From Napoli to Chicago via Venezuela

Marcial Bereciartu, owner of the newly opened Strapoli Pizza in Chicago, grew up in Venezuela, where he was inspired by his parents’ belief that one can work, not just for money, but also to have fun with family, serve the community and make good pizza.

That’s what Bereciartu intends to do with Strapoli Pizza, 545 W. Diversey Parkway, which serves Neapolitan-style pizzas based on his family’s recipes. The business’ name is a combination of strada (street) and Napoli.

Bereciartu’s parents operated a pizzeria for a few decades in Merida, Venezuela, and their children pitched in by making dough, preparing pizza boxes and serving tables, Block Club Chicago reported. “We grew up surrounded by pizza and learned everything about making it and running the business from our parents,” Bereciartu said.

The family has since moved to Chicago; Bereciartu’s parents and his brother also are involved in Strapoli. “I’m a lucky guy to have my family and friends around me,” Bereciartu said. “This combination of forces is what makes Strapoli possible.”

The menu includes multiple pizza varieties and build-your-own options. A popular pizza is the pistachina, with pistachio pesto topped with fior di latte mozzarella, mushrooms and crushed pistachio. Another favorite is the sweet bacon pizza, with bacon, fior di latte mozzarella, arugula and hot honey. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and caffeinated beverages from Dark Matter Coffee.

For more, click here.

About Fra Noi

Fra Noi produces a magazine and website that serve the Chicago-area Italian-American community. Our magazine offers our readers a monthly feast of news and views, culture and entertainment that keeps our diverse and widely scattered readers in touch with each other and their heritage. Our website offers a dizzying array of information drawn from every corner of the local community.

Check Also

Buca di Beppo retrenches after bankruptcy

The family-style Italian restaurant chain Buca di Beppo filed for bankruptcy in August after having …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want More?


Subscribe to our print magazine
or give it as a gift.

Click here for details