Zozzo's & Joe's :Two New Reasons For Pizza Lovers to Get Excited
LOCATION & CONCEPT
ZOZZO
Located on the first floor of Metro City in Xujiahui, Zozzo is a cozy little pizza haven nestled among the busy shops and shoppers.
The Story behind it:
The manager of Zozzo comes from a large family that has specialized in F&B and hospitality in Roma. 100% dedicated to his product, Zozzo is ready to feed Shanghai the gourmet pizza we deserve, with significantly better quality and taste than the big brands like Pizza Hut or Domino’s.
JOE'S PIZZA
Joe’s Pizza can be found on Nanjing Xi Lu. You can’t miss it, and if you’re a pizza lover we hope you don’t! Their venue is nice and big, perfect for a big group, with white tiles, brick walls, TV screens and comfy seats, it’s a perfect spot to hit before a big shopping session.
The Story behind it:
Joe opened its first pizzeria forty years ago, three generations and two other branches open later, it’s still rocking. Joe Sr. himself is even still slinging slices in their NY location. This family-style restaurant with its traditions and its secrets is 100% New York, from ingredients to the kitchen aids.
PIZZA STYLE
ZOZZO
Zozzo has Roman-style pizza. Made since 1940 in Italy, they are considered gourmet pizza. They emphasize their thorough research of the perfect mix between different kinds of cheeses, ham and tomato… giving it all the savory perfection of Italy in a bite. The slice is square shaped and has a foccacia bread base.
JOE'S PIZZA
In terms of style, Joe’s Pizza is at the oppositeend of the spectrum. New York pizza is a symbol of the rich immigrat history of the city. Popularized by the Italian minority there, this pizza was influenced by all the cultures which picked it up: the Netherlands, French, British… it eventually became the full embodiment of NY soul. Classic round shape and 22 inches, these are big, big pizzas.
THE DOUGH
Both of them have good but different dough. They give sincere passion and attention to detail in this regard, developing the best recipe for years and preparing them two days in advance. 48 hours of rest is needed to let the yeast rise and develop a flavorful taste. And it makes the whole easier to digest. Why do they do it that way? Because in either case the yeast will rise… in the dough or in your stomach… clearer now?
JOE'S PIZZA
Joe’s Pizza dough is definitely finer with a rich, wood-fire aftertaste. Consistent and crunchy, the crust lovers will not be disappointed with these.
ZOZZO
Zozzo have a foccacia base with less flour. The result is a thick but lighter dough, slightly crispy with a great structure which perfectly supports the generous portions of whatever is on top of it.
SIZE AND PRICE
ZOZZO
Both placed have consistent slices that will fill you up. Chunky and strong, Zozoo’s pizza slices are approximately 12x10 centimeters for a small portion, 12x20 for a large. You can pick two different smalls to explore their many topping options. One big should be enough to fill you up. It’s RMB22 for a small, RMB39 for a large. Also keep an eye out for their special deals: from 10AM- 12PM/ 14:30PM-5Pm get a free slice and drink when you buy two pizza slices. That’s a lot of food!
JOE'S PIZZA
Joe’s pizzas are thinner and bigger… it really depends on what is your favorite. Their large slices are RMB 30 and one is enough to fill your belly. BUT, we are talking about pizza here so by all means eat as many as you can handle. A full 21” inches pizza will run you somewhere around RMB200.
TOMATO SAUCE
This point is as important as the dough, especially for any Chicago people. Zozzo’s pizza uses canned, imported tomato sauce called Mutti from Italy. A smooth creamy puree of skins and seeds, enriched with the addition of Mediterranean Herbs and a hint of chili peppers. They rearrange it in house. Joe’s pizza has a secret receipe, on that New York has been trying to guess for 40 years. That delicious recipe has been the same since they first opened, and only a few people know it.
Formula
JOE'S PIZZA
Joes’ pizza recipe comes from its first branch in New York, carefully respecting tradition. They will soon add more topping combos to see what works here (they are still in soft opening). They have the classic cheese, the pepperoni, the mushrooms, the white (made only with cream) or the white spinach. For the more adventurous you can even make a pizza with different slices, it looks and tastes fantastic.
Photo Credits: 康师傅
ZOZZO
Zozzo’s pizza has many different choices, and they change every day. Expect cheese, ham, sausage, mushroom, olive oil… although they stay with Italian classics, some change the texture to make it chewier and match more with local tastes. Don’t hesitate to ask for more details about the daily special.
We got the Gucci, made with Philadelphia cheese, pumpkin cream, Italian bacon, scarmoza cheese… definitely heaven for cheese lovers. It’s like the beloved kid of a raclette and a pizza couple. We can’t wait to have it again.
The Boscaiola and the Versace are both delicious lunch options. There’s no doubt these are pizza enthusiasts and recipes change all the time, just come over, check what is on the counter and make your choice. We highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
DRINKS & SWEETS
Beer and pizza are words which delight most human beings and so Joe’s and Zozzo have the goods.
JOE'S PIZZA
Joe’s pizza offer few tap beers around RMB 40 (such as Goose Island Honkers Ale) and will soon have their own brand of beer, approved by Joe himself! Zozzo offers Italian beer for RMB22 the bottle. Plus they have Italian coffee to fight the digestion progresses effect on your energy.
Sweet Foccaccia RMB22
ZOZZO
Zozzo’s desserts are gorgeous. Stuffed foccacias filled with nutella, apples, pears… the fruits change each day. Obviously not the best idea if you’re on a diet but hey, live is short!
THE STAFF
JOE'S PIZZA
Joe’s Pizza is an American team. Casual, chill, energetic pizza lovers that definitely know how to make people feel comfortable. Don’t hesitate to strike up some conversation over a slice or two, these guys are great and so is the pizza!
ZOZZO
Zozzo’s team is a funky Chinese- Italian mix with a warm sense of hospitality. From the beginning to the end they will tell you about the pizza, giving you samples to put you in a pizza mood (which for us is admittedly not hard to do). An amusing touch- the Chinese team speak Italian so you will likely hear“ciao,” “mamma mia,” and “Che figata” while you are eating.
Both spots are truly amazing and won our hearts. Go try both and tell us what you think!
Zozzo Pizza
Address: 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, Metro City, 1/F, Room 18B-19A, near Caoxi Bei Lu
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Tel: 021 6441 1017
Price: Less than RMB100
Joe’s Pizza
Address: 280 Wujiang Lu, near Maoming Bei Lu
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Tel: 021-61394940
Price: Less than RMB100
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