Wood-fired pizza worth the drive: Il Pizzaiolo brings italian tradition to Loomis

Tucked along Taylor Road in Loomis, Il Pizzaiolo is serving up authentic Neapolitan pizza that's drawing food lovers from across the foothills for a taste of true Italian craftsmanship in a relaxed, casual setting. The secret starts 48 to 72 hours before your pizza arrives at the table. Il Pizzaiolo's dough is mixed in small batches using imported Italian flour, then slow-fermented to develop flavor and create an easily digestible crust that showcases traditional technique. Each pie spends just 90 seconds in an 800-degree stone oven, emerging with a soft center, blistered edges and light char that never weighs you down. The Margherita pizza, featuring red sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt for $15, exemplifies the restaurant's philosophy of letting quality ingredients and proper technique speak for themselves rather than hiding behind heavy toppings. Beyond classic Neapolitan rounds, the menu offers crispy Detroit-style pan pizzas, house-made pastas, calzones and seasonal specialties. Diners can start with garlic breadsticks drizzled with fresh garlic oil for $6.50, paired with house-made dipping sauce for an additional $1.50, or the Caesar salad with wood-fired croutons for $8.50. Save room for house-made gelato at $4.50 to finish the meal with authentic Italian ice cream. Located at 3640 Taylor Road, Il Pizzaiolo is an easy drive from Folsom and other foothill communities, with convenient parking along Taylor Road. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It's closed Sunday and Monday. Dine-in and takeout options are available, with online ordering for those grabbing pizza on the go. For locals searching for quality pizza made the old-school way, this Loomis spot delivers consistent craftsmanship without the fuss. Discovering family-friendly destinations and dining beyond and in our backyard. Got story ideas, questions or comments? Email Jessica at jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com