Crisp, golden crust and aromatic breadcrumbs dance across the unique Sicilian sfincione at St. Vito Focacceria, a Nashville gem recently spotlighted by Dave Portnoy’s Barstool One Bite Pizza Review. The Tennessee eatery’s fork-and-knife pizza experience, layered with fontina and pecorino cheeses, represents a departure from Nashville’s typical fare. Portnoy’s enthusiastic review has thrust this authentic Sicilian establishment into the national conversation, leaving food enthusiasts wondering: what makes this distinctive style so worthy of acclaim?
Sicilian Specialties Meet Nashville Dining Scene
When Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy stepped into Nashville’s St. Vito Focacceria for his famous One Bite pizza review, he encountered something distinctly different from his usual review subjects. The establishment, located at 605 Mansion Street, has been offering a unique Sicilian-style pizza called “Sfincione” since opening its doors in 2020.
Portnoy’s reaction to St. Vito’s sfincione highlighted how this style stands apart from traditional pizzas. Unlike the New York or Neapolitan varieties he typically rates, sfincione features fontina cheese topped with pecorino and seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a texture and flavor profile that required forks and knives rather than the folded-slice approach pizza enthusiasts might expect. This style originated as working class food in Sicily, where it became a popular and affordable street meal.
Despite the departure from conventional pizza styles he reviews, Portnoy recommended St. Vito for its uniqueness and quality. The venue’s commitment to local ingredients is evident in its constantly changing menu, though they always maintain their core four sfincione options available whole (10″x14″) or by the slice. The restaurant serves their Classic Vito with milled tomato and oregano, giving it an authentic Sicilian flavor profile. These distinctive pies don’t come cheap, with whole sfincione ranging between $40 and $45.
St. Vito Focacceria has established itself as more than just a pizza joint, offering dishes like Bluefin Tuna Crudo, Fennel Insalata, and Veal and Spaghetti alongside their signature sfincione. The thick rectangular crust is a hallmark of traditional Sicilian pizza, setting it apart from other regional styles. The restaurant maintains a laid-back atmosphere while implementing some upscale policies, including an automatic 20% service charge for dine-in orders and a $36 corkage fee for customers bringing their own wine.
Diners interested in experiencing St. Vito’s Sicilian offerings can make reservations through Resy up to 30 days in advance, though walk-ins are accepted during less busy periods. For those considering a visit, it’s worth noting the nearby parking garage offers the initial hour free, and the restaurant doesn’t accept cash payments.
The Barstool review brought national attention to this Nashville gem, showcasing how St. Vito Focacceria has successfully introduced an authentic piece of Sicilian culinary heritage to Tennessee’s vibrant food scene.
