What is VPN certification? Well, a Verace Pizza Napoletana certification means that you're going to be eating "true Neapolitan pizza". Some of the requirements involve the ingredients, size, cooking time, temperature, equipment used and adhering to traditional techniques that have been used for eons. Nicli is the first of its kind in British Columbia to receive VPN certification and there are only a handful of them in all of Canada. That doesn't mean to say there the only place that serves Neapolitan style pizza, there are a number of places that make great Neapolitan style pizza, they're just not certified.
Niclie Antinca — Photo courtesy of Nicli Antica
They start by firing up their wood burning oven made from the stone of Mt. Vesuvius, and get it up to a scorching 900 Fahrenheit. From there, they take 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes and Fior di Latte to create the base of the pizza. The toppings aren't overly loaded onto the heavenly pies and this allows for the flavor of each ingredient to shine through and compliment the other. The crust is light and airy, while thin and chewy at the same time, and little blisters are scattered along the dough from the inferno temperature it was baked in. Bottles of rosemary and chili infused olive oil patiently sit at your table while they wait to be drizzled on top of your pizza. Some people may think it's crazy to be so obsessed and in love with pizza, but after trying Nicli, it will be a game changer for you and don't be surprised to find yourself longing for another visit to this beloved joint. Locals have developed a soft spot for Nicli and it's not uncommon for an hour to an hour and a half wait for a table.
