Amazing pizza! We had an appetizer (spinach dip which also surprisingly was a pizza) and each ordered a pizza. (Read that they were small but 10" would have been enough to feed two people. So Pizza for lunch tomorrow!) They apparently have monthly menus and September has THAI pizza which is godly! Also had the buffalina which was great! Definitely will be back. Much better than pizza ranch which is close by.
(5)
Ruby B.
Living as far out of the city as Elk River means you go without some things. Like good Neapolitan-style pizza and hot yoga. Well, after eating at Pompeii I realize I'm really only missing hot yoga living out here. Pompeii was fantastic. I got my pizza on the gluten-free crust (out of necessity, not desire) and that's usually a sure sign of nasty pizza but this was really good! My husband, who got the regular crust, actually said he preferred my pizza to his. Pretty sure that's never happened in the history of the world. I'll definitely go back. It was nice to have someone else make me pizza that not only tastes delish but also didn't offend my stomach. Who knew?!
(4)
Nicole N.
Pompeii is not Punch. They wish they were Punch. It's true that their crust is more solid and one can actually grab a slice and eat it with their hands. Pompeii is not true Neapolitan pizza and that's okay. It's a mixture of American and I-wannabe-Neapolitan pizza. Pompeii is okay. Do I think it's worth the pricing? Hell. No. Their pricing is very similar to Punch but their ingredients are not up to par. I ordered salami and it was the same stuff that Rainbow sells at their deli. The kicker? I got four slices. That's right--FOUR. What the hell? Bogus. Overall, I think that if I lived in Elk River I'd go to Pompeii once in a while. I do think that it really is a rip off. Just because you are trying to copy Punch Pizza (Their menu board is exactly the same as the Punch location by the U and Pompeii has the same ingredients on pizzas/used to have pizzas named VERY similar to Punch!) does not mean you can charge as much as they do for your cruddy ingredients. If Sysco delivers your pizza toppings you have issues. I will give them credit for making their own mozzarella. That's pretty awesome. It was good cheese.
(2)
Kelly S.
I'm not team Pompeii or team Punch. I'm on both teams. Team Neopolitan! They both have their similarities, differences, appeals, and local draws. I enjoyed the pizza at Pompeii very much. The prices are really reasonable and I was impressed at how hard the staff was working to make everyone happy customers. I thoroughly enjoyed their mozzarella cheese, which they make in-house, topped on my freshly made pizza. I would definitely go back here.
(3)
Tracy W.
The best pizza outside of Minneapolis. Try the classic sauce, and any of the topping choices. EDIT: Mango Chutney is only here for the summer, but it is so so great.
(4)
Gretchen S.
DELICIOUS! So excited to have this in town! I think the pizza is better then Punch - its not as wet. They have great flavors and love the added pistachios in the Pompeii Salad - YUMMY!! **Just wanted to state that I recently went in to get a TOGO order and my 4 year old was with and she said she wanted a drink and I told her no we were getting it to go - and the guy behind the counter gave her a cup and I didn't have to pay - that is what small home town business is all about - the love of the customer. My daughter was happy and Momma was happy too!! OF COURSE THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS AS USUAL!!
(5)
Heather F.
My husband & I LOVE this place. We always try a seasonal pizza & enjoy most that we've tried. They are creative & sometimes seem unusual but give them a try. We think this place is better than Punch Pizza & Pizza Nea & worth a trip out of the cities. We go a few times a month & would love to go more! I highly recommend this place. We've been coming for 3 1/2 years & love it more & more with each new pizza we try.
(5)
Shane S.
My wife and I like Pompeii's food quite a lot; particularly the Pear & Gorgonzola salad. However, over time we've watched the slices of pear get thinner and thinner. The last time we ordered this salad we received three paper thin [translucent!] slices. At that point can you even keep the name? I suggest "Arugula and Gorgonzola Salad with Pear Garnish". Likewise, the employees can, at times, be downright rude. I assume they take their cues from the manager. We see him in there regularly and he is often in a sour mood. On more than one occasion we've overheard him bad-mouthing certain customers. Granted, not every customer is a peach... but do keep your opinions to yourself. If you must spout off about a rude customer do it in privacy; not in front of other customers. The food is quite good, but because of the gradual lessening of quantity/quality and the rudeness of the staff and management, I give Pompeii 3 out of 5 stars.
(3)
Josh E.
Pompeii Pizza. A little ball of dough that is needed, sauce and toppings added, then fire baked in a brick oven at 750 degrees for 2 1/2 minutes, and come out it the form of pizza-gasm. If you've ever had punch pizza or any kind of Neapolitan style pizza for that matter, you should know that these pies are a gift from the food gods. This place is usually pretty packed for being in a suburb town, the small store doesn't help the arrangement but it's busy for 1 reason. The pies are amazing. They offer seasonal pies, delicious salads and appetizers, all fresh baked, and even prepare their own mozzarella cheese. My personal favorite pie is the bleu moon. Delicious, although not sure why they call it bleu, there is no bleu cheese. If you're ever in downtown Elk River and are craving a pizza you will never forget, stop in at Pompeii. They also have wine, tap, and craft beers to compliment your meals, and fairly priced as well. Mama Mia!
(5)
Larrie M.
Good old fashioned Napolitan pizza. Homemade right in front of you and fire baked in something like 90 seconds. Good prices and service. We're blessed to have a great place like this right here in Elk River, MN
(4)
Steve W.
I won't crave this as much as I do Punch, but our first trip here was great. Good caprese, good pizza and good options for beer and wine. I'll definitely stop by again when in the area.
(4)
Kevin H.
Great pizza. Love the crust. Thin, crispy and full of flavor. The flatbread is well salted with the pear salad. The pizza was good and I love the local "Surly" beer. Will be back
(4)
Aaron M.
We got there about 615 and there was only standing room with a line of people ordering. We wanted to sit down but were going to settle for carryout. There is not much seating area so be prepared to either wait or take it to go. By the time we ordered there was an open table. With in 15 minutes we got our salad and pizzas. The pizzas are small but getting one per person still left some for us to take home. We watched as the made the pizzas and slid them in the oven. The ingredients are fresh and the flavors are robust. Every pizza we have had has been very good. The hand tossed pizza is thin which we like. They don't smother it with sauce. The cheese melts in your mouth. We would highly recommend that if you want a pizza but you don't want the same old thing try Pompeii.
(5)
Travis M.
Hands down the best pizza place in the world. I cannot describe how awesome it is. Try it. Also the crazy flavors they add monthly are always fun to experience. Bring a group so you can try em all!
(5)
Tammy V.
I used to really like this place and we came here often but... The rude staff and unpredictable hours has changed my opinion. DO NOT rely on hours posted online as you WILL be turned away!! Basically they close whenever they feel like it. Don't bother complaining about it either because you will be appalled at the response. We used to frequent this place weekly now it's maybe once every few months. If people can't smile and say hello in the food service industry then they need a different job. The owner just doesn't seem to care. Have set hours and follow them!!! Hire friendly staff!!! Your MANAGEMENT should take care of customers not defend staffs bad attitude
Probably the best pizza place I've ever been to. Extremely friendly staff and great food :)
(5)
Jessica K.
Pear Gorgonzola salad= delicious! It's a small lil' joint, so don't plan on going with a group of 20 to be seated immediately. This is the best restaurant in Elk River in my opinion. All of the pizzas are delicious and the rosemary bread that comes with salad orders is even better.
(5)
Gerald L.
Love this place and wished we lived closer! The handmade artisanal pizzas are TO DIE FOR! Insanely creative toppings and choices and deliver explosions of flavor! My personal fav is the Molto Piccante....trust me - heaven on dough. The pizzas are so good we haven't even tried the other items on the menu!
(5)
Rachel S.
Check out the reviews at the bottom of the page that weren't included in the star rating of this place because they do tell an accurate side of this quaint, hometown place. I visited when they first opened but haven't been back until tonight. With all the media attention they've been getting lately, I decided to take my daughter and try again. They were super busy so I'm giving them 3 stars because maybe they deserve some slack. As far as fresh and house-made goes, they cannot be beat. Their pizza options are creative and change regularly. I also like that they have a few outside tables. We had the Kale salad three ways - kudos for offering Kale, but it was a shameful execution of the described salad. Piles of un edible Kale ribs included with a very poorly dressed salad piled so full on such a small plate it went everywhere. As far as service goes, don't expect any, although all of the younger kids working were very friendly and the owner kept them clearing tables. It's small and they have not developed a system of letting anybody know what to do when you get there. As a matter of fact their system is so unclear some first timers ordered what they thought was a spinach artichoke dip appetizer only to find out it was another pizza! As was the case the first time I was there the crust of the pizza was under baked.
(3)
Sara H.
Good pizza, friendly staff. Nice small joint, pizzas are small so it's easy to order a few and try out the different ones they've got. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Deb M.
Excellent pizza and salad. Would highly recommend. We were passing through and stopped for lunch. I will be sure to stop in the next time I'm in town.
(5)
Amy N.
Really great pizza. The crust is the right amount of crispy and chewy. Ingredients are original and fresh. So happy this is close to where I live.
(4)
Maria S.
Ive had most of the pizzas on their menu and I LOVE them all! If you're looking for american pizza, don't order from here but if you want fantastic authentic pizza ORDER ORDER ORDER!!!!!
(5)
kate c.
Great place. Have tried the pear and Gorgonzola salad and 2 pizzas. The pizza is excellent. The crust reminds me of Napoli style. One thing I really miss about the northeast is pizza and this close. It's a little pricey but whenever I'm in er, I make a stop here. Recommend.
(5)
Jean H.
Delicious! They need better quality napkins though! And they only have Pepsi products. Otherwise, it's a great place to eat.
(4)
Tony S.
Absolutely the best pizza in Sherburne County and the Elk River area. True, the portions / price ratio is on the high side, but it's worth it. I can usually finish off one pizza without leftovers and I leave feeling full. Very creative menu that changes often, and you'll have just enough time to enjoy a glass of wine before your perfect pie is delivered to your table. I've been there many times and have never been disappointed and I'm originally from the East coast and know good NY style pizza.
(5)
Chelsea K.
Love Pompeii. Delicious pizza, better than punch! Very fresh. Ambiance is warm, comfortable, intimate. Staff are friendly and helpful.
(5)
Bobbi Jo R.
My mom and I like to come here when we reminisce about the delicious pizza we had on our trip to New York. It's like northeastern pizza, very thin crust, which is the only pizza I'll eat. For being in Minnesota it's not bad. Their toppings are very varied, but they don't have pineapple! I typically never order pizza without pineapple so that is why I don't come here more often. Think I might try Punch pizza or someplace else in the Minneapolis area to get my New York pizza fix.
(3)
Jim S.
The pizza at Pompeii is top notch. Having said that, i have actually seen the owner complain about new customers (right in front of other customers) who come in too late, and then tell others if they dont like it go to Little Caesar. Pompeii closes at 8pm most days, which seems a bit early. Ive also seen him throw people out who are wrapping up dinner at 10 minutes after 8. It seems as if Frank has lost sight of customer service, but the pizza is solid as long as you can deal with the owners ego. I would rank this review two ways, a 4 on the food (the wine is a little over priced), and a one for customer service.
(2)
Jaime H.
Stopped in today for lunch. Ordered a Pear Gorgonzola salad and it was not only huge, it was extremely tasty. It was served with two triangles of flatbread. Salads don't get better than this. I picked a seat next to the window overlooking the street. The sun was beaming through the window and it was relaxing. I was in a bit of a hurry today. Next time I am bringing a book and ordering wine and I am going to enjoy life! Great Place!
(5)
Sharon J.
If you're looking for a reminder of your last trip to Italy, come here! The pizza is authentic Neopolitan. This is a nice place for pizza and a glass of wine with friends.
(5)
Robert L.
Having eaten at every restaurant in the area, Pompeii is without a doubt the best pizza in Elk River. Street parking, it sort of has an uptown vibe, which is odd for the area.
(4)
Matt E.
Fantastic quality and value for an exurb pizza place; I'd even put it up there with pizza nea and punch. Heavy on the cheese for neopolitan style but I don't think most people will complain about that. Hard to beat a top notch margarita for six bucks.
(5)
L. S.
Best pizza in the area, hands down. Prices are very reasonable. I have eaten here many times and love the seasonal menu that compliments their regular menu. Ingredients are always fresh, and the staff is friendly. The salads are terrific as well, with the Pear and Gorgonzola being my fave. The pistachio rosemary pizza is to die for.... Only one complaint to the owner: Frank, bring back the crab cakes!! :-)
(5)
Sandy S.
For the area, it's good Neapolitan pizza. Comparing to Punch, the crust doesn't get as soggy in the middle, but it doesn't have that smoky goodness that Punch does. The ingredients aren't as good either. IMO, even though it's not as good as Punch, it's still good. Wine was expensive. A glass of white was $6 and it wasn't even a full glass. Bummer. Next time I'll order a beer. At least it's closer than a run into the city. Since my son goes to the U, Punch is a regular stop so its no big deal for us to go but for others that don't want to go to the city, Pompeii is a close second. Although, Punch is opening a new store in Maple Grove!! Pompeii is definitely a comebacker when we are in the mood for Neapolitan.
(4)
Maxine S.
The pizza today was citrus (lemon) with prosciutto . It was just WONDERFUL! The salads are fresh and varied...the pear and Gorgonzola is to die for. We have never been less than thrilled with the food.
(5)
Jessa B.
Not your average "pizza joint". Goat cheese, spinach, pistachios, and pears are not ingredients you'll have available to order at Domino's or Papa John's. Quite delicious on a pizza if I must say. The man and I ordered a couple pizzas and salad on a relaxing Saturday evening. We ordered take-out, as we live only five minutes away. Great service! Our order was ready in less than ten minutes. Everything is made fresh to order, in the brick oven. We ordered the chicken Gorgonzola salad, Fresh Chard pizza, and Sorrento pizza. The salad had a little too much dressing on it, (recommend ordering it on the side.) Both pizzas were delicious. I was glad we ordered two as they are not as large as you would assume. The crust is amazing--I love when you can taste the fresh-ness, unprocessed taste. This place is similar to a "Punch Pizza" chain, however the atmosphere here is much more inviting, as well as those "not so average" ingredients. Worth a repeat.
(4)
Joe B.
Wow nice experience here. Wife and I came up here for a quick brunch. We ordered the raspberry crepes, and an eggs benedict pizza. You basically order at the counter and they bring it to your table. They do have a limited wine and beer selection....they have Surly on tap so all is well on the beer side as far as I am concerned. We got the crepes first. They are average. They were a bit over cooked (translation dry), and they used a Cool Whip type product from a can for the whipped cream. They lost a star for this. So let us talk about what will bring me back. While we have not eaten their other pizzas, we ate the aforementioned eggs benedict breakfast pizza and, I have got to say I was really impressed! The crust is layered with fresh mozzerella, which is sprinkled with soft scrambled eggs, next there are proscuito slices applied, followed by a drizzle of hollandaise sauce baked in a 750 degree F oven. What comes out is a rich and creamy, pizza that is puncuated with the salty awesomeness of the proscuito. I will drive the 15 miles again to eat this pizza. Fix the crepes and this place gets a 5.
(4)
Zach L.
We come here all the time, and have yet to be disappointed. Simply phenomenal pizza, unique and fast! It's our go-to for good food.
(5)
Austin W.
Delicious ingredients! Some of the best pizza I've had north of the cities. Get extra mozzarella you won't be disappointed. My favorite.... Sausage, pepperoni, prosciutto, mushrooms, garlic, onions, extra mozzarella on a classic style.
(5)
Julie C.
I love the fresh chard pizza - it is AWESOME. This is the best (and only) fresh brick oven style pizza in the area. However, I believe the brick oven is gas, not wood-fired. I have to purposely overlook that little fact, and just sink my teeth into the fresh mozzarella and be grateful that there is something "similar" to Pizza Nea and Punch in my hometown of Elk River. Make sure you go downstairs after your meal and get yourself a loaf of honey white bread and the best scone you will ever eat at Diamond City Bread.
(3)
John H.
Awesome food. The restaurant is very small, limited seating, so get there early. Best pizza I've had in a long time. Super-fresh ingredients make all the difference.
(5)
Jill L.
My family and I love Pompeii Pizza! I work in St. Paul and have gone to punch many times, and not once has it ever measured up to Pompeii. The pizza at Pompeii is always done to the right consistency, never too soggy, and never burnt. The cheese is made in house and is AMAZING! Their combination of unique flavors like pistachio and rosemary combined with just a hint of salt on the crust is to die for! Tonight I tried the Hummus & Cheese served on their pizza crust. The Hummus is made fresh daily in house. I loved this dish. It is a part of the fall menu, but I hope it sticks around longer. My boys love the pepperoni pizzas and the fact that they can pick them up and eat them without losing all of the toppings (cough cough punch cough cough.) Whenever we ask them where they want to eat out, they pick Pompeii, hands down. The outdoor patio is wonderful for meeting friends for a glass of wine and faces west in the evenings for a nice view! Overall, we love that this is a locally owned business. The owner is routinely on hand making the pizza's himself and the staff have always been friendly and courteous to us. We have never had a bad experience at Pompeii!
(5)
Sara K.
Delicious, fantastic fire baked pizza. Many different and unusual choices. We checked this restaurant out after a wonderful review in the magazine Midwest Living. We really enjoyed our lunch!!
(5)
Heidi O.
We tried this pizza and really enjoyed - it reminded us a lot of the pizza we had in Italy. The crust is fantastic and the toppings are fresh and delicious. It's a nice change of pace from the typical pizza place. If you live in Elk River or anywhere nearby, it's definitely worth checking out! Edited: Must add more. Amending my review to 5 stars. We usually eat here once a week and can't say enough good things. Fast, friendly staff, delicious food. Booo for anyone who's a hater!
(5)
Eric S.
It is great to have a place like this in Elk River, It is very similar to Punch pizza, and hands down the best pizza in town. It's located in the old downtown area in a small building. I'm surprised there isn't a constant line waiting to be seated. The staff was very friendly and if you live in this area and like Punch pizza, you no longer have to drive to the cities, this place is just as good. I'm one happy camper. Only complaint I'd have is maybe it's a little overpriced, but that won't stop me from coming back. I wish they'd put the seasoning that they put on the bread on the pizza crust too. The decor inside is really neat and in most of the seats you get to see them make the pizza in the wood fired oven. Pretty cool that your pizza is done in 90 seconds. This is the type of place Elk River needed as they're lacking in original type restaurants.
(5)
Jennifer Z.
Cute establishment, friendly service and excellent pizza.
(4)
Andy R.
Wife and I shared a large caprese salad and then had our own pizzas. Everything is very fresh, including the mozzarella. The caprese salad was some of the best I've ever had, and it was without balsamic vinegar, which I like. I had the margarita pizza with sausage and gorgonzola. The sausage is real italian sausage, and the gorgonzola was strong and salty (good). The wife had the veggie margarita, and we both enjoyed it as well. The pizzas are 10-11", and they are served as a personal pizza. Price was very affordable, and one pizza is a good meal at only $6-$10. This is some of the best pizza I've had, hands down. It's a hidden gem in a place you wouldn't expect it - Elk River. The place is small, and it fills up quickly. It's quaint and modern inside, sort of like your own dining room. You watch everything being made if you want. The small size does not lend well to large groups, but if you go in with 4 people, it's just right. They have a couple tables to accommodate larger groups, but it's first-come-first-serve. There is an outdoor patio in the back with more space, but obviously that's seasonal and weather-dependent. You walk in, if there's a table open, snag it and mark it, then walk up to the counter and order there. They will give you a table number and bring your food when it's ready. It's a small operation, so it's not a full-service restaurant like that. If you have kids, they will love it. Kids love pizza regardless, but there were two younger kids there eating that appeared to really dig the place and loved having their own pizza. We didn't have dessert, but it looked very good. That will be for Round 2. We definitely plan on making it a regular thing now to drive up from NW metro. I rarely give 5 stars, but this one is well-deserved. It's Triple-D worthy.
(5)
Nohal M.
Easily the best pizza in the area. Great little place to get in and out. Price is tad bit higher than others but it is to be expected.
(5)
Brian V.
Went here again the other night and it was better than ever. The crust wasn't so tough and chewy. Since being here last I tried Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, similar pizza place, and Pompeii is way better!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Miss D.
Amazing pizza! We had an appetizer (spinach dip which also surprisingly was a pizza) and each ordered a pizza. (Read that they were small but 10" would have been enough to feed two people. So Pizza for lunch tomorrow!) They apparently have monthly menus and September has THAI pizza which is godly! Also had the buffalina which was great! Definitely will be back. Much better than pizza ranch which is close by.
(5)Ruby B.
Living as far out of the city as Elk River means you go without some things. Like good Neapolitan-style pizza and hot yoga. Well, after eating at Pompeii I realize I'm really only missing hot yoga living out here. Pompeii was fantastic. I got my pizza on the gluten-free crust (out of necessity, not desire) and that's usually a sure sign of nasty pizza but this was really good! My husband, who got the regular crust, actually said he preferred my pizza to his. Pretty sure that's never happened in the history of the world. I'll definitely go back. It was nice to have someone else make me pizza that not only tastes delish but also didn't offend my stomach. Who knew?!
(4)Nicole N.
Pompeii is not Punch. They wish they were Punch. It's true that their crust is more solid and one can actually grab a slice and eat it with their hands. Pompeii is not true Neapolitan pizza and that's okay. It's a mixture of American and I-wannabe-Neapolitan pizza. Pompeii is okay. Do I think it's worth the pricing? Hell. No. Their pricing is very similar to Punch but their ingredients are not up to par. I ordered salami and it was the same stuff that Rainbow sells at their deli. The kicker? I got four slices. That's right--FOUR. What the hell? Bogus. Overall, I think that if I lived in Elk River I'd go to Pompeii once in a while. I do think that it really is a rip off. Just because you are trying to copy Punch Pizza (Their menu board is exactly the same as the Punch location by the U and Pompeii has the same ingredients on pizzas/used to have pizzas named VERY similar to Punch!) does not mean you can charge as much as they do for your cruddy ingredients. If Sysco delivers your pizza toppings you have issues. I will give them credit for making their own mozzarella. That's pretty awesome. It was good cheese.
(2)Kelly S.
I'm not team Pompeii or team Punch. I'm on both teams. Team Neopolitan! They both have their similarities, differences, appeals, and local draws. I enjoyed the pizza at Pompeii very much. The prices are really reasonable and I was impressed at how hard the staff was working to make everyone happy customers. I thoroughly enjoyed their mozzarella cheese, which they make in-house, topped on my freshly made pizza. I would definitely go back here.
(3)Tracy W.
The best pizza outside of Minneapolis. Try the classic sauce, and any of the topping choices. EDIT: Mango Chutney is only here for the summer, but it is so so great.
(4)Gretchen S.
DELICIOUS! So excited to have this in town! I think the pizza is better then Punch - its not as wet. They have great flavors and love the added pistachios in the Pompeii Salad - YUMMY!! **Just wanted to state that I recently went in to get a TOGO order and my 4 year old was with and she said she wanted a drink and I told her no we were getting it to go - and the guy behind the counter gave her a cup and I didn't have to pay - that is what small home town business is all about - the love of the customer. My daughter was happy and Momma was happy too!! OF COURSE THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS AS USUAL!!
(5)Heather F.
My husband & I LOVE this place. We always try a seasonal pizza & enjoy most that we've tried. They are creative & sometimes seem unusual but give them a try. We think this place is better than Punch Pizza & Pizza Nea & worth a trip out of the cities. We go a few times a month & would love to go more! I highly recommend this place. We've been coming for 3 1/2 years & love it more & more with each new pizza we try.
(5)Shane S.
My wife and I like Pompeii's food quite a lot; particularly the Pear & Gorgonzola salad. However, over time we've watched the slices of pear get thinner and thinner. The last time we ordered this salad we received three paper thin [translucent!] slices. At that point can you even keep the name? I suggest "Arugula and Gorgonzola Salad with Pear Garnish". Likewise, the employees can, at times, be downright rude. I assume they take their cues from the manager. We see him in there regularly and he is often in a sour mood. On more than one occasion we've overheard him bad-mouthing certain customers. Granted, not every customer is a peach... but do keep your opinions to yourself. If you must spout off about a rude customer do it in privacy; not in front of other customers. The food is quite good, but because of the gradual lessening of quantity/quality and the rudeness of the staff and management, I give Pompeii 3 out of 5 stars.
(3)Josh E.
Pompeii Pizza. A little ball of dough that is needed, sauce and toppings added, then fire baked in a brick oven at 750 degrees for 2 1/2 minutes, and come out it the form of pizza-gasm. If you've ever had punch pizza or any kind of Neapolitan style pizza for that matter, you should know that these pies are a gift from the food gods. This place is usually pretty packed for being in a suburb town, the small store doesn't help the arrangement but it's busy for 1 reason. The pies are amazing. They offer seasonal pies, delicious salads and appetizers, all fresh baked, and even prepare their own mozzarella cheese. My personal favorite pie is the bleu moon. Delicious, although not sure why they call it bleu, there is no bleu cheese. If you're ever in downtown Elk River and are craving a pizza you will never forget, stop in at Pompeii. They also have wine, tap, and craft beers to compliment your meals, and fairly priced as well. Mama Mia!
(5)Larrie M.
Good old fashioned Napolitan pizza. Homemade right in front of you and fire baked in something like 90 seconds. Good prices and service. We're blessed to have a great place like this right here in Elk River, MN
(4)Steve W.
I won't crave this as much as I do Punch, but our first trip here was great. Good caprese, good pizza and good options for beer and wine. I'll definitely stop by again when in the area.
(4)Kevin H.
Great pizza. Love the crust. Thin, crispy and full of flavor. The flatbread is well salted with the pear salad. The pizza was good and I love the local "Surly" beer. Will be back
(4)Aaron M.
We got there about 615 and there was only standing room with a line of people ordering. We wanted to sit down but were going to settle for carryout. There is not much seating area so be prepared to either wait or take it to go. By the time we ordered there was an open table. With in 15 minutes we got our salad and pizzas. The pizzas are small but getting one per person still left some for us to take home. We watched as the made the pizzas and slid them in the oven. The ingredients are fresh and the flavors are robust. Every pizza we have had has been very good. The hand tossed pizza is thin which we like. They don't smother it with sauce. The cheese melts in your mouth. We would highly recommend that if you want a pizza but you don't want the same old thing try Pompeii.
(5)Travis M.
Hands down the best pizza place in the world. I cannot describe how awesome it is. Try it. Also the crazy flavors they add monthly are always fun to experience. Bring a group so you can try em all!
(5)Tammy V.
I used to really like this place and we came here often but... The rude staff and unpredictable hours has changed my opinion. DO NOT rely on hours posted online as you WILL be turned away!! Basically they close whenever they feel like it. Don't bother complaining about it either because you will be appalled at the response. We used to frequent this place weekly now it's maybe once every few months. If people can't smile and say hello in the food service industry then they need a different job. The owner just doesn't seem to care. Have set hours and follow them!!! Hire friendly staff!!! Your MANAGEMENT should take care of customers not defend staffs bad attitude
(1)David P.
Pompeii Pizzeria, oh how I wanted to love you, but you failed miserably in literally every way that matters. Some have called this a "destination pizza place", others have said that the crust is "chewy perfection". I couldn't disagree more. I'll start with the same preface I start all of my pizza reviews with. I'm obsessed with pizza, I travel to eat it, and I've spent years trying to perfect it at home. I'm no pizza snob; I'm a connoisseur that prefers Neapolitan vs any other style of pie. So what is Pompeii Pizzeria? They bill themselves as a Neapolitan pizza shop that fire bakes artisan pies. They have been around for 5 years and have their roots in bread making. I truly hope that my visit was a mistake. Maybe chalk it up to the C-squad working the make line and gas oven. I had very high expectations, that were absolutely crushed by one disappointment after another. The first hint of things to come was the pizzaiolo who was pulling apart mozzarella that was stuck together in a big bowl. I'm well versed in both how to make your own mozz as well as the texture and look of a high quality product. What they were working on was a weird stuck together clump that looked dry and tough, not soft, supple, and smooth. The next odd thing was that he was throwing the dough in the air. The make line of a Neapolitan pizza shop is not the place to throw dough in the air. It should be so delicate that throwing it is out of the question. There is no need for a show like that, and frankly I've never seen it done outside of a New York style shop. I couldn't find a single mention of San Marzano tomatoes on the menu(who knows what they use?) and they don't offer the true Mozzarella di Bufala either. Great they have pears on the menu, who cares? I want the simple basics that are required for D.O.C. not a pear pizza. Finally, before ever reaching my food I was concerned to discover that the oven is simply gas fired. No real wood to be found. With only a slight glimmer of hope, I ordered up the classic, the pie that all Neapolitan is judged based on - a margherita pizza. I also ordered up a Fresh Chard white sauce pizza that had créme fraiche which sounded excellent(it was over topped). This is where my worst fears came to fruition. The margherita had literally one leopard spot on the cornicione (outside crust); what the heck? This is supposed to be spotted all over with nice black burnt pieces and instead it was just a doughy mess covered with flour. Looks aside, I quickly bit into a big chunk of melted mozzarella to find it nearly impossible to chew on(rubbery like chewing gum). They claim to make their own fresh mozzarella here, and clearly that was a bad choice. They either made it "fresh" before and refrigerated it(which you should never do) or they overstretched the curds. Whatever it was, it was terrible mozzarella and should never have been served in the first place. The last and final nail in the margherita coffin was the crust flavor. It was void of any flavor whatsoever. They did have a tray of fresh dough balls out that I saw, but they must have forgot to actually give it any time to proof/ferment. It reminded me of crust that was only fermented for 20 mins and had literally no taste to it. The missing slightly sour taste, lack of nice bubbles and air pockets, and only the single leopard spot all prove that they have no idea how to actually produce good dough/crust. Overall, I found literally no redeeming qualities present at Pompeii. The pizza was abysmal; a failed attempt that any bread makers apprentice would laugh all over. How this spot earned so much fame is beyond me, my only guess is employee turnover and or lack of training/standards.
(1)Derek E.
Probably the best pizza place I've ever been to. Extremely friendly staff and great food :)
(5)Jessica K.
Pear Gorgonzola salad= delicious! It's a small lil' joint, so don't plan on going with a group of 20 to be seated immediately. This is the best restaurant in Elk River in my opinion. All of the pizzas are delicious and the rosemary bread that comes with salad orders is even better.
(5)Gerald L.
Love this place and wished we lived closer! The handmade artisanal pizzas are TO DIE FOR! Insanely creative toppings and choices and deliver explosions of flavor! My personal fav is the Molto Piccante....trust me - heaven on dough. The pizzas are so good we haven't even tried the other items on the menu!
(5)Rachel S.
Check out the reviews at the bottom of the page that weren't included in the star rating of this place because they do tell an accurate side of this quaint, hometown place. I visited when they first opened but haven't been back until tonight. With all the media attention they've been getting lately, I decided to take my daughter and try again. They were super busy so I'm giving them 3 stars because maybe they deserve some slack. As far as fresh and house-made goes, they cannot be beat. Their pizza options are creative and change regularly. I also like that they have a few outside tables. We had the Kale salad three ways - kudos for offering Kale, but it was a shameful execution of the described salad. Piles of un edible Kale ribs included with a very poorly dressed salad piled so full on such a small plate it went everywhere. As far as service goes, don't expect any, although all of the younger kids working were very friendly and the owner kept them clearing tables. It's small and they have not developed a system of letting anybody know what to do when you get there. As a matter of fact their system is so unclear some first timers ordered what they thought was a spinach artichoke dip appetizer only to find out it was another pizza! As was the case the first time I was there the crust of the pizza was under baked.
(3)Sara H.
Good pizza, friendly staff. Nice small joint, pizzas are small so it's easy to order a few and try out the different ones they've got. Will definitely be back.
(4)Deb M.
Excellent pizza and salad. Would highly recommend. We were passing through and stopped for lunch. I will be sure to stop in the next time I'm in town.
(5)Amy N.
Really great pizza. The crust is the right amount of crispy and chewy. Ingredients are original and fresh. So happy this is close to where I live.
(4)Maria S.
Ive had most of the pizzas on their menu and I LOVE them all! If you're looking for american pizza, don't order from here but if you want fantastic authentic pizza ORDER ORDER ORDER!!!!!
(5)kate c.
Great place. Have tried the pear and Gorgonzola salad and 2 pizzas. The pizza is excellent. The crust reminds me of Napoli style. One thing I really miss about the northeast is pizza and this close. It's a little pricey but whenever I'm in er, I make a stop here. Recommend.
(5)Jean H.
Delicious! They need better quality napkins though! And they only have Pepsi products. Otherwise, it's a great place to eat.
(4)Tony S.
Absolutely the best pizza in Sherburne County and the Elk River area. True, the portions / price ratio is on the high side, but it's worth it. I can usually finish off one pizza without leftovers and I leave feeling full. Very creative menu that changes often, and you'll have just enough time to enjoy a glass of wine before your perfect pie is delivered to your table. I've been there many times and have never been disappointed and I'm originally from the East coast and know good NY style pizza.
(5)Chelsea K.
Love Pompeii. Delicious pizza, better than punch! Very fresh. Ambiance is warm, comfortable, intimate. Staff are friendly and helpful.
(5)Bobbi Jo R.
My mom and I like to come here when we reminisce about the delicious pizza we had on our trip to New York. It's like northeastern pizza, very thin crust, which is the only pizza I'll eat. For being in Minnesota it's not bad. Their toppings are very varied, but they don't have pineapple! I typically never order pizza without pineapple so that is why I don't come here more often. Think I might try Punch pizza or someplace else in the Minneapolis area to get my New York pizza fix.
(3)Jim S.
The pizza at Pompeii is top notch. Having said that, i have actually seen the owner complain about new customers (right in front of other customers) who come in too late, and then tell others if they dont like it go to Little Caesar. Pompeii closes at 8pm most days, which seems a bit early. Ive also seen him throw people out who are wrapping up dinner at 10 minutes after 8. It seems as if Frank has lost sight of customer service, but the pizza is solid as long as you can deal with the owners ego. I would rank this review two ways, a 4 on the food (the wine is a little over priced), and a one for customer service.
(2)Jaime H.
Stopped in today for lunch. Ordered a Pear Gorgonzola salad and it was not only huge, it was extremely tasty. It was served with two triangles of flatbread. Salads don't get better than this. I picked a seat next to the window overlooking the street. The sun was beaming through the window and it was relaxing. I was in a bit of a hurry today. Next time I am bringing a book and ordering wine and I am going to enjoy life! Great Place!
(5)Sharon J.
If you're looking for a reminder of your last trip to Italy, come here! The pizza is authentic Neopolitan. This is a nice place for pizza and a glass of wine with friends.
(5)Robert L.
Having eaten at every restaurant in the area, Pompeii is without a doubt the best pizza in Elk River. Street parking, it sort of has an uptown vibe, which is odd for the area.
(4)Matt E.
Fantastic quality and value for an exurb pizza place; I'd even put it up there with pizza nea and punch. Heavy on the cheese for neopolitan style but I don't think most people will complain about that. Hard to beat a top notch margarita for six bucks.
(5)L. S.
Best pizza in the area, hands down. Prices are very reasonable. I have eaten here many times and love the seasonal menu that compliments their regular menu. Ingredients are always fresh, and the staff is friendly. The salads are terrific as well, with the Pear and Gorgonzola being my fave. The pistachio rosemary pizza is to die for.... Only one complaint to the owner: Frank, bring back the crab cakes!! :-)
(5)Sandy S.
For the area, it's good Neapolitan pizza. Comparing to Punch, the crust doesn't get as soggy in the middle, but it doesn't have that smoky goodness that Punch does. The ingredients aren't as good either. IMO, even though it's not as good as Punch, it's still good. Wine was expensive. A glass of white was $6 and it wasn't even a full glass. Bummer. Next time I'll order a beer. At least it's closer than a run into the city. Since my son goes to the U, Punch is a regular stop so its no big deal for us to go but for others that don't want to go to the city, Pompeii is a close second. Although, Punch is opening a new store in Maple Grove!! Pompeii is definitely a comebacker when we are in the mood for Neapolitan.
(4)Maxine S.
The pizza today was citrus (lemon) with prosciutto . It was just WONDERFUL! The salads are fresh and varied...the pear and Gorgonzola is to die for. We have never been less than thrilled with the food.
(5)Jessa B.
Not your average "pizza joint". Goat cheese, spinach, pistachios, and pears are not ingredients you'll have available to order at Domino's or Papa John's. Quite delicious on a pizza if I must say. The man and I ordered a couple pizzas and salad on a relaxing Saturday evening. We ordered take-out, as we live only five minutes away. Great service! Our order was ready in less than ten minutes. Everything is made fresh to order, in the brick oven. We ordered the chicken Gorgonzola salad, Fresh Chard pizza, and Sorrento pizza. The salad had a little too much dressing on it, (recommend ordering it on the side.) Both pizzas were delicious. I was glad we ordered two as they are not as large as you would assume. The crust is amazing--I love when you can taste the fresh-ness, unprocessed taste. This place is similar to a "Punch Pizza" chain, however the atmosphere here is much more inviting, as well as those "not so average" ingredients. Worth a repeat.
(4)Joe B.
Wow nice experience here. Wife and I came up here for a quick brunch. We ordered the raspberry crepes, and an eggs benedict pizza. You basically order at the counter and they bring it to your table. They do have a limited wine and beer selection....they have Surly on tap so all is well on the beer side as far as I am concerned. We got the crepes first. They are average. They were a bit over cooked (translation dry), and they used a Cool Whip type product from a can for the whipped cream. They lost a star for this. So let us talk about what will bring me back. While we have not eaten their other pizzas, we ate the aforementioned eggs benedict breakfast pizza and, I have got to say I was really impressed! The crust is layered with fresh mozzerella, which is sprinkled with soft scrambled eggs, next there are proscuito slices applied, followed by a drizzle of hollandaise sauce baked in a 750 degree F oven. What comes out is a rich and creamy, pizza that is puncuated with the salty awesomeness of the proscuito. I will drive the 15 miles again to eat this pizza. Fix the crepes and this place gets a 5.
(4)Zach L.
We come here all the time, and have yet to be disappointed. Simply phenomenal pizza, unique and fast! It's our go-to for good food.
(5)Austin W.
Delicious ingredients! Some of the best pizza I've had north of the cities. Get extra mozzarella you won't be disappointed. My favorite.... Sausage, pepperoni, prosciutto, mushrooms, garlic, onions, extra mozzarella on a classic style.
(5)Julie C.
I love the fresh chard pizza - it is AWESOME. This is the best (and only) fresh brick oven style pizza in the area. However, I believe the brick oven is gas, not wood-fired. I have to purposely overlook that little fact, and just sink my teeth into the fresh mozzarella and be grateful that there is something "similar" to Pizza Nea and Punch in my hometown of Elk River. Make sure you go downstairs after your meal and get yourself a loaf of honey white bread and the best scone you will ever eat at Diamond City Bread.
(3)John H.
Awesome food. The restaurant is very small, limited seating, so get there early. Best pizza I've had in a long time. Super-fresh ingredients make all the difference.
(5)Jill L.
My family and I love Pompeii Pizza! I work in St. Paul and have gone to punch many times, and not once has it ever measured up to Pompeii. The pizza at Pompeii is always done to the right consistency, never too soggy, and never burnt. The cheese is made in house and is AMAZING! Their combination of unique flavors like pistachio and rosemary combined with just a hint of salt on the crust is to die for! Tonight I tried the Hummus & Cheese served on their pizza crust. The Hummus is made fresh daily in house. I loved this dish. It is a part of the fall menu, but I hope it sticks around longer. My boys love the pepperoni pizzas and the fact that they can pick them up and eat them without losing all of the toppings (cough cough punch cough cough.) Whenever we ask them where they want to eat out, they pick Pompeii, hands down. The outdoor patio is wonderful for meeting friends for a glass of wine and faces west in the evenings for a nice view! Overall, we love that this is a locally owned business. The owner is routinely on hand making the pizza's himself and the staff have always been friendly and courteous to us. We have never had a bad experience at Pompeii!
(5)Sara K.
Delicious, fantastic fire baked pizza. Many different and unusual choices. We checked this restaurant out after a wonderful review in the magazine Midwest Living. We really enjoyed our lunch!!
(5)Heidi O.
We tried this pizza and really enjoyed - it reminded us a lot of the pizza we had in Italy. The crust is fantastic and the toppings are fresh and delicious. It's a nice change of pace from the typical pizza place. If you live in Elk River or anywhere nearby, it's definitely worth checking out! Edited: Must add more. Amending my review to 5 stars. We usually eat here once a week and can't say enough good things. Fast, friendly staff, delicious food. Booo for anyone who's a hater!
(5)Eric S.
It is great to have a place like this in Elk River, It is very similar to Punch pizza, and hands down the best pizza in town. It's located in the old downtown area in a small building. I'm surprised there isn't a constant line waiting to be seated. The staff was very friendly and if you live in this area and like Punch pizza, you no longer have to drive to the cities, this place is just as good. I'm one happy camper. Only complaint I'd have is maybe it's a little overpriced, but that won't stop me from coming back. I wish they'd put the seasoning that they put on the bread on the pizza crust too. The decor inside is really neat and in most of the seats you get to see them make the pizza in the wood fired oven. Pretty cool that your pizza is done in 90 seconds. This is the type of place Elk River needed as they're lacking in original type restaurants.
(5)Jennifer Z.
Cute establishment, friendly service and excellent pizza.
(4)Andy R.
Wife and I shared a large caprese salad and then had our own pizzas. Everything is very fresh, including the mozzarella. The caprese salad was some of the best I've ever had, and it was without balsamic vinegar, which I like. I had the margarita pizza with sausage and gorgonzola. The sausage is real italian sausage, and the gorgonzola was strong and salty (good). The wife had the veggie margarita, and we both enjoyed it as well. The pizzas are 10-11", and they are served as a personal pizza. Price was very affordable, and one pizza is a good meal at only $6-$10. This is some of the best pizza I've had, hands down. It's a hidden gem in a place you wouldn't expect it - Elk River. The place is small, and it fills up quickly. It's quaint and modern inside, sort of like your own dining room. You watch everything being made if you want. The small size does not lend well to large groups, but if you go in with 4 people, it's just right. They have a couple tables to accommodate larger groups, but it's first-come-first-serve. There is an outdoor patio in the back with more space, but obviously that's seasonal and weather-dependent. You walk in, if there's a table open, snag it and mark it, then walk up to the counter and order there. They will give you a table number and bring your food when it's ready. It's a small operation, so it's not a full-service restaurant like that. If you have kids, they will love it. Kids love pizza regardless, but there were two younger kids there eating that appeared to really dig the place and loved having their own pizza. We didn't have dessert, but it looked very good. That will be for Round 2. We definitely plan on making it a regular thing now to drive up from NW metro. I rarely give 5 stars, but this one is well-deserved. It's Triple-D worthy.
(5)Nohal M.
Easily the best pizza in the area. Great little place to get in and out. Price is tad bit higher than others but it is to be expected.
(5)Brian V.
Went here again the other night and it was better than ever. The crust wasn't so tough and chewy. Since being here last I tried Punch Pizza in Minneapolis, similar pizza place, and Pompeii is way better!
(4)