Since its February opening, Strictly Pizza in Pelham has been crafting unique pies that attract visitors from across the county.
Located at 4400 Boston Post Road — the space that was formerly Knucklehead’s Tavern before the pandemic — it aims to create a sense of community as people come in to try a slice and say hello to friends and neighbors.
“It’s a community restaurant,” shares Sylvia Arakas, who owns Strictly Pizza with her husband, Nicholas. “We know a lot of the people who come in, and it’s a family atmosphere.”
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Different from most pizza places in the area that expand their menus to include snackables and Italian-inspired dishes, Strictly Pizza is exactly what its name states. Its entire menu is based on dough, sauce, and cheese. Customers can expect calzones, rolls, and even zeppoli, but that’s it.
“What we do play with are the types of pizzas,” Arakas notes. “We give the chef free creativity to come up with a different pie every other day to see what sticks.”
Unique creations have included a grandpa pie (a grandma pie with added veggies), an upside-down pie (where the sauce is on top of the cheese), and a grilled chicken pie with ricotta, pesto, vodka sauce, and sweet peppers. Strictly Pizza’s shrimp scampi pie has also been a fan favorite. Plus, for those with gluten intolerances, the Pelham eatery offers gluten-free options as well.
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Whatever the customer wants (as long as it’s pizza-related), Strictly Pizza is open to creating.
“If we have the ingredients, we will make it for you,” Arakas enthuses. “That’s the environment I wanted to create. Whether you are 10 or 85, you will get the same respect and love from us when you walk through our doors.”
All of Strictly Pizza’s workers have at least 20 years of experience working in a pizzeria, and the Arakas family has taken pointers from Nicholas’ family, who owns a pizzeria in New York City.
“We want to wear one hat and wear it well,” Arakas says.
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Strictly Pizza has dine-in space and invites people to enjoy its open atmosphere and modern, organic decor that was inspired by Arakas and includes touches of her ceramic work. The design of the restaurant is something customers have noted, as it’s different from the tavern that used to be there. From the sleek exterior with its bold signage and clean lines to the interior’s use of marble and handmade ceramics, the vibe is both welcoming and elevated. Arakas said they wanted a space that reflects their values — warmth, artistry, and a community-first approach — and brought a touch of all those elements into the overall vibe.
“Aesthetically, we wanted something different from a typical pizzeria,” Arakas notes.
Strictly Pizza also sells wine and beer, with offerings from the Pinot Project. Thus far, the atmosphere has welcomed all types of people to come in and enjoy pizza.
“We have workers come in here and have beers and share pies,” Arakas explains. “It’s a town restaurant where you can order just a slice if you want or three pies for your family.”
Customer feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Many guests return not only for the rotating pies but the friendly service and neighborhood feel. Others have praised the casual, stylish atmosphere that makes it easy to stop by for a quick lunch or linger with friends over a few slices and drinks.
Customers can order Strictly Pizza on Uber Eats or call in to pick up as well. The Arakas family is also considering a late-night pickup window and encourages local sports teams to consider dining in.
Strictly Pizza
4400 Boston Post Rd, Pelham
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