There’s no shortage of good eats on the Drive—the neighbourhood is home to a number of well-loved restaurants frequented by food-lovers. But when the city’s designated “Little Italy” welcomes a new Italian dining spot, it makes sense to take a break from your regular joint to check out the newcomer.

Sopra Sotto Pizzeria (1510 Commercial Drive) is an Italian eatery that recently opened on the popular eight-block stretch. Its concept is inspired by an Italian grandmother’s cooking, and its farmer-style menu pays homage to the slow food movement, which uses many ingredients sourced directly from the Drive.

Executive chef Enrico Fratoni, a native of Turin, Italy, creates traditional Italian dishes in the 90-seat space. Guests can expect culinary creations that include wood-fired oven pizzas, antipasti, pastas, and desserts at the restaurant.

“At Sopra Sotto, our sauces are simmered for hours allowing for a true emersion of flavours,” said Fratoni, in a press statement. “Similarly, pizza dough is prepared in advance allowing two days’ time to rise, and granting that the yeast will complete its full growth cycle, creating a lighter meal.”

Featured items include chitarrine al ragù (square spaghetti with Bolognese sauce), porchetta e friarelli pizza (homemade porchetta [boneless pork roast], Italian broccoli rabe, and mozzarella), as well as classic tiramisu (ladyfingers soaked in espresso, mascarpone cream, crushed chocolate, and cocoa powder).

The eatery also boasts a large number of drinks that guests can pair with their meals, such as Italian wines, Italian-inspired cocktails, imported bottled beer, and local craft beer on tap.

Sopra Sotto Pizzeria showcases an inviting interior that features wood and metal elements, as well as brass light fixtures. Plenty of natural light seep through the windows, making it a great space for food photography. Two patios are in currently in the works, which will hopefully open in time in for the hot summer days.

“Italians love to eat and want the best,” added Fratoni, in a press statement. “We are what we eat, [and] life is too short to eat bad food.”