You'd Never Know Some Of The Best Italian Food In Texas Is Hiding Deep In The Piney Woods
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 08, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Some of the best Italian food in Texas is hiding where you’d least expect to find it: the densely forested landscape of the Piney Woods. Switch Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar in Palestine is an East Texas icon, but the rest of the state doesn’t even know it exists. From the authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to the wine room that looks like it belongs at a vineyard in the Italian countryside, this hidden gem is so worth seeking out.
When you pull up to Switch Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar in Palestine, you'll think you've traveled to Tuscany.
Between the ivy-wrapped columns, trees that dangle overhead to form lush canopies, and romantic ambiance, the restaurant is a little slice of Italy nestled deep in the Piney Woods.
Inside, the atmosphere offers an elegant rusticism, and the friendly service will make you feel right at home.
The open-air arrangement lets you enjoy the temperate East Texas climate, knowing you can always retreat into the dining room in the event of inclement weather.
Cooking the pizza at a very high temperature for a short amount of time, the oven creates traditional Neapolitan-style pies that taste like they came straight from Rome.
The pizza flour and San Marzano are both imported from Italy, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite.
As far as toppings go, the sky is the limit! You'll see a little bit of everything on the menu, from simple Margherita pizzas to more unique offerings.
While pizza is the star of the show, there's plenty more to choose from!
Pasta dishes, entrée salads, soups, appetizers...the list could go on. Oh, and don't skip dessert - the cheesecake is to die for.
Hours are 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, and 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday. Visit the restaurant’s website or Facebook page for more information.
Have you ever been to Switch Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar? If so, what did you order and how was it? Tell us in the comments! For more of the best Italian food in Texas, check out our previous article.
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