Here at Merlino’s Pizzeria, all of our pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and salads are made with the highest quality local and imported ingredients. Enjoy 0ur handcrafted pizzas or sautéed to order pastas in our cozy dining area or order ahead for a delicious take home trattoria style meal.
Timothy Chace
Our second leg of the RI FOOD FIGHTS Lord of the Pies started at Merlino’s Pizza, one of my favorite surprises from last year. Not just for the great pizza, but for my favorite pizza man, Carmine..
This year’s Merlino’s is an almost entirely different experience. They completely renovated the place. What was once essentially a great carry-out spot with pizza that had no business being as good as it was is now a mid-priced, mid-fancy, comfortable restaurant.
Late ’90s early 2000s millennial angsty teen favorites playing over the busy takeout and indoor buzz. Dashboard Confessional, that kind of thing.
The staff is awesome. Attentive, well-trained, couldn’t be more capable or provide more professional, friendly service.
And Carmine’s still there. That matters.
We got the tomato pie, the pepperoni pizza, and the meatball appetizer.
The tomato pie was an absolute revelation. It’s as good as any pizza in Rhode Island. The sauce is incredibly savory and so tomato delicious. A hint of red pepper gives it a little kick. The crust is thin, airy, and crisp. It has a satisfying crunch and tastes as good as it performs.
The pepperoni is also quite good. It has just a hint of Papa Gino’s in the best way. I love Papa Gino’s. But imagine if Papa Gino’s used the absolute best and freshest ingredients and was made by a master like Carmine. That’s what this is.
But that tomato pie can go toe to toe with any pizza in Rhode Island or anywhere else. It’s perfect in its simplicity and simply perfect. That pie feels like the kind of pizza Carmine was always meant to make: humble, honest, and quietly unforgettable.
… moreDanira Vasquez
Stopped by as part of the LORD of the PIES quest to find the #BestPizzaRI. Great atmosphere: friendly, welcoming, clean, with nice lighting. The pepperoni pizza was great! The cheese one, not as much; the crust felt a bit rougher and there was noticeably less cheese compared to the pepperoni. Still, a solid spot worth checking out.
… moreChristina J Donato
The first monthly pizzeria gathering of RITPS (RI The Pizza State) took place at Merlino’s tonight. It’s 3 minutes from my home, but I’ve never been there.
I ordered the Margherita Pizza with eggplant. The crust was divine – firm, but not hard, crispy, or burnt. There was just the right amount of toppings. The seasoning was not too much or too little, but just right for my experienced taste buds.
When I go back, I’d like to try the Delmonico steak sandwich.
The only downside is that they open at 4:30 pm and not early enough for lunch.
… moreTina S
We were loooking forward to this pizza place as their door dash photos make the food look really good! We ordered the double roasted garlic bread which looks nothing like the photo and has no roasted garlic in it, just garlic powder. To me, the garlic bread was very bland and not really flavorful besides soft cheesy bread. The pizza we ordered pepperoni with extra cheese which was pretty good but didn’t seem like extra cheese as requested. I also ordered the meatballs which had a nice soft texture which was good with the sauce and cheese. The place was okay definitely more of a to go setting as there are only like two tables but it is cute inside and smells good. My order was about ten minutes later from what it stated so I would order earlier than later as they seem to get busy. Staff was good and place was clean!
… moreDennis Bouchard
This is a hidden gem! The remodel featuring a beautiful dining room is very welcoming. Two of the little touches that stand out are complimentary pickled vegetables with provolone stuffed peppers, and they have e cloth napkins. I had the Cacio e Pepe which is one of the best I ever had. Don’t miss the chance to visit this restaurant. Last but not least the service was wonderful!
… moreAl Parrillo
Really a pleasant surprise. Charming inside, excellent service and food that rivals the best Italian restaurants in RI. We had the chicken Milanese which was the best I’ve ever eaten and the chicken parm was fantastic as well. Pickled veggies and focaccia bread to start really hit the spot. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed.
… moreV S
My daughter and I had stuffies and honey garlic chicken wings for appetizers they were phenomenal for entrees she had the gnocchi trio in a bread bowl and I had the cod al forno with penne in pink sauce everything was so delicious!!!! I will definitely go back again!!!
… moreAndrew Monda
Ariel was a peach. Took good care of us!
… moreEdwin Labja
Recently, my wife and I stumbled upon Merlino’s Pizzeria, a hidden gem that’s so new they haven’t rolled out paper menus yet. Nestled in a quaint strip, the exterior greets you with warm lighting, creating an inviting glow against the evening’s backdrop. Once inside, the cozy ambiance envelops you, a harmonious blend of wooden finishes and a simple yet chic interior. The sight of stacked pizza boxes hints at their bustling delivery business, and the digital menu illuminates the space with a modern touch. Plants add a touch of freshness, complementing the dark tabletops and the sea-green chairs. I’ve got a photo of the menu for the inquisitive folks. Our adventure here came on a tip from a little birdie named Pires. Now, let’s dive into their Funghi Pizza – priced at $23, it’s a tantalizing blend of mozzarella, fontina, garlic butter, mixed mushrooms, and parmesan that serenaded our taste buds. The bottom? Crispy as a fresh autumn leaf. With just a handful of tables, it’s clear Merlino’s is gearing up for the pick-up and delivery league – smart play. And a shoutout to the welcoming face at the front! This place is easy to miss, but trust me, it’s a discovery worth making!
… moreRob Lavin
Merlino’s is an absolute must-visit. The Buffalo Chicken Pizza is hands down THE BEST I’ve ever had. Every bite is packed with flavor—from the perfectly crispy ranch-crusted chicken cutlets to the rich garlic buffalo parmesan sauce that gives just the right amount of kick. Topped with green onions, melty mozzarella, and a drizzle of cool ranch, this pizza is a masterpiece. Thank you guys!
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