Jennifer B.
Yelp
Zeppoles! Ohmygosh the zeppoles!!! I didn't order them... I didn't even know they were on the menu... but I scarfed three down and can't stop thinking about them. Throw in wine on tap (!) and oh yeah... the pizza recently voted in the top 20 in the U.S. and you have fabulous Fabrica!
I was recently at the St Pete location, downtown on a Friday night. It was early-about 5:30-and we were heading to a concert. The restaurant is conveniently located near so many venues and walkable to so many hot spots and public parking. But you don't need any of those reasons to go-this place is great on its own. The dining room isn't big, but it's cute, cheerful and very light and bright. You order at the counter and they bring everything out to your table-including drink refills. The staff was friendly and attentive-and also helpful to me on my maiden voyage.
So, the menu is heavy on pizza-the Neapolitan style-thin in the center, meant to be eaten with knife and fork... and there are also salads and small bites, including cheesy bread, marinated olives, oven roasted meatballs and burrata caprese. I couldn't decide how hungry I was-and the pizzas only come in a 12 inch size-so I ended up splitting a pie with a friend. There are several varieties to choose from and three bases: white, tomato or verde (which is a house-made basil pesto). You can build your own or go for one of their specialty pies. I had my eye on several of the specialties, but my friend wanted pepperoni, so we went with that. The crust is so tasty-especially on the ends. The sauce is thinner... which I like... made in house daily... and also tasty. I can't wait to try more options. (Which reminds me: there's a cooler of pre-made pies-ready to take and bake at home)
Since I let my friend have most of the pizza-and I was on wine #2 (happy hour, Tuesday thru Friday, 4-7 p.m.)... I pilfered one of my other friend's zeppoles. Ohhhhh my! That was it. I was hooked. I snagged two more when she wasn't looking. These little Italian doughnuts (loosely translated) are pillowy soft and light with a slightly crunchy-crusty outside. Ah! Heaven! Thank goodness my friend is easily distracted!!!
Prices were reasonable and the place was spotless. They'll also make the pizza crispier for you, if that's your pleasure. Check them out, if you get a chance. I'll even share my zeppoles with you!