🍕 When Deserto Pizzeria first opened its doors as a pop-up operation in 2021, few could have predicted that this small pizza venture would completely transform El Paso’s dining scene.
What started as a nomadic wood-fired pizza operation bouncing between local breweries and taprooms quickly became the most talked-about pizza experience in the borderland.
After two years of pop-up success, owners finally secured their permanent home in the trendy Five Points neighborhood in 2023, and the rest is delicious history.
How Deserto Pizzeria won locals’ hearts
Deserto Pizzeria won El Paso’s hearts by doing what many restaurants struggle to accomplish: staying authentic while innovating boldly. The secret lies in their commitment to traditional Neo-Neapolitan techniques combined with distinctly Texas flavors that speak to local palates.
Their mesquite wood-fired brick oven, imported directly from Italy, creates the perfect char and smokiness that locals had never experienced before in El Paso.
But what truly sealed the deal was their signature Tejas pizza – a brilliant fusion featuring ten-hour smoked pulled pork with barbecue sauce that bridges Italian craftsmanship with Texas barbecue culture.
The restaurant’s transparency also built trust, with the open kitchen concept allowing diners to watch every pizza being crafted by hand.
Word spread quickly through social media and local food enthusiasts who couldn’t stop raving about finding “the best pizza in El Paso, hands down”.
Food Highlights
- Tejas Pizza: The restaurant’s crown jewel features ten-hour smoked pulled pork that’s rested overnight to lock in smoky flavors, finished with a drizzle of barbecue sauce on Neo-Neapolitan dough
- Tipsy Mijou: An elevated creation showcasing a handcrafted vodka sauce that provides a sophisticated twist on traditional pizza, delivering creamy richness with subtle complexity
- Bianca: A classic white pizza featuring ricotta, red onion, lemon zest, and balsamic arugula that creates a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and peppery flavors
- Traditional Pepperoni: A beautifully executed classic with high-quality pepperoni on their signature salty and delicious dough that showcases their mastery of fundamentals
- Cheese ‘Em Up: An indulgent three-cheese blend featuring mascarpone, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano that creates layers of creamy, stretchy, and sharp flavors
- S’mores Dessert Pizza: A sweet finale featuring graham crackers, melted chocolate, and marshmallows on pizza dough, bringing childhood memories to the wood-fired oven
Atmosphere
The vibe at Deserto Pizzeria perfectly captures El Paso’s laid-back creativity with its converted drive-through bank building that houses both indoor seating and a spacious covered patio. 🌟
The open kitchen concept puts the imported Italian brick oven front and center, creating an engaging theater where diners watch skilled pizzaiolos craft each pie by hand.
The outdoor seating area features metal roofing that provides excellent shade while maintaining that relaxed, almost Austin-like atmosphere that locals adore.
Family and dog-friendly, the space buzzes with conversation and the crackling sounds of mesquite wood, creating an authentic yet unpretentious dining experience.
The restaurant embraces its pop-up roots with communal tables and casual seating that encourages lingering over local craft beers from nearby Aurelia’s Brewery.
Bottom Line
- Exceptional quality: Neo-Neapolitan pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough and authentic Italian brick oven techniques
- Local innovation: Creative menu featuring Texas-inspired pizzas like the legendary Tejas that you won’t find anywhere else
- Great value: Reasonable prices for artisanal wood-fired pizza with generous toppings and house-made ingredients
- Perfect location: Heart of the trendy Five Points neighborhood with ample outdoor seating and family-friendly atmosphere
- Community favorite: Consistently rated as El Paso’s best pizza by locals who return regularly
Address: 2829 Montana Ave, Building B
El Paso, TX 79903
🕔 Tuesday-Saturday 5:00 PM–10:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (Closed Monday)