I am in love with Punch pizza and neapolitan pizza in general so I figured the offerings of Pizza Nea would fall under that umbrella as well. A fellow Minnesotan friend and I visited one afternoon for lunch. The place was quiet, but didn’t have that dead feeling. Everything was just very mellow and laid back. We chose a table by the window and were quickly greeted by our server.

We each started with a half salad. I’d like to see what the full size looks like because the half salads are huge! But I am definitely not complaining. I had the gorgonzola which is pretty identical to the ones served at Punch ingredient wise, but it was super fresh. We shared the Rucola, a white pizza list meaning just olive oil and sea salt as the ‘sauce’. The pizza was big and piled high with arugula and prosciutto. The interesting thing about Pizza Nea’s Rucola pizza is the meat and greens are added after the pizza come out of the oven. You are left an amazing combination. The toppings warm and wilt from the heat rising off the pizza.

I would say that Pizza Nea is the more formal version of Punch. Both places have great food and quick service, but if you’re looking for a sit down cafe style place to enjoy your neapolitan pizza visit Pizza Nea. Great for a casual lunch or a more romantic evening.

Pizza Nea is usually regarded as one of the better pizza joints in the Twin Cities. If you like Neapolitan pizza, you’ll find something you enjoy here. The Margherita is a classic, though be sure to try the white pizzas as well. I didn’t love the caesar salad, but my companion liked the caprese salad. Prices are fairly inexpensive, and parking abounds; this is a nice spot to stop by in NE Minneapolis.
Pro: Inexpensive, classic Neapolitan pizza
Con: Bad caesar salad