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AWARD-WINNING NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA VARUNI NAPOLI CELEBRATES10 YEARS OF SERVICE AT FLAGSHIP MIDTOWN LOCATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/25/24

Led by Maestro Pizzaiolo Chef Luca Varuni, the Atlanta Restaurant’s 10th Anniversary Takes Place on Tuesday, April 23


Varuni Napoli, Atlanta’s premier Neapolitan pizzeria, is celebrating a decade of serving authentic Neapolitan cuisine at its flagship location in Midtown this April 23. Maestro Pizzaiolo Chef Luca Varuni, a native of Naples, the city considered the birthplace of pizza, founded Varuni Napoli in hopes of bringing the flavor and freshness of the food to Atlanta. Now, after 10 years of making that dream a reality, he looks back on Varuni Napoli’s evolution as a restaurant and looks forward to how the pizzeria will continue to grow and maintain its position as one of the top Neapolitan pizzerias in the Atlanta restaurant market.

“I feel incredibly honored to be celebrating 10 years of Varuni Napoli here in Atlanta,” said Chef Luca. “When we first opened, Atlanta’s restaurant scene was changing and growing, and we were excited just to be part of that. Now, it’s amazing to see how much the city has evolved, and it feels great that through an entire decade, we still have an amazing staff and supportive, loyal customers who have helped us get to this place.”

Chef Luca became interested in opening a Neapolitan pizzeria in Atlanta when he visited the city for the first time nearly 15 years ago to visit his now wife, LeAnn. He immediately noticed that there weren’t many pizzerias serving traditional Neapolitan pies in the city and wanted to bring more of his heritage to Atlanta in the form of food. Chef Luca’s passion for food developed from a young age, leading him to study traditional Mediterranean and Neapolitan cooking in Sorrento, Italy. Chef Luca also trained under the renowned maestro pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia of La Notizia, the first Michelin-rated pizzeria in the world. With his passion and training in traditional Southern Italian cuisine, Chef Luca moved to the United States and spent a few years continuing to develop his skills at American pizzerias before opening the flagship Midtown location of Varuni Napoli with his brother, Benedetto Varuni, by his side in 2014.

Each element of Varuni Napoli’s identity, from the name to the menu and even the design of the restaurant, honors an aspect of Chef Luca’s personal life, especially his Neapolitan heritage. The name Varuni Napoli is a combination of Chef Luca’s surname, and Napoli, the Italian name for Naples, Italy. When walking into the Midtown location, guests will immediately notice the open kitchen, where maestro pizzaiolos prepare each guest’s pizza right in front of them, similar to what one would find in Naples. Both the tiled ovens and Varuni Napoli’s iconic pizza boxes are a bright baby blue color, created that way in honor of the Napoli football team that Chef Luca grew up cheering for, and the eye color of Chef Luca’s wife. Around the restaurant, there are several black-and-white photos of Naples that show the mystique of the city and its legends, including Maradona, Sofia Loren, Totò, De Filippo, and more.

Varuni Napoli’s menu is the ultimate homage to Naples, featuring a mixture of traditional Neapolitan pies, including Chef Luca’s personal favorite (and one that he enjoys daily), the Margherita, and Chef Luca’s own personal creations, many of which were created in honor of his loved ones, like the Amore Mio created for his wife and the Nonna Mia created in honor of his grandmother. The menu also features dishes created from recipes that have been passed down in Chef Luca’s family from generation to generation, like the Italian-style meatballs and the classic eggplant parmesan. What Chef Luca takes the most pride in, is the quality of the ingredients used in Varuni Napoli’s dishes, with many being imported directly from Italy, including certified D.O.P. San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. Much of the produce is locally grown, with Varuni Napoli’s Midtown location featuring a hydroponic garden where the basil used in the menu items is grown in-house. Over time, Varuni Napoli’s menu has evolved to include flavorful Neapolitan-style sandwiches, classic Italian appetizers like arancini, and even brunch pizza options that feature both American-style and Neapolitan breakfast favorites.

Due to popular demand, Chef Luca made Varuni Napoli’s most popular pizzas available for nationwide shipping when he joined Goldbelly, the popular online food marketplace, in fall of 2022. This move not only furthered Varuni Napoli’s place as a leader in Atlanta’s pizza scene, but also made it possible for Varuni Napoli fans from across the country to order frozen versions of the restaurant’s customer-favorite pies, including the classic Margherita, spicy pepperoni-topped Bastardo, and cheesy Oro Bianco to heat up and enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

In 10 years, Varuni Napoli has cemented itself as one of Atlanta’s staple pizzerias. In its first year of opening, Varuni Napoli landed on Jezebel Magazine’s “100 Best Restaurants in Atlanta” list and was featured in Atlanta Magazine’s annual “Best of Atlanta” issue. The following year, Varuni Napoli was named one of the best pizza restaurants in Atlanta by USA Today’s 10Best. Fast forward to 2019, Varuni Napoli was named one of the best brunch restaurants in Atlanta by Food Network. The pizzeria was voted the Best Pizza Place in Atlanta in a 2020 poll from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and also made Thrillist’s lists of the best pizza places in Atlanta and the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Chef Luca one of the best pizzaiolos in Atlanta and named Varuni’s Margherita pizza as “one of the 15 classic pizzas to try in metro Atlanta.” Also in 2022, Varuni Napoli was named one of the 100 hottest restaurants in Atlanta by Jezebel Magazine and declared one of Atlanta’s 75 best restaurants by Atlanta Magazine. In 2023, Varuni Napoli was chosen to represent Atlanta in Good Morning America’s “United States of Pizza” competition and was also recognized by Pizza Today’s Pizza Industry Excellence Awards.

Photos and interviews with Chef Luca Varuni are available upon request. Stay in the know by following Varuni Napoli on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, subscribing to the pizzeria newsletter or visiting the website at www.varuni.us.   

About Chef Luca Varuni: As the mind behind Varuni Napoli, veteran maestro pizzaiolo Luca Varuni brings his passion for Italian heritage, vast culinary experience and extensive Neapolitan training to Atlanta’s favorite pizzeria.

An Italian native from Naples, Italy, Varuni was born with Neapolitan food and culture in his blood and has developed a passion for cooking through the years. Varuni began his life in the kitchen at age 14 and, early in his professional career, trained under the renowned maestro pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia of La Notizia – the first Michelin-rated pizzeria in the world. After studying traditional Mediterranean and Neapolitan cooking in Sorrento, Varuni brought his talents to the United States, later opening the first Varuni Napoli location in 2014 in Midtown Atlanta, followed by a second location in Krog Street Market in 2017.

Throughout the years, Chef Luca and Varuni Napoli have garnered nationwide attention from partnering with Breville, the world leader in kitchen appliances, as one of its top pizzaiolos to being featured on and included in outlets such as CNN, Food Network, “Good Morning America,” Pizza Today, PMQ Pizza Magazine, Thrillist, and more.

SPEND THE SPRING SEASON WITH VARUNI NAPOLI

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/4/24

 Varuni Napoli is gearing up for the spring season! Dig in to the delicious details below:

  • National Pi Day: In celebration of the superior circle-shaped food (and the mathematical number 3.14), Varuni will be offering $3.14 Peronis all day long with the purchase of an artisan pizza. Available at both locations on Thursday, March 14. Additionally, patrons near and far can stock up on Varuni’s crowd favorites from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 during Goldbelly’s Annual Pi Day 20% off sale.
  • Patio Opening: As the weather warms up, Varuni’s Midtown patio is ready to welcome patrons back for a unique alfresco dining experience. No reservation needed, up the stairs and around the corner visitors can soak up the sun on the intimate and secluded patio surrounding a beautifully, rustic old tree and ivy-covered wall. It’s a little hidden oasis in the bustling city! Walking the BeltLine? Enjoy Varuni Napoli on Krog Street Market’s covered patio.
  • To-Go Cocktails: Take picnics, game day tailgates and park hangs to the next level with Varuni’s portable, pouched cocktails! Available in three of the pizzeria’s crowd-favorite libations including the Fresca Verde, Negroni, and Julia, 6-pack or 12-packs are available for pickup at Midtown with 24-hour notice. 404-709-2690 to order.
  • Neapolitan-Style Brunch: Skip out on pancakes + waffles at the next brunch outing, and opt for a delicious Neapolitan-style breakfast pie instead. Varuni offers three brunch pizzas including:
    • Fichissima: Features housemade fig jam, arugula, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, fresh mozzarella + Pecorino Romano
    • Colazione Americana: Offers all the traditional American breakfast favorites including sausage, egg, and cheese…with an Italian spin that includes pancetta and black truffle-infused olive oil
    • Occhio Di Blue: Topped with the perfect blend of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, truffle potatoes, marinated beef + more, with a fried egg front and center
  • Weekly Pizza Specials: Varuni’smainstay menu is delicious all on its own, but have you heard they also offer unique specials every week to give guests something new to look forward to? From pizzas topped with zucchini and Italian pancetta, to pies that feature a roasted red pepper sauce and fresh basil pesto, Varuni’s weekly specials are full of flavors that Atlantans won’t find anywhere else! Follow Varuni on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see the weekly specials that are announced every Monday.
  • Weekly Wine Specials: It’s wine o’clock somewhere, and at Varuni, it’s on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Head over to the Midtown location where the pizzeria offers weekly wine specials. With the purchase of an artisan pie, every Tuesday they offer half-priced bottles of Montepulciano and every Wednesday they offer half-priced bottles of Pinot Grigio. Dine-in offer only.
  • Krog Market Exclusives: You may have your “regular” order at Varuni, but did you know there are some exclusive offerings at the pizzeria’s Krog location? Next time at Krog try:
    • Nonna Mia Pizza: Fresh buffalo mozzarella, San Marzano ragu, Nonna’s homemade meatballs, Pecorino Romano + basil
    • Partenope Pizza: Fresh mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, roasted artichokes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, Gaeta olives, Pecorino Romano + basil
    • Krog Fired Calzone: Fried pizza stuffed with fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, basil + two toppings of choice
  • Easter: Level up your Easter dessert game with Varuni’s DIY cannoli kits! Perfect for family fun, each kit includes cannoli shells, the signature ricotta filling, and a variety of toppings like Nutella, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and pistachios. 404-709-2690 to order, 24-hour notice required. Midtown exclusive. 

VARUNI NAPOLI CELEBRATES NATIONAL PIZZA WEEK WITH PIZZA WEEK-ONLY MENU

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/12/23

Sunday, January 14-Saturday Jan 20

National Pizza Week will be celebrated this year beginning on Sunday, Jan. 14 through Saturday, Jan. 20. There’s no better way to honor the occasion than by indulging in Atlanta’s best pizza – Varuni Napoli! This year, Varuni will be offering TWO very special National Pizza Week-exclusive pizzas! Available only at the Midtown location, patrons can enjoy:

The  My Sweet Fire is a red pizza topped with homemade peppadew pepper cream, buffalo mozzarella, hot soppressata, and peppadew peppers. Then, once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese and a drizzle of fresh basil pesto.

The  Melanzanella is a white pizza first topped with fried eggplant, smoked mozzarella, artisanal salame, and roasted grape tomatoes. Once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese, fresh basil, black pepper, and EVOO.

These are two specials Atlantans won’t want to miss, but if they already have their go-to order, the normal menu is also available to order from. 

Did you know Varuni Napoli pizzas are also available for nationwide shipping on Goldbelly? Atlantans (and beyond) can ship their favorite Varuni pizzas to friends + family across the nation to spread the National Pizza Week love!

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED PIZZERIA VARUNI NAPOLI LAUNCHES VARUNI CASA, A NEW ONLINE ITALIAN MARKET

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/18/23

Pizzeria Set to Offer Three Best-Selling Pies, As Well As Italian Market Staples
Via ChowNow, Platform Launches Today

 
Maestro pizzaiolo Chef Luca Varuni of Varuni Napoli (recently featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and named a Best Restaurant in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine) announced the Neapolitan pizzeria is partnering with online food ordering platform ChowNow to expand local delivery offerings. The new extension of the Varuni Napoli brand, Varuni Casa, will begin services today within a 6-mile radius from the Varuni Napoli flagship location in Midtown (1540 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30324).
 
“I’m thrilled to begin offering our frozen pizzas, as well as other Italian market items that we use in our kitchen, to stock pantries around Atlanta,” said Chef Luca Varuni. “Since launching our frozen pizzas nationally on Goldbelly last fall, we’ve heard customer after customer inquire about easy access to our frozen pies locally. You asked, and we listened!”
 
Varuni Napoli will offer frozen versions of three of its best-selling pies via Varuni Casa, including the Margherita, the Oro Bianco, and the Bastardo. The Classic Margherita is made with DOP-certified San Marzano tomato sauce, DOP buffalo mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and extra virgin olive oil (1-Pack, $20; 2-pack, $38; 3-pack, $56). The Oro Bianco is made with fresh mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, Taleggio cheese, pancetta, Pecorino Romano, black truffle oil, and black pepper (1-Pack, $23; 2-pack, $44; 3-pack, $63).
The Bastardo is made with DOP-certified San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni cups, ‘nduja (spicy spreadable pork salumi in ragu sauce), and Pecorino Romano (1-Pack, $22; 2-pack, $42; 3-pack, $61).
 
Patrons on the hunt for those imported, specialty ingredients Varuni Napoli uses in its kitchen should look no further. Varuni Casa features market items Chef Luca sources himself from Naples. These items are then delivered via cargo ship straight from Italy twice a year. Selection may vary daily, but includes many imported favorites like:

La Molisana Pasta Spaghetti (10 lb, $23.99)
La Molisana Pasta Penne Ziti Rigate (10 lb, $23.99)
Caputo Chef’s Flour – Italian Double Zero 00 (1 kg, $6.99)
Carnaroli Rice (2.2 lb, $9.99)
Fresh Mozzarella (1 tub, 3 lb, $24.99)
Fresh Ricotta (1 tub, 3 lb, $14.99)
Italian Calabrian Peppers ($54.99)
Nutella (1 tub, 6.6 lb, $49.99)
Peppadew Sweet Piquanté Peppers (105 oz can, $49.99)
Quartered Artichoke Hearts (3 kg can, $19.99)
San Pellegrino Sparkling Aranciata Organic (6-pack, 330 ml, $12.99)
San Pellegrino Sparkling Limonata Organic (6-pack, 330 ml, $12.99)
Varuni-branded Pomodori Pelati San Marzano DOP Tomatoes ($16.99)
Varuni-branded San Marzano DOP Tomatoes ($24.99)

Varuni Casa is open on ChowNow Tuesday-Friday: 12-4:45 p.m. and closed Saturday-Monday. Photos and interviews with Chef Luca Varuni are available upon request. Stay in the know by following Varuni Napoli on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and by subscribing to the pizzeria’s newsletter. 
 

VARUNI NAPOLI HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIFT GUIDE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/20

The holidays are here and we want to make sure nationally recognized, Atlanta-based Neapolitan pizzeria Varuni Napoli is top of mind for any loved ones you may need a gift idea for!. Get the scoop below on all the delicious holiday offerings Varuni is set to have this season.

LOCAL FAVE VARUNI NAPOLI FEATURED IN UBER EATS AD!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/9/20

What do Atlanta’s Varuni Napoli, Jonathan Van Ness of “Queer Eye” and Olympic Medalist Simone Biles have in common?  A national ad campaign is what! Uber Eats released their latest series of commercials this month and everyone’s favorite Neapolitan pizza spot is one of the stars. Varuni Napoli has been in the top 5% of Uber Eats deliveries across the U.S. and now they are getting the recognition they deserve in the form of a star-studded ad spot.

Check out the full commercial here.

Varuni Napoli: Hidden Gem

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/20

Tucked behind Varuni Napoli’s dining room sits a hidden garden patio with a leafy tree canopy, tons of shade, comfy couches, and a Koi pond. It’s a small oasis in the heart of the busy city that’s perfect for a date night or even after dinner drinks and dessert. Sitting on the patio, we sipped on a white sangria while dining on delicious Neapolitan style pizza and being pampered with the delightful desserts. It was the perfect early Saturday dinner. Let’s dig in.

If you didn’t know, Neapolitan style is known as wet pizza, that can be eaten with a fork and knife. It’s typically hard to pick up with a soft crust near the middle and we dig it. The two we tried were the Bastardo and the Pako. Starting with the Bastardo, it’s one of those dream pizzas that has everything, like the perfect flavor of the cheese and pepperoni and some of the best sauce ever! The sauce, known as Nduja, is spicy with a blend of the Calabrian chili and chili oil mixed with ground up pepperoni, sausage, pancetta, and other types of meat. They dolloped it on and it really was one of those pizzas you didn’t need any salt, garlic, or even parmesan on the top. Amazing. Don’t know if you know but I (Liz) have a threshold issue with dairy, so I asked if they could do one pizza without cheese and they said absolutely, so we got a Pako that boasts of sausage, onions, pepperoni, red peppers, mushrooms, all just without the cheese. Just because you don’t have cheese doesn’t mean you can’t get a ton of flavor out of your pizza! With the spiciness of the sausage, tender pepperoni, and a mound of veggies, there was no lack of flavor from the Pako. What made this pizza was the caramelized onions and paired with the sausage and pepperoni was the perfect combo.

What’s a specialty pizza restaurant without some surprisingly delicious desserts and a good cocktail and wine list? When you arrive, we’d recommend starting off with something refreshing, like the white sangria! A perfect mix of white wine, citrus forward lemon, as well as the right amount of fruit like apple! It’s the perfect patio sipper that’s one-part cool and one-part fresh. They also have a full beer list with local favorites, as well as a large wine list! Salut! After your meal, leave room for a dessert or two like the build your own cannoli or tiramisu! Of the ones we tried, the cannoli was perfectly fried and the cream was light, lemony, and had a lot of chocolate chips. Crunchy and creamy! Our favorite was the Tiramisu, which was deep and rich with fluffy lady fingers and custard and the boozy richness of the crust. So rich and creamy, who can resist?

Just imagine the sunsets and the twinkle lights turn on, turning the hidden patio into a romantic nook for a dinner under the stars. If you could try any of these things, what would it be?