Carpenetti’s In Moody Claims Title Of Bama’s Best Pizza

Congratulations to Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody for wining the title of Bama’s Best Pizza!

Carpenetti’s has claimed bragging rights, a plaque and a cash prize. As winner, they will also be featured in Neighbors magazine and right here on a future episode of “Simply Southern TV.” Click here to learn more about the contest.

But I have to tell you, as wonderful as the pizzas were at each stop, the thing that struck me the most was the camaraderie the business owners developed during the contest. I was amazed to hear that some of them had reached out to each other on Facebook during the contest and had become quick friends! Even though we had to make disappointing calls to three business owners, they all were extremely gracious and expressed their congrats to Carpenetti’s. There’s such a bond among restaurant folks — and I think it comes from their deep passion for making good food and feeding others.

Want to judge for yourself? There’s no better time than now for a road trip across the state!

Keep scrolling to get more info on each of our Flavorful Four finalists and my suggestions on what you should try.

Carpenetti’s Pizzeria

Carpenetti’s Pizzeria in Moody was named a Flavorful Four finalist in the Bama’s Best Pizza contest. Judges visited the restaurant, owned by Frank Carpenetti, Jan. 29. The contest is sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division and Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. Judges were Sweet Grown Alabama’s Ellie Watson, AFVGA President Joe Lambrecht and Simply Southern TV host Mary Wilson. From left are Watson; Beth and April Carpenetti; Brandon Barnett; Mikey and Frank Carpenetti; Lambrecht; Frankie Carpenetti; and Wilson.

Location: 740 Park. Ave, Moody, AL

What I’d order on my return trip: The spinach Alfredo or the pepperoni.


Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant in Sylacauga was named a Flavorful Four finalist in the Bama’s Best Pizza contest. Judges visited the restaurant, owned by Christina Cannestra, Jan. 29. Judges were Sweet Grown Alabama’s Ellie Watson, AFVGA President Joe Lambrecht and Simply Southern TV co-host Mary Wilson.

Location: 42490 US-280, Sylacauga, AL

What I’d order on my return trip: The. Deep. Dish. Simple as that. And some of that amazing White Chocolate Dessert Pizza. It’s a truly decadent bread pudding made with their pizza dough.


Top Notch Pizza and BBQ

Top-Notch Pizza & BBQ in Vernon was named a Flavorful Four finalist in the Bama’s Best Pizza contest. Judges visited the restaurant, owned by Chris and Trish Lytle, Jan. 27.

Location: 136 First Ave. NW, Vernon, AL

What I’d order on my return trip: The brisket pizza. I’m a sucker for red BBQ sauce. But if you prefer white BBQ sauce, the chicken pizza is a great option, too.


Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Valentina’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Madison was named a Flavorful Four finalist in the Bama’s Best Pizza contest. Judges visited the restaurant, owned by Joe Carlucci, Jan. 27.

Location: 25951 Huntsville Browns Ferry Rd., Madison, AL

What I’d order on my return trip: The Valentina. It has just the right amount of spice. And a cannoli with coffee to end the meal.


A huge thank you to these four amazing restaurants. Your food and your hospitality will be remembered.

Thanks also to our contest sponsors – the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Alabama Farmers Federation Dairy Division. Before we can enjoy pizza, it takes the hard work of farmers in our state and our country to grow all those tasty ingredients!

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