Il Ritrovo
515 S 8th St, Sheboygan, WI, 53081
Il Ritrovo Menu
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Address :
515 S 8th St
Sheboygan, WI, 53081 - Phone (920) 803-7516
- Website https://www.ilritrovopizza.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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D b.
How many pizzas have we had both in the US and Italy...from Chicago to NY to Naples style?. Too many too count I...but this place truly stands out . Old style Neopolitan with a crust that is perfect and, for a change, the star of the pizza . If you like your pizzas jammed with cheese and toppings ..go elswhere . Inside or outside dining with a great bar.. will need to explore the deli in the back next time Absolutely one of the best pizzas we have had anywhere
(5)Margot C.
I usually save a 5-star rating for restaurants that pair exceptional food with luxurious service. So why a 5-star rating for Il Ritrovo, which is not a fine dining establishment? Because what they do, they do incredibly well. Il Ritrovo makes a true Neapolitan pizza. My husband and I have spent a lot of time in Italy, and this is on par with (or better than) the pizza we find there. Despite my efforts, I've been unable to find a crust this chewy and perfect in my two hometowns (Chicago and NYC); currently, this is the only pizza I'll eat. No other pizza even comes close. Il Ritrovo has a small, focused menu (a sign of a good restaurant) and opinionated, knowledgeable servers (another good sign). Their bread, which reminds me of the bread in Firenze, is often brought to the table fresh from the oven. I read the negative reviews below, and while I can't speak to any inconsistencies in service (we've only had good experiences), I can say that this pizza is truly Italian, not Americanized Italian-"style." Therefore, if you prefer a heavy pizza buried under gloppy cheese and piles of toppings, you may be disappointed. Similarly, if you're tempted by quantity over quality, you may be disappointed in the size of a single pizza here. If, however, you're interested in experiencing freshly-prepared pizza with an expert crust (and this crust is as close to perfect as we've ever found), then give Il Ritrovo a try. It may be more expensive than Domino's, but it's a lot cheaper than an international plane ticket.
(5)Esther L.
Having lived in the Sheboygan for a number of years, my husband grew up there, we frequented Stefano's restaurants countless times We've been gone for over a year now, but made it back a few weeks ago and was so happy to sink my teeth into our pizza of choice...the calabrese with extra meat. SO.STINKIN.GOOD. Their mussels are usually delicious, and their desserts, the frozen sorbets and tirmasu, are always perfect! I can understand many people not being thrilled with the pizza in regards to amount of "toppings" if they're expecting the more traditional American version (which is good don't get me wrong), but Il Ritrovo is a much more authentic Italian pizza style. After traveling Italy and coming back we both agreed it was the perfect blend of both Italy and American's version of pizza. Thin crust, fewer but premium farm to table ingredients and we feel very tasty. We typically order an appetizer, pizza, wine, dessert when we eat in so it's a very fulfilling experience to all of the senses. Last but not least is the fabulous staff that is behind each of Stefano's establishments. Always feel very well taken care of!
(4)Alina V.
The service was lovely, the waitress kind and we were seated quickly. The place is homey and the pictures on the walls where a nice touch. Before I review the dishes, I must say the price does not reflect the quality or taste of the food served. For what we payed, the flavor should have matched it The food: the best dish was the chicken panini. It was tasty but the salad it came with was not the most flavorful and a bit bland. The mixed greens salad was very good, really enjoyed the mozzarella pieces in it. My pizza was not bad but not mind bowing either. The tomato bread soup was not bad, but it wasn't stellar either. Also on the bland side. The bread we were served before the meal was cold, and there was neither Parmesan or spice to mix with the olive oil and dip. This place was all price but did not deliver an outstanding meal.
(1)Eugene R.
this place is really nice! It is part of Field to Fork (which is my favorite). This place has very good pizza and a very nice area. They are pretty quick so you want to come in for a quick pizza with friends. I would highly recommdn it!
(4)Danielle W.
This was my first visit to both Sheboygan and this restaurant. I'd definitely come back if I were passing through again. Arancini were quite good. As was the cornmeal crusted fritto misto. The pizza was very good authentic Italian pizza. It was not this sauce and cheese covered thick dough we normally get in the U.S.. I'd definitely recommend it for that. I also had a dessert smorgasbord with treats from field to fork and il ritrovo and wow wow wow those were the real highlight to me. The tiramisu might be some of the best I've ever had and the almond marzipan cookies were amazing! I may stop on my way out of town for a to go box! Oh and the staff was excellent. I was a part of a big group and they handled us extremely well.
(4)Valerie J.
I've been here three times in all... Before tonight, the last time was three years ago. I thought maybe my memory deceived me... maybe, I wondered, I was being to hard on a well-loved place. Why do I doubt myself? Particularly when it comes to a restaurant owned by Stefano? This place is literally the worst pizza place in town. Ironically, it is also the most hyped. Stefano - I learned that his flagship restaurant was terrible when we first moved here, and that his 'specials' were leftover crap. If you know anything about restaurants, you know specials can be leftovers the restaurant needs to get rid of, or actual genius creations divined by a dedicated chef. At all of his restaurants, his 'specials' are the former. Sadly, my husband got the special salad of the day - which looked like two piles of vomit on the plate. Beets mixed with ...mayo and eggs...!? Terrible salad in between, and some meat-goo on the other side. I thought I'd order two pizzas to give each a try (red and white): Giuseppe 14.50 Tomato, mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, onions, sopressa salami, Calabrian chili paste, mascarpone Really - the meat was the only thing that had flavor, and that flavor was salt. Otherwise this pizza was bland and entirely disappointing. They really have guts at this restaurant to imply the 'chili paste is mixed with marinara to add a hint of spice' - really? No... no there was no taste at all! Next up: Boscaiola 17.50 Mushrooms, mozzarella, rosemary, truffle cheese, smoked mozzarella pancetta Truffle cheese? Where? Nowhere! Not even a *hint* of truffle oil. Rosemary? Again - where? This pizza blew my husband away with it's saltiness, and that was literally all we could taste. That and some oil. Just stop, people of Sheboygan. Really, just stop. Go to Lino's, go to Harry's Prohibition, go to Blind Horse and get the flatbreads outside. Get real, decent, well-sourced, superbly crafted pizza so you can TELL the difference between good, real food and tripe - and then, and only then, will you be able to and *desire to* demand better from places like this, Il Ritrovo et al, that stay in business by pulling the wool over your eyes. Fin. And as they'd say in other ways: "Bye, Felicia."
(1)Laura F.
In town for the PGA Championship with my family, and had an amazing experience. The wait staff was beyond friendly and accommodating, and you could really tell they all loved their job (at least put on a really good show!) The food was spectacular. We had a variety of pizzas and salads, and we were all pleased. Even my father, who is impossible to please, was thrilled with his food. Would definitely return!
(5)Isaac S.
Unfortunately I was not impressed. It's great that they have an authentic oven but that really doesn't mean anything when the food itself is not that great. I went with a large party. My immediate take on the place's atmosphere was that it was a bit run-down. It would use a refresh. Our server was cordial but then criticized our choice to order gluten-free. She said that it was just a fad and that wheat was needed in a diet. Little did she know that we had people allergic to wheat in our group. I wouldn't call that a fad. Food came out and it was very underwhelming. The tomato soup was decent but lacked in flavor. It did seem fresh though. The pizza was a joke. There were hardly any toppings or cheese and the gluten free pizza was nearly not eatable. There are other places that are WAY better. Sorry, I won't be back.
(2)Ann W.
Food is great. Service is great. But it seems to be a haven for screaming, loud, misbehaving kids and oblivious parents.. Maybe this is Sheboygan's version of Chuckie Cheese. After dropping almost $200 on pizza, drinks and good service - I have to say -- the family atmosphere of Il Ritrovo has made me decide to entertain at home where the noise level allows for conversation. We truly could not hear to converse with tables of loud kids on all sides of us. Too bad this review didn't have a score for noise level - I would say a street crew with a jack hammer is more relaxing.
(2)Michael D.
Please let me preface this by saying I am a pizza snob and this would otherwise be a 4 star review. This review is for a Saturday at 12:15pm This was a busy place, yet we were seated imediatly. It took a little while for the server to appear, but she was polite. The menu has a nice variety of offerings and there is something to please most palates. We ordered 2 pizzas, each about 12". One was a simple mushroom pizza with a red sauce and buffalo mozzarella. The crust has a nice chew and was nicely cooked. The pie was cut into 4 pieces and I would have prefered 8. But otherwise it was a nice pizza. Sauce is simple and bright tomato flavor. 2nd pizza was a roasted pork, salami and mozzarella. It had a chili sauce mixed with the tomato sauce which gave it a nice kick. The thing I disliked about this pizza was that the meat slices were large and stacked, preventing you from taking a bite without dragging all the toppings off the pizza. This is a know and fork pizza. THE GOOD If you are looking for Napoli style pizza with authentic ingredients and cooking methods, this is your place. It is not overly fancy, and the pizza gets a 7 out of 10. It is an hour from my house, and I would not make a special trip for it. THE BAD It is a little on the pricy side, we had 2 pizzas, a bowl of soup and 1 soda and it came to $36. It is a simple pizza and if you like this style crust, then it should be a win for you. THE UGLY There can be a wait, and while the server that took our order was polite. She was not fast and she hardly came back to the table at all. IN A NUTSHELL It's a nice place to try, but there are many better options.
(3)Lara D.
Simply amazing and authentic Italian pizza. The restaurant looks a bit shabby from the outside but is rustic chic inside. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Wayne D.
Great ingredients and a master chef, make it a sure bet. Always something special according to the what is currently available, and much of it is local. I have never has anything, but delicious food here. I almost always try something different.
(5)Rusty S.
Looking for a pricey store dripping in elitism, arrogance and snobbery? Somewhere to be summarily ignored and looked through like you don't exist? Well look no further, this is the place for you! Time and time again, year after year, I've stepped foot in Il Ritrovo only to be completely ignored while trying to get someone's attention for a question, or when searching for a product. Unless you're wearing the latest Gucci, dropping hundreds of dollars or you're a regular muckety muck, you'll be overlooked and given the cold shoulder. Never again. I'll take my business elsewhere thank you.
(1)Amy S.
I can't say enough great things about my experience yesterday! Our server was confident in describing the many specials. The timing of each course was perfect. Drinks came fast, water was poured, questions were answered. Everything I want in a great server, I had. The food was memorable. Calamari was the best I have ever had (and I worked at a seafood restaurant).... Pizzas were just as fantastic as everyone has told me. The homemade tiramisu was delicious and the traditional cappuccino was the perfect end to our meal. I am already craving it all! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Theron P.
The service has always been less than acceptable and the pizza follows suit. I'm confused as to why people like this place. I feel like people buy into hype a lot more in this area over the actual quality of the food. We've tried this place three times - each spanning one year between each try - giving it the benefit of the doubt. Each time we were reminded why we never come back. On the last visit, the only thing I can remember was that the pizza was so salty that it was truly inedible. We were probably only there before 10-15 minutes before we decided to leave, leaving most of the food on the table. Even though they have the Neapolitan certification, they clearly don't know what to do with it. Head over to Harry's Prohibition Bistro if you want some great pizza in the area.
(1)Adam C.
I am not sure where the negative reviews are coming from. We visited on a busy Friday night, and had a great experience. The wait was short, staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the pizza was amazing. I wouldn't give out 5 stars unless I truly felt it was worth it. If you are expecting american-style, greasy pizza - then you will be disappointed. This is a much more "authentic" style pizza from Europe. They have some amazing toppings, and the appetizers were great. Wine selection was really nice, and best of all the price wasn't too crazy.
(5)Stephanie S.
While staying in Sheboygan for the weekend we were looking for a place to eat within walking distance from our hotel. We found this place about 4 blocks away and were happy we stopped in. The pizza was delicious, probably some of the best pizza we've had! My only complaint is that the drinks were a little price ($12 for a martini) but the food was decently priced. Our ser er was also super knowledgable which is always appreciated!
(5)Gracie Lou W.
Took my dad there when he came for a visit. We had a little bit of a wait but it was Saturday evening and they were busy. They created a special table for us, we had 5 people including my noisy toddler. Our waiter was very informative and explained the specials extremely well. We ordered a mushroom pizza and the soup du jour which was to die for. Our waiter checked on us frequently and the service not to mention the food was superb. Will be back for more!
(5)Nicole A.
Wonderful little pizza place-- neopolitan-style dry, thin crust- loved it! The toppings were high quality- the sausage, prosciutto, mozz, etc. . .-- all wonderful. If you like a more "american" style, extra cheesy pizza, this place probably isn't for you--there's is a nice balance between crust/sauce/cheese/toppings.
(4)Dave R.
I tried their marinara pizza (vegan) and was not impressed -- just OK. Crust -- way too chewy; nicely charred, but lacked blistering Sauce -- good, but sparse Garlic -- good quality, but was clumped up in the middle Oregano -- good an extra drizzle of oil would've help a bit too.
(3)Liana W.
Love this place! It's so hard to find good Neapolitan-style pizza in Wisconsin, and when I found out that Il Ritrovo existed, my husband and I planned a day trip to Sheboygan. We weren't disappointed! I appreciated that the Saturday hours extend all day instead of breaking between 2 and 5 like on weekdays. We ordered a margherita pizza with sausage and a pizza with prosciutto and arugula. Delicious! Crispy, slightly charred crust, perfect San Marzano tomato sauce, quality ingredients all around. The shop next door was great too, and allowed me to load up on Italian chocolate and hard to find pasta. The only thing keeping this from being a five star review was the service. Though pleasant, everything took much longer than I thought it should (i.e. the time between dropping off the check and picking up our credit card shouldn't be ten minutes). But I'll wait around forever for pizza this good.
(4)Timothy H.
Oh man this place is good!!! I love the Calabrese and their mozzarella pizzaiola. It's very authentic pizza if you want something like the pizza in Italy. The tiramisu is a great dessert, as well as their mango or coconut gelato. Two people will spend around $75-100 including tip.
(5)Rik F.
On a drive north from Chicago we made a pit stop in Sheboygan for lunch. I can sometimes be a food snob and to be honest I have seldom found noteworthy eats in Wisconsin. (Sorry folks. Just being honest) What a pleasant surprise to find a gem like this in a small town like Sheboygan. Our pizzas were authentic Neapolitan, wood-fired delights. If you find yourself in Sheboygan it's a must try.
(5)Jackie G.
This place is the best! Whenever I'm in town to visit family I make sure we stop here for a meal. The pizza is fantastic! We always get one of the specials and have never been disappointed. My favorite is the sausage and mushroom--classic for a reason. We have also had soup, salad, and pasta over the years--all excellent, though I think the food is better in the summer when the veggies are local and fresh. I love the service here because the wait staff is very knowledgeable. Finally, I highly recommend walking through the restaurant to the store where they sell cookies and bars. We've had the marzipan cookie, the coconut cookie, peanut butter bars and thin cookies and they are exceptional. Overall the best food for miles.
(5)Trevor M.
I think this is the best food I have had in Sheboygan other than maybe Kohlers. We had the monk fish special which was cooked perfectly and was full of flavor. We also ordered the prosciutto and mushroom pizza which was one of the better pizzas I have had in a while. They also gave us the prosciutto, arugula and bazil pizza because they made too many which was incredible.
(5)Brenda D.
My favorite hot spot. The best mussels anywhere! The bread is second to none. Never disappointed. Susie, the bartender, is respectful, polite, and knowledgeable. They have an great assortment of Italian meats and cheeses. Love it!
(5)Julie A.
Terrible pizza - just a slab of tasteless dough with Rago sauce & a couple toppings left us hungry so we left & walked down the street in search of some better food. We tried an appetizer that claimed it was mozzarella with sauce & kalamata olives? Couldn't find any mozzarella in the plate of sauce with again a couple slices of olives. This place looks like a fun place with a wine bar, tables and claims Italian fare - believe me - no Italian cooks here!
(1)Laura L.
Not sure if they were having an off night but the service was terrible! The pizza was loaded with salt. We were not impressed. Definitely not coming back again.
(1)Jill C.
The food was amazing! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the service. The waitress was very informative but it just seemed like they were short staffed. Because she was running around like crazy. I had the pizza with egg and ham on it and it was delicious. My fiancé had the Italian sausage and it was just as good. We split the tiramisu and it was equally delicious.
(4)Farhan C.
Good food, great service! The owner and bartender (Sue) were awesome and super helpful about their menu! Would definitely come again if I was in the area!
(4)Kelly D.
Great overall atmosphere and pleasant waitstaff. The food was authentic and it appears as if the food was sourced locally. However, the quantity of toppings of toppings was a bit disappointing. Tasty but just not enough cheese, smoked eggplant or sausage to leave me satisfied. May have to try it another time.
(3)Katie C.
Did I have high expectations for Sheboygan eating establishments? No. Was I at fault to make assumptions? Yes. This girl can own up to her mistakes, especially when proven wrong by a panini. The restaurant was small and set up family-style boasting large, 10 person booths. Our group was lucky to get seated right away because even at 2PM on a Saturday, people continuously flowed in as much as they did out. The waitress serving us was on point, even for being way pregnant. She only blamed forgetting something on her "pregnant mind" once. I've never been pregnant but I can imagine it would be hard to remember things when a lil' human creature is feeding off your bod. They dished out bread with oil to start. I could've eaten the whole loaf of the freshly baked carbs. I went for the panini on special, which consisted of provolone, pesto, buffalo mozzarella and Italian sausage. On the side was a bit of pasta tossed with tomato and artichoke. Delizioso. I sampled off of my beau's "Giuseppi" pizza (tomato, mozzarella, onions, salami, chili paste and Marscapone) - 'twas delicious as well.
(4)Michael N.
Atmosphere: B Food: A- Service: B+ Very nice variety of pizzas, good flavor combinations, friendly attentive service--I recommend Il Ritovo to anyone interested in a casual Italian meal. In particular, I thought the salads were well done, good balance and texture, appealing to both the eye and palate. I would definitely come back.
(4)Curzio C.
Outstanding authentic pizza! I only found one spelling mistake in all Italian words on the menu, which is a very positive sign. Members of Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana - the Italian association of pizza makers...folks who know quality!
(5)Kelly B.
I absolutely loved this restaurant. For my first time in Sheboygan (the boygs) and subsequently my first restaurant around there, We went around 8:00 on a Friday, and it was full. We only had to wait a minute before they cleared a booth for us. They have huge booths that can fit at least 12 people in them, which I think is cool for a pizza place. The wine list is pretty good, we opted for a bottle of the Cabernet Sauvignon. It was about $26. The noise level was very loud, our server bent over our table to yell the specials at us. She even went so far as to bend over the back of the booth and do some magical reach around to be sure she did "proper" wine service for us. We both started with the gorgonzola salad, which was outstanding. The dressing was a perfect blend of almost a sour/salty italian-esque flavor. I liked it a lot. There was "frizzled" prosciutto on it too, that almost tasted like a high end bacon - awesome! I ordered a pizza with tomato, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions, sopressa salami, chili paste, and globs of mascarpone cheese. Joe thought that the chili paste kick drowned out the flavor of the cheese and salami, but I thought it was a perfect balance, and would DEFINITELY order it again. For desert we both got the salted caramel gelate with fudge and pecans and let me tell you....I wanted that desert all over me. It was fantastic. I look forward to coming back here - and I count myself lucky that I don't live closer.
(4)Laurence K.
What a find in Sheboygan a n amazing Italian experience from Fresh baked bread amazing fresh local produce a great wine shop . For lunch we have tomatoes and olive with motzarella with there homemade garlic toast was delicious then the mists salad with fennel tomatoes cucumbers in a delightful vinegarete . Wood fired pizza was the sausaulo fungi mushroom sausage pizza was also outstanding This I'd a must try place!Stefanos menu looked really good will try and come for dinner sometime
(5)Brian W.
What can I say about the pizza here? I don't think I can really find the words. I have tried pizza at many places throughout wisconsin and all I can say is that Il Ritrovo is by far the best I've ever had. I would drive hours to have their pizza, fortunately, I only have to drive 35 minutes. Not only was the pizza exceptional, but the service was great as well. Our server - August, was very friendly and provided with some awesome insights to the pizza and the menu. He even told us about some off menu items. We decided to get the Tiramisu for desert, one word - incredible. I cannot wait to return.
(5)Jill L.
Ok, so the caprese salad was by far the best caprese I have ever had, and I LOVE caprese! However after all the reviews I was expecting the pizza to be amazing, it was just ok. I got the funghi (mushrooms, mozzarella and marinara sauce) unfortunately the crust was soggy, the sauce had no depth of flavor and the mushrooms tasted canned. It was overly salty and that's it. I redeemed it by adding chili flake so my mouth had a lil spark of flavor and it covered up the salt. The wine, the salad and the fresh bread with Olive oil and balsamic vinegar were excellent, but the pizza I would not order again. Sad, because it got so many great reviews, I was just disappointed. I expect pizza to be more than just canned ingredients, I can make that at home!
(3)Alan W.
Really great food, friendly, reasonable prices. Will definitely come back!
(5)S R.
Incredible place. Drinks were exceptional, food was fabulous, even the bread was something special. Our waitress was the best I've had anywhere in a very long time (wish I caught her name - brunette with glasses). You can tell that they try very hard to walk the thin line between "authentic" and what makes customers happy here in Sheboygan. Great prices. Could not be happier. Keep up the great work!!
(5)Dana R.
Went here for Valentine's Day and had an absolutely amazing experience. We had a drink at the bar while watching the Olympics while we waited for a table to open up. They have a great wine selection and a decent selection of both bottled and tap beer. We sat down for dinner and from the minute our waiter came to the table, it was apparent that they people working at this place really do care about their job and the experience that the guests are about to have. He was extremely attentive, willing to chat about the menu, the history of the restaurant, our weekend plans....whatever it was he was game for a few minutes of conversation which is refreshing. Instead of being treated like a table that was there solely to flip and make money, he treated us the way someone would if he had been serving us in his home. My wife and I shared the Due Caprese as an appetizer and the Buffalo Mozzarella was really very good. For this time of year, the tomatoes were very flavorful as well. We ordered the Margherita and Campagnola pizzas and they were both very very good....even the next day as we took a few pieces home with us. We shared a piece of tiramisu for dessert and despite not being a huge dessert person, it was very good. We had a very nice glass of wine with dinner and was pleasantly surprised to see our drink bill at only $22 for two glasses of wine and 2 cups of coffee. If you are looking for a very authentic Italian pizzari experience, look no further. Make sure you check out the other restaurants owned by the same gentlemen while you are in town as well, they are all very worth the trip!
(5)Janni V.
This. THIS is the standard by which all other wood-fired pizzas should be judged. This is heaven on earth. If you want a Neapolitan-style pizza, and you can't get to Naples? Pretty sure this is where you go. (I mean, I'm not an expert. But try it and see if you disagree.) Can't decide what to order? Close your eyes and point. It's all good. It's ALL GOOD. The first time we went here, I planned very carefully. I was so excited that we were going to get to eat here after I'd read about this place. What was even more amazing was that it lived up to my impossibly high expectations. I usually try to be really good about not getting too excited about things, because they almost always let you down. Il Ritrovo didn't. Delightful restaurant, I love you, and you're worth the 200+ mile trip to visit you for delicious, delicious pizza. And other stuff. Good thing is, with a trip that long, I'll definitely be hungry when I come back.
(5)Sola M.
My favorite Italian restaurant in Wisconsin! I think it's the San Marzano tomato red sauce. The mozzarella, olive app w/red sauce is delish! The waiter even brought me gluten-free bread to eat with the sauce. The table bread with olive oil is really good too. I've had gluten-free noodles with the red sauce and again wonderful. The only thing I didn't find amazing was the tiramisu.
(5)Kate M.
Love this place. After a beautiful drive on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, we stopped in Sheboygan for a pizza. My hubby works with a guy who knows the owners. So we've been wanting to go for a while. It was crazy good! Excellent wine choices, salads, and the pizza!! Fresh sauce, light crispy crust, wood fired in a huge oven. True authentic Neapolitan pizza. Great customer service. Attached is an Italian market. A must if you are able to go. People from Chicago were there!
(5)Jill S.
I so wanted this place to continue to be one of my favorites. Sadly, it is not. On a Tuesday in late May I took former Sheboygan residents back to (as they also remembered, " a great place to eat"). We began with the Bruschetta and a fried clam and ? dish. The bruschetta was good, the clams and bits of something, looked like the crumbles from the bottom of a bag of clams and something, and fried. I ordered a bowl of soup, described as root vegetables emulsified. It was green and had absolutely no flavor at all. Another guest ordered the Tomato and bread soup, I wished I had. The Semplice salad I ordered was fine. It really doesn't matter what the names of the three pizzas the others at our table ordered, the fact is, when they tried to eat them by folding the piece of crust and picking it up, the pizza collapsed and the toppings slid off and back onto the serving plate because the dough in the middle was undone and mushy. The pizza that was the worse, was remade, The waitress told us she would find out what she "could do". When she brought the $90+ bill, without saying anything we asked to speak to the manager. In the end, the appetizer, "clams and ?" was removed from our bill. No more recommending ll Ritrov to others. And sad to say I won't be returning.
(2)Erin Q.
My client suggested this restaurant and I loved the intimate feel of the place. Sturdy, wood booths with plenty of space and a very cool ceiling made me feel like this place was cool from the get go. We ordered what they refer to as the fondue for our starter and it was just full of flavor. The toasted bread went perfectly with it. I was also pleased with my blood orange martini, which had almost a whole drink extra left in the shaker. Our server was kind enough to leave that at the table for me. Speaking of our server, the menu and it's specials just rolled off his tongue. He knew his food and it was awesome to hear about it. The special was this amazing chicken sandwich with capers and artichokes and even more goodness! Nothing stoked my interest on the dessert menu, but he did say the tiramisu is made in house if you are into that sort of thing!
(5)Nick C.
I don't even know where to begin. Our bar tenders/servers made us feel very welcome and at home. When we were unsure about which wine to choose from their well chosen selection we were offered samples and directed to well crafted wines that suited our individual palettes. We had planned to just have wine since, despite the traditional(heavy on meat and dairy menu) we talked to our gracious hosts and were able to find an amazing vegan option. We were able to create a veggie pizza with no cheese,fresh arugula,and house made giardinera. I would recommend this place to carnivores and vegans alike. Bonus they also have an artisan deli,wine,cheese and produce market .
(5)Justin U.
I'm thankful this place is here. When I lived in Napa there were many wood fire pizza options and this maybe better than all of them. I eat here possibly too much to get my fix.
(5)Katrina P.
The caprese salad was amazing! The fresh mozzarella was delicious! Great service. Unique ambiance makes this little place authentic. Great if you're in the mood for pizza and salad. Not much else. Great wine list!
(5)Adam R.
We ordered a couple pizzas and salads, was really good. The salty dark chocolate toffee we picked up in the attached store, on the way out was below average.
(5)Nicole C.
I know what you're thinking-- Why is a New Yorker going to Wisconsin to eat pizza?! I know. I wondered the same thing and was very hesitant when the native Wisconsinites described Il Ritrovo's wood-fired oven and amazing pizzas. What could they know?! However, all doubts were dismissed when I was presented with the Funghi Pizze that was both beautiful and delicious. A neapolitan pizza with mushrooms, bufala mozzarella, and basil. The ingredients were fresh & flavorful, and the amount of toppings were just right so the crust was not overloaded and soggy. The crust was also nicely charred, yet maintained that doughy chew that I love and crave. I also had the pleasure of trying the Forte Pizze, with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and onions, as well as the Mushroom Ravioli which were both specials of the day and both very good. Bottom line, Il Ritrovo is legit and could stand it's own against any neopolitan pizzerias in New York! (Ok, ok... maybe not Paulie Gee's, Keste, or Lucali... but you know what I mean.)
(4)Malek K.
Very tasty place. Took the halibut with shrimp and on the side spinach just amazing texture and very well cooked. This is an excellent location for lunch. They provide Pizza, calzone, insalada, and entrees. Now it is part of a bakery/grocery store. So I would suggest for lunch btw work would be great place But at night for a romantic date not ideal environment. Though it is a safe place because the food is amazing
(4)Jacqui' N.
One of the best places to go for that rustic Italian pizza. I try to go when Im in WI visiting my boyfriend and we cant get enough of it. My fave is the Boscaiola, it has assorted mushrooms, rosemary, truffle cheese, panchetta, and smoked mozzarella. Give this place a try!!
(5)Tim R.
Great pizza! What a nice find between Milwaukee and Green Bay. Easy access off the highway and easy parking.
(5)Roger J.
Great thin crust wood fired pizza. Lots of unique choices with either white or red sauce. One of those places where they do everything right - nice atmosphere, good food and good service.
(4)Jason W.
This was a fantastic restaurant experience. Our server was exceptionally helpful and the food was simply fantastic.
(5)Rhonda M.
So great! We had an amazing lamb barley soup followed by a simple salad and delicious pizza! The ingredients in each dish were SOOO fresh and tasted the way food is supposed to taste (I.e. the tomatoes, lettuces, meats had fantastic flavor)! Do not miss this spot. Between the food and the vibe, you'll think you're in a much larger city. We can't wait to go back!
(4)Dusty K.
So here's your fun fact for the day....Wisconsin has more pizzerias doing certified Naples style pizza (Vera Pizza Napoletana) than Illinois. True. And here's the link for Il Ritrovo - pizzanapoletana.org/show… This place rocks. And as seen above, it's certified VPN pizza. What does this mean? Well, it means they do pizza in the authentic Naples style to protect the integrity of how that pizza is made around the world. But it really means that if you can't get to Italy, eat here. I drove all the way from Chicago on a Friday morning just to visit and I wasn't disappointed. The almost 3 hour trip ended with me and a hopalicious beer sitting at a table eating crusty in house made bread with olive oil. I was in heaven. I started with a spring mix salad having Gorgonzola cheese and bacon. Knowing the owner's style, everything was perfectly done and delicious using locally sourced ingredients. The salad is large enough to be eaten as a meal or shared by two. I came here for the pizza so there was no turning back. I ordered the buffalo mozzarella pizza. I forgot to take a picture as when it arrived I dove right in. The crust was perfectly charred while the pizza was simply done right. If I lived in Sheboygan, I'd eat here twice a week. And the fun didn't stop there. They have a small grocery area next door where you can pick up D.O.C. tomatoes, Willow Creek Farm pork products, produce from local farms, wine, cheese, and many other delicious and hard to find items. It's a food paradise.
(5)Perrin S.
People in Sheboygan always tell me to go here...but my Pizza was thin and hurt my teeth it was so hard. Also, they sprinkled mozzarella in circles instead of using fresh mozzarella like it said on the menu. My roommate and I were disappointed. Very cute atmosphere, however. Lots of families and nice people.
(3)Francis D.
I was going to try ordering take-out, but since pizza orders mainly come off the menu by name, I hung up the phone and said I'll come in. I was informed there was a bar and to come in and talk about it... friendliness counts. So, I'm unable to order pepperoni and green olive, which I thought would never happen, but it did. I've liked NY pizza for its thin crust and sometimes this just means you get thin toppings, which is kind of true... NEW YORK CITY!!! You can eat a whole pizza yourself; I had the Giuseppe Za and was enjoyable right through the crust, but I went home and made two tacos. More exploring to do here considering there's a deli/grocer with lots of freshies - I did not look around long. Also, it's hard to see the T.V. (GO HAWKS!!!) when sitting at the bar because the lighting shades hang right in your face. #tallpeopleproblems
(3)Laurence T.
After the recent horrible pizza experience known as Homeslice in Austin, I needed to find a real Neapolitan pizza place to remind me of my love for pizza . Surprisingly, I found this great place in the quaint town of Sheboygan. The appetizer, Fonduta al Forno was a dish I've never had before. It was an outstanding dish, full of flavor without being too greasy. I would come back just to eat this dish alone. Unfortunately, the Foccacia con Pomodorini did nothing for me. It seemed like an unfinished dish, lacking any coherency. Regardless, this is a real pizza joint serving airy thin pizza, not some chewy, strip mall imitation.
(4)James D.
Pretty good pie. Probably the best near Milwaukee, however they are very light and not much in the way of toppings, which isn't my complaint. There just isn't enough flavor here. My wife and I both asked for extra char/well done pies and they were not able to produce that. Our pizza looked just like our neighbors. Their dough must just not firm up to a crisp. They should complement the mozzarella with some salty/hard pecorino romano that they sell in the deli. The dough itself was average and tasted kind of salty. Overall the flavor was unbalanced. The restaurant is sterile and one older woman was doing all the work while two college aged kids chatted behind us the whole time (awkward). The music was festive (Italian favorites mixed with oldies and rat pack lounge) and interesting beer selection (Italian beer??....well if that's your thing). This is pretty good pizza, but could certainly be heightened with a couple tweaks here and there. I would say go there and check it out! It's in a part of Sheboygan that looks like it could use some more thriving businesses.
(3)Chris F.
This place does not need my review. It is exceptionally fabulous. Service is really numero uno to me and I am never dissapointed, The prosciutto, the cheese, the pizza, the wine. Everything is perfect. Does it get better than perfect? No, just go. It's worth the drive.
(5)Emily F.
Authentic Italian food. Had the Napoli calzone; it was great. Outdoor seating is limited, only 3 or 4 tables. Seems to to be a popular place.
(4)Stac M.
Try the fonduta- and the mussels- and sorbet! Man, everything is good here. This was my first night out in Sheboygan, and wow- it was spectacular! We sat right next to the chefs and it was pretty awesome watching them work their magic sauteing and cooking up a storm. Not to mention that they are easy on the eyes and they seem to enjoy their work. It makes it fun to watch them. The waitress was the perfect mix of there when you needed her and not when you didn't. She was friendly and helpful and knew the specials. It was expensive, not going to kid you there, but for a special night on the town, it was worth it. Had a blast and would go back!
(4)S L.
Genuinely good Italian food...in Sheboygan of all places. Pizza is excellent. Panini were good too. Small but fine wine list. Good service and a nice food shop attached makes this the best bet in town.
(5)Nina A.
Good food and I would go out of my way again to eat there. One weird thing - we were charged $2.00 for parmesan cheese on a pasta dish. Has that ever happened to anyone else? Ever? Anywhere? Left a strange and bad taste in my mouth. No warning, just an added charge when we got the bill. This was our second visit and the pizza wasn't quite as good as the first time, but still good.
(4)Troy S.
I was alone, so I sat at the marble bar. Speedy service. I had a glass of water, fresh bread, olive oil and Parmesan before I blinked. I had a glass of wine and the Giuseppe pizza. Great wood oven pizza. It was tasty and the crust was perfect. Nice selection of pizza, salads, and wine. There's an Italian deli in the back where you can get meat, cheese, fresh produce, fresh baked bread, and wine.
(5)Laura C.
We had a late dinner last night. All of the reviews were spot on. We started with a Giardinera salad and had the Bocalucia(sp) pizza ( Funghi. rosemary, pancetta). It was delicious. Made the mistake of ordering sorbet which apparently is not made on site.. We got one of those frozen stuffed lemons. Kinda of a turn off but will know for the next time. Coffee is roasted on site and is excellent.
(5)Sarah A.
I hate Sheboygan. I live in Chicago, but my family lives in Sheboygan. I don't come home often, but when I do, I'm here. Everything about this place is excellent, from the appetizers to the salad to the pizzas. Plus, unlike many restaurants in Sheboygan, this place has several vegetarian options. My favorite appetizer here is the bruschetta alla Campania. It's mozzarella, olive oil and tiny tomatoes on bread, kind of like a mini pizza. But be careful, they may fill you up too fast. Now on to the pizzas. I mean, I could only eat half of the pizza in one sitting and then take the rest home for leftovers. But that never happens. I usually end up being a fatty and eating everything there. I'm a cheese fanatic, so my favorite pizza is the Quattro Formaggi. I love all the different flavors of cheese on here. So good. The Campagnola is also good when I'm in a "healthy" mood. There are several vegetables on here, including roasted eggplant, zucchini and roasted peppers. Again, so good. Everyone go here!!
(5)Marc T.
Our group of 6 visited last Saturday. We gorged ourselves on a couple appetizers and several pizzas. The meal was fantastic. Consensus at our table was that the Calabrese and the pizza topped with arugula were the two best. I will honestly make the hour trip from Milwaukee again just to sample more of their menu.
(5)Lochin S.
I love this place. I am from Chicago,happened to be there on my birthday- Acuity meetings. I love the decor, the small package store/deli attached to this restaurant. They do have amazing pizza. even left over - rewarmed was so delish! the wine selection was great as well as cash and carry. Had two bottle of Prosecco, loved it so much, bought two more to take home. why is this place three hours away? whine, whine, whine...
(5)Meghan H.
Yum, the wood-fired pizza here is SO yummy. Ranks right up there in my opinion as one of the best. Service is quick and efficient. Be sure to check out the little market next to the restaurant. The Glop is really good (in the refrigerator case) as is the aged basalmic vinegar they sell. It's $50, and I didn't want to spend that much, but it is SO good, and a little goes a long way!
(5)Tom C.
Born and raised as a half Italian in the northeast, I was beginning to despair about the lack of good pizza in Wisconsin. Fear not! Il Ritrovo is authentic Neapolitan pizza that can go toe-to-toe with anything New York or New Haven have to offer.
(5)John A.
I have been making two (three) when I'm lucky pilgrimages here every year for 11 years. Never ever disappointed from the first item to the last everything is BEST IN CLASS, AWESOME, FABULOUS, OMG RUIN YOU FOR LIFE FANTASTICALLY GREAT. It is an addiction that I never want to be cured of... READ ON I am not alone.... If you have not been you have not lived.
(5)Trey M.
This place lives up to the hype! I was a little skeptical from the online reviews. Nothing in Sheboygan can be this good? Well, I was very wrong! Il Ritrovo was authentic, warm, and welcoming! The pizza is artesianal, fresh and delicious! We will definitely come back the next time we are here.
(5)Vladimir K.
Well who knew, Sheboygan's got some class. I got a pizza from here for take-out today while doing business in the area and it was awesome. Totally different than the Chicago-style that I'm most familiar with, but really good. The fresh arugula on top really was a nice touch, definitely get that. The crust was kick-ass, thin and crispy and nicely blistered on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. The toppings were high-quality and fresh. I was able to eat one by myself no problem ($14... a little pricey but totally worth it). Easily the best pizza I've had in Wisconsin (which is not hard to do since everywhere else in WI sucks). Unlike many other pizzas, I did not feel gross after eating this. It seemed fresh and healthy and really good. I've never been to Italy nor do I know anything about it but I imagine this is kind of how they would do pizza there.
(4)Anh T.
Can only comment on the service. Was in town with a party of 10 people. We wanted to get carryout because of our large group. Stopped by in the afternoon and talked to the hostess if carry out was possible. She assured us that it was ok and gave us menus. We said we will call in for an order later that night and was told that the place is open until 10. Called around 8pm to place an order and was told that carryout was not an option. When we explained our conversation that we had earlier that day we were then told that they were too busy to take any carryout orders for the rest of the night and if we wanted to eat then we had to come in. Which made no sense at all. Well they lost out on a big order. Whoever talked to us was snippy and clearly did not care about helping customers out.
(1)B-G K.
We love this place! Every time we're in Sheboygan we have to stop here for lunch. The semplice salad, bruschetta, mushroom ravioli and rigatoni are delicious!! Our kids love dipping the warm bread in oil and parmesan cheese. Service is always great too!
(5)Joelle S.
I've never had a bad meal. We've tried tons of different menu items, and each time, we're happy. But our all-time favorite order: a simple salad like the caprese with basil, freshly-made mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, the mussels (don't forget to dip the complimentary bread in the delectable garlicky sauce), the calabrese pizza (a tad spicy and oh so good). My husband always leaves full, which to him, is tremendously important. But if I think about it, I also love a light lunch there--there is this salad (I think it's on the menu now) with a trio of seafood salads, and its awesome. I get it pretty often. Oh, and then there's the legendary service. Not only are these waiters adept at keeping your water full and your service speedy, but they know the food inside and out. They can answer all your questions and help you select the best wine or beer to go with your meal. Just go. You'll be happy you did.
(5)Thomas H.
incredible Neapolitan pizza in Sheboygan of all places, home of its long lost cousin what I call "Wisconsin pizza" super thin crust with chicago cut. So having Neapolitan pizza in relation to that is a refreshing exp. 4+ stars
(4)Skip B.
GREAT wood fired pizza. Done simply but with fresh ingrediants. We loved to go here for a pizza and a couple glasses of Chianti. Bread is fantastic. Great place for a simple meal.
(4)Lisa S.
Thank God for yelp on vacation! We found some awesome eats because of it, including this gem. I was waffling between 4 and 5 stars. I wanted to give it 4 stars because i felt the toppings on the pizza were kind of skimpy, but my brother informed me that with italian pizza toppings are to be sparse and enjoyed as a special treat. And what a treat they were. My mom said the (locally grown heirloom) tomatoes were the best tomatoes she's ever had in a restaurant. She is rather picky and does not give out compliments often. You could really tell their ingredients were super fresh. Our family had a delicious meal and a ton of fun eating here.
(5)Jonathan J.
Gluten Free Pizza Read all of the reviews, this place is as amazing as the reviews say but one of the things all of the reviews miss is this place offers gluten free pizza, and it is amazing. The crust was thin and airy and was absolutely amazing. This was done in the wood fire oven as well. I ate here twice, once by myself and once with a group. The service was amazing both times, and the food was awesome as well. I highly recommend this place to all of my friends and also anyone going to Sheboygan as well. 5 stars
(5)Gary K.
It's as good as those previous reviews say. Pizza with fresh, delicious local produce and prepared specifically as required by the Pizza lords. We (parents) took our HS girls soccer team here for 3 years (each May) and they were very accommodating with an upstairs dining area, friendly service and great food. For an Italian super meal you can also go across the street to Stefano's (he owns both). FWIW...Tiger Woods ate here a couple of times during the 2004 PGA and we had Nick Faldo and TV golf reporters at a table nearby. Watch for them again this August when the PGA Championship hits Whistling Straits.
(5)J H.
Really? Did did the other people go to the same restaruant? The salad and wine were good but the soup was inedible. Had pieces ground up beef fat. The pizza crust was fine but the topping was really bad. I had the Giuseppe and the salami taste bad, and the melted mascapone on top of the other cheese make it way too oily, nauseating really. I ordered a side of pork and it had to be at least 3 days old. Maybe I went on an off night but two stars is a generous review for what I was served.
(2)Jakob S.
I can't express my feelings for this place as deeply as I feel. IT IS AMAZING. The Bufala Margherita Pizza is............a little circular piece of heavenly cheesy-basily-tomato-e goodness......nay Godliness. They serve more than food: they serve the food that will change your life. That statement is said with the utmost sincerity mind you.
(5)Dan N.
oh Il Ritrovo, how I miss you! why must you be so far away!. I would drive up from Chicago for Dinner without much convincing, yes its that good. The place is small but charming and the service is special, our server was warm and engaging..could not have been nicer or made us fell more welcome. We started with a wonderful Giardiniera salad with their amazing homemade Giardiniera . The star was the Focaccia con Pomodorini. with hat amazing bufala mozzarella will forever haunt my pizza dreams. The crust was a work of perfection. Dont miss the attached market, the Sheboygan area is so lucky to have a place like this. This is authentic Neopolitan style pizza and they have the hardware to prove it. They proudly display their Verace Pizza Napoletana association certification by that amazing wood oven. If you get within 100 miles and dont stop in you missing out.
(5)Travis R.
Definitely true Italian Pizza. Great waiter service and a beautiful environment inside. Prices are a bit high but the atmosphere and food makes up for it. The waiter we had knew how to describe the different dishes just beautifully. He spoke with such knowledge and knew every last ingredient that went into it. Not only that he would describe how it was made and cooked. He was also unbelievably knowledgeable on what different beers and wines would pair with the dishes we had ordered. A+ service all the way around. I will be back!
(5)Yan H.
Throwing another positive review onto the pile. Great service from staff, just as great food, mostly what everyone else has written. Pizza tried over multiple visits: Bufalina Bianca, Boscaiola, Affumicata, Pugliese, margherita. On separate visits with different groups of people, I heard consistent mention of how fresh the pizza tastes. It does taste very fresh...I don't know enough about italian food and ingredients to explain it any further, so let's just leave it at it tastes fresh. This is worth the drive to sheboygan from milwaukee, and the drive back to milwaukee. So if I was to quantitatively measure by distance, I would easily be willing to drive to chicago for Il Ritrovo.
(5)Sherrie W.
Based on seeing the high rating by Yelp reviewers & being referred by a friend, we went to Il Ritrovo for dinner and were disappointed. The bread that was served was good, but our server only gave us olive oil for dipping, so the result was bland. We asked for cheese to add to the flavor. Our salad was excellent. However, our pizzas were disappointing - to our taste they had very little flavor.
(2)Eli M.
Awesome, just awesome. Service, atmosphere, and most importantly food are superb. The hardest part about moving away form Sheboygan was moving away from IL Ritrovo, but the hour drive from Milwaukee (it's actually like 45 min from the north shore) is well worth it, I hear people even drive form Madison or Chicago to get their fix. There's also a great littel deli/grocery you can bum around in while waiting to be seated. Everything I have tried on the menu has been excellent, daily specials are almost always good. Great wine selection too.
(5)Joel C.
"Go to Sheboygan, the country's best Neapolitan-style pizza is there!" Sheboygan? My wife and I visited Kohler this weekend and I've been hearing about Il Ritrovo ever since declaring Spacca Napoli my favorite taste of Italy. Everybody knows where I'm having my last meal -- check out my bio, homes. Jonathon makes a mean pizza pie. But every time I mention Spacca, someone always has to chime in with "yeah, but what about that place in Sheboygan?" You know that baller from across town you never met but always heard had your game beat, knowwhatI'msayin'? No? Not so much. "Il Ritrovo! The famous pizzeria," they shout. "Il Ritrovo! Certified by an international Neapolitan-style pizza federation!" (Seriously, someone told me this. There is a certification for Neapolitan Style Pizza, conducted by L'Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Il Ritrovo and Spacca Napoli are among the fewer than 20 pizza places that have received this designation) So we went to Kohler and gave the arch nemesis a try. We asked everyone around our hotel if they had heard of Il Ritrovo, and each inquiry was met with wide eyes and an "Ooooohhhh, IL RITROOOOVO!!!" Kind've crazy, this king pin of wood-fired delights, tucked away in sleepy Sheboygan had developed quite the reputation. On a Spring Saturday night, when there were no cars nor pedestrians in site, we walked into Il Ritrovo and there were all the people of Sheboygan. The restaurant was jam packed with people and pizzas. Fortunately, there is a wonderful side-by-side grocery store under the same ownership, complete with an enoteca-style bar. Our bartender was well-versed in Italian wines and enthusiastic about their current offerings. We sat there with glasses of a nice, dry prosecco, awaiting our much-anticipated meal and got up a few times to stroll the coolers of local meats and cheeses, the shelves imported italian olive oils and sweets and plenty of other gourmet impulse buys. We were seated just as we finished our glasses and were met with great energy by our waiter. The menu at Ritrovo is wonderfully diverse, filled with salads, soups, pizzas and pastas, but there was no questioning what we were in for. We ignored most of our waiters introduction to specials and went right for the pizza. Man. It's war, Spacca. We started with beautful mixed green salad that included bufalina mozzarella that was tangy, herby and juicy in the center. Damn. Warm crusty bread soaked up a nice vinaigrette. I had an agenda. One white pizza. One red Pizza. I needed buffalo mozzarella and I craved a good prosciutto di parma. Our waiter recommended a special red pizza featuring salami, onions and a red chili paste. Different, but delicious. Very spicy, but the meat was extraordinary. And balanced perfectly with a lighter, creamier white pizza consisting of buffalo mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, prosciutto di parma and arugula. This was the pizza that made the trip worth it. The crust is perfect, with little charred peaks on the heal and a slightly crispy thin bottom. The cheese was oozing, the prosciutto was delicate and fresh. Our wine? Average. Priced inexpensively with a nice variety, my wife's chianti was okay. My Shiraz was perhaps at the end of it's life cycle. I give this team a bonus, however, for offering an atypical wine list and being a bit adventurous (no Viettis or Santa Margheritas or Ruffinos). I may not drive all the way to Sheboygan to eat at Il Ritrovo again, but their Neapolitan-style pizza is knock out, rivaling, but not surpassing, Spacca Napoli's. I love the combination gourmet shop, wine bar and restaurant. I love the expansive menu, the enthusiasm and a truly unique offering in the middle of this distant resort town. This place would be packed in Chicago. Go. Get two pizzas, one for you, one for your date, mix them up and mangia.
(5)George M.
Ehh I don't know what all the fuss is about. I've eaten at better places in Chicago and Madison that cost less than this. The focacia pizza I had was bland and at $19 was not worth the price. The construction of the building reflects noise terribly, so the place is very noisy - painfully so. A bit of a let-down given how much I enjoyed the companion restaurant, Field to Fork.
(2)Timothy R.
One of the Best Culinary Experiences for Lunch in Sheboygan. I've always had a great pleasure just walking into this place.
(5)Angie K.
Great tasting, quality, fresh ingredients. I got the Funghi Pizza. It was pretty good.
(3)Emily D.
Just had a great meal. Excellent, friendly staff. Efficient service. Tried the pizza with prosciutto and arugula. EXCELLENT. Highly recommended.
(5)C L.
Had excellent soups and split a very tasty salad and pizza at this low key Italian restaurant in downtown Sheboygan. Atmosphere was friendly, the service attentive, and the wood fired oven added Italian authenticity to the pizza. The soups garnered special mention for their deliciousness. Seriously - soups in this Italian place were really that good. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jax P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Sheboygan- I can't say it's my favorite, because I can't decide which of Stefano's restaurants I like the best! His restaurants include- Il Ritrovo, Trattoria Stefano's, Field to Fork (mmm quesadilla!), and Duke of Devon. He uses the best ingredients, many of which are local and organic. The servers KNOW THEIR STUFF. I always look forward to the specials of the day, because they are always unique and delicious. The salads and deli salads are always refreshing. I've even tried octopus here and actually LIKED it! Good wine selection. I also like wandering through his little 'natural' market that is attached to the restaurant. Good, authentic Italian. Period.
(5)Maria C.
This was one of those experiences that just happen totally by chance but turn your day upside down because you walk out feeling like you couldn't have stopped anywhere else. On our way to Door County we stopped at this place based on a recommendation from a friend. The pizza was awesome, the panini even better. But the olive oil that they serve AND sell next door was the apex of our visit. We got a bottle and today just had the last drop. I am going to call the owner to find out if he can ship us more.
(5)Sarah C.
One word: Limoncello. There, I said it. The cat is out of the bag! Yes, the food is absolutely delicious, thoughtful, and well-crafted. Yes, the servers are charming, knowledgeable, and competent. But the limoncello? The homemade limoncello? Delicious!!! And to think, I almost ordered a campari and soda after dinner... Other yelpers have done a good job of summing up the delectable offerings. My favorite item--besides the limoncello, of course--was the wood-fired mushroom pizza with truffle oil. It was savory...with just the right combination of flavors. My sisters--my wonderful dining companions that evening--ordered the antipasto, caprese salad, and a couple of other pizzas. All were very well-executed. If you have a choice of server, I would ask for August. He has never steered us wrong!
(5)Joe R.
Holy Shit Ballz! SheVegas has hit the jackpot with this Neapolitan certified joint. What's better then ordering your own personal pie and not feeling like slob for doing so. Everything is great with the exception you have to go to Sheboygan!
(5)Dane S.
I've had good and bad experiences here. They have some amazing menu items. The fonduta is so tasty! They have a great wine selection. The service and other customers can feel a bit stuffy at times (for pizza?). Some things can also be a bit pricey (again, for pizza?) Finally, it seems to get quite noisy in there during busy times. Overall, the food is delicious and well worth any of the minor nuisances I mentioned.
(4)Tracy L.
Ok pizza, ok salad, overpriced: 3 pizzas, 2 salads, 1 beer, 2 fruit drinks, $100 bucks
(2)Leslie O.
Amazing. Best Italian ever. I bought 3 liters of their olive oil as I left. And in Sheboygan??
(5)joe n.
This is about as close to real Italian pizza as it gets. In contrast to the over-sauced and over-cheesed pizzas you find 99.9% everywhere, Ritrovo cooks a classic Naples style pizza. Using a very hot wood-fired oven, the pizzas are quickly cooked (2-3 minutes) to a perfect thin crust. Rather than dump gobs of tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on a thick crust, tomato sauce and cheese (buffala mozzarella an option - fantastic!) are used as complements to the crust - it does not overpower your palate. The various pizza offerings on the menu are quite varied and it's worth trying each one to determine a favorite, as are the toppings available. I also had a very good bowl of minestrone - lots of fresh vegetables in a thickish broth; the salads were very good as well, particularly using finocchio (fennel) which gives a vary nice licorice kick. The wait staff was pleasant and quick; the companion specialty store has some interesting Italian foods, although paying $2.99 for DiCecco is really steep. This is the only 5-star review I have written on Yelp. Considering that I found this gem in Sheboygen frankly bogles the mind. Ritrovo would be a stand-out on Arthur Avenue, Bronx NY (which is the REAL Little Italy in New York City) which has some fabulous, authentic Italian restaurants. This is a don't-miss restaurant.
(5)Tony C.
Some of the best pizza I've ever had. I was in Sheboygan and based on the reviews online, I decided to eat here. I had a specialty pizza with sausage, carmelized onions, and red pepper. It was magnificent. Attached to the restaurant is a nice little Italian store where you can find at least 10 different types of olive oil. I could see from the other tables that the soups and salads look spectacular, but I didn't try either.
(5)Benjamin H.
While spending my holidays in Wisconsin, I had the opportunity to take a day trip outside of Sheboygan to do some snowshoeing in the pristine Wisconsin wilderness. Afterwards, my party and myself decided to make a bit of a foodie pilgrimage to the much-talked about and renowned pizzeria, Il Ritrovo. Being someone who is a huge fan of Neapolitan style pizza and who has eaten his weight in pizza throughout the Midwest, I highly anticipated this journey to one of the few pizzerias certified by L'Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Upon entering the restaurant in this sleepy strip of downtown Sheboygan, we were surprised by the space, being a pizzeria, a wine bar, a cafe and a grocery store all housed in one facility. The cafe roasted their own coffee, baked their own desserts. The grocery store had a lot of highly priced yet wonderful ingredients, between local fare and imported oils, pastas and cheeses. The wine bar had a great selection of wine that could have only been chosen by an Italian wine aficionado, featuring a surprising selection of stuff from oddball regions and sub-regions like Campania, Carmignano, Ciro and Montefalco! I was pleasantly surprised not seeing the usual Woodford reserve Shiraz or Ruffino Chianti! Upon entering the pizzeria, I heard a bit of a sharp exchange between the hostess and a customer regarding reservations. Shortly thereafter, the hostess forcefully approached me, almost interrogative, asking what our groups intentions were. Being a bit taken aback by this initial approach, I informed her that I would like a table for 4. She asked, quite haughtily, whether we had reservations. Hmmm....a pizzeria? Reservations? I informed her, no. At which point she huffed and puffed and said "Well, we dont serve until 5pm and you're going to have to wait if you dont have reservation." Well, I looked at my watch, it was 4:57pm. Literally, 5 minutes later, after the absurdly long wait she prepared us for in the seemingly empty restaurant, we were magically and oh-so-gratiously seated. After such a shit-bomb of customer service, we were all worried whether this meal would be able to redeem. The menu is a well executed amalgamation of rustic old world entrees and a huge selection of pizzas. We came for the pizza and nothing else. After looking at the menu we were excited to get ordering, but once again, the service continued to fall short. Our server was nice, but almost like an automated robot at Chuckie Cheeze, as she rigidly named off her well-rehearsed interpretation of the specials, being careful to nail her pronunciation. And the specials? Way too many of them! How about a pizza, pasta and an entree special? We lost interest in anything special halfway through her mini PowerPoint presentation. As we ordered food, she jumped down our throats on frivolous pronunciation and seemed quick to give us lectures on the wine...nevermind that I may already know a thing or two about wine!! It was that sort of lack of overall tact in the service that really left a bad taste in our mouths. As for the atmosphere, the best way to describe it after the place filled up, would be to take a Chicago neighborhood pizzeria and fill it with highfalutin members of a Sheboygan country club. I've never seen so many well-quaffed haircuts, v-neck sweaters and fake smiles in my life. Everybody seemed to know each other. Ahhh, it all made sense now!! The snotty-nosed hostess, the haughty server and the wealthy clientele. This place has still not moved passed the idea that wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are a luxury, only for the privileged. It dawned on me that in the city, spending $14 on a personal-pan sized pizza topped with excellent ingredients is a normality, but elsewhere, a certain luxury only indulged in by the 'upper crust', pardon the pun. Luckily, the pizzas are one step below magical. I had the Boscaiola, which was wood-fired white pizza with mushrooms, smoked mozzarella and truffle oil. Flat out amazing. The balance of the flavors was very well executed, the truffle oil not overpowering the mozzarella, all harmonizing with the smoky mushrooms. My girlfriend tried the Margherita, which was excellent, the san marzano-based sauce being so tangy and delicious. The crust on these pies was also excellent, with the signature wood-fired blisters, however, we all thought it may have been a little too salty, but nothing out of control. What can I say, the service and ambiance were terrible and worthy of only a couple of stars. I'd expect noses to be turned up at Spiaggia, but a pizzeria in Sheboygan, the bratwurst capital of the world? We truly did not feel welcome and were totally turned off by the staff. Noneless, if you can brave through the snotty noses, you're going to have some excellent renditions of Neapolitan styled pizza. I'd say it's worth the visit if you're in the area, but i'd still say you'll have a better "experience" at a place like Spaccanapoli.
(4)Wyndi M.
The food....O.M.G!!! The food was FABULOUS!!!! We did the shared antipasta app. Would highly recommend the "glop." The pizza amazing! My boyfriend and I shared a salad and the pizza and it was more than enough for the two of us. We visited after a day at Road America. We had a party of 7 trying to get a table at 8pm on a Friday night. The service was slow both at the bar and trying to order. Our food did arrive fairly quickly. The only serious complaint was the noise level. Our server literally had to yell over the noise to tell us the specials. Other than the noise...this place is AWESOME!!! Definitely go if you're craving gourmet pizza!
(4)Lara P.
Amazing food! Also love Trattoria Stefano's which is across the street. Best pizza in the area. Bubbly dough from those hot brick ovens, smidge of sauce and cheese and fresh, fresh veggies and meat! I still dream of it. Great wine selection. Sheboygan is sleepy at best. If you are in a 100 mile radius, I'd cruise up here in a second. 2 of of good pals just took a job at Kohler, so we can't wait to visit and dine at Stefano's amazing restaurants! Great espresso bar. If you have more than an hour, check out the Kohler fine art museum. Amazing international art exhibits. I saw artists here from NYC and other places that I had just read about in Art Forum. Amazing and unusual gems in Sheboygan.
(5)C R.
The food is great ... the service, EXCELLENT! I'm writing this review exclusively to say that someone took my out-of-state, late night call to get a quick gift certificate sent out for my sister's birthday -- even though they'd already closed for the night! That's the kind of service you almost never find these days. If you visit the deli -- get some trout mousse...it's delish!
(5)Paul V.
This restaurant could stand on its own in any major metro area. The quality of ingredients and preparation rarely misses the mark, and the service is top notch. They keep the menu fairly limited and make sure they do each item very well - Smart restaurant and the customers benefit. Good beer and wine selection and outstanding pizza. If that isn't enough their daily specials make the best of local available ingredients. Hard to miss with the fish dishes. Don't expect a pasta and red sauce place. This ain't it. And no midwestern cracker pizza. Just authentic Neapolitan. A foodie's oasis in an area with few restaurants worth mentioning.
(5)Hungry H.
Unbelievably good food!! Definitely get the Fondue appetizer with the Prosciutto. One big bowl of goodness. Service was excellent, place is a bit to cramped for me but a nice dining experience. The Pizza's were very good much different than your normal pie, however they just don't put enough stuff on top to make it a five star pizza. The ingredients that are put on top are so good I just need more (Cheese, Mushrooms, Sausage, Prosciutto). The tomato sauce is some of the best I've ever had. If your looking for something a bit different, definitely the place to go!!!
(4)Megan L.
My most favorite restaurant of restaurants: so good it's worth a two-hour drive each way. I first heard about Il Ritrovo through an NPR interview and dreamed about it for months before finally making the trip. Atmosphere is laid-back and the waitstaff is friendly. All of the food is delectable, the wines are good, and even the coffee and desserts are incredible. Try the truffle oil-prosciutto-rosemary pizza, or any of the salads, and be prepared to swoon.
(5)Connie M.
I travel from Virginia JUST to eat and share wine @ Il Ritrovo with my BFF. Food could' get any better.....practically have to have a cigarette after dinner there! HAAAAAAAAAAA LOVE IT!!!!!
(5)Darlene L.
Arrived with my spouse early on New Years Eve. We needed something different than the standard hotel dining at the Kohler American Club. This filled the bill. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but this was not a problem as they have a terrrfic Italian grocery and cafe next door. We enjoyed browsing the imports and settled on some good EVOO and balsamic vinegar to take back home as recommended by the staff. The host was very gracious in seating us and apologized for the wait. We had wonderful vegetable soup which was homemade and prepared as a puree with root vegetables and vibrant Italian flavors. The pizza margherita prepared in a wood burning oven was served piping hot. It was delicious with arugula added at our request. My only complaint was it was light on the cheese, and a bit more would have made it perfect. Our server was excellent offering suggestions, and we appreciated the fact that he did not push items and drinks to run up an unnecessary bill. This is clearly a good stop when in town or when searching for an alternative to hotel dining.
(4)evonne w.
It is a pleasure to drive from Milwaukee to eat at Il Ritrovo! The pizzas are as good, or better, than those we have eaten in Italy, and the garlicky mussels are some of the best. I especially love the homemade soups, and when we order, I have to have everything, and take home lots of leftovers. Unlike a previous reviewer, I have never had an issue with the service. It has always been great. This really is a "don't miss" restaurant....a true gem!
(5)Bob D.
Having just gone for the second time to Il Ritrovo for lunch, (the first visit being dinner) I think my wife summed it up best when she said "I know where my last meal's coming from if I'm ever on Death Row". This is now our favorite Italian restaurant in Wisconsin. The pizza is amazing, the soups and salads to die for. We've never even tried their pasta yet, as it's a rare treat to go there, and the pizza can't be missed. I followed a previous reviewer's recommendation, and tried the Limoncello as an after dinner drink. Wow! I've had expensive store-bought Limoncello before , but this stuff was home made from scratch. What a difference! The staff on both visits was exceptional. They were thoroughly knowledgeable about the wines and foods available, but were also very personable which I think is an added bonus these days. The place isn't huge, so if you don't want to have a lengthy wait, get there promptly at opening, as the place is packed most every night of the week.
(5)Beck W.
Disappointing. Saturday lunch, only 2 tables occupied. Pizzas were not made as ordered. Crusts were limp and spinach was tough and stringy on the pie. Table service was poor.
(2)