Bites Nearby: Real Deal Pizza at Tivoli's

Bored with the same old dining out destinations you've been going to for years? Hungering for a new fabulous food experience? 

Each week, Shelby-Utica Patch and its readers will pick a great restaurant either in town or nearby with cuisine considered supreme.

Here's this week's choice: 

Greatest Dish Ever: Mare e Monte Pizza: succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms and verdant spinach on a thin, crisp wood-fired crust.

Don't Miss: Chicago-style pizza. Thinner than other versions in the area.

The Vibe: Old-country Italian meets family dining.

Cool Factor: One of the first wood-fired ovens in the area and the only one in Utica, Tivoli's pizza has a distinctive flavor and texture.

Overview:  Tivoli's is family-owned and operated.  A true sit-down pizzeria, but carryout and delivery are available as well. Both wood-fired and gas ovens are used. Besides pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and dessert are available.

The Drinks: No alcohol.  Espresso and cappuccino. Traditional Italian sodas, Orangina and Limonata, are in the cooler.

Appetizers: For a unique starter, the bruschetta ($8) is made with baked-to- order flatbread rather than slices of toasted Italian bread.  Zesty breaded Italian chicken wings ($7.50 for 10) are savory and herbaceous and pair perfectly with marinara.  Salads are also available.

Pizza and Sandwiches: Small, thin-crust pizzas are cooked in the wood-burning oven.  The list of toppings is extensive. Try the Calabrese ($12.50) if you enjoy heat or the Tivoli Special ($12.50) if a classic supreme style pizza is more your speed.

Oven-baked wedges ($7.25) are a unique sandwich option. The toppings are baked separately from the fresh-baked bread. Steak and cheese is a particularly delicious combination especially when paired with mushrooms, onions and green peppers.

Dessert: Homemade tiramisu ($4.50) is slightly sweet, ultra creamy and made in the traditional Italian fashion.  A decadent way to end your meal.

Signature Dish: Wood-fired pizza or oven-baked wedges

Address: 45257 Van Dyke, Utica

Cost: Varies per order