Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Marco Dellariva
Trained in Naples under third-generation pizzaioli, Marco brought the soul of Italian pizza-making to Dallas in 2009. His 48-hour dough and wood-fired mastery are the heartbeat of Pizzana.
Our Story
Crafted with Passion,
Crafted with Passion,
Served with Pride
From a small Dallas kitchen to the city's most beloved pizza destination — discover the heart behind every slice.
2009
Est. in Dallas
Our Story
Born from a Love of
Born from a Love of
Authentic Italian Tradition
It all started in 2009 when Marco Dellariva, a trained pizzaiolo from Naples, arrived in Dallas with a suitcase, a family recipe book, and an unwavering dream. He believed Dallas deserved a real Neapolitan pizza experience — one built on time-honored dough techniques, hand-selected Italian ingredients, and the kind of wood-fired flavor you only find in the streets of Naples.
"Every pizza we make is a letter home to Italy. We don't cut corners — we honor the craft that generations before us perfected."
Starting with a modest 12-seat kitchen on Knox Street, Pizzana quickly earned a devoted following. Word spread through Dallas neighborhoods, food blogs, and family dinner tables. Within three years, weekend wait times stretched beyond an hour — a challenge Marco welcomed as the greatest compliment.
Today, Pizzana is a cornerstone of the Dallas dining scene, celebrated for its wood-fired pies, seasonal ingredients, and an atmosphere that makes every guest feel like family. The original recipe book still sits on the kitchen counter.
- Authentic Neapolitan dough fermented for 48 hours
- San Marzano DOP tomatoes imported from Italy
- Fior di latte mozzarella, hand-stretched daily
- Wood-fired oven reaching 900°F for the perfect char
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Quality Ingredients
We source only the finest produce, cheeses, and meats — many imported directly from Italy — because great pizza starts with great ingredients.
Artisan Craft
Every pizza is hand-stretched, wood-fired, and made to order. We reject shortcuts in favor of the slow, intentional methods that define true artisan pizza.
Community First
Pizzana is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We support local farmers, host community events, and give back to the Dallas neighborhood we love.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to energy-efficient ovens, we take our environmental responsibility seriously — because a better world deserves better pizza.
How We Got Here
Our Journey Through the Years
From a single wood-fired oven to Dallas's most celebrated pizzeria — every milestone a chapter in our ongoing story.
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2009
The Beginning
Marco Dellariva opens a 12-seat pizzeria on Knox Street, Dallas, armed with family recipes, a single wood-fired oven, and an unshakable belief in Neapolitan tradition.
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2011
First Recognition
Dallas Morning News names Pizzana "Best New Restaurant." Weekend wait times hit 90 minutes — validation that Dallas was ready for authentic Neapolitan pizza.
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2013
Kitchen Expansion
Pizzana doubles its kitchen and dining capacity, adds a full Italian wine list, and welcomes Executive Chef Sofia Vargas — elevating the menu to new culinary heights.
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2016
Catering & Events
Launch of Pizzana Catering brings wood-fired pizza to weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
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2020
Online Ordering Launch
Adapting to a changing world, Pizzana launches online ordering and premium pizza kits — bringing the Pizzana experience directly to Dallas homes with the same quality and care.
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2024
15 Years & Beyond
Celebrating 15 years of craftsmanship, Pizzana unveils a fully renovated dining room, a new seasonal tasting menu, and a commitment to the next 15 years of exceptional pizza.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate professionals united by a love of craft, community, and the perfect wood-fired slice.
Executive Chef
Sofia Vargas
A Culinary Institute of America graduate with stints in Rome and Barcelona, Sofia joined Pizzana in 2013 and transformed the seasonal menu into a celebrated culinary journey.
Beverage Director
James Okafor
Certified sommelier and Italian wine specialist, James curates Pizzana's acclaimed wine list — sourcing boutique Italian producers to complement every dish on the menu.
Guest Experience Manager
Elena Park
With a background in luxury hospitality, Elena ensures every Pizzana guest leaves with a story worth telling — overseeing service standards, events, and the all-important first impression.
Love what we do? Come experience the difference in person.
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