Tucked away on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Italian Family Pizza has become Philadelphia’s unexpected treasure.
This family-owned gem delivers massive 24-inch pies that barely squeeze through the front door, all crafted by pizzaiolo Steven Calozzi, whose Italian heritage shines through in every bite. 🍕
How Italian Family Pizza Won Local’s Hearts
Steven Calozzi’s journey to winning Philadelphia’s affection began with generations of family expertise. Growing up in a family of pizzeria owners throughout Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County, Calozzi eventually took his craft from Seattle back to the East Coast.
His authentic approach using grandmother’s recipes for everything on the menu creates pies that remind locals of their childhood favorites.
The pizza joint gained serious credibility when Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports awarded his previous location a respectable 7.5 rating, but the real magic happens when customers taste Calozzi’s 24-inch Trenton-style pies with their cheese-on-the-bottom approach and perfectly charred crust.
The personal touch that distinguishes this spot comes from Calozzi working alongside his childhood best friend John Paul Adamson, who ladles out tender meatballs from a slow cooker.
Local customers rave about the authentic Italian flavors and welcoming spirit, with one satisfied patron noting the pizza is “better way better than any pizza I’ve had in the states and even Italy.”
The family atmosphere extends to customers, making everyone feel like part of the Italian Family Pizza experience.
Food Highlights
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24-Inch Trenton-Style Pizza: Massive cheese-on-the-bottom pies with thin, crispy crust and pleasant char that barely fit through the door – perfect for sharing or conquering solo
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Tender Oven-Roasted Meatballs: Grandmother’s recipe meatballs whose outer edges beautifully capture red sauce, served on plates or in baked pizza dough rolls
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Tomato Pie: Traditional Friday night favorite drizzled with Pecorino and olive oil, just like the old Italian ladies made at home
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White Pizza: Sauceless specialty that showcases simple, quality ingredients without heavy toppings
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House-Made Cannoli: $7 dessert crafted using traditional family method
Atmosphere
The brick-walled dining room creates an intimate family atmosphere adorned with family photos that tell the Calozzi story.
Customers describe the environment as awesome for a small place, where the friendly owners genuinely care about their customers and staff.
The no-frills approach means no online ordering or delivery – just phone ordering for takeout and dine-in service that keeps things simple and authentic. 📞
The small space encourages conversation with the staff, creating that neighborhood pizzeria feel that makes every visit memorable.
Bottom Line
Visit for authentic Italian family recipes, massive 24-inch pizzas that create Instagram-worthy moments, tender homemade meatballs that capture perfect red sauce, genuine family atmosphere with caring owners, and traditional simplicity that focuses on quality over gimmicks. 💯
Address: 1701 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
📞 (215) 801-5198
🕔 Open daily, 11 AM–8 PM