Florentine Grandville
Pie in the sky! EatGr pizza throwdown, stop #12 ! Judge's notes:
Florentine Grandville- Deluxe
Crust: Their dough is made daily, in house and proofs for at least one day before using. The crust was both crunchy, and chewy! There was a slight buttery taste to it. The crust was sturdy enough to hold up all of the sauce, cheese, and toppings. It is pliable to fold, if that is your desire. I chose to fork and knife it.
Sauce: Imported tomatoes from Italy are the primary ingredient in the pizza sauce, which is different from their house marinara sauce. The pizza sauce was very simple, tomato forward, and puréed, for a smooth, thicker consistency. There weren't any strong notes of garlic, but the waiter, Doug mentioned, they frequently have patrons stating that they don't experience heartburn from their sauce, which is one of the reasons it is so popular. (Makes sense to me! ) The sauce was a nice base to the many toppings on this pie!
Toppings: Creamy mozzarella cheese, fresh fennel sausage - ground in house, fresh hand cut veggies (onion, green pepper), canned mushrooms, mild pepperoni, savory ham. The entire pie (less the crust) was absolutely loaded with cheese and toppings. Everything was evenly distributed, so, each bite had a little bit of each. This was a delicious, well balanced deluxe pizza, with a nice crust texture and cook.
We arrived right as they were opening for the afternoon, preceeded by several eager regulars, waiting for the door to open! The staff were friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable! Our server was Doug! He was awesome. The restaurant filled up quickly after the doors opened! It has a low lit, sports bar vibe.
We also tried their fried ravioli and buffalo chicken wings. They make their own hot buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. 😋 Check them out, if you haven't already!
After my recent visit to Florentine Ristorante/Sportsbar Grandville, I just had to share more details about what made it such a memorable experience, especially for anyone searching for honest reviews! When you're looking for a great pizza spot in Grandville, you want to know if it truly delivers, and I can confidently say this place does. Let's talk more about that Deluxe pizza. I'm a big fan of a well-executed crust, and Florentine's really stood out. Knowing their dough is made in-house daily and proofs for at least a day tells you they care about quality. That delightful crunch followed by a satisfying chew, along with a subtle buttery hint, isn't something you find everywhere. It's the kind of crust that holds up to a mountain of toppings without getting soggy, yet remains pliable enough if you're a folder. For me, it was a fork-and-knife job, which speaks volumes about its generous portions! And the sauce! It’s not often you hear about a pizza sauce that's specifically praised for not causing heartburn. Using imported Italian tomatoes and a smooth, puréed consistency, it provides a simple, tomato-forward base that lets the other flavors shine without overpowering them. It genuinely made a difference in how I felt after a hearty meal, which is a huge plus for many. The toppings on the Deluxe pizza were truly 'deluxe' in every sense. Creamy mozzarella, fresh fennel sausage ground in-house, freshly cut onions and green peppers, savory ham, and mild pepperoni – every bite was a perfectly balanced medley. What impressed me most was the even distribution; you never got a mouthful of just one topping. It felt like a carefully crafted culinary experience. Beyond the pizza, we also ventured into their appetizers. The fried ravioli were perfectly crispy, and their buffalo chicken wings were a pleasant surprise. They boast about making their own hot buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, and honestly, you can taste the difference. It wasn't just another generic wing sauce; it had a depth of flavor and a kick that was just right, complemented perfectly by their homemade ranch. The atmosphere at Florentine Grandville adds significantly to the dining experience. Arriving right at opening, we saw eager regulars already waiting, which is always a good sign! The low-lit, sports bar vibe is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for a casual dinner, a game night, or even a relaxed date. The restaurant filled up quickly, but the staff, including our fantastic waiter Doug, remained incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. Their genuine enthusiasm for the food and ability to answer questions about ingredients really enhanced our visit. If you're planning a visit, I'd recommend arriving a bit early, especially on weekends, as it does get busy. Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations – they know their menu inside out. Whether you're a long-time Grandville resident or just passing through, Florentine Ristorante/Sportsbar Grandville is definitely worth adding to your list for a delicious, high-quality pizza and a welcoming dining atmosphere. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a truly satisfying local experience.