Founded in 1986, Gambero Rosso is an Italian food and wine magazine that has been publishing its renowned restaurant guide, Ristoranti d’Italia, since 1990. The guide highlights the best Italian restaurants worldwide, assigning ratings from 60 to 100. The top-rated restaurants are also awarded “forchette” (forks), ranging from 1 to 3. In Maryland, only one restaurant has ever earned a forchetta: Il Pizzico in Rockville, which received one fork (video of the experience is available below).
Il Pizzico’s story began in the late 1980s when founders Enzo and Sandra set out to create their own restaurant. After scouting various locations, they chose Rockville, MD, and opened a small deli in 1990. As they share on their website, “Unlike how most delis run, people did not want to order food for takeout. Instead, they wanted to sit in and enjoy their meal.” By 1992 and 1994, the restaurant had expanded into a full dine-in establishment with a full bar. While the restaurant has undergone small cosmetic updates over the years, the quality of the food and the warm, family-like atmosphere have remained unchanged. For over 30 years, Enzo and Sandra have continued to follow their dream, serving many satisfied customers.
Gambero Rosso describes Il Pizzico as offering “authentic Italian recipes, from meat to seafood, alongside a wide array of fresh homemade pastas in a modern trattoria-style setting.” The publication highlights owner Enzo Livia’s imported recipes from his home country to the Washington area, recommending the Tortelloni with porcini mushrooms and the Cacio e Pepe as must-try dishes. Nestled in a modest location at 15209 Frederick Rd, near Gude Dr., Il Pizzico has established itself as one of the finest Italian restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The name Il Pizzico translates to “The Pinch,” reflecting founder Enzo Livia’s culinary philosophy: “To serve Italian food, a wise chef must start with authentic recipes and then add just the right pinch of herbs and spices to impart a personal touch.” The menu offers a broad selection of seafood, meats, and homemade pastas, with most desserts also made in-house. The wine list is predominantly Italian, featuring selections from various regions to enhance the dining experience. Appetizers are priced between $8 and $16, while main courses range from $20 to $36. Il Pizzico offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining atmosphere, encouraging a smart-casual dress code for guests.
