The Pizza Gourmet, Warwick

Included in Rhode Island Monthly's Best of Rhode Island, The Pizza Gourmet accommodates customers with a choice of custom pizzas cooked in-house or raw pies that customers can take home. All pizzas start out as a plate of fresh garlic, olive oil, parmesan, asiago, and italian parsley, but customers can personalize their pies with a multitude of crust, sauce, cheese, and topping options. Although the eatery specializes in pizza, noncircular appetites can be slaked with menu items such as sun-dried tomato pesto penne, italian grinders, and sodas.

The chefs also take their culinary creations out into the world via four theme catering menus, outfitting tailgate parties, corporate breakfasts, and cocktail parties with equal enthusiasm. Food-eaters can customize their catering orders according to dietary needs, as well, including vegan and gluten-free catering options. Inside the restaurant, an exposed-brick accent wall is painted fire-truck red to match the dining room's vivid crimson accents. The walls are covered in a rainbow of handwritten menu options, with entrees, appetizers, salads, and desserts all vying for perfect penmanship awards.