Pizzeria Ai Preti

Pizzeria Ai Preti is a casual pizzeria at Via Seghe San Tomaso 8 in Veronetta, the district on the east bank of the Adige in Verona, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is popular with local residents and students from the nearby university buildings, who come for inexpensive wood-fired pizza, and it sits well outside the tourist-heavy squares at the heart of the old town. That position, combined with its budget prices, makes it one of the more affordable places to eat in a city where many central restaurants charge a premium. The menu is built around pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives the crust the blistered edges and smoky flavour associated with the Neapolitan tradition, adapted here to Veneto tastes. Classic toppings such as margherita, with tomato, mozzarella and basil, sit alongside combinations using local cured meats, vegetables and cheeses. Pizzas are served individually in the Italian manner, and a typical meal is a pizza and a beer or a glass of house wine. The pizzeria is a dinner address, so it is most useful for an evening meal after a day of sightseeing. The atmosphere is casual and lively. There is no dress code, service is quick and the room can be loud when full, with groups of friends and families sharing tables. It is a sensible choice for a relaxed meal with children or for travellers on a limited budget. Drinks are simple: beer, soft drinks and regional house wine by the glass or carafe. Walk-ins are possible, but queues form at weekends, so arriving early in the evening or accepting a short wait is advisable. Hours should be confirmed locally. The district also offers a walk across Ponte Pietra to the old town, a stroll along the Adige embankment or a visit to the Roman Theatre nearby.