Us New Yorkers can’t get enough of that carb-filled, cheese-stuffed, saucy goodness we call pizza. It's the highlight of every conversation, a staple at every party, a comfort when we’re feeling down, a constant meal replacement, and a habitual spirit-lifter. Add all of that together and multiply it by 20… that’s how our friends in Brooklyn feel. They claim to have the best and be the best at everything. In terms of their pizza, they’re probably right.
First on our list of must-visit food stops is:
1. L&B Spumoni Gardens
A classic. Ludovico Barbati, the God who started this Sicilian pizza revolution, used to ride around on horse and buggy delivering the cheesy wonder. He has unfortunately passed away, but his thick dreamy pizza (and four generations of Barbati’s), are still working hard to provide Brooklyn with a slice of heaven (or three). You don’t know the real taste of a thick Sicilian slice until you bite into one on 86th Street.
2. Di Fara Pizza
Dedicated pizza lovers travel from around the country...No, around the world, to eat the carefully crafted pizza made and served by a tiny old Italiano, Mr. DeMarco. He, and only he, hand crafts each slice to perfection, cutting fresh mozzarella and basil as he goes. Locals swear he puts love into every bite, making the massive line worth the wait. The New York Times even called the restaurant "one of the most acclaimed and sought-after pizza shops in New York City.”
3. Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria
Even reading over the name makes your mouth water. Whether you're going small with a personal pizza, or large with a full sized pie piled high with every ingredient ever tested and approved by pizza fanatics internationally, Grimaldi's does it right. There's no denying it. Our love and adoration for brick oven pizza will never be replaced.
4. Totonno’s
Another classic. Totonno’s has been serving the same delicious pizza in the same delicious way for over 89 years, and New Yorkers just can’t get enough. Their fine ingredients imported straight from Italy, their handmade mozzarella, and daily made dough unquestionably have a lot to do with their scrumptious success. But do you want to know their secret ingredient? Passion, they say. “Passion for Grandpa’s hard work and resiliency during difficult times, passion for tradition, and passion for having that ‘never give up’ attitude.”
5. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
I've somehow managed to compile a list of delectable greatness while, in my opinion, saving the best for last (feel free to try them all and let me know what you think). I don’t care if you don’t like artichokes. I don’t even care if you’re allergic. Artichoke Basille's Pizza's larger than life artichoke slices are an absolute, certain, unconditional MUST have. Even Rachel Ray and Jay Leno agree. Originally in Manhattan, Artichoke Pizza recently opened up a place in Brooklyn. If we didn’t give in to their “we’re the best no one can do better” claims before, we certainly do now.
How can you resist that perfect crisp at the top combined with that overflowing creamy goodness at the bottom? The answer is, you can't.
