The golden rule of location, location, location must have slipped the minds of the owners of this charming little restaurant. Past the outer ring road and a couple of blocks from Summakorn Village, this eatery will never see the business of die-hard Bangkokians who believe the city ends at On Nut. It’s a shame, as Delizia serves up genuine Italian to the families of Summakorn and the rest of Minburi’s neighborhoods. You might just think you’ve left Bangkok altogether, as the staff here has a charm you would normally only find upcountry. With high wattage smiles and sweet demeanors, from the guys manning the stone pizza oven at the front of the restaurant, to the considerate waitresses and courteous owner, the service is impeccable. It adds to the eatery’s informal and pleasant setting with its two petite neighboring shops (one houses the wine cellar) decked out with chalkboards announcing the specials and wine promos. But, asides from these pleasantries, the food is a bit hit and miss, though when it’s good, it’s really good. A “recommended” appetizer is the overpriced salmon and cod fish carpaccio marinated in limejuice and virgin olive oil. Almost devoid of flavor, at best it retains a residual taste of lime and stagnant oil. Stick to the basics, as they execute the pizzas and rice dishes, effortlessly. The risotto verde, with white wine, vegetable brunoise (a posh description for cubed, boiled vegetables), spinach and basil pesto is cooked al dente with plump rice. The broth is bursting with flavor and works well with the creamy spinach and zestful veggies. Another must have is the pizza furioso, cooked half open and half closed. The open side comes with mozzarella and mushroom, while the closed portion is stuffed with spinach, ham and egg. The thin pizza is crisp with beautifully burnt edges, while the light sauce gives the other ingredients a chance to shine, from the aromatic mushrooms to the hearty spinach. End the meal with the airy tiramisu. If you want a real neighborhood eatery complete with charm and solid pizzas, Delizia fits the bill, it’s just a shame that the neighborhood is so far away. Corkage B400.
