughly $10, the individual sized pizzas are a bit on the pricey side.

$. Metered street parking available.