The first time I went to Italy I fell in love.
Not with an Italian woman, charming as they were, but with all the things that you think of when Italy comes to mind. Great wine, amazing architecture, fast cars, art, history, fashion and without reservation… the food.
Italians make a lot of amazing food which I enjoyed to the fullest. And, despite people telling me “Don’t worry about eating too much…You won’t gain weight because you’ll walk everywhere,” I still gained a few pounds. If you don’t, you aren’t enjoying the culture quite enough!
We all associate pizza with Italy to some degree, but on my first visit there, I didn’t really know what to expect of “real Italian” pizza. Yet, I did my duty and tried it in as many places as I could. Everywhere I went I found pizza made with garden fresh ingredients on a thin crust allowing you to taste the good stuff without it being masked by the bread.
Since then, finding authentic Italian pizza is something of a mission; it’s very hard to come by. However, I’m happy to report that we have one of the most authentic places right here in Frisco.
Pizzeria Testa in Frisco Square is just amazing. Not only for their pizza, but also the atmosphere.
But let’s start with the food…
With 20 authentic Italian Neapolitan pizzas and the occasional special, there is something for everyone on this menu. Fresh, light, and pure, authentic Neapolitan pizza brings a few simple ingredients together in a way that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Prepared in a time-honored tradition, you’ll experience a wide range of flavors and textures in the delectable collision of where food meets art. Soft, chewy, rich, and juicy, their menu is full of tempting selections. Two of our favorites are the Margherita (nice and light and oh-so tasty), and the Salsiccia (sausage). They have occasional specials, too, so make sure and ask your server.
Every pizza is hand-made and cooked in imported Italian pizza ovens. Bona fide Neapolitan pizza ovens must be completely wood-fired and bell-shaped, with the floor constructed of stone that’s at least five inches thick. The pizza must be cooked directly on the surface of the oven floor, not in any pan or container.
Twin 7,000 lb. ovens handmade in Italy by Stefano Ferraro are the centerpiece of the food preparation and atmosphere. As the fire dances inside the mouth of the oven, watch as your meal is prepared in full view. In just 60 to 90 seconds at 1000 degrees, the flame-blackened blisters on the crust signal to the ever-watchful “pizzaiolo” that his masterpiece is complete. Your pie emerges from the oven light, soft, and fragrant: ready to eat!
For owner Rod Schaefer, Pizzeria Testa is more than the name of his restaurant. It’s a tribute to his family. Rod’s mother was born a Testa, and his grandparents served at the helm of this large, traditional Italian family that gathered often around the kitchen table for home-cooked meals and hearty conversation. Mr. Schaefer even imported the pizza chef from Italy. Michele (pronounced Mi-kay-lah) D’Amelio has won two international competitions for pizza-making, and took 2nd place in a third contest.
While pizza is the star of the show, it’s by no means the only thing Testa has to offer. A variety of salads, calzoni, and panuozzi also adorn the menu.
Then, there is dessert! While they have a variety of them, I would suggest just going straight to the Nutella dessert with strawberries and powdered sugar. I’ll leave you there, and let you find out for yourself… you can thank me later.
Of course, what Italian foodie description would be complete with out talking about wine. First off, Testa only serves beer and wine, no liquor, which is ok except that means no coffee and Bailey’s after, but we can live with that.
Testa offers a respectable wine list at reasonable prices. If you have any questions or need advice on pairings or on which bottle to choose, they even employ a contract wine steward, Camron Dearing, who you may also find at the Wine Cellar at Starwood.
Our current favorite is the Super Tuscan. It wasn’t on the wine menu last time we were in, so be sure to ask your server about it.
Atmosphere
As you’re walking up to Testa, you can’t help but be taken back by the look. The heavy brick exterior (and interior), painted-on sign, and warm lighting are all inviting to say the least. It turns out that the brick was actually imported from Chicago, so what you see is the real deal, not just brick facade.
Inside the restaurant is open and bustling, but never seems too loud. You can watch the cooks working as they make pizzas and handle the Italian ovens. Toward the back, there is a semi-private room which is great for overflow on busy nights or for your private event.
Of course, no Italian restaurant would be complete without a little outdoor seating (and we know how much Texans love a patio). Testa boasts not one, but three patios, so there is plenty of room for everyone. The large back patio opens to Simpson Plaza in front of City Hall, so the kids can romp in the grass while mom and dad sip a little vino.
For a little more privacy, ask for the patio off the back room.
Service
Every time we’ve been to Testa, the service has been excellent, but they do get very busy sometimes. We always recommend a little patience, and perhaps another glass of wine. If you are in a hurry to catch a movie or something, just let them know.
So, if you’re looking for a casual meal at a good price, and appreciate the uniqueness of a restaurant like Testa, you’ll be treated to a great time and our own slice of Italy right in the heart of Frisco.
Hours
Sun – Thur: 11am – 9pm
Fri, Sat: 11am – 10pm
phone: 469.200.8015
8660 Church Street
Frisco, TX. 75034