ABOUT US

Since opening in 2019, O Sole Mio ‘da Mario’ has been committed to serving authentic New York-style pizza, crafted with the finest ingredients and a deep-rooted family tradition. Our story traces back to Napoli, where our original family recipe made its way to New York City in 1968, becoming the foundation for some of the city’s most legendary pizzerias—including those tied to the infamous Pizza Connection of the 1970s and ‘80s.

Founded by Liz and Mike McConnell, O Sole Mio carries on a tradition of excellence. McConnell, who grew up in Seattle, was influenced as a kid by the legendary Abruzzi Pizzeria and later by World Pizza, the latter owned by his friend Adam Cone. Cone, who also founded The Monkey Tree (which later became Snapdragon Bakery and Cafe), played a key role in influencing McConnell’s decision to move to Vashon Island and open a pizzeria. Today, both McConnell and Cone live on Vashon and can often be found hanging out in our bar, deep in conversation about crust, sauce, Italy and the ’90s.

Best known as the founder of Caffe Vita (1995-2019), McConnell launched his pizza career in 2004 with Via Tribunali after being encouraged by his long-time friend and mentor, Peter Lamb, founder of Seattle icons Medicine Show Tavern, Il Bistro, and Queen City Grill. At its peak, Via Tribunali operated 13 pizzerias across New York, Seattle, and Portland, earning a reputation for authenticity and dedication to traditional Italian techniques. McConnell is credited with bringing pizza Napolitana to Seattle—including importing Neapolitan oven builders and pizza makers (pizzaioli) to America. Over the years, McConnell and his extended pizza family have been involved with several other well-known pizzerias, including Dal Presidente, Da Giuliano, Pizzeria 22, Big Mario’s, Mike Due, Bruciato, Cornuto, Lunetta, Sofia's, Sal’s on Broome, and the legendary J & V Pizzeria in Brooklyn.

In 2019, Mike’s brother Mark McConnell and his girlfriend Cecilia Rikard took over Via Tribunali, continuing its legacy of authentic pizza Napolitana and preserving its place as a beloved cornerstone of Seattle’s pizza scene for more than two decades.

Disclaimer:

After opening O Sole Mio, Big Mario’s Pizzerias (Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Freelard) were sold, and the recipes were changed, including discontinuing use of our signature 'Solea' tomatoes imported from Napoli.  Today, it’s common to hear pizza aficionados and critics say, “the real Big Mario’s is on Vashon Island.” 

Uncle Mario played a pivotal role in shaping the pizza world, but his past was not without controversy. In 1986, he was arrested for his involvement in the Pizza Connection. After entering WITSEC, he left the program to start an Italian import company and open several known pizzerias.  Mario was eventually deported to Rome in 2023. His whereabouts remain unknown, but his recipes live on, passed down through generations and still used at O Sole Mio today.

But O Sole Mio is more than just pizza—it also hides one of Vashon Island’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the back is our hidden bar, commonly referred to as “The Frontier Room” (showcasing the original neon sign from Belltown, Seattle) or “The Speakeasy.” Featuring a full liquor license, pull tabs, and a carefully curated 100+ bottle Italian wine selection, this cozy, dimly lit space has often been described as a “wine bar disguised as a ‘70s dive bar.” The bar has become a favorite hangout for many well-known musicians, artists, and creatives. Notably, the late Mark Lanegan played a free concert on the opening day of the pizzeria, setting the stage for the vibrant cultural scene that thrives here. O Sole Mio’s hand-selected wines are imported directly from small family vineyards across Italy, ensuring a selection of unique, high-quality wines at unbelievable prices. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Negroni, a perfectly balanced Spritz, or a whiskey neat—we’ve got you covered.

Today, Mike’s son, Christopher McConnell, oversees the daily operations at O Sole Mio. No stranger to the business, Christopher’s passion began in his childhood spending time in Napoli’s renowned pizzerias—including Da Giuliano, Canta Napoli, Antica da Michele, Sorbillo, Trianon, dal Presidente, Di Matteo, and al 22. He later played a key role in opening Via Tribunali before launching his own pizzeria, Trofeo, in Pioneer Square. Simply put, pizza is in his blood.

McConnell’s partners include Mike's son Chris, his brother Rob, winemaker Chris Camarda, philanthropists and artists Chai & Joy Mann, fisherman Rob Wood, musicians Scott Boggan, Pete Droge, Elaine Summers, and Ian Moore, their closest friend Lesley Baird-Boggan, and beloved Vashon schoolteacher Joleen McCauley—all longtime friends and Vashon residents who contribute to the vibrant, creative atmosphere at O Sole Mio.

At O Sole Mio, we never compromise on quality—we stay true to tradition by using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients we can get our hands on, including:

   •    Solea brand Italian tomatoes, grown in volcanic soil on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and imported directly from Napoli

   •    Extra virgin olive oil from our family’s orchard in the Colli Euganei, a volcanic region in Italy known for its mineral-rich soil and  superior olive oil

   •    Fresh yeast for perfectly fermented dough and high-quality flour for the ideal crisp-yet-chewy crust

   •    Carefully sourced Italian cheeses, salumi, and toppings, chosen to complement our menu

Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice, settling in for a whole pie, or slipping into the back for a drink, O Sole Mio is where history, tradition, and good times come together.

Pizza in the front—Liquor in the back!