Best Italian appetizer at the Italian restaurant Wood & Fire in Delray Beach, patrons will find a rustic interior and high-energy scene. You can watch what’s playing or who’s playing on one of eleven TV screens, 8 of which are available for your viewing pleasure at the bar. The entrance has plenty of chopped logs, which make sense, considering the Neapolitan pizza is made in a wood-burning oven. They serve one Italian appetizer you should try–shrimp bruschetta.
After ordering, my water disappeared when I left to the bathroom and one of the hostesses asked if someone had been taking care of me. I told her about the water incident, and she took care of me immediately. By the way, the bathrooms are humorously labeled “Wood” and “No Wood”.
Angry Shrimp = Ecstatic Me
My first dish was also the first Italian appetizer on the menu—angry shrimp bruschetta. This was one item whose menu description (“grilled garlic bread, salsa fresca, power greens, fresno chili shrimp, herb oil”) made me hungry. I knew for sure that I wanted it. If not for wanting to try the pizza, I’d have ordered 3 of these. It may be called “angry” shrimp, but it made me ecstatic. Each ¼”- ½” crispy slice of grilled bread was spicier and better than the last. There was just the right amount of herb oil and chili on the shrimp and bread. This was one of the best Italian appetizers I’ve ever had.
Wood-Fired Neapolitan-Style Pizza
I ordered a Neapolitan-style margherita pizza, and felt the tomato sauce ooze out from the first few bites. The pizza was soft, easy to bite into, and I didn’t need to “pull/stretch” the slice away from me in order to “release” the bite, if that makes sense. As you’d imagine, the pizza was cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gave it that distinctive straight-from-Italy taste. The cheese was slightly chunky, but in a good way, and unevenly spread out. I felt like it could’ve used more mozzarella, though.
The Wind-Down
Happy Hour is 3-7 pm every day, during which pizza and Italian appetizers are $3 off. Service is good and prompt, and my waitress was very friendly and enthusiastic. After collecting my plate, she exclaimed “You finished your whole meal!” Yes, I did. Please note that there is a 3% surcharge to charge the bill to your credit card. I highly recommend this restaurant for a good night out.
Where to Find Wood & Fire
Wood & Fire
5199 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33484
(561) 332-2300
woodandfirepizzadelray.com