Best of 2000: Best Pizza

Sorrentino's Pizza and Deli
4726 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Clairemont
(858) 483-1811

In 1979, New York restaurateurs Victor and Vita Sorrentino moved to San Diego and opened Sorrentino's a year later. Why Pizza? "I'm Neapolitan," answers Victor, "and Neapolitans make pizzas in their homes daily." The yeast dough is prepared twice daily, and the pizzas are baked when the dough is at its peak, otherwise it loses its elasticity. For a treat, try the summer vegetarian pizza. It features pesto sauce topped with fontina cheese, crimini mushrooms, roasted peppers, broccoli, walnuts, and mozzarella. The Sicilian pizza is twice raised (which makes the crust thick) and covered with fresh tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella. It's a current by-the-slice best seller. All pizzas are available to go or for delivery within a four-mile radius.