Unearth The Voyage
Some sauces whisper, but this one practically sings. The moment you step inside, the aroma makes you reconsider every other plan for the day.
The vibe is all about family, sports on the screens, and pies that vanish faster than good intentions at the beach. It’s no wonder locals and vacationers alike can’t get enough of the sweet red sauce at Nicola Pizza in Lewes, Delaware.
The Sweet Sauce Legend
Your first bite is a plot twist. Nicola’s famous sweet red sauce starts mild, then blooms with tomato brightness and a gentle sugar-kissed finish.
It is balanced, never cloying, and it clings to the cheese in the best possible way.
Locals will tell you the sauce recipe is guarded closely, and after tasting it, you will understand the secrecy. The sweetness softens the acidity, making even a plain slice feel special.
I remember pausing mid-bite, genuinely surprised by how it stayed light yet full of flavor.
Pair it with a soft, foldable crust and the slice becomes a comfort move you repeat all night. If you are sauce-forward, order extra ladled on top.
You will want a napkin, a second slice, and maybe a third. No shame, only smiles.
Original Cheese Pie Perfection
The cheese pull here deserves its own standing ovation. The original cheese pie shows off that famous sweet sauce without distractions, and the mozzarella lays down a creamy blanket over every inch.
The crust remains tender enough to fold yet holds its shape.
Order it when you want pure, textbook comfort. One night I grabbed a takeout pie and it was ready sooner than promised, still steaming when I opened the box.
The aroma alone could convert skeptics.
Generous cheese can run rich, so a sprinkle of grated sharp cheese or cracked pepper adds contrast. If you like extra crisp, ask for well-done and enjoy a firmer bite.
Either way, the balance of sweet, salty, and toasty makes this a reliable win.
Nicoboli, The Icon
Meet the local celebrity that does not need a filter. The Nicoboli is stuffed, saucy, and unapologetically hearty, with ground beef, cheese, and that signature sauce tucked inside warm dough.
Every slice releases steam and a wave of nostalgic comfort.
It arrives sizzling hot, so pace yourself. I learned fast to let it breathe for a minute or risk a heroic but regrettable mouth burn.
Dip in extra sauce if you want additional sweetness against the savory filling.
Cravings vary, and you can load it up or keep it classic. Portions are solid, so sharing works, but guarding your half is understandable.
It is the kind of dish that sparks friendly fork feuds and happy silence at the table.
White Pizza With Beach Breeze
Garlic greets you first, like a friendly neighbor with perfect timing. Nicola’s white pizza leans creamy with ricotta and mozzarella, letting the crust’s delicate chew shine.
Without red sauce, the sweet profile shifts to buttery and aromatic.
It is bliss on the patio when the coastal breeze cooperates. Add a dusting of black pepper or red flakes and you have a mellow, satisfying pie.
I liked how the edges stayed tender inside with a light exterior toast.
If you want a subtle twist, ask for a side of sweet sauce for dipping. That contrast brings out new notes in the cheese.
It feels indulgent yet strangely light, the kind of pie that keeps the conversation going while slices quietly disappear.
Red Devil Heat Check
Spice fans, this is the button to push. The Red Devil sauce brings a tangy kick that plays nicely with Nicola’s sweeter base flavors.
It is bright, assertive, and designed to wake up a mellow pie.
Use it lightly at first, then dial up to your tolerance. On game day at the bar, a drizzle across a pepperoni slice hits all the pleasure points.
I appreciated the way the heat lifted the cheese without steamrolling the crust.
If you are touring the menu, pair Red Devil with wings or a Nicoboli for a satisfying burn. Finish with a birch beer to cool things down.
It is a spicy sidekick that makes regulars grin and rookies brave.
Cheese Fries Worth Sharing
These fries arrive like a friendly dare. The cheese sauce is velvety, plentiful, and exactly the kind of side that disappears while you swear you are saving room.
Expect generous portions and a comforting saltiness.
They pair well with a simple cheese pie or a Nicoboli split between friends. On one rainy visit, we licked every last ribbon of sauce from the basket.
The fries hold up longer than you expect, even under the cheese.
Add a shake of pepper for a little edge. If you are team dip, ask for a side of sweet sauce and alternate bites.
It is not fancy, just nostalgic and seriously satisfying, the way a beach town classic should be.
Pepperoni With a Twist
Crisp-cupped pepperoni brings the crunch. Each bite layers salty edges, creamy cheese, and a flash of sweetness from Nicola’s sauce.
It is familiar yet distinct because that sweet note keeps things lively.
Ask for well-done if you love caramelized cheese freckles. I often go half pepperoni, half plain to calibrate the experience.
The crust keeps its soft integrity, so folding a slice is a one-hand move.
This one shines alongside a cold beer at the bar while the game hums in the background. Good pepperoni needs no speech, and this version knows that.
It is the classic order for people who dislike overthinking dinner.
Family-Friendly Game Day
The energy peaks when the games are on. Nicola’s has that happy mix of families, fans, and neighbors catching up over pies.
TV screens glow, the model train loops, and the mood stays upbeat without losing the cozy feel.
Arrive a little before five if you hate waiting. Service is friendly and quick, even with crowds, and kids love the train.
I have seen entire tables lean in together when a fresh pie lands.
When weather cooperates, consider the patio for a calmer volume level. Inside can get loud, but it is part of the charm.
Either way, you will leave full and a little more local than when you walked in.
Takeout Window Victory
Speed is the secret weapon here. The takeout window turns cravings into cardboard-box joy faster than your group chat can decide toppings.
Orders often arrive early, hot, and ready to raid in the parking lot.
If you are beach bound, this move is elite. I once picked up an original pie and made it to the sand before the cheese stopped bubbling.
The sweet sauce stayed fragrant, even outdoors.
Call ahead on weekends to avoid bottlenecks. Grab napkins and extra sauce for the car crew.
There is something about that first slice in the fresh air that makes the experience feel like a tiny, delicious heist.
Gluten-Friendly Workarounds
Navigating gluten is not effortless, but options exist. The cauliflower crust offers a smaller format and works best as a white pizza to avoid sogginess.
Ask for careful bake to prevent over-charring, and specify toppings sparingly for balance.
Pricing can feel steep compared to regular pies, so manage expectations. On a busy night, I skipped a redo and made the best of it.
When baked just right, the crust has pleasant chew with crisp edges.
The staff listens, so be clear about preferences. Pair with a big salad and you will still leave satisfied.
It is not a one-to-one with the classic crust, but it keeps everyone sharing the table and the stories.
Wings And Red Devil Dip
Wing night finds its rhythm fast. Nicola’s wings arrive crisp, meaty, and primed for saucing.
The Red Devil dip brings a rising heat that meets the sweet undertone from the pizza sauce on the table.
Go half and half on sauces if you like variety. I enjoyed a batch that stayed crunchy from first bite to last, which is no small feat.
The bar crew keeps refills timely, adding to the flow.
Wings plus a Nicoboli turns into a feast, so show restraint or embrace leftovers. Add celery for a cool crunch, or just dive straight in.
It is the kind of combo that turns a casual stop into a full-on celebration.
Salads, Rolls, And Balance
Greens get their moment here. The large salads are beach-town big, loaded with tomatoes, olives, and crisp lettuce, and the homemade rolls steal a share of attention.
A drizzle of Italian dressing resets the palate between cheesy bites.
I loved the warm rolls, lightly sweet and perfect for scooping stray sauce. They make the table feel complete, like a friendly hug for the meal.
Portions can easily stretch for sharing.
If you want a lighter route, salad plus a slice is solid strategy. Add grilled chicken and you have balance without sacrificing flavor.
It is simple, satisfying, and still leaves room for another encounter with the sweet red star.
Bar Seats And Birch Beer
The bar is a neighborhood conversation waiting to happen. TV screens line the sightlines, and the staff keeps things friendly and fast.
A frosty birch beer fits perfectly with the sweet-leaning flavor profile of the pizzas.
Settle in for a game and let the pies rotate through. I like to start with pepperoni and follow with a plain slice to recalibrate.
The atmosphere lands casual but attentive, a sweet spot for regulars and first-timers.
Ask about seasonal taps and keep water in play if you chase heat with Red Devil. Snacks, wings, and small plates keep momentum strong.
It is easy to stay longer than planned, happily so.
Timing The Crowd
Perfect timing makes everything smoother. Nicola opens at 11 AM, and early dinners around 4:45 to 5 PM beat the rush.
During peak season, the room fills fast with families, beachgoers, and sports fans.
If noise is a concern, choose patio seating when weather allows. Inside hums with lively chatter, and that is part of the fun.
I have dodged waits by arriving just before the dinner wave.
Weeknights feel local and laid back. Weekends deliver the full buzz, with efficient seating even when busy.
Either way, the pizza lands hot, and the sweet sauce makes the clock irrelevant after the first bite.
Service With Personality
People matter as much as pies. Staff here ranges from warmly chatty to brisk and efficient, and most visits land on the friendly side.
On one busy night, a quick word about service smoothed things out immediately.
Ownership is often visible, greeting guests and keeping the engine running. That presence gives the space a grounded, neighborhood feel.
Food arrives fast, sometimes individually, so expect staggered timing with big groups.
Ask questions, customize bakes, and share feedback. The crew works hard, and the room’s pace can be intense.
What you are left with is a sense of community wrapped around reliably good pizza.
Beach Day Fuel-Up
Beach hunger is a different beast. Grabbing a pie and a Nicoboli before heading to the sand sets the day up for easy wins.
The sweet sauce makes even a quick shore snack feel memorable.
Bring extra napkins, a trash bag, and something cold to drink. I have watched a box vanish to beach buddies who swore they were not hungry.
The soft crust stays foldable even in a breeze.
Time pickup to avoid dinner lines, then claim a spot with a view. If you prefer less mess, individual slices work nicely.
Either way, you will create that specific summer memory that follows you home, smiling.
