Bites Nearby: Amici's Pizza & Living Room

Amici's Pizza & Living Room, 3249 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, 248-544-4100

There is something especially satisfying about Amici's. Not only is the pizza interesting and somewhat healthful, but Amici's was one of the first local restaurants to "go green."

"In 2007, Amici’s Pizzeria was awarded the Certified Green Restaurant mark from the national nonprofit Green Restaurant Association. The GRA was founded in 1990, and its program is the national standard for Certified Green Restaurants," Amici's website says. Not many places in Metro Detroit can claim that distinction.

For those trying to live a healthful lifestyle, Amici's uses organic products whenever possible. Vegan and vegetarian pizzas are available with soy cheese and with gluten-free crusts. The gluten-free crust costs a little more than traditional or whole wheat crust, but Amici's gluten-free pizza is definitely worth the extra money.

With a selection of nearly 20 toppings, it is possible to create a gourmet pizza the likes of which has never been tasted. However, all that creativity can be taxing, so the pizza portion of the menu includes many unique combinations already tried and tested, including those featuring roasted eggplant or smoked salmon.  

Sandwiches, lasagna and salads round out the menu. If you're in the mood for salad, be sure to ask for the . Pungent and creamy, it is easy to go through two to three of these dressing cups in one sitting.

A two-page martini list entices and amazes with the number of combinations and flavor profiles. From sweet to savory, there's a martini for any palate.  

Recommended dishes: Pesto bread sticks, Caribbean Spicy Jerk Chicken Pizza, Detox Martini

Prices:  $3.25-$18.25

Credit cards: All major

Hours: 4-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday