In a city where pizza debates can ignite friendly feuds, one unassuming wood-fired spot downtown has quietly conquered palates across Erie.
Ippa Pizza Napoletana arrived like a secret weapon, transforming pizza skeptics into loyal followers with their authentic Neapolitan techniques and locally-sourced ingredients.
Their combination of traditional Italian methods and creative American twists has created a devoted fanbase that spans generations.
How Ippa’s won local’s hearts
The story of Ippa’s rise to pizza prominence started with owner Jason Spore’s homage to his mother’s cooking and evolved into something truly special for Erie.
This isn’t your typical American pizza joint – every pie emerges from a wood-fired oven imported directly from Tuscany, cooking at blistering temperatures around 850 degrees Fahrenheit.
The magic happens in just 50-90 seconds, creating that perfect balance of soft interior and crispy edges that Neapolitan pizza demands.
What truly set Ippa apart was their commitment to authentic techniques combined with local sourcing.
They make their own mozzarella daily – which they playfully call “MOOTZARELL” – using regionally sourced curd that’s hand-stretched and seasoned in-house.
Their dough undergoes natural fermentation using two different sourdough starters named Carlina and Camille (after Spore’s daughters), which have been alive since 2016.
This attention to detail, from the hand-milled Italian plum tomatoes to the locally sourced herbs when seasonally available, created a dining experience that elevated Erie’s pizza scene.
The restaurant’s unique position inside the Flagship City Food Hall also contributed to their success, offering a full bar alongside their artisanal pizzas – a rarity in the local pizza landscape. 🍕
Customers quickly discovered that this wasn’t just another pizza spot; it was a craft pizza experience that bridged authentic Italian tradition with modern American innovation.
Food Highlights
- Rita Pizza: The foundation of greatness – hand-stretched mozzarella, milled tomato, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and pecorino cheese combine to create what many consider the perfect Margherita variation with Ippa’s signature naturally-fermented dough
- Ippa Signature Pizza: Their three-sauce masterpiece featuring red milled tomato, white panna cream sauce, and green basil pesto topped with hand-stretched mozzarella and pecorino, creating a colorful and flavor-packed experience that showcases the restaurant’s versatility
- Bianca White Pizza: A mind-blowing white sauce creation with panna (house Italian cream sauce), hand-stretched mozzarella, fresh basil, ricotta fina added post-bake, and pecorino with fresh milled black pepper for a creamy, herb-forward delight
- Burrata Bomb: Their show-stopping creation featuring homemade cheese wrapped around another homemade cheese, formed into a loose ball and served in the center of the pizza, creating an Instagram-worthy explosion of creamy goodness when cut
- Hot Louis: A fiery specialty topped with homemade hot Italian sausage, shaved fresh garlic, and jalapeños that brings serious heat while maintaining the delicate balance of their Neapolitan-style crust
Atmosphere
The vibe at Ippa strikes a perfect balance between casual and elevated dining. Located within the bustling Flagship City Food Hall, the restaurant features a modern brick interior with clean lines that lets the wood-fired oven take center stage. 🔥
The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the “culinary theater” as pizzaiolos work their magic, tossing dough and sliding pizzas into the blazing Tuscan oven.
Live music, trivia nights, and comedy shows add entertainment value beyond the exceptional food. While the space can get quite loud during peak hours, the energy remains infectious and welcoming.
The full-service bar serves craft cocktails that pair beautifully with the artisanal pizzas, creating a destination dining experience rather than just a quick pizza stop.
Bottom Line
- Authentic Neapolitan experience with ingredients and techniques that transport you straight to Naples without leaving Erie
- Unmatched freshness from daily hand-stretched mozzarella to naturally fermented dough using century-old techniques
- Creative menu offerings like the Burrata Bomb and Hot Louis that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the region 🧀
- Perfect for food enthusiasts who appreciate the craft and artistry behind exceptional pizza-making
- Full bar experience that elevates it beyond typical pizzerias, making it ideal for date nights or celebrations
Address: 22 N Park Row, Erie, PA 16501
📞 (814) 240-6599
🕔 Open Mon-Sat, 11 AM–9 PM; Sun 12 PM–5 PM