Christianos Brick Oven Pizza

by Tony Reffke

Family-owned and operated Christianos Brick Oven Pizza first debuted in Wautoma in 1996 and expanded with three additional locations in Green Lake, Oshkosh, and Fond du Lac, before opening a new restaurant on the east side of Appleton two years ago. The passion for making mouth-watering pizza runs deep in the family with the business being run by three brothers and their father who grew up working in Italian restaurants in Milwaukee before ultimately venturing out on his own. The Appleton restaurant is unique compared to the other four as it operates through fast, casual counter-service in a spacious and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.

Christianos prides themselves on serving high quality foods that are made fresh every day. Their dough consists of only five ingredients: salt, yeast, flour, extra virgin olive oil, and water. All of their veggies and meats are cut daily using only the freshest ingredients, and their cheese is locally sourced.

Their signature pizzas are cooked very quickly in one of two 800-degree Italian wood-fired brick ovens that results in a tantalizing, thin, and crispy crust. They have over 15 pizzas you can choose from, or you can build your own with a variety of meat, veggies, and four different cheeses. Two of their popular pizzas are the Margherita with mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan cheese, and the outstanding Artisan with an olive oil base, mozzarella, prosciutto, garlic, and topped with arugula and portobello mushrooms. All debates aside, I believe that pineapples belong on pizza, and it seems Christianos agrees with their new Koko pizza that has pepperoni, red onions, pineapple, provolone cheese, and fresh basil. Yum! If you’re feeling a little nutty, they’ve also created a unique Pesto and Pistachio pizza with a pesto base, fresh mozzarella, bacon, and pistachios.

Popular appetizers include the exceptional meatballs with original red sauce and smothered in parmesan cheese as well as the Stracciatella with fresh mozzarella, cream, and salt, with hot honey, served with warm focaccia bread. Alternatively, you could go for a healthier option with one of their four salads or choose between a sandwich, calzone, or spaghetti. You can also order chicken wings to share, which are baked instead of fried and available as either traditional, buffalo, or BBQ.

For dessert, you can enjoy Lamers Dairy soft serve vanilla ice cream or Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes with Chocolate Tuxedo and Oreo cheesecakes on the menu this month.

Christianos has a full bar stocked with wine, beer, and craft cocktails. With spring around the corner, be sure to check out their outdoor patio with easy access to the bar for food and drinks and a fireplace to keep you warm on a chilly night.

Christianos Brick Oven Pizza is open Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can dine in or order online for curbside pick-up.