Knolla’s Pizza East stands as a beacon for pizza lovers seeking an exceptional culinary experience rooted in authenticity and innovation. Nestled in the heart of the city’s east side, this pizzeria has carved a niche for itself by blending traditional Italian techniques with modern flavors, creating a menu that excites the palate of every visitor.
From the moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked dough mingling with the scent of melted cheese and vibrant herbs invites you to embark on a flavorful journey. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita or adventurous toppings that push the boundaries of conventional pizza making, Knolla’s Pizza East delivers with passion and precision.
The menu reflects a thoughtful balance between beloved classics and inventive creations, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Each dish is a testament to the chefs’ dedication to quality ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, and their commitment to crafting pizzas that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Beyond the pizzas, the menu offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience. The inviting atmosphere paired with attentive service makes Knolla’s Pizza East a perfect destination for casual dinners, family gatherings, or special celebrations.
Exploring the menu reveals a rich tapestry of options that celebrate both tradition and creativity. This comprehensive overview delves into the various sections of Knolla’s Pizza East’s menu, highlighting the unique offerings, flavor profiles, and thoughtful touches that set this pizzeria apart from others.
Signature Pizzas
The heart of Knolla’s Pizza East lies in its selection of signature pizzas, each crafted with a distinct personality and flavor profile. These pizzas represent the chef’s vision and mastery, combining time-honored recipes with fresh, inventive toppings to deliver an unforgettable taste.
Every signature pizza is made from hand-stretched dough, baked in a wood-fired oven to achieve the perfect balance of a crisp crust and tender interior. The sauce is prepared from vine-ripened tomatoes, simmered with herbs to create a robust base that complements rather than overpowers the toppings.
Cheese is sourced from artisanal producers, ensuring a creamy melt and rich flavor.
Some standout pizzas include the “Eastside Special,” featuring spicy sausage, roasted red peppers, and caramelized onions, and the “Garden Harvest,” a vegetarian delight loaded with seasonal vegetables and fresh basil pesto.
These options highlight Knolla’s commitment to quality and variety.
Popular Signature Varieties
- Margherita Classic: Simple yet profound, with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Eastside Special: Spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and mozzarella.
- Garden Harvest: Seasonal vegetables, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Four Cheese Deluxe: A blend of mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses for a creamy indulgence.
“Knolla’s signature pizzas are a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, each bite telling a story of passion and craftsmanship.” – Local Food Critic
Build-Your-Own Pizza
For those who prefer to tailor their meal, Knolla’s Pizza East offers a comprehensive build-your-own pizza option. This customizable section empowers guests to select their base, sauce, cheese, and toppings, crafting a pizza that perfectly suits their preferences.
The base options include the traditional hand-stretched dough, a gluten-free crust, and a whole wheat alternative for health-conscious diners. Sauces range from classic tomato to white garlic sauce and spicy arrabbiata, each adding unique depth to the pizza’s foundation.
Cheese choices are equally diverse, featuring mozzarella, goat cheese, smoked provolone, and vegan cheese substitutes.
The toppings list is extensive, allowing combinations of meats, vegetables, herbs, and even unexpected ingredients like truffle oil or roasted garlic cloves. The customization process is seamless and supported by knowledgeable staff who provide suggestions based on flavor pairings and dietary needs.
Customization Options
| Base | Sauces | Cheeses | Toppings |
| Traditional Dough | Tomato Basil | Mozzarella | Italian Sausage |
| Gluten-Free Crust | White Garlic | Goat Cheese | Roasted Red Peppers |
| Whole Wheat Crust | Spicy Arrabbiata | Smoked Provolone | Artichoke Hearts |
| Vegan Cheese | Fresh Basil |
“Creating your own pizza at Knolla’s is both an adventure and a delight, allowing your taste buds to explore endless possibilities.”
Appetizers and Starters
Knolla’s Pizza East offers a thoughtfully curated selection of appetizers designed to complement the main courses and excite the appetite. These starters showcase a blend of classic Italian flavors and contemporary twists, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
The appetizer menu features items like garlic knots, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms, each prepared with fresh ingredients and an emphasis on bold taste. The garlic knots, for instance, are brushed with herb-infused butter and sprinkled with parmesan, delivering a fragrant and savory bite.
Bruschetta options range from traditional tomato and basil to more inventive versions topped with fig and prosciutto.
These starters are ideal for pairing with a selection from the wine or craft beer list, making them a perfect prelude to the main pizza experience. They also cater to various dietary preferences, with several vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Featured Starters
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots with herbs and parmesan.
- Classic Bruschetta: Toasted baguette with tomato, basil, and garlic.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms filled with ricotta, spinach, and herbs.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Salads and Sides
Complementing the hearty pizzas, Knolla’s Pizza East presents a variety of fresh salads and sides that balance the meal with lighter, refreshing options. These dishes emphasize crisp vegetables, vibrant flavors, and house-made dressings.
The salads range from simple greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette to more substantial plates featuring grilled chicken, nuts, and cheeses. Each salad is crafted to highlight seasonal produce and bold, complementary flavors.
Sides include items such as rosemary roasted potatoes and fried zucchini sticks, offering a satisfying crunch and seasoning.
These options cater to diners seeking a lighter meal, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone looking to add variety to their pizza feast. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning ensures these dishes stand on their own as much as they do alongside a pizza.
Salads and Side Options
| Salads | Sides |
| Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette | Rosemary Roasted Potatoes |
| Caesar Salad with House-Made Dressing | Fried Zucchini Sticks |
| Grilled Chicken and Arugula Salad | Garlic Parmesan Fries |
| Beet and Goat Cheese Salad | Marinated Olives |
“The salads and sides at Knolla’s provide a refreshing counterpoint that elevates the entire meal experience.”
Desserts
To round off the dining experience, Knolla’s Pizza East offers a tempting array of desserts that blend traditional Italian sweets with contemporary flair. These desserts provide a sweet conclusion to the meal, appealing to a variety of tastes and cravings.
Signature desserts include classics like tiramisu and cannoli, alongside house-made gelato in rotating flavors. The tiramisu is layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, achieving a perfect harmony of texture and flavor.
Cannoli shells are freshly fried and filled with a sweet ricotta mixture accented by chocolate chips and candied citrus peel.
For those seeking something lighter, the gelato selections offer refreshing fruit and nut varieties, crafted daily with natural ingredients. Seasonal specials also appear, often incorporating local fruits or festive spices.
Dessert Highlights
- Tiramisu: Classic espresso and mascarpone layered dessert.
- Cannoli: Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
- House-Made Gelato: Rotating flavors such as pistachio, lemon, and chocolate.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey chocolate cake served with vanilla gelato.
“Desserts at Knolla’s are crafted with the same care and passion as their pizzas, ensuring a memorable finale.”
Beverages
The beverage selection at Knolla’s Pizza East is thoughtfully curated to complement the menu’s diverse flavors. From carefully chosen wines and craft beers to non-alcoholic options, the drinks menu enhances the dining experience.
Wine offerings include Italian varietals such as Chianti, Barbera, and Pinot Grigio, alongside local favorites. These wines pair wonderfully with both the rich and lighter dishes on the menu.
The craft beer list features rotating taps and bottles from regional breweries, highlighting styles from pale ales to robust stouts.
Non-alcoholic beverages include freshly made sodas, house-special lemonades, and Italian sodas with natural fruit syrups. These options cater to all guests, ensuring everyone finds something refreshing to accompany their meal.
Beverage Pairings
| Pizza Type | Recommended Wine | Suggested Beer |
| Margherita | Pinot Grigio | Pale Ale |
| Eastside Special | Chianti | Amber Ale |
| Garden Harvest | Barbera | Wheat Beer |
| Four Cheese Deluxe | Sauvignon Blanc | Stout |
“The carefully selected beverage menu at Knolla’s Pizza East elevates every bite and sip, creating harmonious pairings.”
Special Dietary Menus
Understanding the importance of inclusivity, Knolla’s Pizza East offers a range of options tailored to special dietary needs. Whether guests require gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb selections, the menu accommodates with creativity and care.
Gluten-free crusts are available without compromising on texture or flavor, using a proprietary blend of grains and starches. Vegan pizzas utilize plant-based cheeses and sauces crafted to maintain richness and depth.
Low-carb options focus on salads, protein-rich toppings, and vegetable-heavy pizzas that satisfy without excess carbohydrates.
The kitchen staff is well-trained to prevent cross-contamination and to ensure that dietary requirements are respected, making Knolla’s a reliable choice for those with food allergies or preferences.
Dietary Accommodations
- Gluten-Free Crust: Hand-crafted with certified gluten-free ingredients.
- Vegan Cheese Options: Made from cashews and coconut oil blends.
- Low-Carb Pizzas: Cauliflower crust base with lean protein toppings.
- Allergen Awareness: Transparent ingredient listings and staff training.
“Knolla’s commitment to dietary inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy their signature flavors without compromise.”
Conclusion
Knolla’s Pizza East presents a menu that is both a celebration of authentic Italian pizza craftsmanship and a showcase of culinary innovation. The careful selection of ingredients, thoughtful recipe development, and dedication to customer preferences create an inviting and dynamic dining experience.
Whether indulging in one of the signature pizzas, customizing your own creation, or savoring fresh salads and decadent desserts, the menu caters to a wide array of tastes and needs.
Every aspect of the menu, from appetizers to beverages, is designed to delight and satisfy, underscoring Knolla’s Pizza East’s reputation as a top destination for pizza enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
The inclusion of special dietary options and expertly paired drink selections further elevates the appeal, ensuring every guest leaves with a memorable meal and a desire to return. This commitment to excellence and inclusivity makes Knolla’s Pizza East not just a restaurant, but a culinary experience worth savoring time and again.
