They opened in Charlottesville in 1974. We visited soon after and have been returning for nearly 50 years. But in a few weeks, Anna’s Pizza will shutter their shingles and say goodbye.
“It was time,” said the two sisters who have baked tens of thousands of great pies. Maria Buzzetta, 65, and her sister Marta Grado, 69, will soon retire and a great Charlottesville institution will be no more.
Last weekend, we made what we hope will be the first of several more visits to Anna’s before they close on December 18. We ordered two of their large pizzas and they were as good as ever, lovingly prepared by Maria and Marta.
As usual, a slice of Anna’s Pizza leaves a string of mozzarella cheese stretching clear across the table. Juices run down your arms when you fold a slice and begin to eat. The sauce and crust are perfect. It is decadent in richness and flavor.
Anna’s address is 115 Maury Avenue. You can call ahead at 434-295-7500. They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM but closed on Mondays. They cook their pies in a hot 550-degree oven, so if you order a pizza, it’s ready in less than 10 minutes. Anna’s does not serve mixed drinks but offers wine and a nice selection of beers. I can say from experience that there is no pizza like this in all of Charlottesville and it hasn’t changed a whit in five decades. There will be no other like it.
