Naples-Style Pizza Comes To Newton

NEWTON, MA — If you haven't been to Naples but you're dying to taste Neapolitan pizza, there's now a way to do that in Newton. The Landing - L'approdo - Pizza & kitchen opened about two weeks ago on Adams Street in (you guessed it) Nonantum.

This week, as more folks are finding out about it, it's keeping owner Massimo Ottani busy.

On Thursday, there was a steady stream of visitors coming in, some speaking Italian, to pick up a slice of his Neapolitan-style pizza or order his special chicken Parmesan sandwich.

Ottani moved to Newton almost two years ago from the Italian city of Latina, which is situated between Naples and Rome. About a decade ago he said he started making pizza "for a joke" and then something about it struck him. He became passionate about good pizza and bread and decided to make it his life's work. For some 10 years, he worked in pizza shops there and studied under master Neapolitan Pizzaiolo Gianfranco Ambrosio.

He became certified in the Neapolitan tradition and even participated in the Pizza World Championship in 2014. (It's a thing). He then came to Newton and renovated the space that was formerly Miss Jeanies catering.

The difference (aside from the fact that he's classically trained in Italy) between his pizza and what you might find in other shops has to do with the ingredients and toppings and how they're used, he said. He doesn't mix them in with the sauce, and he's purposeful with their portions - for optimal flavor.

But the secret? "Passion," he said.

His personal favorite happens to be the classic "Margherita," put together with mozzarella, basil tomato, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, which sells for $14.

He tells Patch he came to Newton because his uncle lives here. And got the idea and generous offer to open shop in the building his uncle owns at 223 Adams St. and build a new life.

"Without him it wouldn't be possible," he said.

And so far, so good.

One man stopped by for the first time on the advice of his sister.

Another man said he came in yesterday for the first time. When asked why he was back a second day in a row he said "The pizza. He's got dynamite pizza."

There are three bar stools, but most of the business is take-out. He's open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

And he also makes his own crustado and sweets.

For now, Ottani's a solo operation, but he said he hopes to start hiring help in the weeks ahead.

Oh, and want to brush up on your Italian? Break it out here. This is the place to do it.

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Photos by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff