GAITHERSBURG Inferno Pizzeria

We are lucky to have a top-notch pizzeria in our backyard. Chef-owner Tony Conte was the former executive chef at the Oval Room in D.C. After a stressful year running two fine dining restaurants (Oval Room and 701), chef Tony decided he had reached his limit and made a drastic change. He moved away from fine dining and returned to his roots in Italy with the opening of Inferno Pizzeria in October of 2015. He wants to be known for making authentic Neapolitan pizza, and his Margherita pizza is one of the best in the D.C. area.

About once a month, Chef Tony turns over the six-seat counter and eight-seat communal table into a "pop-in" Chef Tasting Series. His tasting menu rivals the fine-dining fare that he showcased at his former post at the Oval Room.

Chef Tony had a special New Year Eve Supper Club on Saturday 30 December, and we jumped at the opportunity. The six-course tasting menu was amazing, and beautifully presented. We had a wine pairing with the meal.

Chef Tony and sous-chef Andrew served up an amazing six-course tasting menu

Recommendations: Highly recommended. Amazing pizza on any night. Tasting menu that rivals high-end fine dining, with the convenience of easy parking and close to home. Get on their mailing list to get notified of their pop-in Chef Tasting Series. The Chef Tasting Series are by reservations only, and require pre-payment. Reservations go fast. Tasting Menu prices vary from $80 for the Pasta Tasting Menu to $150 for Chef Supper Club.