Il Vicino's



Company: IL Vicino Wood Oven Pizza
Locations (3): Heights- 11225 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque New Mexico, 87111
Nob Hill- 3403 Central Ave NE Albuquerque New Mexico 87106
Westside- 10701 Corrales Rd, Albuquerque New Mexico 87114
Il Vicino is also located in Santa Fe, Colorado Springs Colorado, and Wichita, Kansas.  
Hours: Sunday- Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm

 Pizza on central is somewhat of a staple considering all the college students that live within a 10-mile radius. Across the street from our last Pizza expedition (Slice Parlor) you can find IL Vicino. In 1992 the first IL Vicino Wood Oven Pizza opened in Nob Hill. Now there are 8 locations spanning from Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Upon walking in the modern restaurant, a customer is immersed with upscale Italian culture. Pizzas range from margarita and pepperoni to extraordinary creations including toppings such as truffle mushrooms, fiery shrimp, artichoke hearts, prosciutto, etc. This blog is meant to focus on ‘Spreadin the Sauce’ about pizza, however IL Vicino serves a variety of Italian appetizers, calzones, panini sandwiches, fresh signature salads, and baked lasagnas and pastas. It wouldn’t be Italian culture without wine, so of course IL Vicino has a large selection of wines and even carries a variety of local micro brewed beers.


IL Vicino’s has many convenient locations around town: in the heights at Juan Tabo and Montgomery, Nob Hill on Central and Carlisle, and on the westside off of Coors and Alameda. Pizzas range from $8.50 to $12. Surprisingly other items on the menu also stay within a budget friendly price. No item on the menu exceeds $12, however the extensive wine selection seems to be what draws a more sophisticated crowd. Our experience as three students going to IL Vicino after class was delightful, yet we felt we stood out. Many restaurant patrons were dressed professional and seemed to fit in with the eloquent layout of the building. The upscale environment is completely different from that of Slice Parlor across the street. 
Reflecting on what really matters.. pizza. Using a wood oven for cooking allows IL Vicino to create an authentic rich flavor in all their meals. 

The Benefits of Using a Wood Oven:
  • Wood-fired ovens boost food flavor
  • Wood-fired ovens help food retain nutrients
  • Wood-fired ovens are versatile fireplaces that can fulfill numerous cooking purposes
  • Wood-fired ovens often save energy
  • Wood-fired ovens cook pizza quickly

Being a pizza connoisseur it is important to appreciate the baking process of a traditional oven, however the wood-fired oven gives a specific crisp to the pizza crust that is irresistible. We ordered the Salsicca-#06, with pepperoni, house-made sausage, marinara sauce, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh oregano.


Yes, the pizza was as good as it looks. The quality of ingredients allows IL Vicino to serve smaller portions. For the average college student this pizza would be a nice splurge for a date night. However, a college friendly budget typically goes for quantity over quality. Overall, IL Vicino is convenient for its online menu and pickup. Their locations also offer gluten free pizzas, catering, and host events.


After eating pizza, satisfying a sweet tooth is always 100% recommended. Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert that IL Vicino serves. We ended up getting two desserts. The cheesecake and tiramisu were equally delicious. IL Vicino is a wonderful Italian place to go out in Nob Hill and really enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, Il Vicino is a must when it comes to affordability and quality of a wood fired pizza!



-The Pizza Pals

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