How Our Passion for Neapolitan Pizza Shaped Birmingham’s Dining Scene
From Naples to Alabama, Capella Pizzeria’s journey is rooted in heritage, authenticity, and a commitment to bringing people together with handcrafted Italian pizza and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
The Roots
How Family Tradition Became a Birmingham Institution
Capella Pizzeria’s story begins with a journey across continents. Mehmet Ozbey immigrated to the United States from Turkey in 2016, carrying with him the lessons and inspiration of his uncle, who had mastered the art of pizza-making in Italy. This mentorship was not just about recipes, but about respect for the process: the importance of naturally leavened dough, the value of letting dough rest for 24 hours, and the uncompromising standards of the Neapolitan tradition. When Mehmet settled in Birmingham, he saw a community hungry for authentic Italian-inspired dining. Determined to offer an alternative to the heavy American pizza, Mehmet and his team built Capella around a simple promise. Every pizza would be handcrafted, scratch-made, and baked in 900-degree wood-fired ovens, just as it is in Naples. This foundation of authenticity is what continues to set Capella apart in the Birmingham market.
Our Craft
From Italian Ovens to Table: The Art of True Neapolitan Pizza
Every day at Capella Pizzeria is a celebration of Neapolitan craftsmanship. Our story is written in the details: dough that ferments for exactly 24 hours, San Marzano tomatoes imported directly from Italy, and Buffalo mozzarella delivered fresh each week. Our pizzaiolos, trained in the techniques passed down from Italy, shape every crust by hand, ensuring each pizza is light, flavorful, and digestible. Our ovens, built in Naples, reach the intense 900-degree heat required for the signature charred crust that defines authentic Neapolitan pizza. We remain open each day until we run out of fresh dough, a testament to our refusal to compromise on quality. Whether you are joining us in Inverness Village, Trussville, or Uptown at the BJCC, you step into a cozy, welcoming space devoted to bringing people together over memorable meals. Our story is not just about pizza. It is about upholding a promise to Birmingham: real Italian food, made the right way.
Answers
Your Questions About Our Journey and Traditions
Who is the founder of Capella Pizzeria?
Capella Pizzeria was founded by Mehmet Ozbey, who immigrated to the U.S. from Turkey in 2016 and brought a legacy of Italian craftsmanship learned from his family.
What is the inspiration behind the pizzeria?
The business is rooted in Mediterranean hospitality and the Neapolitan techniques Mehmet’s uncle mastered in Italy, focusing on a "quality-first" commitment.
Why might the restaurant close earlier than expected?
To ensure every bite is fresh, we maintain a policy of serving pizza only until our daily batch of handcrafted dough runs out.
