The essential NYC slice joints that set the gold standard: Lombardi's, Totonno's, DiFara
In our new series, we call out essential NYC restaurants that are a must-try for every self-respecting glutton—a cheat sheet on the city's best.
Even in a city that’s long been considered America’s pizza capital, we’re in the midst of an impressive pie boom. But like your nephew who idolizes Jeter but couldn’t pick Reggie Jackson out of a lineup, limiting yourself to only au courant pizzerias means neglecting a long (and delicious) history of New York landmarks.
From Coney Island to Soho to Midwood, New York’s best old-school pizzerias are all over the map, but they share an affinity for understated décor, simple but quality ingredients, and toppings that you'd find in any self-respecting Italian-American grandma's kitchen. If truffle oil and farmer’s-market arugula are what you’re looking for, you won’t find them at these five stalwarts. But if you’re seeking pizza that would make Louis Prima drool, then you've hit the right spots.
By Jeremy Cesarec; photos by Melissa Hom
Pictured: Sam's Restaurant in Cobble Hill
