A Little Time and a Keyboard: Perillo's: A Pizzeria Welcoming Families and Breathing Life into a Town

Perillo's: A Pizzeria Welcoming Families and Breathing Life into a Town

Tuesday, June 3, 2014


**Disclosure: Thank you to Hendricks County for sponsoring our trip. Thank you to Perillo's for taking some time to meet with us. We received a complimentary meal in order to conduct a review No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.

During our trip to Hendricks County, Indiana, Perillo's reputation for great food really stood out. Everyone we talked to before our lunchtime visit could not have given more glowing reviews. How often do you see eyes light up all around you when discussing the same restaurant? We knew that Perillo's would be a special place--and it definitely was.


Small businesses rarely have a sole purpose. We quickly learned that Perillo's has a multilayer mission and is well on its way to helping its community. Perillo's has truly become a welcome addition to the area.


We found Perillo's in a rustic, historic building in a small town. Of course, I was immediately charmed before entering! We soon met Damiano Perillo, one of the owners. Originally from Italy, Damiano has a warm personality and a passion for using his talents to breathe life back into North Salem. Damiano gave us a little history about the buildings around us and explained that he was heartbroken to see a town shrink as North Salem had. Part of his motivation for coming to North Salem was to bring this beautiful historic town back. Judging by how many people were visiting the restaurant while we were there, he is doing a great job!


Damiano told us about how he, Bob Miller (Perillo's co-owner and brother-in-law) and their families have worked together to make Perillo's a reality. I am just amazed by what they have accomplished together. He explained how they make changes and updates to the restaurant as they go and they try to do the work themselves. More evidence that Perillo's is more than restaurant but an example of family togetherness!


This sense of family and community translates into the overall restaurant experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and lends itself to a jovial meal. The food is amazing and fresh! The menu includes pizzas, calzones, pasta dishes, salads and more. As a family of 3, we do not always need to order an entire pizza. So, we were delighted that Perillo's serves pizza by the slice and you can choose any of their toppings. Sometimes, restaurants will only serve pizza by the slice with limited toppings. Not Perillo's! We enjoyed the garlic rolls and were head-over-heels about the sauce. The sauce is freshly made everyday and, let me tell you, I could have consumed my weight's worth of sauce. Dynamite! I have a love-hate relationship with sauce, so this says a lot!


We had some salads and a cannoli to round out our meal! I loved the cannoli--great shell and filling. Plus, the size was perfect--not one of those over-sized desserts typical at other restaurants.


Things to know about Perillo's:
  • There is a glorious patio on the side! 
  • Old Fashioned Days is a huge event for North Salem over Labor Day weekend. One way Perillo's is bringing life back to North Salem is by being part of Old Fashioned Days. They even hold a pizza eating contest which has been a hit!
  • The food is very affordable. However, the restaurant is currently cash or check only.
  • Perillo's is not far from McCloud Nature Park so head for a hike before or after lunch!
  • Perillo's does get busy, so either be prepared to wait or call ahead.
After visiting Perillo's, we not only felt that our tastebuds were satiated but our spirit as well. The drive Perillo's has to not only make quality food but to welcome families and inspire an appreciation of small town America gives the business the full package!

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