You'd be hard-pressed to find a bad pizza in Naples. Even the most hole-in-the-wall joints will fire up a crispy Margherita pie with just the right amount of cheese and a dollop of perfectly-seasoned, secret-recipe sauce.
We had our first real Neapolitan pizza at La Piazzetta, a neighborhood restaurant in a "little piazza" near the train station. We spent just $5 on it, which sure beats the $15 we spent on gelato.
If the food hadn't been so good, we might've noticed the overflowing trash bins near our table sooner. They had the potential to make a real stinker of our evening, but thanks to some strategically placed latticework, we were pleasantly distracted. Of course, we're still trying to figure out why the pizzeria was watering its fake ivy.
America's guilty of a few heinous pizza crimes. Domino's, CiCi's and Pizza Hut should all be serving life sentences for terrorizing our waistlines with stuffed crusts and unlimited toppings, not to mention annoying commercials. But none of the US violations of pizza code go as far as Italy's "Pizza Americana."
It's not pizza and it's not American, but rather a caloric masterpiece of French fries, hot dogs, oil and cheese. While it makes us gag, Italian kids go bananas for the stuff, which isn't helping the rising child obesity rate Italy.
Don't get us wrong, we're all for fusion cuisine. But to create such a cringe-worthy pizza and then claim that it hails from America is not OK in our book. Why not just layer on some crumbled cellulite and sliced saddlebags to really give it that extra kick?
Though you'll probably be surrounded by families from Des Moines on their way to see Mama Mia, eating at Bond45 is truly a New York experience. What could be more Manhattan than eating a thick slice of pizza while looking out at the giant Cup O' Noodles hanging in the middle of Times Square?
Located in the middle of the theater district, Bond45 is more than a pizzeria--but pizza is its specialty. In fact, the menu boasts that New York Magazine's insatiable critic, Gael Greene, says it's "the best in New York." We know some places that would argue that, but Bond45 does have our fave: Arturo Schwartz's Salsiccia Pizza, with sausage, rosemary potatoes, mozzarella and basil.
If you're the type that enjoys a thicker crust on your pie, head to Mariella Pizza. In midtown and close to the Theatre District, you'll spot Mariella's by the droves of 9-to-5ers mixed with nearby construction workers on breaks, all stopping in to pick up hearty slices laden with lots of cheese and sauce. One will fill you up, trust us.
Try a piece with hefty toppings--broccoli, chicken cutlet or baked ziti--and you'll be stuffed. The white slices are also a favorite standard, with some garlic baked on top they offer a mix of cheese and spice. Be ready to order when you step up to the bustling counter at lunchtime though, these Italians don't wait for anyone indecisive--not even Oprah, who's been known to stop in for a slice.
If you like your slices un-standard, and with loads of spicy sauce, then be sure to hit up Two Boots, famed NYC pizzeria/movie house/softball team home that serves some of the citys most inventive pies.
Try The Newman--after everyone's favorite Seinfeld chubster--and indulge in sopressata and sweet italian sausage on a white pie or The Larry Tate--the boss from Bewitched--with spinach, plum tomatos, and fresh garlic. Pies start at $9.95 and you'll enjoy the fun trinkets in the restaurant while you wait. Not to worry if you're not a downtowner, you can also head to other locations at Rockefeller Center or Grand Central.
After you hit the beach in Brooklyn, head to the best local pizza joint Bensonhurst has to offer: L & B Spumoni Gardens. Opened way back in 1939, today's Spumoni Gardens doesn't boast any fresh foliage (save the hanging plastic floral assortments) but does boast some of NY's best pizza.
Served in generous sicilian slices, Spumoni's pizza is topped with cheese first, and then covered in tangy tomato sauce and spices. Each bite results in a nice surprise of flavors and the sauce has enough time to cool before hitting your mouth, avoiding that nasty tongue scalding effect often caused by too-hot NYC pizza. Two slices is enough to fill you up, but be sure to save room for the signature spumoni ice cream, a perfect combo of vanilla, chocolate and pistachio that's both creamy and icy, all served in a resistant paper cup. Sit outside and don't miss the display of Brooklynites that come from near and far for Spumoni's.
If you're willing to spend a little more for your next slice of NYC pizza, and want a little bit of a scene to go with it, stop by Otto Pizzeria right off Washington Square Park. Yes, it's part of the Mario Batali empire, and yes, you'll have to wait a bit for a table without reservations. But the pizza's delicious, thin crust and crispy with just the right toppings like lardo, shaved fennel, or even chiles.
The wine list is extensive, and it's easy to take down a few glasses while you're waiting for your table and glancing up at the train station timetable device (retro and fun), while leaning up against the marble-topped enoteca entrance area. Pizzas don't top $14, and wine is offered by the bottle and quartino. They also do wine classes where you just might be surprised with an appearance by Molto Mario himself.
Take a stroll from Union Square south toward Washington Square Park on University Place and you'll come across Patsy's Pizza. Grab a seat on a sunny afternoon at one of the tables at the edge of the large windows and dig into pizza family-style. Thin crusts, coal-fired in the giant brick oven, are perfect companions with fresh mozzarella and your choice of toppings.
We'll be honest, it's not the best pizza in the city, but there's something homey about the atmosphere (filled with locals and NYU students and their bewildered parents) that keeps us coming back. Soda and beer come in pitchers and the small marble tables join together quite easily, so it's good for groups.
No reservations are necessary and you can snack on fresh salads and garlic bread while you wait for your pie. Careful -- the pieces are conservative but it's easy to fill up fast.
