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Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza

Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Volturno is Shrewsbury Streets newest entry into a bustling dinner scene. At first I was a little skeptical when I heard another pizza and Italian dining establishment was joining the mix, but Volturno has carved out its own spot in Shrewsbury Streets restaurant row. The owners of Volturno did an excellent job blending the old Edward Buick space with a new restaurant leaving an industrial open concept dining space that fits well with this brick oven dining spot.

For starters I decided to start with the grilled calamari, chili, olives, chickpeas, and parsley appetizer. A pleasant change from the usual fried calamari dish, the grilled calamari appetizer was extremely fresh and well prepared. The calamari was perfectly prepared, served over a bed of humus and chickpeas and topped with fresh greens. My only suggestion would have been to have the chili and olive portions of this dish a little more prominent to give the dish a little more flavor.

For my main course I opted for the Pistachio Pesto Mozzarella Sausage Pecorino Pizza. This perfectly prepared personal size pizza was a excellent choice of fresh ingredients that worked well together. The ground sausage, fresh mozzarella and pistachio pesto type mix worked well together to create a mild fresh pizza that is worth going back for. The pistachio flavors were somewhat lost in the sausage and pest—perhaps more coarsely ground bits might have added little more flavor and texture. The locally sourced fresh ingredients were evident in this worthwhile addition to the Shrewsbury Street dining scene.

In my opinion Volturno has carved out a place in the Shrewsbury Street dining scene that is worth going back for repeat visit. Nice atmosphere, great pizza, and a renovated Worcester landmark of a building make Volturno worth a try. And if you have room after dinner don’t forget to try the Nutella dessert pizza….. 
 -DO

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Vongole Pizza

Vongole Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Vongole Pizza from Volturno on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA

Right on Shrewsbury Street this refurbished historic “Buick” Dealership has been re-purposed into an upscale Pizza place: Volturno. They kept the high ceilings and exposed beams as well as all the internal exposed plumbing in view giving it a rustic feel.  The place is flanked by extra-large windows “Show casing” a view of Shrewsbury street and giving the place a large bright open feel.  The energy in this place was upbeat and lively.  The bar area was situated in the middle of the room and dominated the space.  The bar helped to separate an otherwise large square room into smaller areas of dining. Two large pizza ovens where the center of attention in the open kitchen area and helped to keep the rustic theme of the place.

The wait staff was prompt and when asked about menu items appeared to be very informed.  Our waiter appeared to have tried quite a few of the menu items and was helpful with his opinion when asked.

I ordered the Vongole pizza. This pizza came in an individual size serving.  It was a white pizza and came with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, bacon and clams.  I love seafood and I can honestly say I have never mixed my seafood with my pizza.  When I looked at the menu and saw this pizza it captured my interest.  I am glad I took a chance and stepped out of my comfort zone to try it.  The combination of the bacon with the clams in this dish was truly a sensation for the taste buds.  I loved the smokiness of the bacon with the salty-ness of the clams.  I found the crust exactly the way I like it, very thin. With me the thinner the crust the better, however instead of being thin and crispy which is what I’ve come to expect in a thin crust, this was chewy and had some body to it. My overall experience with Volturno was excellent.  I would add this restaurant to my rotation it was one of the best pizza’s I’ve had in a long time. – RL