Il Campionissimo Italian Restaurant / Pizza Place

Les Halles / Rivoli - 1er / 2eme, Paris –

Paris may not be famous for its pizza, but Il Campionissimo chef Arlette Cadot is trying to change that by adding a touch of France to this Italian specialty, and offering nearly a hundred creative slices bursting in foie gras, pear, and fig.

And if the consistent crowds are any indication, Parisians-ah like-ah the pie!

The “Arlecchino” foie gras pizza, in fact, won big at the prestigious pizza competition of Salsomaggiore Terme in 2009…perhaps a doughy premonition of the economic woes that hit Italy soon after.

Situated in a stylish space just around the corner from its tiny former location, the venue‘s dishes are a far cry from the culinary cardboard of college yore, all topped with unique ingredients like honeydew melon, chutney, and truffles.

As well-dressed diners pour in, waiters bounce between the terrace, the main dining room, and the adjoining private seating areas tucked into the perimeter of this sprawling space. Bold red and white walls dotted with intricate chandeliers give the venue a modern air, while an open kitchen inspires hunger as the scent of freshly baked goodness wafts out.

An upscale and critically recognized pizzeria, Il Campionissimo is not a place to grab a quick slice on the way to somewhere else. Rather, the restaurant is an experience in itself, where trendy cool pizza fans, adventurous tourists, and bruised-ego Italian expats sit for hours sampling the many flavors with a bottle of wine.