When Jerry Simonetti was a young boy, his grandmother told him, “when you grow up, you’re going to be a chef.” She had plenty of evidence to back up her theory: as a child, Jerry spent hours in the kitchen watching her prepare traditional Italian dishes from scratch. Sure enough, after graduating from college he embarked on a 20-year career as a chef and restaurateur that culminated in the opening of his own restaurant—Simonetti’s.

To create Simonetti’s menu of pizza and pasta, Jerry relies on generations of family recipes and simple, fresh ingredients. Specialty pizzas exemplify the eatery’s focus on simplicity: most contain three toppings or fewer including fresh basil, ricotta cheese, and cured meats. In keeping with a true Italian dining experience, Simonetti’s carries a selection of affordable wines, and waiters deliver all dishes via gondola.