Bites Nearby: Pizzazz!

How do you pick a restaurant? Do you look for a parking lot full of cars, then turn away because it looks too crowded?

Drive by restaurant lots that are empty, figuring that if no one else wants to eat there, why should you?

Save some gas, save the environment, save some money and most of all save some time and aggravation. Use Hillcrest Patch to get an insider's view. Then once you’ve been there, let others know by posting your comments.

Blink and you’ll drive by the little white house on the east side of SOM Center Road with the sign. This unpretentious building houses the first of two Pizzazz restaurants. This location was opened in 1975 by John and Marie Spicca. They offer a lot of different and delicious meals, but most people agree that the pizza rules the day – and night.

Choose your pizza sauce from six different options: red, white, pesto, barbecue, Alfredo and Rosie’s (a medium spicy red bell pepper/tomato mix). The toppings range from fresh basil to marinated hot pepper rings. However, thinly sliced pepperoni that “cups” when baked is still the best seller ($7-$10 cheese).

If you are overwhelmed with choices, opt for the signature pizzas or calzones.($8-$17.50)  The guesswork of choosing toppings is done for you. Appetizers include mozzarella sticks, wings and cheese breads, and homemade Italian Wedding soup.

If you have time for dinner or a longer lunch then there are plenty of pasta dishes ($8-$9.50) and entrees such as Parmigiana and char-grilled chicken ($9-$12). For even more choices there is a wide variety of subs and sandwiches ($6-$9) which are complemented by salads ($3.5-$9). Due to the size of the resaturant, seating can be a bit tight. If it is too crowed, don't overlook the Metroparks and beautiful picnic areas just minutes away.

Takeout and delivery. Open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday at 839 SOM Center Road,
Mayfield Village. The phone number is 440-461-2233.