Peace of Pie on Hartwell — Neapolitan Pizza in Downtown Columbia

What Peace of Pie on Hartwell serves

Peace of Pie on Hartwell is a Neapolitan pizzeria in downtown Columbia that makes wood-fired pizza with imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes. The restaurant sits on Hartwell Street in the Congaree Vista district, a neighborhood of restored warehouses and galleries near the Congaree River. The menu centers on traditional Italian pies — Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto e Rucola — alongside seasonal specials that change with what's available locally.

The dining room has high ceilings and exposed brick, with seating at tables and at a counter facing the open kitchen and wood-fired oven. The atmosphere is casual and loud in the way busy pizzerias are, with the sound of the oven and conversation filling the space. The restaurant also takes orders for pickup and delivery through third-party apps.

Neapolitan pizza differs from other American pizza styles in crust, cooking method, and ingredient sourcing. The dough ferments for 24 to 72 hours, which develops flavor and digestibility. The oven reaches temperatures around 900 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking a pizza in 60 to 90 seconds. The result is a crust that is charred on the outside, soft and slightly chewy inside, with a rim that puffs during cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Peace of Pie on Hartwell makes Neapolitan-style pizza with a 24- to 72-hour fermented dough and wood-fired cooking at high temperature.
• The restaurant is located in the Congaree Vista district on Hartwell Street, within walking distance of other galleries, restaurants, and the Congaree River.
• The menu includes classic Italian pizzas like Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, plus seasonal specials that rotate based on ingredient availability.
• You can dine in, order for pickup, or request delivery through apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Hours, location, and how to order

Peace of Pie on Hartwell is located at 1314 Hartwell Street in Columbia's Congaree Vista neighborhood. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week — call ahead or check their social media to confirm before visiting. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots; the neighborhood fills up on weekends and during gallery walks.

You can walk in and order at the counter, or call ahead to reserve a table for larger groups. The restaurant also accepts orders through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for delivery and pickup. Delivery times depend on your distance from Hartwell Street; pickup orders are usually ready within 20 to 30 minutes.

The menu and what to order

The core menu includes five to seven Neapolitan pizzas that stay consistent. The Margherita is the simplest — tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil on the fermented crust. The Quattro Formaggi combines four cheeses (usually mozzarella, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Gorgonzola) without tomato sauce. The Prosciutto e Rucola tops the crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula added after cooking.

Seasonal specials rotate based on what's in season and what the kitchen sources locally. Past specials have included pizzas with roasted vegetables, local sausage, and fresh herbs from nearby farms. The restaurant also serves appetizers like burrata, cured meats, and focaccia, plus desserts that often include tiramisu or panna cotta.

Neapolitan pizzas are smaller than American-style pizzas — typically 11 to 12 inches — and designed to be eaten fresh from the oven. One pizza is usually a full meal for one person, though two people often share and order sides. The crust is thin but sturdy enough to fold and eat by hand, which is how it's traditionally eaten in Naples.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

Individual Neapolitan pizzas at Peace of Pie on Hartwell typically range from the mid-teens to the low twenties in price, depending on toppings. A Margherita is usually on the lower end; pizzas with multiple cheeses or cured meats cost more. Appetizers and sides run from eight to fifteen dollars. Desserts are typically six to nine dollars.

A meal for one person — one pizza and a drink — usually costs between twenty and thirty dollars before tax and tip. Two people sharing a pizza and an appetizer might spend thirty-five to fifty dollars combined. The restaurant accepts cash and card, and third-party delivery apps add their own fees on top of the menu price.

The Congaree Vista neighborhood and what's nearby

Hartwell Street sits in the Congaree Vista district, a neighborhood that has transformed over the past 15 years from industrial warehouses to a hub for galleries, restaurants, and studios. The street itself is walkable, with Peace of Pie anchoring one block alongside other restaurants, coffee shops, and retail spaces. The Congaree River is two blocks south, accessible via a paved path that runs along the water.

The neighborhood hosts a monthly Gallery Walk on the first Friday of each month, when galleries and restaurants stay open late and the streets fill with people. Peace of Pie is usually open during these events and often draws crowds. The area also has several breweries, a distillery, and other restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, making it easy to spend an afternoon or evening exploring.

Parking can be tight on weekends and during Gallery Walk, but the neighborhood is compact enough to walk between venues. The nearby Congaree River Walk offers a scenic route for before or after dinner, with views of the water and the downtown skyline.

Dietary considerations and what to ask about

Neapolitan pizza is made with wheat flour, so it is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Peace of Pie does not currently offer gluten-free crusts, though you should confirm this directly with the restaurant, as menus and offerings change. The restaurant can tell you which pizzas are vegetarian and which contain dairy, which is helpful if you follow a plant-based diet or have a dairy allergy.

Most Neapolitan pizzas contain cheese and are not vegan, but the restaurant may be able to make a pizza with tomato sauce, olive oil, and vegetables only — ask when you order. If you have a severe allergy, speak with staff about cross-contamination risks in the kitchen, since the wood-fired oven is shared and flour is used throughout the space.

Why Neapolitan pizza matters in Columbia's food scene

Neapolitan pizza has deep roots in Italian culture and is protected by European designation of origin laws in Italy. The style emphasizes simplicity, ingredient quality, and technique over novelty or excess toppings. In Columbia, Peace of Pie represents a shift toward restaurants that prioritize traditional methods and imported ingredients, reflecting a broader trend in the city's dining scene toward authenticity and craftsmanship.

The Congaree Vista neighborhood itself has become a destination for people seeking locally-owned restaurants and galleries rather than chains. Peace of Pie fits into that identity — it's independently owned, sources carefully, and draws people to the neighborhood who then explore other businesses nearby. The restaurant is part of what has made Hartwell Street a place worth visiting for food and culture in Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a large pizza or feed a big group?

Neapolitan pizzas are individually sized (11 to 12 inches), so a group usually orders multiple pizzas. For a party of four, ordering three to four pizzas plus appetizers is typical. Call ahead if you're bringing a large group so the kitchen can prepare and the restaurant can reserve seating.

Do you need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but the restaurant fills up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, especially on weekends. Calling ahead to reserve a table is recommended for groups of four or more, or if you're visiting during a busy time.

What's the difference between Neapolitan pizza and regular New York or Chicago pizza?

Neapolitan pizza has a thinner, softer crust that ferments longer and cooks faster in a much hotter oven. New York pizza has a thinner, crispier crust and cooks at lower temperatures. Chicago deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust and is baked in a pan. Neapolitan emphasizes the quality of a few simple ingredients; the other styles often use more toppings and different cooking methods.

Is Peace of Pie good for a date or casual hangout?

Yes to both. The casual, lively atmosphere works well for a date if you don't mind noise and a busy room. It's also a great spot to grab pizza with friends or colleagues. The counter seating lets you watch the oven and kitchen, which is entertaining, and the neighborhood is walkable if you want to explore before or after eating.

Can I order online or through delivery apps?

Yes. Peace of Pie accepts orders through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub for delivery and pickup. You can also call the restaurant directly to order for pickup or dine-in. Delivery times vary based on distance; pickup orders typically take 20 to 30 minutes.