Authentic Italian, Mountain Vibe Dished Up Fare With Flair
2020 was a rough time to launch a new restaurant — especially one that features a cozy, close-knit environment. Thankfully, Teton Valley restaurateurs John Koenig and husband-wife team David and Lauren Hugo didn’t throw in the towel. Their creativity and determination kept them moving forward, and Pizzeria Alpino is the well-worth-it result.
An homage to small trattoria-style chalets in the Italian Alps, Pizzeria Alpino’s character is reflected in every detail of the building itself. The team purchased and fully refurbished a historic building in downtown Driggs, Idaho. Their previous collaboration at Warbirds Cafe inspired them to join forces again – this time to create a distinctively local pizza and pasta-focused eatery.
“Teton Valley has been so warm and welcoming to Pizzeria Alpino,” said Koenig, looking back over their first months of service. The house-crafted pizza and pasta, complemented with thoughtful blends of seasonal local ingredients, has enjoyed near-instant popularity. “If anything, it’s almost too much!” Koenig laughed. “We have had to limit take out to only online ordering between 4 and 5:30 pm. But if you come to the restaurant and place a takeout order we are happy to fulfill,” he added.
Though the entire menu is populated with tempting dishes — from appetizers like buttermilk polenta calamari and salads with locally-grown greens, to turtle cannolis stuffed with cream cheese ricotta and drizzled with caramel — the breakaway stars are the pizza and pasta. Crafted with fresh dough and pasta that’s made in-house daily, these Italian dishes can’t be beat.
Specials, especially on the pizza front, evolve each week. “Our culinary team is featuring a pizza of the week,” says Koenig. “Last week’s was marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, crispy prosciutto, mushrooms, garlic, and kalamata olive.” Other delectable topping combinations have included mouthwatering combinations of cheeses, vegetables, fresh greens, and Teton Valley-raised meats.
Alternatively, dig into one of the menu’s enduring classics. The full complement of specialty pizzas — each cleverly named for a regional tree species — has something for every taste. Likewise, pasta choices range from deeply classic (hello spaghetti and meatballs) to innovative and regionally-inspired (oh hi there elk bolognese lasagne). And those seeking meat-free choices will find plenty of dishes showcasing mushrooms and veggies.
Next time you’re in Driggs and ready to enjoy a hearty, handcrafted meal, look no further than Pizzeria Alpino. Relax on the deck, order a beer made in a nearby brewery or a glass of imported Italian wine. Nibble tempting appetizers as you wait for your handcrafted pizza — sounds like the ideal end to a mountain summertime day.
Pizzeria Alpino (165 N. Main St.) is open Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. and seats guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.
