The best pizza in New York
I was born in New York City. Therefore, I love pizza. One of my favorite childhood memories is walking down to the pizzeria on 76th street with my dad. It was usually a Saturday morning around 11. While the rest of the city was having bagels, we were ready for pizza.
Prior to last Sunday night, my husband and I would satisfy our pizza cravings with Arturo’s (on Houston) or Grimaldi’s (in Dumbo). I thought I was happy. But our friends Lisa and Eric (and baby Hudson) have been raving about Lucali for a while now and finally the stars aligned and we joined them for dinner.
Lucali is located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The area is named after Charles Carroll, a Revolutionary War hero and the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence. The neighborhood was first settled by Irish-Americans, then by Italian-Americans, many of whom remain today. However, the gentrification of the area (and much of downtown Brooklyn) beginning in the 1970s forced out many working class Italian families, making room for upwardly mobile young professionals, baby carriages, and upscale restaurants. Few places remain where the old and new residents co-mingle, but Lucali is an exception. Over-indulgent Italian grandparents sit next to newlyweds Shawn Carter and Beyonce Knowles, while pizzaiolos roll out dough with an empty wine bottle in the open kitchen.
Lucali’s pizza is so good that any description falls short, but here goes: The crust is super thin and crispy. The sauce is scrumptious with lots of herbs and spices. If you were raised in an Italian family, it will definitely remind you of your grandma’s. The cheese, though, is the show stopper. A combination of cow’s and sheep’s milk (fresh) mozzarella, and a light grating of smoky, savory grana padana imported from Italy. A little fresh basil and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.
After wolfing down two pies (one plain, one with pepperoni, portobello mushrooms, and peppers), I convinced the group (it didn’t take much) that we needed a third (baby Hudson agreed). It was the best decision I made all week.
I’m ready to declare that Lucali’s is the best pizza I’ve ever had. Can anyone claim a better slice?
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It looks great and delicious pizza to eat. The additional add on top of the pizza is awesome. I wonder if I can bake one my own?! Lol.
I find it very hard to believe that it beats Grimaldi’s when fresh tomatoes are in season. At least the Hoboken Grimaldi’s.
I have not tried Grimaldi’s in Hoboken, I will have to make a visit at some point…but Lucali’s is WAY better than Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn. Like it’s not even in the same league.
This post depressed me!
A few months ago I drove back home to Queens from CT to find that my favorite pizza parlor, the one on which I grew up on, closed down — a victim of high rents.
R.I.P. Sorisi on Continental Avenue :0(
It’s the same Grimaldi family
WE LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!
wanna go wed night?
xx
Lucali’s gets all the press as does Grimaldi’s ‘BL’ (Before Lucali’s). On Court Street between DeGraw and Baltic Sts. is SAM’s who has been putting out consistently perfect NEOPOLITAN pizza since 1934. Mario was born near Naples. Not to say that Lucali’s isn’t good, it’s great pizza, just that Sam’s is the genuine article. Close your eyes and you’re transported back to Naples. Caution: Lou, Mario’s son, takes getting used to…
The place on Avenue J is a joke, it’s dirty, you have to wait while he fashions each pie, totally overrated yet people flock there. Grimaldi’s has been serving tourists so long they don’t treat customer’s like they want you (or expect you) to come back so I went once, was unimpressed and never went back.
I am also a fan of Sam’s..very different I think but definitely great! I prefer the other food at Sam’s though…baked ziti, lasagne, etc…
thanks for reminding me :)
This must be one tasty pizza if you’re not bothered by its being 33% crust!