The 5 Viral Photos That Made Pizza Di Farfalla An Overnight Sensation

The search for "Pizza Di Farfalla photos" has exploded across the internet, and for a very good reason. This unassuming pizzeria, tucked away in New Lenox, Illinois, has become one of the most talked-about pizza destinations in the entire Chicagoland area, all thanks to a few viral snapshots and a seismic review from a major food critic. As of this month, December 2025, the shop continues to draw massive crowds, with fans traveling hours just to capture their own perfect photo of the legendary Nonna Pan or Hand-Stretched Artisan pies.

The story of Pizza Di Farfalla is a modern entrepreneurial fairy tale: a part-time passion project that transformed into a full-blown phenomenon. It’s a testament to the power of quality ingredients, a unique concept, and the undeniable impact of going viral. If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, these are the key elements—and the specific photos—that launched this small-town spot onto the national culinary map.

The Viral Surge: How a Single Review Changed Everything

Pizza Di Farfalla, which translates to "Pizza of the Butterfly," was initially a humble operation. Owner Gio started the business in November 2022 as a part-time endeavor, focusing on pop-ups and private events. The shop itself operated on a very limited schedule—often only on Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM—working out of a shared space within Gost Coffee Roasters in New Lenox, IL. This scarcity immediately created a sense of exclusivity and high demand among local pizza enthusiasts.

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The true turning point, the moment that generated the flood of "Pizza Di Farfalla photos" searches, was the visit by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports for his famous "One Bite" pizza review. Portnoy, known for his brutally honest and influential ratings, traveled a significant distance from the city of Chicago to find this suburban gem.

The review was overwhelmingly positive. Portnoy, who often struggles to find a pizza he truly loves in the Chicago area, gave Pizza Di Farfalla a high-mid-eight score, noting that the overall experience and the quality of the pie were exceptional. He even stated it would be "bar none one of the best pizzas in the city" if it were located there.

The immediate result of the viral video and the resulting photos shared online was staggering. The New Lenox shop saw an "incredible" surge in demand, reportedly selling over 700 pizzas in the days following the review. This single event solidified Pizza Di Farfalla’s status as a must-try destination, turning a local secret into a national sensation.

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The Five Types of Photos Driving the Hype

The curiosity surrounding the pizzeria is fueled by five distinct types of images that regularly appear in search results and on social media, each highlighting a unique aspect of the Farfalla experience.

1. The "Nonna Pan" Pizza Photo

This is arguably the most famous image. The Nonna Pan Pizza is a rectangular, thick-crust pie that is often mistaken for a Detroit-style or Sicilian-style pizza, but with a unique Chicago twist. The photos show a pizza with a perfectly caramelized, crispy cheese edge—known as the "frico"—and a light, airy, focaccia-like interior. The sauce-to-cheese ratio is often inverted, with the bright red sauce applied in stripes or dollops on top of the cheese, making for a visually stunning and highly photogenic pie. This style is a departure from traditional Chicago deep dish and is what many travelers seek out.

2. The "Hand-Stretched Artisan" Close-Up

While the Nonna Pan gets the most viral attention, the Hand-Stretched Artisan Pizza is a favorite among purists. Photos of this pie showcase a thin, circular crust with a beautiful, slightly charred, and bubbly cornicione (the edge). The close-ups highlight the fresh, high-quality toppings and the simplicity of the authentic Italian preparation. These pictures emphasize the delicate balance of the crust’s chewiness and crispness, appealing to those who appreciate Neapolitan-style or New York-style craftsmanship.

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3. The "Grand Aunt's Home" Ambiance Shot

The atmosphere of Pizza Di Farfalla is as much a part of its appeal as the food. The search results frequently mention the cozy, unique ambiance, describing it as feeling like you’ve "just walked into your grand aunt's home." Photos of the interior often feature warm lighting, rustic decor, and a small, intimate setting, contrasting sharply with the sterile look of many modern pizzerias. This visual narrative of comfort and nostalgia adds a layer of depth to the brand's identity, making the experience feel personal and authentic.

4. The "Dave Portnoy Score" Screenshot

Screenshots and clips from the Barstool Pizza Review are still widely shared. These photos, often featuring Portnoy’s signature "One Bite" logo and the high numerical score, serve as a form of social proof. For those unfamiliar with the pizzeria, seeing the high rating from one of the world's most influential pizza critics is an immediate trigger for a visit. These images are essential for driving traffic and maintaining the spot's viral status.

5. The "Sold Out" or "Line-Out-The-Door" Photo

Due to the limited operating hours and massive demand, photos showing long lines outside the location or a simple "Sold Out" sign are common. These images, while frustrating for those who missed out, only contribute to the mystique and desirability of the pizza. They serve as a visual confirmation of the scarcity and quality, reinforcing the idea that this is a special, sought-after culinary experience worth the wait.

The Culinary Philosophy: Artisan Pizza in a Chicago Context

Pizza Di Farfalla’s success is rooted in its commitment to high-quality, artisan pizza, which has positioned it as a unique contender in the fiercely competitive Chicagoland pizza scene. While Chicago is famous for its deep-dish and tavern-style thin crust, Farfalla provides an elevated, handcrafted alternative.

The owner, Gio, has focused on minimizing risk and maximizing quality, starting small and gradually growing the business. This slow, deliberate approach allowed him to perfect his recipes, particularly the dough for both the Hand-Stretched and the Nonna Pan pies. The freshness and unique texture of the dough are frequently praised in reviews and are a key reason the photos look so appealing.

The Nonna Pan: A Deep Dive into the Viral Pie

The Nonna Pan is the centerpiece of the Farfalla photos phenomenon. It's a tribute to traditional Italian-American home cooking, reminiscent of a grandmother's (Nonna's) simple yet perfect bread and sauce. The key characteristics that make it so photogenic and delicious are:

• The Crumb Structure: The dough is fermented to achieve an open, airy, and light crumb, preventing the thick crust from feeling heavy or dense.
• The Frico Edge: The cheese, when baked against the oiled edges of the pan, creates a caramelized, crunchy border that is a textural masterpiece.
• The Sauce: A bright, flavorful sauce, often made with high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, is applied generously, providing a vibrant color contrast to the cheese and crust in the photos.

This attention to detail and commitment to authentic, yet innovative, recipes is what makes the photos of Pizza Di Farfalla stand out. They are not just pictures of food; they are visual representations of a culinary journey that has captured the imagination of pizza lovers everywhere.

Planning Your Visit to the New Lenox Sensation

If the viral photos have convinced you to make the pilgrimage to New Lenox, a few key pieces of information are essential for success. Due to the continued high demand and the limited operating model, planning is crucial. The shop’s location within Gost Coffee Roasters is a unique setup, emphasizing the small, pop-up nature of the business that has since become a permanent fixture.

The best way to secure one of the coveted pies is often through their mobile ordering system, which is sometimes required due to the sheer volume of orders they receive. Checking their social media or official ordering platform for the latest hours and pre-order windows is highly recommended. The experience is not just about the pizza; it’s about participating in a modern food success story—a story that started with a simple, beautiful pizza and a few viral photos.