This Tiny Restaurant In Virginia Always Has A Line Out The Door, And There’s A Reason Why

Many people travel to Italy for the hand-crafted, made-from-scratch pizzas alone. Yet what if we told you there was a place in Virginia that delivered a comparable experience, save the pricey flight overseas? Lampo Neapolitan Pizza is about as authentic as it gets, and it's conveniently located in Charlottesville. This tiny restaurant often has a line out the door, and the reason is that the food is just that good. If you enjoy quality pizza made with the finest local ingredients, you owe it to yourself to visit Lampo in Charlottesville.

From the outside, Lampo is nothing more than a modest outpost in the Charlottesville neighborhood of Belmont.

Step inside, however, and you'll be transported to a dimly lit space with exposed brick and irresistible scents of wood-fired pizza.

It's a small space, and the host will greet you outside since there is limited room indoors. Unless you arrive early, you may have to wait for a table to open up. We're here to tell you that it's absolutely worth the wait!

While there are a few options on the menu, we'd recommend going straight for the pizza. Created in an authentic Neapolitan style, these pies are the real deal.

You'll be able to catch a glimpse of the wood-burning oven where the pizzas are cooked. You might even get the chance to see yours go in!

In addition to the cooking method, what sets these pizzas apart are the ingredients. Sourced locally or directly from Italy, the quality of ingredients is second to none.

There's also the option to enjoy pizza with mozzarella imported from Italy. It doesn't get much more authentic than that!

There are typically eight pizzas to choose from on the menu, but Lampo may be offering a seasonal special as well. You just never know what surprises are in store!

The best part of all? You'll be delivered a pair of pizza-cutting scissors along with your meal. These are sometimes used in Italy and make the experience all the more enjoyable.

And don't forget to order a dessert. They are always homemade, seasonal, and downright inspired!

For a fascinating insight into the construction of this beloved local pizza spot, and the heavy-lifting involved in getting the oven in place, watch this fascinating time-lapse video:

Where do you go when you're craving delicious pizza in Virginia? Have you ever tried Lampo? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! For more information, be sure to visit Lampo online. And while you're at it, don't miss out on this pizza road trip through Virginia!

Looking for somewhere unique to stay? Check out these one-of-a-kind vacation rentals in Charlottesville, Virginia!