Market Square
128-560 Johnson St
Victoria, BC

Phone: (250) 590-2648

The difference between the different types of pizza available out there — Neapolitan, Sicilian and traditional American — is distinguished by what type of flour is used for the dough and what ingredients are used. For Neapolitan, San Marzano tomatoes must be used, and the Market Square based operation is Famoso for it. Okay, bad pun, but when this establishment is technically a franchise, neither James or I were quick or that highly interested in checking this place out when it came into business years ago. Now that I’m seeing this place is a permanent fixture, perhaps it’s finally time to check this place out and give a very late answer if Prima Strada should worry about their competition.

I say there’s none to be found. Very little overlap really exists. The Strada offers wood fired (and wonderfully scented) tastes whereas Famoso only reveals the fact their product is baked in a clay-shaped oven. I didn’t ask but I’d be curious in learning what form of heat is used. In a decades old building, I do not think allowing age-old techniques would be allowed by the fire marshal so adapting the space was important. When considering the Mexican place next door had a fire and closed down as a result, I’m sure safety is a huge concern.

While that did not make up for a slightly burned product that I sampled, the minor inconveniences are trivial. I had the Quattro Formaggi (four cheese made of Fior-di-latte, smoked mozzarella, gorgonzola, grana padano) and it was served up fast and hot. I went gonzo by asking for extra arugula and it was piled thick. Perhaps there was too much, but it worked to help give me my needed greens for the day. The lemon wedge was a nice touch. The pick-me-up helped give the otherwise cheesy meal a tart which was definitely needed. Normally, I’d want thin slices of meat on top, but during this visit, I really could not decide if I wanted any or not.

Other menu offerings Famoso has include your usual assortment of pastas and salads. I’m a bit critical of them going fusion with ethnic offerings (Thai or Mexi). This place does stay true to what the Neapolitan style represents, but it’s not one I’d return to time and time again since my taste buds lean more to what Strada has since there’s an atmosphere there which I like more than coming to Famoso’s.

3 Blokes out of 5