Wood + Fire

Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover

There is a hidden gem across from Shaw’s on Essex Street - Wood + Fire.

It is definitely on the more expensive side but the quality is worth the price.

The Caesar salad is fresh, crunchy, sliced parmesan cheese and a creamy dressing that adds flavor without overpowering. The salad is big enough for 3 to share.

Wood + Fire has the best crust: crispy but not too crispy, soft but not too soft, and delicious. The char from the brick oven fire is perfect. Now add superb pizza sauce, cheese, onions, and sausage, all with the perfect ratios, throw it in the wood fire oven and you have a scrumptious dinner. I love watching the fire from the oven.

The pizzas are small – adequate for two with a salad but we often have 3 for dinner so we get two pizzas and the leftovers heat great.

Their Bolognese is made with beef and pork with thick noodles cooked perfectly, flavorful sauce, and fresh basil.

The show stopper is the Nutella pizza – a Nutella base on pizza crust with strawberries, hazelnut pieces, strawberries, and sweet cream – Mamma Mia!

Chef Omar runs the kitchen like an orchestra – everyone moving in sync. The entire staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. They serve beer, wine, and sangria. Table seating, at the bar or facing the kitchen to watch the magic.

We have gotten take out many times – and everything travels well.