Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, Red Vespa Pizzeria has permanently closed.

There’s nothing like an ooey, gooey pizza pie to make your evening complete, but it’s even better if it’s an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Did you know that there’s an association in Naples, Italy that certifies pizzerias that are dedicated to creating pizzas the Neapolitan way? There’s only one pizzeria in all of Iowa that holds this certification, and you’re going to want to pay it a visit.

Welcome to Red Vespa Pizzeria! You'll find this little gem at 208 E. Main St., Solon, IA 52333.
Red Vespa/Facebook
This charming little pizzeria opened in 2015, and it's been delighting customers with its delicious pizza and Italian food ever since.
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Red Vespa is the only pizzeria in Iowa certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Naples, Italy. The organization has strict standards for pizzerias to create authentic Neapolitan pizzas.
Red Vespa/Google
Pizzas here are made according to those standards, using only "00" Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, housemade mozzarella, and the freshest toppings.
Red Vespa/Facebook
The pizza is then placed into a brick oven at a temperature of between 806 and 896 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 to 90 seconds.
Red Vespa/Facebook
The result? A delicious pizza with a soft, chewy crust that has just a tiny bit of char from the oven.
Red Vespa/Facebook

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Because of the consistency of true Neapolitan pizza, most people eat it with a knife and fork, but you can also fold it up and eat it that way, too.
Red Vespa/Facebook
You won't find more authentic pizza anywhere else in the state. It's like taking a trip to Naples, without the airfare.
Red Vespa/Facebook
What pairs perfectly with pizza? Beer, of course. You'll find plenty on tap here.
Red Vespa/Facebook
Prefer a bottle of wine? They have that, too!
Red Vespa/Facebook
Red Vespa often has live music, which makes your dining experience even better.
Red Vespa/Facebook
Visit Red Vespa Pizzeria Tuesday through Sunday. It opens its doors at 4 p.m. and closes at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The pizzeria is closed on Monday.
Emily Wadle/Google

Check out Red Vespa’s full menu on its Facebook page, and make sure to follow the page to see all the latest specials.

You might want to include Red Vespa as a stop on our Ultimate Iowa Waterfalls Trip, which takes you to Macbride Falls and seven other waterfalls.

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208 E. Main St., Solon, IA 52333