In a state celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, one restaurant stands out as the sole recipient of a prestigious international honor for Italian cuisine. Il Pizzico, a long-standing Italian eatery at 15209 Frederick Rd. in Rockville, Maryland, previously earned a “forchetta” (or fork) from Gambero Rosso, a renowned Italian food and wine magazine. A video of the experience is available below.
The name “Il Pizzico,” which translates to “the pinch,” reflects the culinary philosophy of proprietor Enzo Livia. His approach is rooted in authentic Italian recipes, enhanced by a personal “pinch” of herbs and spices to give each dish a unique touch. Starting as a small deli more than 30 years ago, the establishment quickly grew into a full-service restaurant due to customer demand for a sit-down dining experience.
Gambero Rosso, which publishes guides to the best Italian restaurants worldwide, acknowledged Il Pizzico’s mastery of authentic recipes, from homemade pastas to a varied selection of seafood and meat dishes. The guide specifically highlighted the restaurant’s tortelloni with porcini mushrooms and the classic cacio e pepe as must-try dishes.
For over 30 years, Enzo and Sandra Livia have served countless customers, maintaining a family-like atmosphere and a consistent quality that has earned them a reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic. A combination of two visits from our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis can be seen below:
View this post on Instagram