University City, Philadelphia, a vibrant hub of academia and culture, boasts a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. While known for its cheesesteaks and hoagies, the neighborhood also offers a surprising array of incredible calzones. This guide dives deep into the top 18 calzones you absolutely must try, categorizing them by style and highlighting what makes each one special. We'll explore everything from classic Italian-American versions to more creative, modern interpretations. Get ready to embark on a cheesy, flavorful journey!
Finding Your Perfect Calzone: A Guide to Styles
Before we jump into our top 18, let's understand the different styles of calzones you'll encounter in University City. This will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect cheesy, folded delight.
Classic Neapolitan Calzones:
These calzones stay true to traditional Italian methods, using simple, high-quality ingredients. Expect a thin, crispy crust, a generous filling of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and perhaps some tomato sauce. These are perfect for those who appreciate the purity of classic flavors.
Sicilian Calzones:
These calzones are thicker and often have a rectangular shape. They tend to be less folded and more like an open-faced pizza. They usually feature a robust tomato sauce base and are loaded with ingredients. Look for variations with vegetables or sausage.
Gourmet Calzones:
University City is home to several establishments pushing the boundaries of traditional calzones. These innovative spots incorporate unexpected ingredients, unique cheeses, and creative flavor combinations. Expect a heightened culinary experience here.
Top 18 Calzones in University City: A Detailed Review
This list is not exhaustive (University City’s culinary scene is constantly evolving!), but it showcases a range of options to satisfy every calzone craving. Note that availability and menu items can change, so it's always a good idea to call ahead.
(Note: Due to the nature of this request, I cannot provide actual restaurant names and reviews. This is a template; you will need to fill in the specific restaurants and your personal reviews.)
1-5. Classic Italian-American Calzones:
- [Restaurant Name]: Known for its perfectly crisp crust and simple, yet delicious, filling of ricotta and mozzarella. A true testament to classic Italian-American cuisine.
- [Restaurant Name]: Offers a build-your-own calzone option, allowing you to customize your fillings. Great for adventurous eaters.
- [Restaurant Name]: Their family recipe calzone is a local favorite, passed down through generations. Expect a hearty filling and a satisfyingly thick crust.
- [Restaurant Name]: Specializes in calzones with gourmet variations of classic Italian cheeses, from Pecorino Romano to creamy Burrata.
- [Restaurant Name]: This spot serves up giant calzones, perfect for sharing (or not!).
6-10. Sicilian Style Calzones:
- [Restaurant Name]: Their rectangular Sicilian calzones are known for their robust tomato sauce and abundance of toppings.
- [Restaurant Name]: Offers a unique spin on the Sicilian calzone, incorporating fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables.
- [Restaurant Name]: This pizzeria is renowned for its perfectly balanced Sicilian calzones—neither too greasy nor too dry.
- [Restaurant Name]: This spot specializes in meat-lover's Sicilian calzones, filled with various sausages and pepperoni.
- [Restaurant Name]: Their vegetarian Sicilian calzone is legendary, offering a delightful mix of roasted vegetables and flavorful cheeses.
11-15. Gourmet and Creative Calzones:
- [Restaurant Name]: This upscale restaurant offers sophisticated calzone creations with unexpected flavor pairings.
- [Restaurant Name]: This trendy spot is famous for its innovative calzone fillings, incorporating ingredients like roasted butternut squash and goat cheese.
- [Restaurant Name]: Known for its unique crusts (e.g., whole wheat, gluten-free). Expect exciting variations of fillings as well.
- [Restaurant Name]: This restaurant blends classic Italian flavors with modern techniques, resulting in unexpectedly delicious calzones.
- [Restaurant Name]: This spot is a perfect example of gourmet calzones; each one is a masterpiece of flavor and artistry.
16-18. Hidden Gems and Local Favorites:
- [Restaurant Name]: A local favorite, this spot serves up authentic calzones in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
- [Restaurant Name]: This casual eatery offers a surprisingly delicious and affordable calzone. Don't underestimate this hidden gem.
- [Restaurant Name]: This spot serves late-night calzones, perfect for those late-night study sessions or post-concert cravings.
Choosing Your Calzone Adventure
This guide offers a starting point for your calzone exploration in University City. Remember to check menus, read reviews, and don't hesitate to try something new! With so many delicious options available, your taste buds are in for a treat. Happy calzone hunting!
