I never thought I would find a pizza this close to what I ate in Naples, Indiana of all places. But this little spot completely changed my expectations in a way I didn’t see coming.
The moment that charred, pillowy crust hit the table, I knew this was something different from the usual carry-out spots I had grown up with around central Indiana. There’s a balance to it, that light chew, the slight crisp on the edge, and that simple, fresh flavor that doesn’t try too hard yet somehow gets everything right.
It instantly took me back to those first bites in Naples, where the focus is on quality ingredients and technique rather than overloading every slice.
Authentic Neapolitan Pizza With a 24-Hour Slow-Rise Dough
There is something almost meditative about a dough that has been given an entire day to become what it is meant to be. At INItaly by Catello’s, located at 107 E State St, Pendleton, IN 46064, the pizza dough undergoes a full 24-hour slow fermentation before it ever sees the heat of the oven.
That patience shows in every bite.
The result is a crust that is soft and airy on the inside, with a beautifully blistered and slightly charred exterior that gives each slice a subtle smokiness. It is light enough that you do not feel weighed down after finishing a whole pie, which is a rare thing when it comes to pizza.
The long fermentation also makes the dough easier to digest, which is a genuine quality-of-life bonus.
Neapolitan pizza is one of the most protected culinary traditions in Italy, and the team here takes that tradition seriously. The flour is imported directly from Italy, and San Marzano DOP tomatoes are used for the sauce.
This is not just good pizza for Indiana. This is good pizza by any standard, anywhere in the world.
If you have never tried a properly fermented Neapolitan crust, this is the place to start that journey.
Fresh Mozzarella Made In-House Every Single Day
Most pizzerias open a bag, and that is that. INItaly by Catello’s does something far more deliberate.
Their mozzarella is made fresh in-house every day, crafted with care to ensure that every pizza and every plate gets cheese at its absolute peak of creaminess and flavor. That commitment is rare, and it is immediately noticeable once you taste it.
Fresh mozzarella has a delicate, milky quality that pre-packaged versions simply cannot replicate. When it melts across a hot Neapolitan crust, it pools and stretches in a way that looks as good as it tastes.
The difference between house-made and store-bought mozzarella is not subtle. It is the kind of thing that makes you rethink every pizza you have eaten before this one.
The signature INItaly pizza puts this cheese front and center alongside mortadella, burrata, pistachio pesto, parmesan flakes, and fresh basil. That combination sounds ambitious, but the fresh mozzarella acts as the anchor that keeps every bold flavor grounded and balanced.
Whether you order a simple Margherita or one of the more adventurous pies, the house-made mozzarella is the ingredient that quietly elevates every single thing on the plate. It is the kind of detail that separates a good restaurant from a genuinely special one.
Indiana’s Only Fried Pizza Rooted in Neapolitan Wartime History
Fried pizza is not a gimmick. It is a piece of culinary history that dates back to World War II in Naples, when economic hardship meant most families could not afford an oven.
Neapolitans refused to give up their beloved pizza, so they adapted, cooking it in hot oil instead. The result was something entirely its own, and it has been celebrated in Naples ever since.
INItaly by Catello’s brings that tradition to Indiana, and as far as anyone can tell, they are the only pizzeria in the entire state offering it. That alone makes a visit worth planning.
The fried version has a golden, slightly crispy exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy interior, with fillings that get warm and melty from the heat of the oil.
For anyone who has only ever experienced baked pizza, the fried version is a genuinely eye-opening contrast. It is richer and more indulgent, with a texture that is hard to describe until you have tried it yourself.
The Panzarotto, a fried folded pocket filled with cheese and other fillings, is a crowd favorite and a great entry point into this style of cooking. Ordering it at INItaly feels like participating in a piece of Neapolitan culture that most people in the Midwest have never encountered before.
A Menu That Goes Far Beyond Pizza
Pizza is the headline, but the menu at INItaly by Catello’s has a lot more going on beneath it. Homemade ravioli and lasagna round out the pasta offerings, each made with the same attention to quality ingredients that defines the pizza program.
These are not afterthoughts. They are dishes built with the kind of care that Italian home cooking is known for.
The appetizers are worth exploring before your main course arrives. The Patatine Cacio e Pepe, crispy seasoned potatoes inspired by the classic Roman pasta dish, have become a standout.
Bruschetta and other starters give the table something to share while the kitchen works its magic on whatever you ordered next.
On the sweeter side, the dessert lineup is genuinely impressive. Tiramisu is creamy and deeply flavored, the kind that reminds you why the classic became a classic in the first place.
The Straccetti dessert, served with pistachio and chocolate, has developed a devoted following among regulars. There is also a fried dough dessert dusted with sugar and drizzled with Nutella and almond slices that manages to feel both comforting and celebratory at the same time.
For anyone who thinks they are just stopping in for a quick slice, the full menu has a way of turning a simple lunch into a much longer and more satisfying afternoon.
A Warm Atmosphere That Actually Feels Like Naples
Walking into INItaly by Catello’s feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into a small neighborhood trattoria somewhere in southern Italy. The lighting is warm and considered, the decor reflects genuine Italian character, and the overall vibe is one of unhurried enjoyment.
It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down and settle in.
The indoor space has an intimate quality that makes it work equally well for a date night or a family dinner. The outdoor seating area adds another layer of appeal, especially during Indiana’s warmer months when you can sit outside and take in the calm pace of downtown Pendleton.
The restaurant is small enough to feel personal but polished enough to feel special.
That atmosphere is not accidental. The Catello family has clearly put thought into every corner of the space, from the details on the walls to the way the tables are arranged.
Pendleton itself is a charming small town, and the restaurant fits naturally into the character of East State Street. For those who want to explore the area after dinner, Falls Park at 100 Falls Park Dr, Pendleton, IN 46064 is just a short walk away and offers a peaceful riverside setting that pairs well with the relaxed mood a good Italian meal tends to create.
Live Music Nights That Bring the Community Together
Good food and good music have always belonged together, and INItaly by Catello’s leans into that pairing with occasional live music events that give the dining experience an extra layer of energy. These nights draw a mix of regulars and first-timers, creating the kind of easy, communal atmosphere that small-town Indiana restaurants do so well when they get it right.
The scale of the space keeps live music feeling intimate rather than overwhelming. You can still hold a conversation, still hear the person across the table, and still focus on what is in front of you on the plate.
The music becomes part of the background in the best possible way, adding warmth without competing for attention. It is a thoughtful touch that reflects how seriously the restaurant takes the overall experience.
Pendleton has been growing steadily as a destination for people coming out of Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs, and evenings like these give locals and visitors a reason to make a night of it. For those who want to extend the outing, the town itself has a relaxed and walkable quality that rewards a little exploration before or after dinner.
Easy Online Ordering, Reservations, and a Gluten-Free Option
Convenience matters, especially on a busy Friday night when you already know exactly what you want. INItaly by Catello’s makes it easy to plan ahead through their website at initalypizzeria.com, where you can place an order for pickup or lock in a reservation before the dining room fills up.
And on Friday and Saturday nights, it does fill up, so calling ahead or reserving online is genuinely good advice rather than just a polite suggestion.
The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 2 PM for lunch, then reopens at 5 PM for dinner. Friday and Saturday hours run from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday service runs from 2 to 8 PM.
Monday is the one day of rest. Knowing the schedule helps you plan around it, especially if you are driving in from Indianapolis or one of the surrounding communities.
One detail that often surprises new visitors is the availability of a gluten-free pizza option. It has earned real praise from people who typically struggle to find a gluten-free crust worth ordering.
The same quality ingredients go into it, and the result is something that does not feel like a compromise. For families with different dietary needs, that kind of thoughtful inclusion makes the whole experience more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
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