Location: Aviva Brick Oven, 16099 Perry Hwy, Warrendale, PA 15086
Rating: 7.6/10
On a recent trip to Aviva Brick Oven, I decided to try their Bianco pizza, a white pizza that swaps traditional tomato sauce for a cheese-forward flavor profile. After tasting it, I can confidently say that it was a solid pizza with some standout qualities. Here’s how it stacked up.
The Pizza Evaluation
1. Crust
The crust was one of the highlights of this pizza. It had a slight crunch that was satisfying with each bite. I particularly enjoyed the delicious burnt nodules on the edges, giving the pizza a rustic, wood-fired quality. The flavor of the crust had hints of seasoning, which complemented the overall flavor profile without overpowering the simple but effective ingredients.
2. Sauce
Since the Bianco pizza is a white pizza, it comes without sauce, which worked well in this case. The lack of sauce allowed the cheese, oil, and basil to shine on their own, delivering a bold, garlic-forward flavor reminiscent of garlic bread. If you’re someone who prefers a minimalist, sauce-free pizza, this will hit the mark.
3. Cheese
Aviva didn’t skimp on the cheese here. It was generous and had a great texture, with the perfect amount of melt and stretch. Each slice had the right balance of gooeyness without being overly greasy. The cheese was rich and flavorful, blending well with the garlic and basil.
4. Toppings
Basil was the primary topping, and it was used just right. Fresh and fragrant, the basil added a layer of depth to the pizza, cutting through the richness of the cheese and oil. While minimal, the simplicity of the topping enhanced the overall experience.
5. Presentation
Visually, the pizza was appealing with just the right amount of burnt spots that you’d expect from a brick oven. The slightly charred crust gave it a rustic, homemade feel, while the sheen of the oil on top gave it an appetizing look without making it appear greasy.
Overall Impression
The Bianco pizza at Aviva Brick Oven had a delightful garlic bread-like flavor, with just the right amount of oil to keep it from being too dry or messy. In fact, the first slice I had dripped only two drops of oil onto my lap as I enjoyed it in the car—an indicator of perfect balance! The aroma was fantastic, with the scent of garlic and fresh basil making for a pleasant experience.
While this pizza won’t knock your socks off if you’re a sauce lover, it delivers exactly what you’d want from a well-made white pizza: simple, fresh ingredients in harmony. Overall, I’m giving this pizza a 7.6/10.
Would I recommend the Bianco pizza at Aviva Brick Oven? Absolutely. If you’re in the mood for something light, flavorful, and garlic-heavy, this is the pizza for you. Just be ready to enjoy the subtle joys of a sauceless pizza done right.