Saint Joseph, Missouri, may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of extraordinary pizza — but that’s exactly what makes finding Il Lazzarone feel like striking culinary gold. 🍕
This family-owned Neapolitan pizzeria on Frederick Avenue has been quietly rewriting the rules of Midwest pizza since 2014, serving up wood-fired Neapolitan pizza so authentic it’s earned the Vera Pizza Napoletana certification — one of only 77 spots in the entire United States to hold that prestigious badge.
If you’re the kind of traveler who lives to discover a hidden gem restaurant, this one belongs at the very top of your list.
How Il Lazzarone Won Saint Joseph’s Hearts
Chef Erik and Lesley Borger opened their first Il Lazzarone location on Frederick Avenue in March of 2014, pouring that same spirit of relaxation, community, and old-world craft into every pie that comes out of their oven.
The secret weapon? An Acunto Mario oven — handmade by a fifth-generation oven builder on the main street of Naples, built with soil harvested from the base of Mount Vesuvius, and imported directly from Italy.
The first Acunto Mario oven ever imported to America lives right here, at the Saint Joseph location. 🔥
The tomatoes are DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes grown in the mineral-rich soil around Mount Vesuvius, and the mozzarella is 100% hormone-free fior de latte or mozzarella di bufala.
Every pizza cooks in under 90 seconds at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees — a method so precise and historically faithful that the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana officially certified Il Lazzarone as a true Neapolitan pizzeria.
Locals quickly fell in love not just with the pizza, but with the warm, welcoming energy of the place and a room that buzzes with the kind of cheerful noise that only comes from a restaurant where everyone is genuinely happy to be there.
Food Highlights 🍽️
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Margherita D.O.C.: A premium upgrade featuring mozzarella di bufala for a creamier, more luxurious bite.
- La Rughetta: Mozzarella, fresh arugula, diced tomato, prosciutto, lemon, and olive oil — bright, peppery, and dangerously delicious.
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Quattro Formaggio: Mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, and Parmigiano Reggiano — a rich, decadent white pizza. 🧀
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Carne: San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and salami — a meat-lover’s paradise.
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Siciliano: Mozzarella, pepperoni, hot cherry peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, and olives — bold and tangy.
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Bianca with Italian Sausage: Mozzarella, garlic, basil, black pepper, and olive oil topped with well-seasoned sausage — a crispy-bottomed, pillowy-centered masterpiece.
- Crepa: Mozzarella, applewood smoked bacon, balsamic glaze, garlic, and extra-virgin olive oil — a white pizza fan favorite.
Atmosphere
Il Lazzarone rocks an industrial-chic aesthetic — think concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and tables made from rough-hewn planks and rebar.
The star of the room is unquestionably the Naples-built Acunto Mario oven, its flames dancing hypnotically behind the open kitchen like something out of a Renaissance painting.
The vibe is urban, lively, and unpretentious — equally suited for a casual lunch, a cozy date night, or a family outing where everyone at the table is going to argue over the last slice.
Bottom Line
Here’s why Il Lazzarone in Saint Joseph deserves a spot on your travel radar:
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One of only 77 officially certified Vera Pizza Napoletana restaurants in the entire U.S.
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Wood-fired pies cooked in under 90 seconds in a legendary Acunto Mario oven imported from Naples
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A massive, diverse menu covering red and white pizzas, antipasti, salads, and irresistible desserts
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Family-owned warmth and a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere
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A true hidden gem restaurant in the heart of the Midwest that rivals anything you’d find in a major city 🌟
Address:
1628 Frederick Ave, Saint Joseph, MO 64501
📞 (816) 273-0582
🕔 Monday–Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM