Doppio Zero brings Italy to San Carlos

“We want to bring new fresh ingredients to novelty Italian cuisine,” Angelo said.

Doppio Zero, also known as double zero, refers to finely ground Italian flour. Specializing in Neapolitan pizza and fresh pastas, Doppio zero is not only in the name but also the main ingredient.

The Neapolitan pizza, or Naples-style pizza, is traditionally prepared with Mozzarella di Bufala Campana cheese (made from milk of Italian water buffalo), San Marzano tomatoes or Pomodorino del Piennolo del Vesuvio tomatoes (grown on volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius), dough with precise rules, a wood-fired oven at temperatures between 800-900 degrees Fahrenheit, and a baking time that does not exceed 90 seconds. Practicing these requirements has certified Doppio Zero in the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, protecting and promoting the art of Neapolitan pizza to the highest level.

One of the main requirements to keep this style authentic is a focus on the crust. As in the name, Doppio Zero uses the gold standard of imported flour, type 00. This highly refined flour ensures a lightly charred, crispy crust, with a soft, melt in your mouth, airy inside. The dough is prepared from scratch and has an intricate 36-hour hydration, fermentation and proofing process. Once the dough is ready, the artwork begins. The Doppio pizza masters gracefully stretch and pull the dough, creating an abstract circle of sorts, and then will layer fresh tomato sauce, cheese and toppings. After just 60-90 seconds in their world-class Stefano Ferrara oven, the pie is complete.

It’s no surprise that Doppio Zero is currently ranked in the top 100 pizzerias in the world, top 50 internationally, top 15 in the United States, and has recently been recognized as the best Italian chain. For any first-timers to the Neapolitan pizza world, pizza master, Antonio Greco, recommends trying the traditional Margherita.

 Some other signature dishes include the fettuccine short ribs, highlighting slow-braised 24-hour short ribs in a Chianti red wine reduction sauce, blanketed over homemade egg fettuccine, topped with shaved parmesan cheese; the Marechiaro with homemade squid ink tagliolini; jumbo scallops, clams, roasted garlic, in light spicy tomato sauce; and the classic Lasagna, made with a combination of veal, beef, pork, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, basil and a chef’s secret.

The craftsmanship doesn’t stop at the cibo (translates to food in English). Order any of their craft cocktails and savor the freshly squeezed juices and purees that mixologists Pedroza Sanchez and Gabriele Lafata prepare daily. One highly recommended, and social media worthy libation is the Doppio Bourbon, combining bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, angostura bitter, passion fruit puree and small bottle of cabernet sauvignon. The décor is also something to be appreciated. There are unique themes in each dining room. The bar has a bright, contemporary vibe, combining functionality and gold flare, the main dining room, giving vintage charm accented by lush greenery and modern aesthetic, and the outdoor space, transforming San Carlos into a rustic Italian café scene. Additionally, make sure to catch a glimpse of the hand-made Italian Stefano Ferrara brick oven with its bright blue and white mosaic tiles.

 “There is something special about this place,” a customer leaving lunch said, “the lasagna is my favorite.” Angelo expressed his appreciation and explained, “we are very happy being in San Carlos. Since we’ve opened, and even during construction, the community was excited, and we are excited to be here too.”

The Doppio team aspires to continue expanding its concept and hopes to open 10 locations. Halfway there and moving with momentum, this Michelin starred delight is a great addition to the bustle of downtown San Carlos.

Doppio Zero is open for a lunch and dinner service Monday to Friday, weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and offer a happy hour Monday to Thursday from 4:30-6 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable and delivery is available on Doordash. It is at 617 Laurel St. Go to dzpizzeria.com for more information. Arrivederci!