There’s nothing like a slice or two of pizza to satisfy your cravings and quell your hunger pangs. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, though, it’s worth adding a side dish to your meal for complete satisfaction. Italian restaurants offer many mouth-watering options that pair beautifully with your favorite slice of pie. Here are a handful to consider.

Side Dishes to Try With Your Pizza

1. Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is always an excellent partner for pizza. After all, sometimes dining at an Italian restaurant is all about satisfying an intense urge for an authentic meal that soothes your soul. Carbohydrates are ideal if your goal is to enjoy some comfort food for lunch or dinner. You can balance the simplicity of the bread by topping your pie with hearty vegetables and your favorite meat.

2. Fresh Salad

A crisp salad is a wonderful complement to a piping hot pizza. The contrast in flavors and temperatures amplifies every flavor beautifully. You might also like this idea because it allows you to experience a little bit of everything. You can top your pie with your favorite variety of meats, while indulging in your daily serving of vegetables on your salad. Mix it up to keep the meal interesting—add spinach, fruits, nuts, and beans to really elevate your meal and make it filling.

3. Mozzarella Sticks

If you love Italian food strictly for the cheese, then it makes sense to add mozzarella sticks to your menu. You’ll enjoy a little bit more of that chewy, gooey goodness with every bite, and you’re bound to be satisfied by the filling meal. Everyone deserves an occasional treat, and there’s no better way to hit the spot than with a fried appetizer and a few slices of pizza.

Diners in the Bronx, NY, know that the best place to indulge in a slice of fresh pizza is Emilio’s of Morris Park. The beloved Italian restaurant is a local institution. The menu is loaded with various pies that please even the pickiest palates, along with a wide selection of side dishes ranging from garlic bread to buffalo wings. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of great options, too, including pasta and salads. Visit their website to browse their menu or to order a gift card, or give them a call at (718) 822-6758. Don’t forget to download the restaurant's free app for stress-free ordering; just text 33733.