Discovering Nashville’s unique pizza experience at St. Vito Focacceria

When you think of pizza, Nashville might not be the first city that comes to mind. But if you’re craving an unforgettable take on pizza that blends innovation with deep culinary roots, look no further than St. Vito Focacceria. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Michael, the creative force behind this restaurant, where he serves up a unique twist on the traditional Sicilian favorite, sfincione.

Bringing High End Culinary Training to Pizza

Michael is not just any pizza maker — he's a seasoned chef with experience in some of the finest kitchens. With St. Vito Focacceria, he brings a unique culinary flair to Nashville. This is more than a simple pizzeria; it’s a full-scale restaurant in an intimate space of just 1,500 square feet and 40 tables. Michael’s dedication to quality and innovation can be seen in every detail, from his ingredients to his creative cooking methods.

Behind the Counter: A Peek into Michael’s Culinary Playground

Walking through Michael's kitchen, he showed us his powerful PizzaMaster oven, with three decks set at varying temperatures. Each level serves a unique purpose — the top deck provides intense heat for crisping, while the middle deck keeps dishes warm. Michael’s careful temperature control and compact, streamlined kitchen setup reflect the attention to detail that defines St. Vito’s menu.

A New Spin on Traditional Sfincione

St. Vito’s sfincione is not your average Sicilian pizza. It’s fluffy, light, and topped with just the right amount of cheese. Michael’s version is closer to a focaccia in texture but with the rich flavors that make sfincione a favorite. Prepared by baking the dough separately and adding hot, flavorful sauces and toppings, each slice emphasizes freshness and balance.

Creative Dishes and a Family-Style Atmosphere

St. Vito’s dining experience is intimate and communal. In this small, energetic space, servers are part of the kitchen flow, sometimes even helping at the line, with dishes served directly from the kitchen counter, much like an omakase experience. Guests order two or three plates, maybe a few thick, satisfying slices of pizza, and share them around the table, adding to the friendly, family-style ambiance.

A Taste Experience You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

During my visit, I tried a variety of Michael’s dishes. Highlights included his chicken liver on toast, paired with burnt caper and Asian pear, and a potato pizza that exceeded all expectations. Topped with a delicate potato sauce, breadcrumbs, and cheese, this pizza stood out as a top recommendation. If you’ve never had potato pizza, St. Vito’s version is sure to impress.

Check out St. Vito website and follow them on Instagram.