The Pizza Thread

Sorry. Just seeing this. I am all over the place on my favorite. DiFara is probably the best slice in NY still at this point, although I haven't had too many of them. It's just in the middle of nowhere for my sphere of travels.

Best pies? Again, all over the place. My list probably differs from what I have posted on here in the past, but my top 3:

1) Juliana's
2) Lucali
3) Keste

In the post you did after the one I just quoted, they have Grimaldi's at #25 nationwide and Julianas at #48. Since they are right near each other and Juliana's is in the space that Grimaldi's was, and Juliana's is the original Grimaldi's (they just sold their name), the comparison is natural. And I think that list has it exactly backward. Grimaldi's is still a very good pie. Julianas is a notch above. I love that your list had Lombardi's at #23. I don't think it is quite as good a pie as the ones I listed (and I realize this is all subjective / opinion), but if you want the full experience, there is no more storied pizzeria in America.

 

1) I am with you on John's. Don't get me wrong, it is good pizza, but I can name 10 sit down places I prefer. Out of the John's, for me, the one on Bleeker Street is still the best.
2) Definitely worth a trip to Keste. I love the West Village, so no big deal for me. Don't be put off by the foofy vibe. Stick with the more traditional pizzas. ... they know what they are doing.
3) Lucali is in Brooklyn. The neighborhood I posted about a few weeks ago, actually. I actually have met (know) the owner, Mark Iacono. Interesting story. He grew up in the neighborhood and saw the empty storefront and rented it because he didn't want it to become a chain store. He had no clue what he was going to do with it, and actually had limited pizza-making experience and ability. But he just put the oven in, some tables, opened the doors, and the guy had a gift. Word spread quickly, and now there isn't a night where there isn't a line. No reservations, so it kind of sucks. You show up at 5, put your name on a list and pray you won't have to wait too long. Part of it is that this guy just knows how to make a pizza. The other is the ingredients he sources, not unlike Dom at Di Fara's. Much different kind of place, but he shops locally for the cheese, his meats, etc. And the caring really shines through on his pies.
4) Same on Motorino. Been there, but. ...
5) I seem to agree with you on just about everything. .... except Totonno's. Just not in the same class for me. But it's opinion, and I understand that those vary.