After a lovely time a Family Farm in Malvern for about as much pumpkiny fun as we could stand, we headed to Deluca’s Pizzeria. We’ve wanted to eat here for quite some time and were super excited to try their pizza.

Just a sec. Let me wipe the drool off my mouth. BRB.

Ok, much better. I’ve attached a much-needed bib to talk about this outstanding place.

Parking

There was hardly any parking, but blessings were upon us when we found one right beside the restaurant. Thank you, Lord! There was some other parking lot that others have parked at, but we were determined to get a spot up front.

Location

The delicious Deluca’s Pizzeria is located at 407 Park Ave in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. Use your google maps on your electronic cellular device and it will lead you right to it.

First Impressions

 

I asked Jay what his first impressions were when we sat at our booth, and he said two words. “Love it.” The building is older and you can feel people walking on the floor when they walk around. The building actually had an upper balcony, but it wasn’t accessible from the dining area. The balcony was covered up with red velvet curtains. The walls were painted a dark mint green color and the ceiling was white…red, green, and white….Italy anyone?

Selection of Food

The Pizzeria had salads and such, but who goes to a pizza place to eat salad? No one I know. Their antipasto board was amazing.

Typical Wait Time

The pizza actually came to our table faster than expected, much to our delight.

Staff? Friendly, efficient, courteous, and knowledgeable water and waitresses?

We had a waiter and he was very friendly. We asked him what DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) means on one of the menu items and he explained it means it’s from from Italy.

Seating Arrangements

There are two dining sections. Right when you walk in, there are six tables with the cash register desk, and the kitchen entrance. The kitchen was jamming to some loud music, but I couldn’t tell what band it was. The other dining area, which was where we sat had around 16 or so tables / booths. The tables and booths and seats were movable, which was great, because who wants to sit in a spot made for children??? That’s the worst part of some restaurants. We (obviously) like to eat, and we need more room! This is America, after all.

I loved that the chairs didn’t match. Some were metal folding chairs of different ages and colors and some were like from a 1950’s diner, but in good condition.

There was a wall near the back of the restaurant, where the bathrooms are, and David had a good ole’ time chalking up a storm.

Quantity and Quality of Food

The pizzas are “YUGE” and let me tell you about the quality. It is the BEST pizza we have ever eaten. Pizza is, unfortunately, one of our favorite things to eat. We’ve tried all kinds from all over, but this is at the top of the list. Jays eaten pizza from Chicago, but they ain’t got nothing on Deluca’s. You have to taste it to find out.

Beverage Selection? Wine List? Bar?

There was a wine list, but not too many. There was no bar. I chose  what they called a Butter Chardonnay (2015 Acampo, California). Let me just say that we have been doing a no sugar, no yeast, no dairy, no gluten thing for going on three weeks, which means no alcohol. I’m not an alcoholic, but I love having a glass of wine with dinner. We cheat one day a week, and this was the perfect day to cheat a buttery white wine!!!! It was like liquid gold.

Children’s Menu?

They didn’t have a kids menu, but I mean, come on, it’s pizza. What kid doesn’t like pizza?

Our Food

We ordered an appetizer called Nanny’s Antipasto Platter, which was an assortment of meats, cheeses, and olives. On our platter, we had prosciutto on the little skinny breadsticks….think newks. We also had candied walnuts, some other cured meat, mortadello, homemade ricotta, calamata olives, blue cheese, homemade mozzarella, and cherry peppers. Jay is not usually a fan of blue cheese, but he said this was the best blue cheese he’s had.

We had The Big Mike Pie, which had homemade meatballs and smokehouse pepperoni. We also got The Sidetown Pie, which had buffalo cheese, whole milk mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano. The homemade meatballs weren’t hard like some places, but it melted flavorfully in your mouth. I usually don’t like meatballs because they are either too big, too hard, or not seasoned well. This meatball was perfection in every way. David even ate a whole piece of The Big Mike, and loved it! The Sidetown Pie is pretty much like a cheese pizza, and David devoured it. Jay said his favorite was the Big Mike, while David and I couldn’t decide because we liked them both.

Jay gives the place 10.5 stars out of 10 (and that was before dessert).

I’m trying to figure out how we can go back to Hot Springs so we can eat here again. Completely worth the trip.

Dessert Menu? Made in-house?

Jay and I shared a cannoli and it was made in-house. It was the best cannoli I’ve ever had. Sometimes I’ve eaten cannolis and the cream is like too light or too sugary. This was so perfect. It had a few chocolate chips in it and was ever so delightful.

Reservations Available? Required?

Reservations are available, but not required. We got there around 5:00 p.m. and there were about three tables filled up. By 5:15, the entire restaurant was packed. We arrived at the perfect time.!

Takeaway Available?

Takeaway is available and we saw several folks ordering and waiting on their slices of heaven.

Prices?

The Big Mike Pie was $29. The Sidetown Pie was $25. My glass of wine was $8.50. Our antipasto platter was $10, and David’s sprite was $1.50. Total after tip was like

Acoustics? Music?

There were oldies playing, like Elvis and some other folks, whose songs we knew, but not their names.

Attractive decor? Well-kept and updated?

There were 8 pictures of skin-showing voluptuous women on the wall wearing formal gowns and such. The inside was red, white, and green decor, including the lighting.

Sanitation

Everything was clean that we saw. and felt.

Bathroom Cleanliness?

I didn’t see the women’s restroom, because I went in the men’s restroom. Considering it was the men’s restroom, it was clean. I didn’t feel like I needed to wash my shoes when I get home (you know what I’m talking about), so it was good!

Type of payments (credit cards, checks) accepted?

Everything is accepted here.

Atmosphere? Romantic setting? Family setting? Singles hangout?

There were couples here, families, and a group of like 20 people. It’s a great place.

Notice the chalk remnants on my baby’s pants and shirt. He had a great time at this restaurant. We will definitely be back to this establishment.