"Pick a Pizza: Orange Park's Vitos Pizzeria named best pizza in the Jacksonville area"

"Jacksonville, Fl. - If there's one thing our Pick a Pizza contest proved during the past two weeks, it's that we're passionate about pizza. After nominating dozens of Jacksonville-area pizzerias and casting thousands of votes in our bracket challenge, we have a winner: Vitos Pizzeria in Orange Park. Readers such as you picked Vitos over Tommy's Brick Oven Pizza, 53 percent to 47 percent, in the final round of our contest. Here's a look at your Top Four.

 

If you go: Vitos is a tucked-away pizzeria with personality. A laid-back staff of young people behind the counter laugh and chatter, creating a warm, friendly atmosphere. There's evidence of community involvement in the form of photos, plaques and appreciation letters from nearby Ridgeview High School, sports teams, churches and other groups. It draws people from all walks of life. The country-style decor features peach walls, olive trim, shelves lined with fake plants and olive oil bottles. The front counter serves as a pantry, holding jumbo cans; a bulletin board is spattered with business cards and event flyers. It's mainly a takeout place, but there are a few Subway-style minimal booths in a dining space that can seat 20. No outdoor seating.

What makes it so special? From the owner: Relationship marketing, community involvement and appreciating our customers. We never take the customer for granted, and we value their opinion. Fresh ingredients. We make our own dough and grate our own cheese daily. We use an old family recipe, proven. We don't have lots on the menu; we keep the focus on the pizza."