Italy’s Acclaimed Bonci Pizzeria Is Coming to New Orleans

Acclaimed Italian chef Gabriele Bonci is bringing Bonci Pizzeria to the The Julia, a $50 million mixed-use development in the New Orleans Warehouse District, joining Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen, according to the Eater tipline and The Julia website.

Bonci made its American debut in Chicago just last summer, but Gabriele Bonci made a name in Rome years before that with Pizzerium Bonci (near the Vatican museum’s entrance) with his emblematic pizza al taglio (sliced up with scissors and sold by weight). In Rome, seekers of the pizza endure long lines for a taste of the heirloom wheat-based dough topped with produce from biodynamic sources and artisanal cured meats and cheeses.

Anthony Bourdain was a big fan of Pizzerium as well. “Your life would be so much better if you have this right now. Leave your family. Abandon your children,” Bourdain said on the first season of The Layover. Pizzerium is also one of Eater’s Essential Roman restaurants.

Eater Chicago describes Bonci’s Roman-style crust as “reminiscent of focaccia without the soft middle,” made with ingredients shipped from Italy.

Bonci joins a number of big deal restaurants heading to the Warehouse District. Donald Link’s restaurant group is opening its own Italian restaurant, Gianna. And the popular health-conscious food chain backed by Oprah, True Food Kitchen, will open in The Julia as well.

The New Orleans Bonci will be the third in the U.S. There are two in Chicago. There’s no word yet on an opening date.

Do you have a hot restaurant tip? Noticed a spot in your neighborhood opening or closing? Send an email. Let us get the facts.·

Looking for restaurant recs or a place to chat about favorite restaurants? Join Eater NOLA’s Facebook group.

• A $50 Million Mixed-Use Development Planned for Warehouse District [CURBED NOLA]
• Here’s Everything To Know Right Now About Donald Link’s New Restaurant, Gianna [ENOLA]
• Italy’s Acclaimed Bonci Pizzeria Makes its American Debut in Chicago [Eater Chicago]
• Oprah-Backed True Food Kitchen Is Coming to New Orleans [ENOLA]
• Bonci USA [official]
• All New Orleans Warehouse District Restaurant Coverage [ENOLA]
• All New Orleans Coming Attractions Coverage [ENOLA]