Growing up in NJ, it's natural for us to be pizza snobs and the best pizza for us, at least what we thought, was always thin crust NY-style. And as anyone from that region will affirm, it is nigh impossible to find a quality representation of the classic NY pie outside of that epicenter. "They" say it's all about the water when it comes to bread, pizza and bagels, and "they" would be right, which is why it's so difficult.
So what do you do outside that geography? Just go with it and hope for the best? No. You go old school. You go back to the beginning. You go back to where pizza was born. You make authentic Neapolitan, wood/coal-fired pizzas and that's exactly what C&C is doing.
After having our first Neapolitan a decade ago, it was transformational in nature. It tore down our belief in what we believed pizza could be and rebuilt it to what pizza should be.
Yet, even 10 years ago, finding a place that specialized in Neapolitan pizza was a rarity even in NJ, let alone Florida. We eventually spent 4 years in the "pizza desert" that is Central Florida before moving further south to Miami which shockingly has a number of Neapolitan options. Some are relegated to mediocrity, while a scant few just hit home run after home run.
After trying C&C Wood Fire Eats in Key Largo, we can say they are definitively part of that latter group, just hitting bombs out of the park because they found the "secret" and execute on that time and time again. What's the secret? Quality, authentic ingredients, expert preparation and a 900 degree oven.
The menu is fairly big for a pizza joint, which odes to their overall mission and vibe they are going for. We saw so many different things we wanted to try, but we decided to go with "The 1889" which is the traditional Pizza Margherita taking its name from the year it was believed to have been created, and it didn't disappoint. In fact, it has to be in the Top 2 pies we've had.
The crust was flavorful enough to stand on its own, but not so much that took away from the toppings. The char from the scant amount of time it spent in that 900 degree oven was exactly what you would expect. The fresh San Marzano tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil completes the classic flavor profile of the Margherita.
They have 15 "Fave" pies that are non-negotiable on toppings with no substitutions for a reason, plus the ability to build your own with a range of topping options including gluten free and vegan.
And it's not just the pizza, their entire menu is stellar from the unique appetizers like amazing meatballs and ricotta that impart a hint of smokiness to the roasted baby artichoke hearts where the flavor of the choke heart is front and center and a bunch of salads, cheese boards, and even snacks like cheese curds and pepperoni chips.
It's a beer and wine place (no liquor license, but don't let that stop you as they have a list of wine and beer cocktails) and the wine and brew list is definitely impressive for its size, including their own C&C Brew which is a superb lager along with other Florida-local brews and a selection of mass-produced domestics and imports. There is even a small bar setting if you are a single or simply don't feel like sitting at a table.
They have daily Happy Hour from 4-6pm with options like a Pizza and a Pitcher of Beer for $10 or Pizza and a Carafe of Wine for $15.
There is no outdoor seating, but the interior is cozy and reminds us of some of the "industrial" vibe places when we lived in NJ with the exposed brick wall and duct work, but you also immediately get the Florida Keys-vibe with the pine ceilings. Also depending on your seat and view, you can get an opportunity to gaze in amazement at the 900 degree oven and watch the glorious transformations occur before your eyes.
Due to the wood oven being the only cooking source and right there for everyone to see, the A/C is purposely on high, so it can be chilly for some. Advise a light sweater for those with a constant lower body temperature like my wife.
Parking can be a bit tricky with only a couple of spots out front with a few more in the rear, but it's worth it if you can find something.
Last, but certainly not least, the service is impeccable. The entire front of house team is there to pitch in and help out so no table is left to feel neglected. Our hats off the Cole who took amazing care of us and welcomed us as if we had been regulars, even though it was our first time.
So whether you are a long-time local or just traveling in the Upper Keys, if you are craving an amazing pizza and more, head to C&C Wood Fire Eats at mile marker 99.2 on the northbound/ocean-side of US 1 in Key Largo. Definitely the best Pizza in the Keys and one of the very best we've had in the US. Grazi! read more