Atmosphere is nice but that's all you'll get. Wasn't a busy night, got there at 10:35p (they close at midnight) and was seated. The waitress didn't come to us til 10 minutes later (she just meandered throughout the small restaurant). Ordered meatball appetizer and I would rate it 6/10--juicy but salty (but to be fair, they would be perfect with pasta, not by themselves). Got the #6 16" pizza (mozzarella, tomato sauce, sausage and basil) 40 min after we ordered. Yes, 40 min on a quiet night there. (Other patrons seemed to share the same disdain). The pizza was not worth the $25 (could've been $29, I forget). Salty, burnt, and just eh. Our waitress (the tall, blonde one) was just bad. Never checked up on us, had to flag her down where our pizza was and just plain awkward. Was excited for the hype but sadly, it was a lack lustered and overpriced experience.
(2)
Stephanie R.
Wow! This may be the best pizza i have ever had! It was amazing how simple and fresh it was but so flavorful. Everything was perfect, i will be back for more.
(5)
Sara W.
This is my favorite pizza spot in nyc. The crust is thin but has a good bite and chewiness to it, but most importantly the sauce! The sauce is sweet, fresh, not too heavy and really just phenomenal. I have had a few different pizzas here, but I'm a sucker for most things mushroom, and the funghi pizza is no exception. The mushrooms are small slivers like they are at most pizza places. They are actually rather big chunks of mushroom so you get a solid mushroom flavor and texture with each bite. Another great aspect of Luzzo is that they take reservations--so definitely book your table ahead of time. It's important to note that it is cash and Amex only, so plan accordingly. The only true gripe I have with this place is the price of the salads. Most of them have 3 or fewer toppings and will cost you at least $9. I can't have a meal without a little green with it, so I get the salads but hang on to the dressings just to get some crust dipping sauce out of them for later (they are really tasty!).
(5)
Andrew F.
Great sausage pizza with a chewy, yet dry crust. The tomato sauce is top notch with preference for sweetness over tomato. Ambiance is very good and relaxing.
(4)
Yae J.
I LOVE PIZZA and LUZZO'S pizza is one of the best pizzas I've ever had. Everything was so fresh and it just hit the spot. I love their interior as well. I need to go back.
(5)
Tiffany D.
Eat this delicious pizza quickly or else you'll end up with a soggy mess. The pizzas are thin here so you won't find yourself getting full off of one slice which is perfect if you're planning on trying a few different pizzas in one sitting. I like their Diavola pizza because the flavors are balanced and I'm a sucker for sausage. I haven't tried much other than pizza but seriously. . It's a pizza joint, do you really want to try a salad here? O_o The ambiance here is ok. It's a regular mom and pop type place with interesting decoration. Don't forget to look up. You might find something interesting. Oo important thing to remember, bring cash. I don't think they have changed anything but the last time I checked it was cash only. Try a drizzle of their chili oil. It's pretty tasty.
(4)
Phil Y.
I first walked into the place about 10 years ago, and it's been my go-to place for pizza ever since. The fresh buffalo mozzarella, the thin, chewy crust, the delicate tomato sauce are in perfect harmony here. My favorite pie is the diavola,which adds spicy salami on top. I never would have thought to pair the house Montepulciano until the waiter recommended it (I now recommend the Malbec). The calamari is delicious--not overly breaded. And dig that amalfi salad of arugula, beets and goat cheese. The pizza doesn't travel well, so it's best to eat in. I remember when this place was packed and hard to get in. Real Italians (i.e., those recently from Italy) would come here--I was once treated to free opera here! It's less of a hotspot these days, but whenever I'm in the mood for pizza and on the Lower East Side, I'll come here.
(5)
Jessica G.
Hubby and I went for a late night dinner. We ordered the pizza which was so flavorful and crispy. I also got the lasagna which I didn't like it had big layers of melted cheese and was just sloppy. I would come back again for the pizza!
(4)
Paul H.
Decor: 4/5 -upside-down chair, table and cup&saucer on the ceiling -chairs are somewhat comfy and small Service: 3/5 -I expected service to be better but it didn't meet my expectations. -Water wasn't refilled at all -Took extremely long to get change back -The pizza however came super fast Food: 4/5 -Crust is super thin which makes the topping to crust ratio very favorable but don't expect the crust to be crispy -Also eat the pizza while its fresh out of the oven. Once it is room temperature, it's not as pleasant to eat. -Diavola was great. The tomato sauce was not salty which balanced out the salty salami -I can't confidently give Luzzo's a five star just yet. I will need to return to see if they are consistent with the other pizzas. I can easily consume a 12" pizza but $18 is a tad much.
(4)
Neelam P.
Ugh, I feel like I wasted date night here. I thought the pizza here was going to be fab, but it really didn't hit the spot. - I thought the pizza was way too thin. Maybe I just like to eat a lot, but having two slices did nothing for my hunger. - While the crust was really good, the rest of the pizza didn't hold itself up well. Maybe the mushrooms we got on the pie weighed it down? Who knows. - Service was not great. The restaurant wasn't even full, yet I felt like our waiter was rushing us. It would have been nice to have a relaxed meal. - The large pie is a bit expensive for what you're getting. I'd rather pay some extra $$ and get an amazing pie from DiFara's next time.
(3)
Anhtuan T.
Nestled in East Village you will find THE most legit Italian thin crust pizza in Luzzo's. The pizza here is more delicate than more Americanized pizza verisons. The sauce and cheese are relatively light so that you're allowed to really taste and appreciate how well the dough is prepared and cooked in their coal-burning oven. Unfortunately, my palate is not so sophisticated and I found myself craving more meat, sauce and cheese. However, it was a nice change of pace from the pizza that I'm used to and since it was lighter, I could see myself eating it every day without the shame and guilt. I've never been but I imagine this is closer to how the pizza in Italy might be. Plus, the dudes that work here speak with a heavy Italian accent so you know it's extra legit. Pro Tip: Try their Arugula pizza and don't forget the chili oil. Cheers!
(4)
Marlon T.
I came to this pizza joint because I was a part of Scott's Pizza Bus Tour. If it wasn't for that tour, I wouldn't have checked out Luzzo's. Scott, an amazing pizza connoisseur, taught us a lot about the process of how they made pizza here. He said that they have one of the few brick oven pizzas in New York. We were able to go to the back and see how everything works. The staff was nice/accommodating. The pizza was amazing--soft, tasty, flavorful, fresh. We also had some amazing wine with the slices. I wish I could remember the name of it. I liked all the Italian knick knacks around the restaurant--environment plays a big role for a smooth eating experience. I would recommend checking this spot out if you're looking for authentic Italian pizza in NYC. In your life, you must experience eating pizza from an old brick oven.
(4)
Tristan M.
Very nice Italian restaurant, this place is exactly what you would expect it to be. Good pizza, good and affordable wine (pick the montepulciano), good deserts. And it's big enough for small groups!
(5)
Rashad R.
This place is underrated, it has some of the best pizza in the City in my opinion. And I've been to most all the "big name" spots over the years. Fresh ingredients, superb fresh mozzarella - simply just terrific neapolitan pizza. Obviously better prices than Motorino around the corner.
(5)
Lena H.
Luzzo's.. I love you. Please don't tell my boyfriend. I had the pleasure of having my last meal in NY at Luzzo's before heading home. I thought about it my long journey back to the west coast. I don't think I can have another NY trip without coming back. We had the arancini to start. Super disappointed in them. If you've ever been to Umberto's in Boston, you'll understand why. I should have known better than to think I'd get the same quality. They were dry and mushy.. pass on this one. The Diavola- The perfect pizza. Spicy salami, basil, garlic, tomato sauce. It's simple and super delicious. The crust is what I can't stop thinking about! It was kinda flaky/crispy on the outside and slightly fluffy/chewy on the inside. The pizza was perfectly thin.. but not too thin where the toppings fall off when you pick up a slice. Service was great! Super friendly and attentive. Our waters were always full and we were checked on several times throughout the meal. Definitely my new fave place in NY for pizza!
(5)
Apurva N.
I was very underwhelmed by our experience here. We went here for dinner a few days ago and really expected amazing pizza. What we got instead was about average pizza on undercooked base. The servers were nice and friendly and the decor is warm and inviting. We had a generally nice time, but the pizza itself was really nothing to write home about. I would pick Keste over Luzzo's any day of the week. I will likely not be making the trek downtown to eat here again, but if I'm in the area (within a 4 block radius), I might try it again. You should do the same!
(3)
Judy L.
Loved all the food we had here. - meatball appetizer - salad - calamari - meatball pizza - prosciutto pizza - one of the vegetarian pizzas - bottle of red wine The total for 9 people came out to be $26/person, which is pretty steep for pizza, but we all had a good time and really enjoyed the food. I'd highly recommend it! But you should plan ahead because the place is pretty small. Also, they only took cash or AmEx.
(4)
joey c.
Been coming for years. Food is great. Went yesterday evening and the hostess and staff were extremely rude and ruined the experience. Unfortunately I won't be going back.
(2)
Mike C.
This is some of the best Neapolitan style pizza I've had in NY recently. Everything we got was on point: - Arancini di Carne ($9): four delicious, meaty, fried rice balls, a perfect way to start the meal. - Diavola (12") ($18): an extremely good pepperoni pizza. Generous with the pepperonis, but not overly greasy and oily. - Quartieri a Frusta ($18): an awesome stromboli filled with mozzarella, sausage and broccoli rabe. Pretty damn oily, but that's partly what made it so damn good. This is simple, straight-forward, classic-style pizza done right. Sometimes it's nice for a change to not wait for an hour at a hipster pizza joint in Brooklyn for some funky pies with "artisanal" and "farm-to-table" ingredients, and get a really really good pie with regular ingredients. Service was also perfect. Very friendly and polite waitstaff and pretty prompt with the food and any requests we had. I would definitely come back, even without the aid of my 50% Groupon that lured me here in the first place.
(5)
Paul C.
Came to Luzzo's for dinner very nice place good pizza and we tried the really homemade gnocci. The crust of the pizza was perfect thin yet not cracker like great. The service was also good. all good except it is a little pricey A 12'' pizza, one past dish and one glass of wine as $70 without tip. A bit high in my opinion. so if you want some good pizza and pay too much for it go to Luzzo's Ciao-
(3)
Nin A.
Had the chance to try the Michele pizza (prosciutto and mushrooms). Although it did taste like quality pizza, I didn't think there was anything really special about it. It was good but definitely not the best.
(3)
S P.
Outer pizza crust was crisp & good but towards the middle of the pie it was soft. Staff was very nice & friendly. They do not sell slices. Overall dining was ok if you are in the area.
(3)
John B.
This is a review I hope is read by Luzzo's management. I realized after logging in I also reviewed Luzzo's in Brooklyn. I think I always ended up feeling slighted because I'm old enough to remember when restaurants had a personal touch and loyal patronage was rewarded. I rarely see this in NYC anymore, but some places still do it. Tonight I was there with a party of six. We had a $43 bottle of not-great wine at the bar. We then sat down and had 4 pies and drinks. Our check came - everything was there except the least-expensive pie, and including a mandatory gratuity. I go there a lot, so we figured this was a courtesy. We thanked our waiter and left $20 EXTRA (20% of our table bill - the bottle of wine was settled at the bar) on top of the mandatory gratuity since we thought it was a nice gesture. We sat a bit after we paid, then left. Maybe 5 minutes later, one in our party had to use the restroom. As we left a second time and walked outside, two waiters followed us out and said we were given the wrong check. I said yes, we saw one pie was missing and therefore left $20 as a tip on top of the mandatory gratuity - meaning something like a $40 tip. No, they wanted the right check paid. The difference in the amount after our $20 extra tip on top of the included gratuity? $12. And we spent close to $180. For a pizzeria this expensive, that is classless. I keep receipts for business, and last year I went to Luzzo's (Manhattan) 31 times. I've been doing that kind of business for years. You lost a customer tonight. I hope it was worth the $12.
(2)
Kimberly K.
Bufala Pizza! Decided to grab a Bufala Pizza to go. The employees are friendly and laid back. Seating is available. Our pizza was ready in no time. It looked and smelled amazing. It tasted even better. The crust is thin, light, slightly crisp on the edges and smooth in the middle. It had a lovely chew. The sauce is juicy, slightly sweet and tangy at the same time. Loads of quality buffalo mozzarella spread throughout. Ooey gooey goodness. Finally a sprinkle of basil and olive oil completes this work of art. The pizza is very light. Each slice melts in your mouth. Thanks to Yelp friend Kurdy S. for recommending this place to me.
(4)
Louis P.
I love this place!!!! Never had a bad experience here. I always feel like I am back in Italia. Great service and love the Italian videos. Forza Luzzo's....
(5)
Charlee N.
Amazing pizza as usual - with very good choice of pizzas. Definitely one of the best place for pizza in town
(5)
Alisha C.
good pizza, but definitely not the best. Came here with a group of 6 and while service was prompt, it was also somewhat inattentive. We ordered a few meat pies, one margarita and one veggie. All were delicious, no complaints.
(4)
Becky M.
We took a box for a picnic on The Highline for a perfect afternoon lunch. The dough was soft but sturdy and so delicious! The service was knowledgable, kind and laid back.
(5)
Nicolle B.
Pizza is one of those foods that I could eat every day and never grow tired of. I am always on the lookout for amazing pizza places and New York City is fortunately not short on this. My friend and I dined at Luzzos twice. While I enjoyed my meals there both times I have to say that I enjoyed my first experience there slightly more which could be attributed to how the pizza was cooked along with the menu selections we made. The first time we dined there my friend and I split the Arugula salad which was simple yet delicious with fresh arugula and tomatoes. Next, we split an order of meatballs which were tender and tasty and topped with the most delicious sauce. I wanted to eat this sauce by the spoonful, that is how delicious I thought it was. Next, after much thought we ordered the pizza with broccoli rabe and sausage which is our favorite food combination...Simply Delicious! The crust was cooked perfectly and while the toppings were plentiful it didn't weight down the pizza. The crust was light yet durable enough to withhold the toppings. We left very happy and I found myself daydreaming about this place and my return. On to our second visit. We ordered the fried calamari to start. You could say we are a bit of calamari snobs and this didn't measure up. The fried calamari was extremely chewy to the point that we couldn't chew or swallow it. We explained the situation to the waiter and he was very nice and understanding and allowed us to try a new appetizer. We then ordered our second choice which was the fried eggplant, which was perfect. Then we split the special pasta of the day which was pesto with shrimp and the margarita pizza. The pasta was amazing and we cleaned up that plate quite nicely. The pizza was just OK this time and I attribute that to a burnt crust. However, the sauce was just as delicious as I remember it. Overall, I really like this place as do most others due to the reviews I have read and the fact that this place is always crowded. I will definitely come back when I am craving a great pizza with sausage and broccoli rabe and some tomato sauce on the side!
(4)
Brent O.
Tartufatto pizza was like a margherita with drizzle of black truffle oil - very fab. Thin crust very much like the ones in Naples.
(4)
Contra S.
pizza is truly great, but not to be missed are the italian dishes (eggplant is prob my favorite!!) The staff are mostly from italy- which is nice. They can get busy, but they're open to midnight, which is another reason I love going there.
(5)
Hettie P.
I am a vegeterain and my family and I absolutely enjoyed this place It's a lil crowded all the time but the wait was totally worth it! My personal favorite- mushroom truffle pizza
(4)
Drew A.
I had high expectations for Luzzo's since I'd heard great things and the 4-star Yelp rating. My guest and I had the Arugula pizza (#5 on the menu) which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, and prosciutto. The prosciutto was so salty that it ruined the pizza. Removing the prosciutto made the pizza edible but it was still a loss. Also, I like pizza with a fair amount of sauce on it. Luzzo's pizza sauce had a nice flavor but they didn't put enough on the pizza. This is a common problem I have with NY pizza, so I'm probably in the minority and will request extra sauce if I eat at Luzzo's again.
(2)
Justin S.
Wow, I have never had a worse experience at a restaurant. This was the single longest wait time that I have ever had. I arrived at 8 PM and went to the front of the very crowded restaurant to alert the hostess that I would need a table for two and how long would it take? She responded it would take 15 minutes, or maybe even less! "This is perfect" I replied with a smile. My friend was to arrive in less than 15 minutes meaning that we would be in and out of the restaurant by 9 PM, right when our party was going to start. My friend arrived right on time at 8:15pm and this is where things took a turn for the worse. At this point, I go ask the hostess how long it will be. She replies, oh just a few minutes more, sorry for the wait. That's fine! 15-20 minutes, no big deal. Fast forward. It's 8:45pm. That's right, we've been standing in the awful, cramped, and freezing waiting area for FORTY-FIVE MINUTES, when were told the wait would be, at most, FIFTEEN MINUTES...what is that? How can you so grossly misjudge the timing like that? Well, if you think that is bad, keep reading. At 8:45pm I check the list, we're next. Although perturbed, I was comforted by this fact. At this point, an elderly couple of women waltz through the front door, kiss the hostess and proceed to take the table that was being prepped for me and my friend. what. What. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me? How can you run a restaurant like this? To conclude: 1. This restaurant had an uncomfortably crowded waiting area 2. They egregiously misjudged my waiting time 3. They lied to my face at 8:15 saying just a few minutes more 4. After waiting three times as long as originally planned, they then took new customers ahead of those already waiting 5. They didn't even bother to address our party with a "sorry for the wait" Needless to say, the beginning of my night was ruined. We left before we even sat down and I officially had the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in New York City. TL;DR: Don't ever go here. EVER.
(1)
p s.
if you're looking for pizza that tastes just like that pie you had in naples, here's your spot. stick to the bufala or something simple, and soak up that coal-fired goodness.
(5)
Mike S.
Very authentic and quality. Cash or Amex only so heads up. Very quiet, with some cool Italian music on speakers
(4)
Jason G.
High quality, fine dining pizza: the kind made out of sliced mozzarella, not shredded, and baked in a brick oven. There are a lot of options here... I got one with mushroom, zucchini, and egglpant. Delicious. Got a bottle of wine with it. Yes, they have wine. No wait for a table, either! Never going back to Grimaldi's.
(5)
Jay B.
This is hands down THE BEST Napolese pizza spot you'll ever find in the city. I love this place and believe it is a MUST-EAT when you're in Manhattan. Served thin(hence, napolese) and slightly crunchy, this pizza rocks. The Bufalo is simply awesome. Again, service-wise. Awesome. The owner, or one of them, Miguele, comes by and says hello almost every time I've been there. Popularity - Everyone knows about this place, and it's not huge, so come early or be prepared to wait. And if you don't believe that it can be THAT good, then the fact that the owner of Grimaldi's out in Brooklyn eats here should say something.
(5)
Peter K.
I had some friends visit from the UK and they wanted to eat pizza. I know I probably should have taken them to a "NY" pizza place like John's but I've been getting sick of going to John's lately. I think authentic Italian pizza is better than "NY-style" pizza anyways. Anyway, we got a couple of salads, a bottle of the house wine (a Merlot that night) and a large pizza. The large was enough to feed the four of us after the salads, though if you're a big eater, you might want more pizza. The balance of flavors between the toppings, cheese and sauce was just right. I loved the thin crust. The thing I like most about authentic Italian pizza is that it's not as cheese heavy as American pizza. Luzzo's does it just right. Brought back memories of eating pizza in Rome. The wait service was friendly, yet efficient. We got our salads so quickly. The pizza also came out quicker than expected. I strongly recommend this place if you're getting tired of eating NY pizza.
(4)
Ken G.
Cute, good Pizza, Pricey on a block (First Avenue between 14th Street and 12th Street) where there is currently a pizza price war between the four or five pizza parlors. Would have earned more stars if they accepted credit cards. Beware, CASH ONLY!
(3)
pickle p.
5 for the buffulla (I can't spell) pizza, everything else is not the best. but I really want YOU to try that damn pizza. its the greatest thing ever
(5)
Ani D.
This has got to be one of the best pizza places I have eaten at in NY, and that's not an easy thing to say cos there are so many great places. But this place knows what they are doing. The arugula pizza with the prosciutto is just incredible. If you like thin NY style pizza you have to try this place. The octopus salad is also great.
(5)
Alan G.
Checked out Luzzo's last week since I was in search of a good pie and had heard good things. I was pretty ravenous so I was pleasantly surprised to be seated just about immediately at 7:30pm on a weekday night, granted I was bumping shoulders with the guy at the table to my right. Comes with the territory though. Lately I've been seriously missing the cheese produced from the discharge of goats so I opted for the amalfi salad -- arugula, walnuts, tomatoes, balsamic, aforementioned goat cheese. Rock solid. My friend copied me because I have impeccable taste. Then onto the Bufala, just a 12" sized one which I regretted pretty much instantly. A legit sauce on a nice crunchy crust, granted our pie was just a touch cooler than I would've hoped coming out of the oven. That's splitting hairs though, the pie satisfied my craving until later that evening (this is not a bad thing, this is merely my day-to-day life, the cross I bear that is a stomach that won't quit). Lastly, the service was pretty good -- I especially appreciate the vigilance in which my water cup was filled, I must've guzzled 5 cups or so which is quite impressive, don't you think? So yes to Luzzo's, a perfectly pleasant place. It does the job and it's pretty affordable, granted if you're not careful I imagine it can add up quite quick, but hey, the stomach wants what it wants and in this case it wants a pretty damn good pizza.
After having lived in Italy, I pretty much became a gastro-snob when it comes to Italian food. So coming back to Chicago was just soul-crushing when everywhere I was surrounded by: -cardboard monstrosities (aka domino's 666 deal. i mean could that number BE any more ominous?) -deep dish (ummm yeah... remember that time when i wanted to shove a wagon wheel of plastic-tasting cheese down my throat? yeah, me neither) -digiorno -let's not even go there But I love love LOVE Luzzo's. We came here twice in a span of 3 days on a long weekend to nyc just because we loved it so. The first time, we made the trek out to Luzzo's after a long day of shopping and photo-whoring. Immediately, we were greeted and seated in the narrow hallway next to another couple. Claustrophobic and elbow-to-elbow in true Italian style. Not to mention the staff was mostly rail-thin and bilingual-- and friendly! My partner was instantly in the mood for lasagna, and although they didn't have it on the menu, the waiter said he'd see what he could do. Within ten minutes after placing our orders, a fresh plate of meaty lasagna with a piquant tomato sauce was delivered. Of course we had the Bufula pizza. Simply constructed, but the elements were elegant and refined on their own. The mozzarella was fragile and tender, dangling precarious between mouth and pizza. The smoky crust was cracker-thin with opposing textures, the sauce just right, and the basil fragrant (if not scarce). We made another trip here before jet-setting back home, with luggage in hand, only to find that they weren't open. When we explained that we made out especially for their pizza and were cabbing it directly to the airport afterwards, they seated us :] much to our delight. We went back to our old Bufula, but experimented with the Arugula as well. Highly recommended! The crispy arugula packs a tiny bitter bite and the truffle oil was just the right touch. With just enough time to wolf our pizza's down and write a big tip, we left the tiny Italian microcosm and back to the land of Bad Taste...
(5)
Ina C.
Perfectly cooked thin crust that maintains its crunch and doesn't get soggy with the weight of its own sauce and grease. We ordered the buffalo mozzarella and basil pizza. Although we were pretty happy with everything, our pizza looked kinda sad with only two lonely leaves of basil. But that's a minor complaint. Excellent pizza and fast and friendly service.
(4)
Amy W.
My fav pizza spot in the East Village! Margherita is my fav and its some BOMB ASS PIZZA!! PERFECT CRUST, MOZARELLA AND TO DIE FOR TOMATO SAUCE! The meat pizza with pepperoni and sausage etc. is my delight and I always get that if I don't get the marguerita. The waitstaff is alright, and not overbearing. Go here for the pizza and you won't be disappointed! Thin crust and never charred is definitely a reason to keep coming back. The price is the way it is because of the quality of the product and that's fine. I find it hard to pay for mediocre sub par food and Luzzos does not do either of the two. This place is A++, unpretentious and simply delivers a solid pizza every single time!
(5)
Bonny N.
This really is one of the best thin crust pizzas I've tried in New York. I've never tried their pasta but I'm afraid to be disappointed. I come for the pizza. The place can get a little crowded since it's a small restaurant and I'm usually starving by the time I sit down. The appetizers are a bit expensive and are not a very large portion for sharing. The pizzas are big enough though and the service is usually pretty quick. My only annoyance is that the place does NOT accept credit cards and I usually forget this. Finishing a delicious pizza dinner and then having to run down the street to take out $30 is a little annoying. Legit restaurants should accept credit cards.
(4)
Lila H.
Bellisimo-So far I think this place is my favorite pizza in New York because it seems the most authentic to the Napoli pizza I've eaten in Italy. Down to the cozy atmosphere and the people that work there are Italian and speak it. I shared the small Arugola which was perfect bc it had everything I like on my pizza and reminded me of the times when I lived in Italy and was always eating arugula. The crust was thin and crispy just the way I like it and not too soggy. I also love how they have the spicy olive oil which is not always easy to find in Italian places here. We also ordered the tuna salad that came with cherry tomatoes, and fagioli. Loved it bc they used Italian tuna. Makes me miss Italy so much!
(5)
Elaine W.
We always come here when my niece visits from Chicago. This is one of my favorite places to go. However, it's usually pretty crowded, so be sure to make reservations. Our favorites pies to get are the Tartufata (truffles!), arugula and bufala. Still need to try the pasta one day, but everytime we come, we only want the pizza! Also, if you have a large party, there's a room downstairs, so there is room (it just smells a little musty down there).
(4)
Christina F.
Amazing pizza... fast service, comfy setting... go with a few friends and split a couple pies... you can't go wrong!
(5)
Adam L.
This place is literally over rated.
(2)
Elizabeth B.
We tried delivery from here for the first time last night: caprese salad and Ortolana pizza. The salad had lots of mozzarella but not so much tomato. I was shocked because it's $11. The pizza was good. Great toppings, thicker crust than I imagined. But the crust was a little soft and soggy at the beginning of each slice. Super fast and friendly service, though!
(3)
Wendy L.
Mmmmmm. Every other NY pizza gets compared to Luzzos in my book. The rest of the menu is sub-par, but the pizza (plan margherita) is fantastic! Thin crust, meaning you'll eat more than you think, so order plenty! And it's cheap so you can always bring extra home for leftovers. I also really like the ambiance. Try going on a weeknight when it's not as crowded. Not such a fan of the singing woman that one time, but this still gets 5 starts since the pizza is THAT good.
(5)
Brady H.
The best pizza I have ever eaten. I've never tried any of the entrees here because the pizza is so good, but all of the appetizers I've eaten were pretty great. Decent, affordable wine list (and daily specials that make the deal even better!), friendly staff, and cool decor all add to the equation. It seems like a good sign that a majority of the customers on any given night are speaking fluent Italian here. Only downsides? The place is a little small, and the wait gets a bit long sometimes, and the volume tends to get a bit loud when it is this busy.
(5)
Maximus D.
"The BEST" pizza in NYC hands down. No competiton, not even Lombardi's, John's or Patsy's compares to Luzzo's. It is right off the boat from Napoli good. The service is impeccable and the vibe is old school Italian.
(5)
Jeff M.
Grimaldi's what? Lombardi's who? That's right pizza snobs, it doesn't get any better than this in Manhattan. Luzzo's is quite simply the most authentic Neapolitan pizza place on the island. And to give you an idea of how great it is, I was in NYC last week and has walked 12 blocks in what felt like a mixture between a brick over and a boiling aquarium (it was 90 degrees with 99% humidity) and I still ordered 2 pizzas for myself! Nothing stands between me and my favorite pizza restaurant in the United States, not even the fires of Hell or Manhattan during a summer heat wave.
(5)
Isabel L.
For most regulars, they know there's this one pie that they're really food at. DIAVALA !!! Our table ordered 3 of those and the rest of the night was spent in between stuffing my face and endless food coma.. great pies ! NOTE: Extremely friendly service, family style Great setting with large groups
(4)
Pinky And The B.
I wanted to try a new highly rated pizza. (new to me) So I decided on Luzzo's. It must have been an off night. It must have been because it was hot and humid out tonight after a long cold spell so everyone was out. The restaurant was really crowded. The taste of the pizza was what I am used to and was expecting. The rim of the crust was nice and charred. The cheese was creamy and the sauce was good. Our waiter was really attentive and pleasant. He told stories of Italy. He even spoke Italian. I got the idea he might be part owner or a family member. I should have asked. They were so crowded and busy they must have called in extra help. The salad was the best part of the meal. It had a warm toasted goat cheese that was delicious. The problem is it was extraordinarily soggy! I wanted to love it I really did and I could tell the place is really authentic. I can't remember the last time everyone that I saw working in a pizzeria was actually Italian. At Luzzo's they were. But really it was like someone sprayed it with a water hose in the middle. It just fell apart. But the service was so exceptional and I could tell on a good night it would be great but it was more like pizza soup than pizza. For me there are too many pizzerias in NYC to go back and try it again. For now I will stick with the classic pizza joints I am used to like Ray's Patsy's, Nick's and Grimaldi's.
(3)
Po K.
Best pizza I've had in NY! I ate here for the very first time last month. I will definitely be going back here on my next trip.
(5)
Zaree S.
I came here with friends two weeks ago. The pizza was good, but I wasn't overly impressed, and definitely expected more based on the reviews and prices. I ordered the Arugola, which was a bit soggy, and it seemed like they opened up a bag of arugula and dumped it on top of the pizza at the end. I felt like I had arugula falling off my pizza while I was trying to eat it. The service was good, but rushed. I understand that they were trying to capitalize off the fact that it was a Saturday night by getting as many people in as possible, but we weren't at TGI Friday's, and that is certainly not how they should make their patrons feel. Overall, the food here is solid. You won't be disappointed but you won't be impressed, which is probably par for the course with pizza in a lot of cases. Given that pizza is a trend right now, I'd try a different place before I came back here.
(3)
Canny F.
I ordered the Ortlana pie and it was okay. I expected better. You would think that if you order with no cheese, they would put a bit more sauce or something like other places, but nope! My pizza was hardly covered. It was thin, but not thin like gruppo or vezzo and it was a bit chewy.
(3)
Ilan M.
Love this place! When I first moved here this was the first place I ate. Had it again last night (albeit in a much more intoxicated state) and it was so delish! Their pizza is super thin crust so you can eat a lot of it. We ordered 3 pizzas, of which my favorite was the bufala - simple, yet delivered in style. We also ordered a plate of fried apps. Really tasty, but in all fairness it's hard to screw up fried food. Their pizza has to rank among the best in the East Village. Not sure about all of NY, but definitely the best over a large area of avenues/blocks. You just can't go wrong with this place. Eat here. You'll probably see me in the corner scarfing down some Bufala slices.
A great dinner date for 2. The place is really cute on the inside. The pizzas are huge. The atmosphere feels good and we have always had a great time.
(3)
Elle T.
I came across Luzzo's on Yelp; it had so many rave reviews, I couldn't resist. Sure enough, when we arrived, the entire restaurant was packed. Not a single table open, EXCEPT the one in the front, right by the bar; we took it. While we waited for service, a lot of Italian-speaking Italians walked in. Ah, a pizza place with Italians; that's gotta be a good sign. We ordered a small bufala; I was sold on simplicity. Tomato sauce. basil. mozzarella all on a thin crust. It was delicious and Italian! If only there were more of it... they weren't kidding when they called it "small". I could have easily eaten the thing myself. Service was lackluster; in addition to being curt and impersonal, they took a while to bring our food and bill. Of course they were busy, but we ended up paying in cash because we didn't want to wait around for someone to take a card, return it for signing, etc. Oh well, that aside... My gripe was the price. Our pizza was fairly small (12") and with zero toppings, cost $15 and some how, the bill came out to $19. That's kinda steep to me, for a pie that isn't really filling, despite that it was yummy. 4 stars for the pizza; the price kept it from being a 5. 2 stars for the price. Less price or more pizza, please. 2 stars for service because, really, meh, I've had better.
(3)
Henry M.
It's hard to believe that this place has one of the few coal ovens in the city and yet they get it so wrong. I'm basing this review on what I had, which was the pizza topped with mushrooms. These guys should take a trip to Lombardi's and get some tips on what to do. And to those on here who have given this place 5 stars I have to ask: have you been to Lombardi's or Grimaldi's or Di Fara? The crust at Luzzo's was not bad at all but then again it was cooked in a coal oven so it's hard to screw that up. My main issue here is the toppings. Is it that difficult to know the correct amount and distribution? There was not enough sauce or cheese and there were not enough mushrooms by far on this pie. I don't know if they top other pies so scantily but based on this one I can only assume they do and i guess I won't ever know for sure since it's not worth going back to find out. This place is a missed opportunity. All the "ingredients" are there for them to compete with the big boys (especially the coveted coal oven), but they miss the mark.
(2)
John S.
2nd best pizza I've ever had in my life, and that is coming from a list with a trillion pizza places tied at 3rd and 4th place. The best pizza I've ever had was in Napoli itself, this pizza was either equivalent or very slightly under the quality of that one. The cheese was much different than the mozzarella from 98% of pizzas here. The crust was perfectly burnt. The pizza was delivered in about 10 minutes, which is quite fast in a packed restaurant as fancy as this. We had the #8 on the menu (the calzone pizza).. it was topped with mushrooms, salami, and ham.. all the ingredients were incredible. No complaints whatsoever. And the service could not have been better! Waiters came up to us a few times to fill up water and ask if everything was okay. I'm very happy with this experience, and if I were to give it a 1-100 score, it would literally by a 99.
(5)
Allie C.
This place has been one block down from where i live and just discovered it recently!! One of my co-workers who's straight from Italy had recommended this spot. We were discussing the difference between Italian and American made pizza. She said this is one of the best she's had since being here. So i finally had the oppportunity to go the other night. Me and my boy were the only non-italians up in there so you know that pizza is authentic! The place was filled with with 30 something Italians all speaking their native language. The servers too. So glad i found this spot. I will come back alot alot alot. btw, i had the pizza michele which had prosciutto, basil, mushrooms, mozzarella, truffle pate, and no tomato sauce. ahhh.. so delicious!!! glass of white wine to top it off...PERFECTO!
(5)
Drew D.
Just to avoid any confusion I do think this place was good. I guess the fact that it was very hyped and wasn't amazing is where I'm deriving these comments.... I went here a week ago with 3 other guys for a casual dinner after a long day. I had heard the pizza was to die for so that is what I was ordering. For a salad I had the tuna white bean salad. I must say that this was the dish of the night. The tuna was tasty, beans we a tad crunchy, nice contrast to the tuna, and there was just enough basil and olive oil. Couple dashes of pepper hit the spot. Being that this is a pizza place we ordered a couple. They are large. They are tasty. Are they the best pizza's I've ever encountered? No. Sadly. We had some meat filled pizza and some veggie-ish pizza. Both were good, neither was phenomenal. The service was fine. Price was slightly above average for the area but on par with the food. It does have the feel of an old school hole in the wall place that may have been upgraded in the early 90s. I'd say give this place a shot.
(4)
Michael S.
Not my FAVORITE pizza place in Manhattan, but pretty damn close. Staff is pretty friendly and the sauce on the pizza is amazing. My wife was not a fan of the LACK OF CHEESE, but I thought it worked really well. Either way, this the perfect place to go if you don't already have a reservation set for Friday night. Limited wait and satisfying food!
(4)
Carlin Y.
Came here with a friend. Pizza is delicious, even though a little pricey. You can definitely taste a quality difference compared to Dominos down the street. We tried one with truffle oil and another that had prosciutto; both amazing. Definitely recommend trying it at least once if you're a gourmet pizza fan!
(4)
Ben J.
4.5 - possibly best pizza in manhattan. Go with EST (spicy salami) and Martha (white/truffle oil/proscuitto).
(4)
Alex C.
My favorite sit-down pizza place in NYC. The place is small but the pizza is definitely worth the long waits at night. Advice - don't order the pasta dishes. I'm sure they're good, but anytime someone ordered one at my table, they'd end up asking to "try" the pizza and looked at you like they expected you to give yours up. I've lost like 3 friends over this already.
(5)
Alexandra B.
First of all... if i meet any of these people who said "that pizza is too soggy", i'm going to smack you in the face with your own ignorance. This is what pizza is supposed to taste like. If you want cheesy, americanized pizza... order dominos. ***NOTE: they DO take credit cards unlike other reviews said and a reservation was not needed for 2 people on a busy Saturday night*** Hands down best pizza I've had in NYC and possibly anywhere else. Look no further. While I am usually a lemming to the yelp recommendation cliff, my foodie friend made me more inclined to be more of a lemur. We ordered the 4 Stagioni. According to babelfish this means seasons. I have no idea how that relates to the pizza unless in italy they have ham, artichoke, mozzarella, mushroom and olive seasons. All these ingredients were on the pizza and there were more than a few i wasn't thrilled about eating but somehow they all came together to transport me to CARBOHYDRATE HEAVEN. take my word for it... look no further for pizza. i dated an italian whose family literally had a brick pizza oven in their backyard. i've been to italy. i'm from chicago. i know pizza. (The waitstaff/owner were also super nice and gave my friend and I a glass of prosecco. The calamari and pizza and rose wine were also really good. Even the decor/ambiance was charming. But everything was overshadowed by the pizza.)
(5)
B D.
Great pizza! Although my slice missed the basil. So I would order extra basil. EVEN BETTER PASTA! Pappardelle Speck e Porcini, sooo yummy. Home-made pasta with mushroom and truffle oil. I thought this pasta was better than Babbo. THANKS for the friendly service and Italian music video's playing in the background!
(5)
Richard P.
Went there with my cousin a couple of months ago while visiting ny. I did a lot of research before going up there so I had high expectations after reading the reviews. I'll get right to the point. The pizza looked good on the surface but when we lifted the crust it was a little on the burnt side. Too bad because other than that the dough would have been good. The sauce was decent but I have made and tasted better. My cousin and I being both Italian were a bit disapointed after reading all the positive reviews . The ceaser salads were very small and tasteless. One pizza,two salads,three beers. 64 dollars not including tip. Are you kidding me? I know this is NYC but come on . OVERPRICED and OVERATED .
(2)
Deanna L.
The pizza was awesome. I mean, I don't even know how I could say that considering the way I pretty much inhaled it, but it was delicious. We got the funghi and added sausage. Yum. The crust was nice and crunchy. We ordered the large and because we're animals, we also got an order of the lasagna. I like my lasagna simple and cheesy, and that it was. We were satisfied when we left. It was packed on a Friday night but the service was prompt. I only wish the tables were not so close together because I was only an arms reach away from the other table's pizza and I don't need that kind of temptation.
(4)
Lauren P.
I think Luzzo's is the best pizza in NYC. We discovered it because my friends live right next door. We are big foodies and pizza lovers, always trying to find the next best slice, but this is THE BEST! Whether its simple margarita or more exciting with ham and truffle oil, they are all GREAT. Its so casual and full of Italians / Europeans. In the summer it can be hard to get in, but its worth the wait. Go a little later like 930 if you dont want to wait. Enjoy!
(5)
Sarah M.
I came here for a very quick New Year's Eve dinner...wanted to meet up with a friend in passing, but didn't have a ton of time to do so, but we managed to swing by here and meet up for about 30 minutes. I loved the traditional Italian feel of this restaurant. Everyone who worked here was 100% Italian...straight off the boat! :) They were celebrating the Italian new year which was going on while we were seated. They were a very lively bunch...cracking open the champagne, cheering, and hugging once the clock hit midnight in Italy. Really fun vibe to it! I only had time to down some minestrone soup...but it was TO DIE FOR! I've never had better minestrone soup in my life. Nice, soft veggies, great flavor, and all of the veggies that I actually LIKE. Sometimes restaurants put in too many beans or whatever is cheap to "fill" the soup. But not here. There were tons of carrots, onions, potatoes, and all that other good stuff. It was perfect too considering it was 10 degrees F outside. My friends ordered salads, gnocchi, lasagna...and it all looked delicious. I wish I hadn't eaten so much pizza before coming here - otherwise I would have had something else. Fun little place...we were lucky we got here when we did b/c most restaurants were already packed. They quickly accomodated our group of 8 which was even better! I'd definitely come back here again!
(4)
Gregory C.
Every once in a while, when you leave expectations by the wayside, you are sometimes surprised by what you find, and Luzzo's is a gem of a find. Most of the time, pizza is pizza, and the differences or distinctions between pizza are....well...not that great. That is NOT the case for Luzzo's pizza. Luzzo's sets itself a world apart from this mostly mundane world of pizza. This was my first time at Luzzo's, and I have to say the quality of the ingredients and execution make them PIZZA MASTERS. The thin crust is perfect, the mozzarella cheese light and fantastic, and prosciutto and funghi adding flavor to a perfectly executed pizza. Visually you realize these pizzas look like homemade treasures, and when you taste you know you are tasting the best pizza you have ever had. This was the best pizza I have ever had in my life.
(5)
Vinny C.
Pizza might be the most authentic in comparison to pizza in Naples. Ordered the campania, extremely good. Martha, prosuito with cheese and basil..great. third pie was arugala, very good. If theres little to no wait, DO IT!
(4)
Katrina H.
Not that they need another review, but this place is fantastic! I came in suspicious because it is so small, but that just adds to the Italian charm :) I loved every bit! AND they had good wine.
(5)
Jaehong H.
I'm not a New Yorker, thus this was my "New York-experience" pizza. It was ****ing EPIC. We went on a Sunday afternoon; no waiting. We picked Salsiccia (tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, basilone). The toppings by themselves are actually not abundant or special even. But the foundation - the bread, cheese, crust - were just phenomenal. For pasta, we got Spaghettoni Gamberi E Carciofi pasta (pesto, artichokes, cherry tomatoes and shrimp). Not particularly fancy, but the noodles themselves were amazing. The beer I ordered - Peroni - was disappointing; it tastes just like St. Pauli Girl (it's sweet with a strong barley taste). But the pizza was so good that even the beer tasted good eventually. My suggestion: don't get Peroni. Other than that you can't really go wrong with choosing your pizza or pasta. Definitely go to Luzzo's if you're looking for a New York Pizza!
(5)
Lindsey M.
I am giving Luzzo's 5 stars for the pizza. I think some of the other things about this restaurant are not 5 stars, but the pizza (which is the only thing you should really care about here) is absolutely 5 stars. I've tried a lot of Pizza in NYC, but this is as good as it gets. All of the pizza options on the menu are great, but I tend to stick to the classic...the buffala can't be beat. The crust is really thin, so don't scimp. You should get the large if you are splitting wtih someone. The place gets crowded everynight at the normal NY eating times and you can have a serious wait on the weekends. There are always loads of Italians. Real Italians. Speaking Italian. That is obviously a good sign. This pizza will forever be my favorite in NY and perhaps anywhere.
(5)
Renee C.
I like thin crust and I cannot lie...buffala mozzarella's great and I can't deny!....when a girl walks in with...ok I'm NOT going to go there :) 3.5 stars...there's something about the hype for Luzzo's in the back of my head, which gave me a feeling that I wasn't missing anything...I was right again. It's good, I'm not saying it's not, but I've had better. I am also spoiled and can never recover from spending a summer in Italy where I had the best pizza of my life in Cilento, the birth place of mozzarella di bufala!!!! It BLEW MY MIND into thin air for a split second before I managed to stuff it back into my head! @_@ @ Luzzo's the crust was good, but the sauce made the middle too sogging...it just collapsed when I tried to rip off a piece. I'm not a fan a soggy pizza, although the tomato sauce was good. ^_^ My cuz and I shared the spaghetti cabonara, which was good and al dente but again... not great...the Romans put Cabonara on the menu and you can't even compare. :( Now that I've proven what an Italian food snob I am, I can shut it and go on with my food quest to find the next thing to brag about :) The waiters/bus boys here are definitely in need of more training...a least not lean over my back to reach for a plate at the table next to us without saying excuse me...oh wait, he can't speak English. Also I felt a little rushed...out waiter was a bit hostile the whole time we were there, I'll blame it on the rain. :0
(3)
Mike O.
First thing you notice is the furniture on the ceiling. Gimmick, right? Well, they don't need it. They make delicious, traditional, brick-oven pizza. We got a great deal: Two pies and a bottle of wine for around $60. Perfect for the three of us. The pizza was so good that we struggled to shove down the last couple slices. We got the margherita and the proscuitto/arugula. The margherita was pretty straightforward, although I agree with the reviewer who noted the small amount of basil. The arugula/proscuitto was amazing. There was lots of proscuitto and they put a lot of fresh arugula on after it came out of the oven. Service was great too.
(4)
M C.
My favorite favorite italian spot in NYC. If you've been to Italy and agree that their pizza tops NyC pizza then this is the place to go. My friends and I usually do family style with the pizza and pastas, because their pastas are great, too!
(5)
Kristina F.
THE SAUSAGE TASTES LIKE FEET!!!!! I was infuriated after leaving this place. There are so many amazing pizza places in New York, so many fantastic varieties of pies and I had to go to the one place with the most disgusting sausage I have ever tasted in my life. I'm getting mad just thinking about it. ( i uploaded a photo of it... *shudders* )
(1)
yanwen j.
Finally, came into the restaurant instead of getting delivery. They made us a pie in twenty minutes and we peaced out to eat it at home. The surroundings were nice, but not anything special. The pie, when we got home, was good. However, I would caution against ordering the salsicce pizza (sausage) because the sausage is ground. My girlfriend had mozzerella and basil - she loved it.
(3)
Dorine L.
really love the pizza here, just about as good as Grimaldis
(4)
Marco d.
There I was sitting in my car, stuck on the 110 freeway, driving my ass from LAX on my way home, when depression hit me, faced with the bleak reality that I can no longer have great pizza for a long, long time until my next visit. You see, it's been less than 24 hours since I left and I'm already reminiscing and daydreaming about that almost-flawless pizza, whose crust seemed to have come straight out of Pluto's ass, charred to perfection, with an equally unmatched combination of chewiness and crispness, whose sauce is a balanced harmony of tang, saltiness and just a hint of sweetness. I'm not saying this pizza will turn your world upside down. But if it did, you're in luck. It seems that Luzzo's came prepared if it does happen for they have a chair nailed upside down from the ceiling, complete with a side table and a lamp, if I'm not mistaken. Jupiter, it seemed, was looking down from the heavens that night, too, as if guarding one of his heavenly creations. It was spring and petals were literally falling down from the sky as my friend and I walked out of the restaurant, our guts bursting. And as if that's not enough, a couple of young lads talking in Italian were smoking on the sidewalk, hanging out by a light blue Vespa. So, tell me, how can you not fucking reminisce about that night?
(4)
Annie L.
I have been to NYC a few times but weirdly eating pizza always alluded me. I was trying to figure out why, usually I would just stay in the city for a night to party en route back home. The lads in work organized a table at Luzzo's. The red wine and Italian beer flowed as did the pizzas. I think they ordered every variety. I now understand the obsession with good pizza, the richness of taste, the pure pleasure with every chew of the cheese as the sauce warmed up my mouth, I think my eyes rolled with bliss at one point. The atmosphere was everything I would expect from an Italian American joint; loud, intimate, bustling; simply just alive. Families showing off their new babies, dates, friends and everything in between which I shall come back to later. Service was quick and friendly. On the way out, who is eating in the restaurant but only Martha Stewart, for reals! She passed a comment to her dinner companion about my mate's hat and my coat, Martha Stewart approved our style. I just feel like I am endorsed forever in life - yay!
(5)
Liana L.
::Enter Luzzos:: Waiter: What would you like to order? Me (to BF): Well, let's get the large bufala pie, we can bring some home to your sister. BF: Okay, good idea. ::Exit Luzzos without leftover pizza:: Yeah, try not eating a whole pie of this delicious pizza. Go ahead. I dare you. It's absolutely perfect; the dough was crispy and charred on the bottom with just the perfect chewy bite, giving way to the sweet tang of fresh tomato sauce and unmatched creaminess of melted buffalo mozzarella. This is the pizza dreams are made of, people!
(4)
John W.
Awesome pizza! Get the olives for an appetizer - they are OMG good. Fried artichokes were also the bomb. Get the broccoli rabe & sausage pizza: 1st, it's a great combo, no matter the dish; 2nd, Luzzo's does it right. Get there before 7pm to get seated right away, otherwise you'll probably be waiting. It's a small restaurant.
(5)
N W.
MMMMMM the most mouth-watering, authentic, thin Italian pizza I have tried here in the city. You will go crazy! And it is casual and not too pricey.
(5)
Anah G.
My first review, so I figured I'd do something I know and love. When I came back from four months in Florence, I was depressed, abhorred New York, and longed for Italian culture and food. I checked out Luzzo's because several study abroad returnees had suggested it to me. When I stepped off the dirty New York streets and in through the tiny doorway, I instantly felt like I had shifted back to Italy. Not only did it have the precise feel of a rustic, Italian restaurant (warm wood coloring, eclectic kitchenware hung on the walls as art), but it actually was authentically Italian. The waitstaff, at that time, were all Italian expatriates. In the far back, a flatscreen TV hanging on the wall blasted popular Italian music videos (I squealed when they played my favorite band, Le Vibrazioni). And, just like in Italy, we were greeted at the door with free spumante (like prosecco) to compensate for the short wait time. I have not sampled much of the Luzzo's menu, because I feel it's a blasphemy to not order the pizza tartufata every single time. It's much like your normal margherita recipe - mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, but with a drizzle of inexorably mouthwatering truffle sauce on the top. But there is nothing basic about this pizza, for while simple, the ingredients are of the freshest and highest quality. The mozzarella is warm, thinly-spread, and preserved in water (the correct way!). The tomato sauce is juicy, slightly sweet, and lacks the nauseating chunks that comes from the cans. The crust is thin and has a hint of burny-bits that crunch between your teeth. Jesus, I'm drooling just thinking about it. Sure, it's, like, twenty-something dollars, way more than you'd pay for your local take-out place, but you're not gonna get truffle sauce at Big Tony's or whoever caters your parties. After a while I kept going back so often and (coincidentally) had the same waitress every time, and she would recognize me and start up conversations in Italian. So not only was I in the atmosphere and eating the food, I was also speaking the language. The upsides... * The food (pizza tartufata, bufala and prosciutto appetizer...) * The authentic Italian feel * The Italian waitstaff * The processo * The decoration * Proximity to the L train (1st Ave. and 13th St.) The downsides... * It's changed a bit since I first discovered it two years ago. To keep up their business, they've started hiring Americans, so there's no guarantee that you'll get to order in Italian. * If you sit downstairs (yes, there is one), it's not decorated the same way so you won't get quite as positive an experience. * Like all Italian restaurants, it's not designed for groups larger than 4 people. They can accommodate it, but it's difficult. My final words... Luzzo's is the perfect place for any New Yorker who misses Italy dreadfully and needs to get their fix.
(5)
Heather M.
Well, I went to Luzzo's three times in one week. Haha. I'm obsessed! I did have three out of town guests all of whom requested pizza, so that's why I brought them here, but I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The food here is just out of this world good. Still the best Italian style pizza I've had in the city. I love, love, love the food here! A few notes - Pasquale is the manager and such a charmer. I love him. Service was inconsistent the last time I was here. There were like 6 people serving us and it was slow and neglectful. I'm willing to forgive though because this isn't normal and Pasquale still takes care of me.
(4)
William S.
I owe previous reviews a thanks for helping me find my way to this spot with some friends who originally wanted to hit up Little Italy, which I wasn't about to settle for or deal with. My group shared two pizzas (one small plain style, and one large Calzone pie) between four of us. It was definitely more than enough and was extremely tasty. I don't remember exactly what was on the Calzone pie but there were a combination of meats with some mushrooms and your usual sauce and cheese. It was delicious. I'm not usually a fan of thin crust style pizza, but it was baked almost to perfection and not too crispy, nice and fluffy just the way I like it. We also shared some fried calimari to start which wasn't the greatest I've ever had but certainly not bad at all. Overall a great dining experience, except for some douche sitting across from my group pestering the waitress about their wine offerings. Seriously if you're such a wine snob you wouldn't have so many questions and you'd just order what they have.. or skip the wine altogether... but anyway, that isn't Luzzo's fault. It's a nice change of pace when I'm in the mood for Italian and don't exactly want a pasta plate or if I'm not looking for anything too fancy in terms of atmosphere. Definitely recommended.
(4)
Edmund T.
So after hearing my friend rave on and on about how great Artichoke Pizza is, I finally decided to trek down there to check it out. Unfortunately, when I got there, they were closed for 3 hours to do some sort of repairs on something so I never got to try it. Hungry and frustrated, I decided to jump into the next closest pizza joint just to grab a mediocre slice of pie and call it lunch so I could head down to Oden (Sam P. suggestion) and get some shopping done. As I turned the corner on 1st Ave., I noticed this cozy looking pizza joint that seemed to stand out from the other 30 sec pizza stores. So I decided what the hell, lets try it. OMFG!!! Talk about good pizza!.... I cannot tell you why my pizza was so great because I simply lack the vocabulary to describe the party that was happening in my mouth. I started off with an eggplant and zucchini salad. Forgot what it was called but it was fresh and light and very appetizing. For the pizza, I ordered the Quattro Stagioni. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
(4)
Ben L.
Went here after being referred by the barista from Zibetto as having authentic Italian pizza and can't agree with him more. Started off with the eggplant pargmigian and it was enough for two, perhaps three. As for the neopolitan pizza...the crust was crispy thin yet so supple. Yes, so supple, I could chew on that crust all day long. The bufala mozzarella really does have a unique flavor that comes together with the spicy salami that we orered on the Ripieno. Though the pizza was good, I couldn't give it five stars, because when compared, Grimaldi's is in another league of its own.
(4)
Michelle L.
The pizza was delicious. At the recommendation of the waitress, we got #5 and #16. She said they were the most popular, and they were definitely good New York Pizza. Thin and crispy. The only thing about this place is the noise level. It is extremely hard to talk without shouting. But otherwise, good service, good wine, and great pizza.
(4)
Sara K.
the best pizza in new york. done. the pizza is the perfect marinara to cheese ratio and the crust is amazingly thin and delicious. they pour a hefty glass of wine as well. SO worth the overindulgence. GO HERE!
(5)
Adam W.
I came here with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday. Despite the fact that I made a reservation earlier in the day, we had to wait something like 20 minutes to get a seat when we showed up. What's more, even though we tried to get out of the way of the door, staff members muttered discontents in Italian under their breath as we waited for our seat (they're too conceited to realize that some Americans speak Italian too...). That really set the tone for the poor service we received at this place. That said, the food was really quite good -- I would agree that the pizza here is a close contender to Grimaldi's. The portions are a bit small and it's a bit pricey, but the food here is delectable. I imagine coming here with a small group of people (four or less) would be a much more enjoyable experience. The service is the only thing that really turned me off of this place.
(3)
Susan B.
So freakin' good. The thin crust is perfect, as are the small blobs of buffalo mozzarella. This, my friends, is the sort of pizza that reminds me why I could never leave New York.
(4)
D K.
the good: the pizza is quite tasty. the 12 inch is enough for one person for sure. recommend the arugola. note that the 'calzone' under the pizza column is actually a calzone, rather than a pizza. the calzone itself was a bit skimpy on the stuffing, but the bread was thin, crunchy and quite good by itself. the bad: surprised how a busy friday night resulted in complete anarchy and amateur hour from the bartender to the waiters. owner was running around, clearly having delegation issues whilst working up a visible sweat. bartender was uninformed about booze (really?) and served warm beer. the wait staff appear to work on a zone-offense basis. first waiter was smart, knowledgeable and helpful - but another waiter swooped in and we noticed visable annoyance from our first waiter. bottom line - the pizza is good (albeit a few bucks more expensive than places like keste). recommend for small groups (less than 4) at non-busy hours; get the pizzas to go otherwise.
(3)
Anya S.
The food here is phenomenal... I were dying this would be my last meal request. Arugula pizza with prosciutto...AMAZING...rigatoni pasta with eggplant...AMAZING...little fried nutella dessert...AMAZING. Also a great ambiance!
(5)
Jen C.
Our very nice Italian server conned my 2 other friends and I into getting a large 16" pizza instead of a small 12" pizza even though we had just popped in to grab a bite since we had just recently eaten at another joint! What a charmer. But we stuffed ourselves silly and had one slice leftover to go. The pizza was good...we had the Diavola pizza with tomato, mozz, and spicy salami. The spicy salami/pepperoni was great. There were several different pizzas that I would've liked to try. I kept eating it even after having just eaten so it must've been good. This place was pretty packed on that Saturday night. Definitely enjoyable!
(3)
Gloria G.
there are tons & tons of pizzeria/italian restaurants in nyc, and i have to say that I have never really been that impressed with any of them. they're all pretty generic. (aside from the usual nyc popular pizza spots). luzzo's, however, is above all this!!! it's got that GENUINE, rustic italian feel. exposed brick, hardwood floors & wooden tables. service staff was friendly & attentive. their pizza has the perfect amount of crust & crisp to it. and it's thin crust so i haven't left the restaurant like a bloated whale. i can actually finish half a pie here. the four cheese pizza is like no other. it's fresh, it's quality, it's luzzos! they have a generous selection so take your pick. i must say, the very first time i came here, i ordered the calzone pizza. it's pretty damn good, but beware, it really is made like a calzone with a thin layer of crust. i was not expecting this, but since they delivered such decadence to my mouth, i was able to look past the look of the calzone pizza. i've also had the gnocchi here & 'twas delish. i usually go for the creamy pasta sauces and i'm not really a HUGE fan of tomato sauce, but this was some bomb ass tomato sauce. it wasn't overly heavy. perfection. can't forget, the fried eggplant w/mozzarella & proscuitto for the appetizer is the perfect starter! nom nom nom ...i'm going to have a heart attack in this restaurant. but whatevers, it's that's good! o, and just as an FYI for you claustrophobic people here, if you're not seated in a booth, on a crowded night, you will literally be like 6 inches from the next party/table
(5)
pauline L.
This place is my favorite pizza place in NY. The other two places that come close are Grimbaldi's in Brooklyn and Lombardi's. No--correction. It is my favorite pizza place of all times. The ingredients are super fresh, the marinara has a lot of taste to it, and the crust is light and crispy. Two people can eat a large. Seriously it is that good. I live in Chicago and I will come here every time I go to NYC. I think this is a hidden treasure that must be discovered. And if you go out the door, take a left and walk a block or 2 there's a cute little "green" bakery that has great organic cookies.
(5)
Steve M.
Best pizza in NYC. Doesn't get any better. Order the square pizza and taste for yourself. Service is great (went on wednesday). Great desserts as well - hazelnut pie...sweet!
(5)
Louis M.
Yeh it's what you heard, fine fine pizza with a special touch. Fun lively crowd. As Mark M says in his review, great for out-of-town friends, you take a walk on 1st Ave which is distinctly downtown NYish, point out places, see people, then a great NY time - who doesn't like pizza? Also enjoyed the cole cut platter, salad, and pastas were good.
(4)
Royce S.
Amazing pizza joint. Nothing like New York pizza. You order a pizza and they throw it in the oven and its done in like 5min. Good olive oil on each slice in true New York fashion.
(5)
m b.
The pizza is excellent and truly Neapolitan, really it's superb. Fresh, light, tasty. The appetizers are good portions and also very fresh. The pasta is actually homemade, and the sauce is light and perfect. I haven't had that good papardelle since I was last in Italy, and even it's only the better restaurants there (not necessarily the most expensive) that make me say this. I ate so much on our first visit, and then I wanted more. It's just bellissimo! We were there at about 2pm on a saturday. It was not crowded and the staff is attentive. Even if it was crowded, the food is so good you won't notice!
(4)
DW B.
I almost never give max # reviews, but Italian food is my fav, have spent 2-3 months in Italy and this was the best spaghetti I've ever had in my life.
(5)
Ro O.
Great place for pizza or amazing pasta dishes. My favorite is the pesto pasta with shrimp. I deduct one star because I think it is slightly over priced. Yet I continue to go back again and again - definitely worth it.
(4)
Brett B.
I will reiterate what most yelpers say: the pizza is amazing. Atmosphere leaves something to be desired, especially on hot summer days. Shouldn't deter anyone from coming. Fantastic.
(5)
Kate T.
Well, since this is my first pizza experience in NY, I can't shout "The best pizza in NY!!!" but I have to say it's the BEST PIZZA I had in my ENTIRE life!!!!! I never really like thin crusted pizza in the past, but their pizza is so different, I order the most simple one from the menu called "Bufala" recommended by the waitress, it's simply amazing.. only three ingredients in the pizza, tomato, mozzarella and basil, it's so simple yet so flavorful, I almost lick my fingers the Italian way to show how good the pizza was. The crust was thin but not crispy thin, and it's soft yet a bit crunchy. But the combination of everything just make it so special, I never taste anything pizza like this, so plain but yet the taste is amazing. We order the smaller pizza, and at the first bite, I regret that we didn't get the bigger one instead. The pasta was good but not great, I didn't get the "wow" factor like I did with the pizza. We ordered Tagliatelle Alla Bolognnese, it's just pasta w/ meat sauce, the pasta seems to be home made, very chewy and meat sauce is pretty good. Dessert was a so-so.. so go else where for dessert. :) If you live in NY.. gotta try them, I'm sure you won't regret.
(5)
Jon G.
Up there in my top 5 pizza restaurants in NYC! Fresh and delicious, I am surprised this place isn't even more popular! The service is mediocre, as is the ambiance, but once the pizza comes, it is worth it. It tastes way better at the restaurant than getting it delivered, though if you can't make it out of the house, it's still worth a try! The east village has a lot of good pizza places. Surprisingly, I discovered this place when the line around the corner at Una Pizza was just too long. Although both claim to be neopolitan pizza (and perhaps both are), they are completely different in taste, both being excellent. If you live nearby and have not tried the place, put it at the top of your list. Also, the other food is pretty good so if a member of your party does not eat pizza, there are plenty of choices.
(5)
Julie R.
Okay, I'm supposed to vegetarian. But Luzzo tempts me with their superb Pizza Michele. Prosciutto and truffle pate, need I say more? It's great going with big groups so that you can order more varieties of delicious, perfectly crisp thin-crusted pizza. The crust is so thin, that each person can easily eat half a small pie, but be full with half a large. The Arogola is amazing, too, and I feel better eating it since it's completely covered with fresh arugula, thus hiding the fiendishly delicious prosicutto underneath. Wash it all down with an affordably priced bottle of Montepulciano. Ahhh, perfect.
(5)
Adriano R.
Great pizza. We ordered a diavola to split (basically a margherita with soppresata) and it tasted almost exactly like what I've had in Italy on many occasions. It's clear they use fresh, quality ingredients and know what pizza should taste like. Go here and not Una Pizza Napoletana if you want real pizza at a reasonable price. Also- service was excellent- the waiter even spoke to me in Italian since he realized I am fluent. Cool interior as well.
(4)
Eileen H.
I could give Luzzo's more stars if it had better customer service. My husband and I went to Luzzo's last night with a friend and were very disappointed with the marked difference in the service we received compared to the other guests around us. Was it because we looked young or something? It wasn't until our meal was almost over that I realized all of the other tables had bread baskets and were being friendly greeted by the manager/whoever-seemed-in-charge. Our glasses of water ran empty and our leftover pizza was folded and cramped into a round aluminum take-out container meant for pasta. I would assume they ran out of pizza boxes or something, except that other people were walking out with them. I normally wouldn't care that much about the service since it was busy and we really didn't have to wait that long for our food--but the fact that we were treated so differently is unacceptable and the pizza here is not worth it for me to come here again. On that note, the pizza was good--the crust really is very thin. We laughed when our server told us that the 16" pie was only meant to serve 2 people--but that actually turned out to be pretty true since the crust is so thin that each slice is not very filling. Another thing that I didn't like was that basil was listed as a topping on one of the pizzas we ordered, and there was only a single basil leaf placed like a garnish on the pie. If it's just a garnish, don't list it as a topping! Pizza lovers should go to Luzzo's for the sake of sampling all the pizza NYC has to offer, but I just hope they give you better service than they gave to us.
(3)
Alyssa G.
Really delicious pizza (and cheesecake!). We were going to check out Motorino around the corner, but there was a long wait and a hostess with a bad attitude. So glad we went here instead! Plus, the people running it are actually Italian, which is rare in NYC.
I will always love Luzzo's, but I REALLY wish New York Magazine hadn't ranked them the 6th best pizza in NYC in last week's Cheap Eats issue. Usually on a weeknight, the wait for two people at Luzzo's is a quick 10 minutes. I came by on Wednesday night around 7:45pm and the wait was 45 minutes. There were mobs of people both inside and on the sidewalk. I used to call for delivery pretty frequently and it would take under half an hour... Now it takes an hour. Damn you, NY magazine.
(4)
john l.
OK Pasquale your pizza is better than # 6 and you could make a case for #1! Love this place !!!!! Octopus with rocket, Amerone on sale, and possibly the best pizza in the city, noisy and fun and frozen lemonchella for desert, on the house; thanks Pasquale.
(5)
Christian R.
Simply the best pizza in New York City, but comes nowhere close to the traditional New Haven pie ; ) I've had John's, Patsy's, etc and none of them compare to the authenticity of real Sicilian thin crust pizza. You're not going to get antipasti on this menu- these guys don't mess around. It's really crowded on most Fri and Sat nights- I can't remember if they take reservations- but make sure you go in small groups or with a friend or date. I highly recommend the prosciutto, arugula, and bufala mozzarella pie. Everything is fresh and full-flavored. Bufala mozzarella almost melts in your mouth- and is baked with such precision and the utmost care. A nice chianti complements this particular selection very well.
(5)
Beverly H.
i've come to Luzzo's twice now since it seems to be the only italian restaurant in east village that comes to people's minds but after trying this place for a second time, this time trying a pasta dish, i have to ultimately say, it's only ok. while the atmosphere seems truely authentic italian which leads me to believe so is the food, nothing in the dishes i ordered truely had any bang. On top of that, for the prices they charge, i expect some goosebumps at least. all i can say is the most exciting aspect about the place is the bread and olive oil. the service is nice also.
(3)
Moriah R.
I love Luzzo's. I love the waitstaff, the food and the ambiance. I would recommend to someone who is looking for a casual place and great food, always. The pizza rocks!
(5)
Kathleen G.
We had a little service snafu, but the Manager more than made up for it, so a solid four stars. Friend and I came in for dinner, got some wine at the bar and waited a few minutes. The manager chatted with us during that time, so maybe he was pre-disposed to be nice to us later. We get seated and my friend orders pasta, I order pizza. Hers come out in a reasonable time. Mine ... not so much. She waits, we look around. It becomes obvious that they just forgot my order. The manager came over and explained, I said it was ok, and can we please get another glass of wine while we wait? He come back with a brand new bottle, pours us each a glass, smiles at us, and just sets the entire bottle on the table. Immediately, our irritation was history, haha! If nothing else, manager's got his shit together when it comes to placating customers. Overall, my friend's pasta (the gnocchi) was really good, my pizza was great (once it arrived) and the staff (our waitress and manager) were very helpful in correcting the mistake. I'm sure it was just a mistake, as everyone else in the restaurant seemed happy, so I don't hold it against them and would definitely go back.
(4)
Zeb C.
Been enjoying Luzzos for years, but recently had an awful experience there. Mozzarella was sub par and unbelievably FROZEN. There must be new management or something. Service was lousy and the atmosphere was notable for the TV on volume 11. Complaints to management were met with a shrug. Remove Luzzos from your list of East Village must try eateries. There are plenty of other good choices.
(1)
Erika H.
Best pizza place ever in NYC, hands-down. The buffalo mozzarella pizza is to die for!! I haven't read any of the reviews here, but if anyone says anything about taking off a star for the decor or whatever -- YOU ARE AN IDIOT. By the time you take a huge bite out of the perfectly thin, melt-in-your-mouth gooey goodness, you should've forgotten about complaining about the lack of decor and "atmosphere", which really has no place in a pizza restaurant anyway.
(5)
Andrew M.
Great thin crust style pizza and a homely vibe venue. My favourite place to eat Italian in NYC.
(5)
Taylor M.
This is my favorite pizzeria in NY that transports me to Napoli, Italy. From the crisp, gossamer thin crust with exclusive use of buffalo mozzarella to their excellent cafe americano, all I can say is "Mangiamo!!!"
(4)
Natalia H.
Very fresh, tasty pizza. The place gets crowded early but it's worth the wait. The pizza is not too thick, not too thin and the crust is soft and chewy. The sauce is flavorful yet not overpowering, the cheese is fresh buffalo mozzarella. Wine is very reasonably priced. The staff is attentive and chat in Italian. Yes, the pizza is a bit pricey but the fresh ingredients totally justify the price.
(5)
Dr. M.
Real lunch on weekends. Authentic Italian. Especially good for Neapolitan coal oven pizza. Can get very crowded and noisy, but it's worth it.
(4)
Daniel F.
Still looking forward to trying other pizza places in NYC, but this was a great start. Surely the best pizza I've had. I wanted to eat it very slowly so that I wouldn't finish it. After we all had our first bite, there was a brief moment of silence, and we knew we had a real contender here. I''m sure there are other great pizza places in the city, but this is one to beat.
(5)
Bethany L.
Amazing pizza, great atmosphere. I will be returning again and again. I'm not sure if I would say it's the best pizza in the city, but it's definitely within the top 5.
(4)
Minh N.
I have to first start with a disclaimer that I did not end up ordering the pizza toppings I wanted, but instead let my cousin who was visiting from CA handle that. She wanted pizza, and even though it was tempting to take her to Lombardi's since i'd never been, this place got such better reviews and it's a few blocks away, so why not. We got the sausage, ricotta, and olive pizza even though I just wanted to try the bufala pizza i kept reading about, but i liked those toppings anyway so it was fine. But I was wrong, the olives were super salty, and I think all of the toppings made the pizza a little bit soggy. It just had a watery liquid running over it that ruined the crust for me. I can see how if the pizza were made perfectly crispy I'd love this, but maybe i just got it on an off night. I'll have to give it another shot because i really do believe in this place.
(3)
angie s.
This is BEST pizza place ever!! I live in california and I was visiting NY. I read some good review fro yelp so I wanted to try it. I still think about Luzzo's pizza and craving for it everday!! You lucky newyorkers!!!
(5)
Ian G.
I had high hopes; good reviews and I received a glowing recommendation from a friend. However, I found the pizza to be mediocre. Plus, Lombardi's delivers to my door, which is in another league.
(2)
Ronda W.
The pizza here is really good! I went on saturday night so it was pretty noisy, but in a lively way. The pasta portions are pretty small though, so I recommend that groups order a large pizza pie to share. We ordered the bruschetta as our appetizer and I was a little dissappointed; for $7 we got three peices of very crunchy bread with some tomatoes on it-- not recommended. The servers were friendly and helpful and even communicated in Italian with my friend who is a beginner in Italian (no rudeness at all). Simply put, order their pizzas and you'll happy and satiated!
(4)
Y S.
I ordered the "Bufala" and the "Luzzo's" pizza for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The "Bufala" was a standard Margherita however the "Luzzo's" was a no tomato sauce pizza with cherry tomatoes and covered with arugula. Both pizzas were excellent. This is one of the best pizza's I have had in Manhattan and definitely worth a try. I look forward to going back to try some other items on their menu.
(4)
Jonathan T.
I had the arugula and proscuitto pizza here. It was good, but not as satisfying as Lombardi's. I think the pizza is more like Italy style than Lombardi's which has a more american feel to it. Lombardi's is also waaay more busy and packed. The environment here is more friendly and relaxed. The wait staff is also friendlier, maybe because they're less busy. The waiter even mentioned this is just like the pizza he has back home in Italy. Because of him, I give this place 5 starts, otherwise 4.5.
(5)
Elizabeth V.
Awesome little find. Have gone there two times and the staff has always been very friendly - my favorite is by far the truffle pizza! Get it! Decor is very welcoming. Don't forget to ask for the spicy oil and that it is cash or Amex only.
(5)
Vicki D.
GREAT. Pizza - I recommend the diavola, the truffle one with prosciutto, and the rucola. Calamari is nice and light, so is the bruschetta. Wine offerings are standard. Came with a large party and the service was quick! Bring cash or amex if you have one.
(4)
Katrina L.
One of the best pizza places in the city. Hot, fresh, chewy, not soggy in the middle. You might also see a couple celebrities there :)
(4)
Irene C.
Delicious pizza, delicious crust. My friend and I shared the Martha (mozzarella, basil, truffle oil, prosciutto) in a 16'' pizza, and it was phenomenal. Literally I want to order this every day for dinner now. And I don't even like pizza that much! Service was fine on a Saturday afternoon. Nothing noticeably wrong, which is always a plus.
(5)
Lana T.
My 100th review goes to my favorite pizza place in NYC. Read my previous reviews and GO! Chili oil is a MUST!
(5)
Steve R.
I have eaten about 8 "est" pizzas from here since trying it four months ago. It's very reminiscent of great pizza places in Florence and Naples. The crust is perfectly charred but chewy, and the center of the pizza is gooey and creamy. I am about to order another one...
(5)
Brittany A.
Delicious thin crust, Naples style pizza in a delightful environment. I came here with a Yelp friend and we split a 16'' pizza with mozzerella cheese, basil, and truffle oil. The pizza ($23) was a enough for 2 people and definitely left us fully satisfied. The decor is adorable and I loved the details such as the upside down chair and table. It is a small pizza parlor so it does get very crowded on weekends. There is also a bar area with some chairs where you can sit and eat or order a glass of vino while you are waiting for your table. The waitstaff was great! Our pizza came out so quickly and our waiter was constantly filling up our water glasses. Notes: Cash only. Come on a weeknight so you don't have to fight the crowds.
(4)
Hyungki P.
First time trying NY pizza, so I have nothing to compare this with. However, my taste buds are still traumatized and drooling from the thought of this place. Extra cool points for chairs attached to the ceiling. Gimmie PIZZA... P-I-Z-Z-A
(5)
Jacek L.
Luzzo's takes the cake, or in this case, pie, when it comes to a good pizza. Being the pizza snob that I am, i have a top three, but after I ate here, a fourth spot was taken. Luzzo's actually took the number one spot. If you are in the area, better yet, go to the area and have their pizza. You will not be sorry
(5)
Jando S.
Luzzo's is hardly one's typical New York style pizzeria, and that's exactly why I love it. It's a far cry from the hearty NY foldable slice and more akin to the thin Neapolitan variety found in Europe. The place didn't always win me over, service was amiss at times and it was generally a tough sell for groups larger than 4. Over time it seems these issues have been less prevalent and I've been able to enjoy myself here again. As for the pizza, well, it's phenomenally delicious. It's easy to miss a place like Luzzo's. There is no giant conspicuous signage or an ambiguously cheesy website to promote its works of pizza art. The place is absurdly narrow, which puts into question how they manage to cram any group of people, let alone the tiny tables for some NYU kid's date night. Whoever did their interior design has interesting taste: the random, even partially strange, funky decor? Upside down lamps and chairs? It may double as a wing of a Halloween venue in some scenarios. People have already noted Luzzo's place among the gods in the NY pizza scene and I for one believe it deserves to be there. There are plenty of pizza joints that mirror each other but how many others are able to execute the coal oven, thin Neapolitan slice as well as they do? Few and far between. Price wise they're not too crazy, but the pizzas won't be nearly as filling as the nearby alternative. Folks are keen to order the personal sizes (12 inch from $14-18), but the 16 inch pies ($23-26) are the perfect size for sharing. Recommended starters include the patata a modo nostro (potatoes au gratin with mozzarella and ham - awesome), arancini di carne (rice bals with meat ragu), and even the frito napoletano (fried Neapolitan platter). I'd also recommend some of the salads and pastas, but really the pizza steals the show. First timers ought to try the Bufala ($21), a simple pie consisting of tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, and basil, is among the standouts among their array of quality pizzas. It's hard for me to resist the Martha ($24), a lovely thin crusted pie of mozzarella, prosciutto, truffle pate, basil (though there is no tomato sauce). Finally, the Burtta Ma Buona ($25) is utterly ridiculous pie containing tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives, and basil, and is a delicious every time. Whenever I find myself in the East Village looking for a sit down pizzeria with folks as eager as I to tear up some serious pies, Luzzo's answers the call almost every time. I often will call ahead of time to find out the wait time and if it exceeds more than an hour, I'm placing an order to go.
(5)
Melvin A.
I love the food! The service is attentive and the atmosphere is cozy. Never disappointed!
(4)
Stockton J.
Best pizza I've had in Manhattan. Amazing mozzarella and prosciutto starter that reminds me of being back in Italy. Wish they took reservations and credit cards, but this place is still worth it.
(5)
Rama D.
This is one of my favorite pizzerias in New York City as a whole. The pies reminds me of when Lombardi's pizza was good in the late 90's. Everything about their pie is fantastic. The campana pie is what delivers me for me every time. Great staff as well!
(5)
Dorim L.
Best pizza ever. I read some other reviews and how people thought the pizza was a bit on the limp side. I have noticed but that's how I like my pizza. I LOVE the crust and sauce. It has a nice oomph to it since I can taste a bit of the tartness and saltiness; a great combo. I wished we tried the various pastas but I was focused on just their pizzas. I'll try the other dishes next time and there will definitely be a next time.
(5)
Joe G.
Forgot to mention : What's up with not having Garlic powder at Luzzo's?? Yes the pizza is good enough, but I always enjoy garlic, oregano and red pepper on any pizza I take down. I recently noticed a lot of places around the city not putting these garnishes out - particularly Garlic. Is this some new hipster thing? People not eating pizza with Garlic anymore? It's just crazy. Probably shouldn't take a star away, but don't tell customers how they should enjoy their pizza. Garlic powder is the number 1 pizza topping - don't act like you're too good for it.
(4)
Lawrence Z.
Pizza was phenomenal. Definitely get the one with prosciutto and truffle oil, eggplant appetizer, and down it with a Moretti beer.
(4)
Tom O.
We waited 45 minutes for our waiter to realize he forgot to put in our order. After reminding him twice, he actually went back to put it in. The food looked good jut we bailed out of the principle before getting served. Sorry. We were really looking forward to it.
(1)
Caroline E.
The Speck pizza was Specktacular. Hole in the wall place in NYC. Includes upside down furniture on the ceiling and old photos on the wall. I would recommend sitting in the back room, more ambiance with the kitchen and you can see everyone in front. Although the pizza was very affordable, we split a bottle of wine and the only options were $38 or $40. Downside: THEY ONLY TAKE AMERICAN EXPRESS! (Just a heads up)
(4)
Jason T.
i'm a pizza freak and this place is definitely a top ten pizza in NYC kind of place. There has been a bit of an explosion of real pizza here in the last decade. Prior to that it would have been top 5. I had pizza in Naples back in the 70's when I was a kid and this comes very close. It's the real thing. You pay a premium but it's worth it. Go check it out!
(5)
Don W.
Great thin crust Naples style coal oven pizza. Small and local, they only accept cash and AMEX. No Visa or MasterCard.
(4)
Eddie C.
I came here with a large group of 9 people, and I have to say was quite impressed with the pizza quality. We ordered several apps and 4 large pizzas. We ordered the Argula, Tartufata, EST. and Aglietta. The Argula and EST were pretty standard, but I was especially impressed with the Tartufata and Aglietta. The truffle on the tartufata was delicious and made a great touch! If you love garlic, the Aglietta is definitely worth it. It has cloves of roasted garlic on it and is quite strong. Wouldn't go kissing anyone after eating this! In general though, the crust is the star of the pizza here. It stays so crispy even after the pizza sits for awhile. A little on the pricy side, but the pizza is delicious here.
(4)
May L.
Best.Pizza.Ever. A simple pie of deliciousness. I can still taste the truffle oil in my dream. 3 girls shared a pie plus a calamari and we were full and happy. Love the quirky decor too!
(5)
Sean M.
Arugula Pizza - 4 Stars. The arugula on the pizza was good, but a little much Michele Pizza - 5 Stars. One of the best pizza's I have ever had. Calamari - 4.5 Stars
(5)
Ann Beth C.
Loved it! Either I have been so pizza starved since being on the West Coast or this was just a truly outstanding pizza. I am going with outstanding. One pie had sausage, not cherry peppers and cheese (#13 with a substitute for ham) and one was #20 red with roasted garlic. My question about the roasted garlic, why do more places not do it? The crust was thin, and amazing. The sauce, like it should be, great tomato flavor and not tasting like cheap spices. Mozzarella, just enough. We got there just after opening and pizza came out quick. All 4 of us agreed that this blew Lombardi's out of the water. So good, I want to go back today!
(5)
Giovanna A.
Best pizza in NYC! The thin crust pizza makes it so easy to indulge in several slices, without feeling full. You feel like you stepped into a pizzeria in Naples, Italy. The staff speaks Italian & has a very cozy vibe to it. The restaurant is narrow & the wait can be long, but it is all worth the experience. You do not know what you're missing!
(5)
Jeff G.
Luzzos is great. Great location, great staff, just all around the full package. I don't consider it the best pizza place ever but Luzzos has definitely become a regular go to place for me. Typically there's never a long wait, it consistently gives me a good experience, the atmosphere in the place isn't too loud or crowded. It's a great go to place when you're like "I want something good, I don't want to deal with long waits, I want to sit and have a drink with some friends where we all can be seated easily". It's the no hassle go to restaurant, perfect for dinner meetings also.
(4)
Maeve C.
It's always a good sign when the plainest option tastes phenomenal, in this case, the Bufala pizza was phenomenal and well-worth the trip through the freezing cold. My friends and I met here for dinner one night, and I loved the atmosphere upon walking in and sitting at the bar to wait. It is so low key and inviting, with tons of wood and warm lighting that feels rustic and comfortable. Prices are a little steep for what you get, I mean $17 bucks for a personal pizza is a little much for me, but I sucked it up. I think the way to go is to split an appetizer and get the 16 inch pie for two people, as the price per square inch of pizza significantly drops at the point. It's super cute for an intimate date, but I also saw a couple of larger groups.
(4)
Angelina P.
Great food great service. The most incredible pizza i have ever eaten. Fresh and delicious. The stuff was quick friendly and accommodating. Will definitely go back! Amazing!
(5)
Dana F.
Fantastic! Absolutely loved the thin crust pizza and the appetizers, especially the artichokes. The decor is adorable and they take reservation (big plus when compared to other top notch pizza places in the east village like motorino). Highly recommended
(4)
Christine T.
Oh my.... finally a real pizza place! The thin crust on this pizza is pretty much like crack, the flavor, tomato sauce, and the chili oil at this place just makes me happy! I haven't really found any good pizza in nyc since i've been here but Luzzo does the trick so far. I had the arugula pizza which comes with prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella.. the chili oil is amazing, but it makes the pizza super oily! Staff is nice, no wait on a friday night and good enough space for groups.
(5)
Ellen F.
Luzzos is amazing. Great service, all the pizzas are divine. I recommend the speck pizza, the diavolo and Tartufata.
(4)
Lizi C.
Great pizza! It is simple and delicious. We ordered the 16" which was a hearty portion for 2 people. The crust was perfection and the olive oil on the table was an excellent addition. We went on a Sunday afternoon so it wasn't that busy. Service was efficient and attentive and our pizza came out in about 10 minutes or maybe a little bit less. Cash or American Express only. We'll be back!
(4)
Pizzadog 8.
NEVER GET DELIVERY! The lady who works the phones is one of the worst people I have ever dealt with and I've worked in restaurants for almost 10 years. She was rude and also...wrong. The pizza is amazing. Dine in or nothing.
(1)
Silvia F.
My husband and I are Italian (not American-Italian, we are straight from Italy) and we have been on the hunt for authentic, delicious Italian pizza in New York. We have found 3-4 good spots but when we tried Luzzo's....we declared it the ultimate winner! The crust is absolutely perfect, traditional Napoletana style, the ingredients are fresh and it is even more delicious than some pizzas we have had in Italy, and that is a compliment! I wish it were not so insanely difficult to get seated (even with reservations made well in advance we have usualy waited 30 minutes), but it is worth it! I can't say anything about the non-pizza items on the menu, we've never tried them because we always want to "save all our room" for the delicious pizza!!! Either way, 5 stars, absolutely!
(5)
Xoxox X.
I remember when this place opened and it was excellent. Back when they really cared about the quality. The service was really friendly and hospitable too. Then suddenly one day, the pizza was under cooked, rushed from the ovens, and the eggplant parm was half the size of the original. For the same price. I'm not kidding. And the service was like a bus stop. I'm sorry to see this because when they opened, they were very authentic, and then they became just another over crowded place with mediocre food. I really miss the original quality, especially since I know that they can pull it off.
(2)
Kyle R.
Luzzo's is my favorite pizza place in nyc! This place is very authentic and even has Italian servers. The girl who recommended this place to me brought her friend from Italy to Luzzo's and she said the pizza was better then anything she has had in Italy. I've tried 3 different pizzas here and they were all awesome! Only bad part is that they only take cash/American express and that the appetizers are VERY small portions.
(5)
Trisha M.
Really yummy pizza and phenomenal customer service. Definitely adding this as a staple restaurant in my life.
(4)
Justine G.
8 out of 10. The food was absolutely perfect! The spaghetti carbonara is to die for! And the pizza! it's number 11 on the menu but the service is poor :( they're not busy when we came but they're not helpful at all to tell whats on the menu since its an italian menu. Lastly they only accept cash and amex card.
(4)
Clarita H.
This place might be okay for pizza, but their pastas, and meatball appetizer, left us unsatisfied. I got the Bucatini with capers, olives and anchovies...they gave me fusilli and there was no anchovies, but an overload of olives. My husband ordered the rigatoni with baby back ribs, meatballs and sausage...would've been nice if he got a meatball, actual sausage and something other than pork fat with bones. The appetizer of 3 little meatballs in mediocre sauce for 11 bucks, not worth it. It would help if they at least give you whats described in their menu.
(2)
Daniel C.
Who said that you have to go to Lombardi's to get a great slice of pizza! Luzzo's pizza is quite phenomenal on it's own way. I had the Salsicca and the Bufala and I was extremely impressed. It's not cheap but well worth the price. Pizza Breakdown: Crust - Excellent (thin crust) Sauce - Excellent Cheese - Great My goal is to search for the ultimate Pizza slice in the Metro area. If you are reading this review and know of an outstanding Pizza place in New Jersey or New York kindly let me know. I would love to try it.
(5)
Rachel K.
Quiet, casual, but most of all delicious. This is what I envision when thinking of NY pizza. Got the bufala, and everything about it was perfect. Crust was chewy yet crisp. And the mozzarella? A+. Luzzo's is a must!
(5)
John H.
As far New York pizza is concerned, I only have Grimaldi's to compare Luzzo's to. And that is a pretty good pizza to compare yourself to. Unfortunately, Luzzo's didn't live up to expectations. I was visiting a friend in New York and he suggested this place. It was a rain soaked day and I was ready for some warm food. Got into Luzzo's and ordered a pizza. A sausage pizza I believe. A good pizza. It was just what I wanted on a cold rainy day. If I lived in the neighborhood, this could be a regular hangout. However, it's not the mind-blowing experience that my other pizza experience was.
(3)
Camille K.
The pizza is amazing. My family and I went pretty classic and just ordered the regular margarita one (unfortunately I forget the name) and we were not disappointed. The bruschetta was just ok, it was way too oily. Also, the service was nothing to rave about. It was quick but out waiter didn't really connect with us at all. I would efinitely return and recommend this to all of my friends in the area who are craving pizza!
(4)
Amy S.
YUMS. We got three different kind of pizzas for the 10 of us (approximately?) and a truffle pasta, yum yum! My favorite was the arugula. OMG, I would get an arugula pizza everyday if I could. The others definitely weren't bad either, but I currently can't remember which ones we got. I just can only remember the arugula right now. Also, that truffle pasta. MMMmm, that was tasty. Kind of heavy, so it was good we shared, but still good. I want pizza. Right now.
(5)
Isabelle Z.
A great pizza place that has amazing service and delicious pizza and salad. In my opinion, the salsiccia e broccoli (broccoli rabe & sausages) pizza is my favorite: it doesn't contain any tomato sauce, but the flavor is all there; it's light and refreshing. If you're a lover of prosciutto like me, go for the arugula. Another aspect that I find important for pizza is the dough/crust. Here, the dough is both fragrant and fluffy, slightly charred from the brick oven pizza, but still one of the most delicious crusts I have ever had. I've already been here several times, and I will definitely be back ....as often as possible! You won't be disappointed! **ALSO, maybe this comes natural to people but because I ALWAYS have trouble debating how much pizza will satiate my hunger, an 18" is more than enough for 2 people, and an 18" + 12" is perfect for 3.
(4)
Honora M.
Went in to order and carry out. Took over half an hour to get one measly pizza; when I got it home, it was cold and sloppy with the cheese falling all over the place. Plus they were rude. Never again. I'll eat at the dollar slice place first.
(1)
Carrie H.
amazing, amazing pizza - one of my favorites. Service was OK but the pizza did come out really fast! But you live in NYC, so you're not really coming for the service...
(4)
Josephine L.
I consider myself a bit of a pizza connoisseur and this is one of the best pizza spots in nyc. - crispy, thin dough - sweet but tangy sauce - perfect amount of cheese - high quality toppings
(5)
J A Y.
The best pizza in town for me. I've tried Lombardi's, DiFara's, and Grimaldi's, Juliana's. I think Among the four, it's a toss up between DiFara's and Luzzo's but DiFara's is a lot more $$$$. I think Luzzo's gets it right with the perfect crust and thickness. True NY pizza
(5)
Sara N.
In the mood for an early dinner, a gal pal carelessly searched for a pizza joint in our area and we landed in front of Luzzo's door not realizing what lay before us. Only the best authentic Italian pizza in a city with a population of 8.3 million people. After sitting down in a charming wooden booth, she ordered the bufala, I ordered the marinara pie. Baked with a fresh, thin crust, the marinara was layered with a tangy tomato sauce and generously sprinkled with oregano, garlic, and basil. I wolfed down the entire pie before my friend even finished her second slice, so I moved onto her bufala.
(4)
Phuong T.
LOVE their pizzas! Honestly the best crust I've had to date! :) We asked our friends local to NYC to take us to great NY pizza, so they took us here. It was busy when we arrived on a Friday night, but Sam fortunately called ahead, and we were seated after waiting 2 minutes. The place is cozy and warm and casual. We ordered three pizzas: the bufala (their margharita), the martha (I think?) with mushrooms added, and the arugola. All three were fantastic due to the fabulous crust, but the table favorite was easily the pizza with mushrooms and truffle (oh, maybe that was the Michele). We had 6 people in our party, and the place is really narrow, so if you have a group larger than 4 or 5 people, get really comfortable with your table, lol. I can't speak to how it is when you order takeout from here, but definitely eat in sometime to enjoy their pies fresh from the oven. :)
(5)
Cat N.
Pizza at Luzzo's is great. But when I called to put in my order today, they quoted me a new - different (higher) price than at their website. Normally I do not quibble about two dollars, but this time I happened to have the exact change for my pizza, tax + delivery tip (the place is cash only and so is delivery). When I pointed out that the price on their own website is different, they said that the online menu is for a different location! Well, it its not, it has a little map next to the menu and the phone # of the 1st ave place. Not a nice way to treat someone that orders from your shop once a week, Luzzo's. Having something else tonight.
(2)
Lu H.
Came here for a birthday dinner and the pizza was bangin. We had a range of vegetarians, carnivores, booze happy and non-drinkers -- everyone was happy. The most popular pizza was the 4 cheese topping. Even the non-vegetarians thought it was delicious. The much hailed arugula and proscuitto pizza was also delicious, but not as amazing as the 4 cheese. Olive and mushroom pizza was good too. Cheap wine, good meatballs & eggplant parm, mediocre calamari. I say skip the calamari - but someone inevitably wants to order it. Definitely go with the LARGER size. The personal sized pie is not much cheaper and not worth it. Go big or go home.
(5)
Vishal S.
Most Definitely one of the best Pizza places in NYC. Am a regular at Luzzo's whenever I am in the city. Their red wine is good too! Love the perfectly done thin crust and the crispiness of the pie. Among our favorites are Napoletana, Calzone (as a pizza), Piccante. Service is A-OK and hence just the 4 stars.
This place has not failed me again, I took my girlfriend and I into the city for her birthday and being the place that we enjoyed so much she decided that we should go back because of how good it was. Once we got in there we ordered to Heinekens and to start off we got the meatballs (which was not as good as I expected the meatballs were very tough and very small for 10$! We got 3 tiny meatballs for 10$! But I didn't expect much out of that)But these bread dipping sticks came with the meatballs and we dipped them into the sauce and the sauce was soooo good I tried to get the recipe from the guy but they didn't budge!:( so we obviously ordered the 16" bufala pizza which was amazing once again. I am speechless to describe the pizza but all I can say is that you have to go here and get the pizza because it. Is. Amazing. I recommended this place to everyone it just sucks that I don't live in the city anymore or I would make many more frequent stops here. 600th review!!! WOOO
(5)
michael c.
Luzzo's....great restaurant so long as you have AMEX or cash. I took my 3 year old son there for dinner and as 3 year olds are wont to do he fell asleep at the table before I could get the check. I didn't have cash and the only card i had was a master card debit. They don't accept this and they demonstrated no willingness to work with me at all. Had to carry my son out the door in the heat & humidity to find an ATM leaving my bags behind. The hostess, while very gracious said simply that it was the owners choice. The waiter/manager says that there's a sign i should've seen well before sitting. Sorry...I've got a tiger by the tail with a 3 year old. Sorry i missed your placard. Good answer though to an upset patron. Well the owner might just regret his choice. I live in Stuyvesant Town which i would imagine is a great source of business for Luzzo's. Social media is a powerful tool and I intend to use it to inform would be patrons of the policy and my experience with it. I won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)
Aubrey X.
how about a review not for pizza? even though, i'm salivating as i read everyone's description of the thin crust and fresh toppings, when i went to luzzo's with my bf, we were in the mood for pasta. even though luzzo's selection of pasta is way smaller than their selection of pies, we both ordered the paccheri al ragu napoletano. it looked super delish on paper. italian sausage, ribs, and meatballs? yes please! okay. so it's not exactly right to pluralize the meats included in the dish. it ended up being one sizeable chunk of each, but perfectly seasoned and tender, tasting divine with the thick homemade pasta and tomato sauce. each type of meat tasted different as well, it's nothing like the chef boyardee crap where your meatball and ravioli and lasagna all tastes the same - well of course this is a restaurant but i only have that canned stuff to use as reference : ) the rib was falling off the bone, sausage sweet and spicy, and meatball flavorful and hearty. we both loved our identical pastas identically as much, enough to have wanted to order another bowl of it each! the atmosphere here i feel is very suited for authentic italian family gatherings. when we were there, there were a huge group of an italian family and friends /very loudly/ celebrating a birthday in the back section of luzzo's. not complaining - i think it goes to show how cozy these patrons feel dining at luzzo's to regard it almost as a home given the volume of their party. good for them, i say!
(5)
Michael L.
Based on the Delivery experience, the pizza was deeeee-lish. It did however come kind of warm. The crust was moist and softened up as a result. Nothing that a couple minutes in the oven couldnt solve. After a reheat in the oven, this pizza had transformed into something terrific. The crust was cripsy and fluffy, I also added tons of fresh basil on top. We ordered the Diavola which has spicy salami, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. The salami at Di Fara's was better but overall ingredients were high quality. Just wish i didnt have to use my own fresh herbs to garnish the pie. Will def be on the list of great pizzas that are close to me. btw CASH ONLY for delivery. and i think CASH or AMEX if you dine in.
(4)
Andy S.
I had a pizza with spicy salami and ricotta. Quite delicious. This is quite a big step above pizza you'll find in random pizza joints throughout the city.
(4)
Roger A.
OK pizza. I like the restaurant ambiance but the food just average for NYC. Toppings were tasty but the thin crust was soggy in the middle. Everything just slid off when I picked up a slice. I think they put just too much cheese and sauce which weighs down the dough. Less is just sometimes more. Another problem I have is that they say they are authentic italian pizza....really? I have been to Italy and I don't think so.........
(3)
Antoinette D.
I went here as a party of 7- had made a reservation first so we did not wait too long once we got there. Upon ordering our appetizer, one of my friends just wanted to clarify if there were any peanut or peanut oil products she should steer clear from. The waiter looked confused and couldn't understand that she had a severe allergy to peanuts. He initially just told her to avoid the fried foods- kind of a weird answer. He went to check with someone upon her request and came back still with the same answer, nothing more definite. Although that is a bit of a challenge and scare for someone with an allergy, the food did not disappoint. The food was great all around- we split 5 different pizzas and they were all delicious. I would definitely return but maybe call beforehand for a reservation and to make sure you know about the ingredients they cook with
(4)
Abby R.
The best pizza ever! Decent sized restaurant (for manhattan) with an authentic Italian feel. I have never been to Italy, but I would imagine this is what their pizza tastes like. The pizzas are cooked in a coal oven, and the crust is thin and crispy without being too tough. Each bite is full of so many different delicious flavors. AMAZING.
(5)
Babak A.
I thought the pizza here was good, but nothing spectacular. I like NO.28 on carmine in west village much more than here. I also got the rice balls which I though again were average.
(3)
Matthew S.
Great pizza...some reviewers complained about sparse cheese...go to dominoes...higher quality ingredients in more tasteful proportions here. You will not be disappointed here. It is more italian style pizza than new york, regardless, it is wonderful.
(5)
Mariam S.
By far the best pizza I've had on the island! Better than Motorino's - the mozzarella is less water-y. I may or may not have eaten half a pie on my own, though, so be warned.
(4)
Helena H.
1 Pizza, 3 people = Happy Ending! Thin Crust Pizza, AWESOME!!!! a bit far from the transportation, but after eating this I will need a walk to burn it off. Is RIDICULOUSLY GOOD! (Margherita if you want to know what I had). If you don't believe me, GO and try it yourself! My favorite is: BUFALA (tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, basil) Plain and simple, Thin slices that everything is well balanced with the Bread, sauce and cheese. ARUGULA (with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmigiano, arugula) ... DOOOLING!
(5)
Anuy L.
Meal was served super fast during busy hours. Staff is generally friendly but forgot a dish we ordered.
(4)
Nanci S.
I've come here a few times. I was glad that I found this place through Yelp. There is nothing better than a pizza out of a coal oven. The service is very quick as well. The ambiance is relaxed and low-lighted. The pizza is a bit overpriced, but it's worth it. My favorite is the Salsiccia and Pizza Fritta! Just pure tasty. Oh and for dessert try the tiramisu. You can never go wrong with that. The only drawback was that this place only accepts American Express. So, if you don't have that -- bring cash.
(5)
Priyanka P.
Mmmmmm.... Think thin, thin crust. So thin that it slides in your hand. The most amazing marinara you can eat and melted cheese (not too much, just enough). Thats Luzzo's for you. That's all I really eat at Luzzo's. I hear the pastas are great too but the pizza is divine. Especially the one with truffle pate. Even the bruschetta is delicious and the olive oil and tomatoes are so fresh, it melts in your mouth. I would definitely recommend this place especially with a group of friends and a good afternoon lunch.
(4)
Jocy C.
Neopolitan style pizza at its best. Bf and I headed over to Luzzo's on a Saturday morning and ordered the following: 1) Carciofi Gratinati - Artichokes Gratin - this was a very interesting dish for appetizer. We ordered it purely for the fact that we like artichokes. It had a thin crispy layer of cheese on top. YUM. It didn't seem like a heavy dish at all despite the "gratin" in the name of the dish. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… 2) Bufala Pizza - tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, & basil (with EXTRA BASIL) - By far, our favorite pizza of any pizza places that we've ordered from. The crust came out piping hot and crispy. One bite had a nice layer of crunch on the dough. YUM. Eat fast though! The A/C in this place is so cold that the pie gets cold fast. When it does, the crust loses that nice crunch. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… 3) Pappardelle speck E porcini - homemade pasta with speck, porcini mushroom, & truffle oil - everything about this dish was just fantastic. Pasta was homemade tasting and the porcini mushrooms were just to die for! Nice aroma from the truffle oil as well. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… Normally, I don't comment on the atmosphere... but the decor had a visual interest for me. What's up with the upside down chairs and tables? It was pretty neat! Service wise - very friendly. Writing this review has made my mouth water all over again. I'll have to head back to Luzzo's soon!
(5)
Kelly R.
Every single thing was delicious, pizza was thin and crunchy, They accommodate large groups Great staff Meatballs and risotto balls were also spot on Arrive on time with your full party because it gets crowded.
(5)
Nga C.
Yum Yum in my tum tum, especially when it comes to their pizza! I came here with a group (15 ppl) on a Friday night around 6:30pm and boy was the restaurant accommodating. Even if they lack hospitality, I still would have came back solely because of their pizza. The crust was amazingly thin but not too thin and it was chewy to the bite. Everything about it was just perfect. Personally, I think it is definitely one of New York's best and if you're a pizza connoisseur like me and you're mission in life is to check out all the joints in the city, then buddy, this place should really be your next pit stop!!
(5)
Jerry F.
I love Luzzo's. We've been going for five years. I always give rave reviews. We went the other night and the pizza margarita was fabulous. I specifically asked for it hot and not soggy. The reason was that the one time before, it was. I am guessing the one bad time was an exception., Luzzo's is the best. But from now on, I'm asking for it hot and crisp.
(4)
Bob R.
This is a review by a vegetarian The next time someone says that true italian pizza has a wet center I'm going to point them at this place and call them an idiot. In my far from comprehensive survey of Manhattan pizza, this is the best I've tried. Pricey at $17+tax for a 12" buffala (plain) pie but man is it near perfect. No half'n'half toppings Service pace and ambient music are Italian but it's all good. The Grimaldi's in Limelight is a better value but this is a nicer atmosphere and a small notch higher.
(5)
Jenna K.
I loved Luzzo's! I came a few weeks back with Brittany A on a weeknight and we had no trouble getting a table around 8:15 (I've heard it gets crowded on weekends). I got there a little early & ordered a glass of wine at the bar. The bartender was friendly & offered me a glass from an even nicer bottle that he already had open, so that was exciting. Once we sat, we decided to split the 16'' pizza with mozzarella cheese, basil, and truffle oil. It was great & definitely a good amount of food for two people. The whole menu sounded so delicious though - I definitely need to get back to Luzzo's soon!
(4)
Michelle B.
Went back a 2nd time, better than the first. Cant get enough of that sauce.
(5)
Carlen M.
After hearing so much about this place from my fellow foodie friend, who happens to be an Italian from Staten Island, I was excited to finally try Luzzo's out! I knew if he raved about it, that it must be great! I went here on a Sunday night at 9:30, and it was still crowded! Because my dining partner and I, were not extremely hungry, we decided to go with a 12" pie, rather than the large 16" pie. Because of our mutual love for truffle oil, we decided to order the Tartufata, because it had tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, and basil. We originally were going to order a pie that had prosciutto, mushrooms, and truffle pate on it, but the waiter had advised us that it had no tomato sauce on it. We were both so happy for the warning, because we both love tomato sauce! While waiting for our pizza, we had gotten into talking to our fellow neighbors at the table next to us. They were old New Yorkers who had been living in the neighborhood since their college days. One of the men at the table assured us that Luzzo's is the best pizza in the neighborhood, and the only place he likes to go! Hearing this made us very excited for our pizza that was on its way to the table! Our pizza arrived at the table with such an aroma of truffle oil that I wanted to dive right in. As usual, I was so excited to jump into eating this image of perfection, that my dining partner had to remind me to take a picture! This pizza was soooo good! Words can't explain. There were actually a few moments of silence while eating between my dining partner and I, because we were so busy enjoying the flavor of the pizza. There was so much truffle oil on this pizza, that I was in heaven! Also, the pizza was cooked just perfectly. The dough was crispy and soft all at once! I definitely suggest checking out this pizza joint when you have a chance. Definitely not to be missed!
(5)
Espen S.
Didn't try the pizza unfortunately, but had the bolognese. Really good and the portion size was very generous! Well worth $15 I'd say.
(4)
Malinda G.
This place is great. From california and we were looking for authentic NY pizza. We found it here. They were just about to close but welcomed us in and recommended the best meal we had in NY. Highly recommend the walnut salad and the margherita pizza.
(5)
Minto S.
Came back here on a quiet 4th of July. The place was practically empty so I got excited about getting extra love and attention to my pizza order. We ordered the basil, garlic pizza and it was one of the best pizza's I've ever had. Very simple and delicious. The first time I came here it was very busy so the pizza didnt taste as good.
(4)
Matthew R.
Without hesitation, the BEST pie in the city. I'm in absolute lust with the Diavola. And try the gnocchi. It dissolves on your tongue. Always consistent. Always delicious. The real deal.
(5)
Tiffany K.
Luzzo's, you are amazing. Great food, fun and vibrant environment, and did I say great food? I went to Luzzo's with some friends during my last NYC trip (this is my girlfriend's favorite pizza spot)- we had a party of 5 and waited about 30 minutes. While waiting, we hung out a the bar and had a few glasses of wine. For dinner, we ordered 3 pizzas and a bottle of wine. Every time I visit New York I have to have a plain and simple slice - Margherita or cheese, something simple. (opposite of California where it's all about toppings). The Margherita pizza here was amazing - delicious bread, marinara, and the cheese was scrumptious, fresh, and had great texture. When we first ordered 3 pizzas, I thought it would be too much. But after finishing the 3 pizzas quickly, I actually still wanted more. I'm so glad I tried this place out since my New York pizza resume only included Lombardi's before my trip to Luzzo's. YUM!
(5)
Kurdy S.
You know how they say first impression counts? Wow, my first bite into this pizza was incredible! To me, this is how I prefer my pizza. The crust was thin and soft while kept a crispy texture. The red sauce was not too heavy and not too light, just enough to bring out the overall taste. The toppings such as the mozzarella and sausage tasted very fresh, perhaps imported directly from Italy? I will definitely say, I paid for the best here. Well worth it! Also would like to note that the text on the menu is Italian with English translation.
(5)
Gary K.
They make an amazing Neopolitan style pizza... always something new to try there.
(4)
Noy N.
Big disappointment. Luzzo's used to serve good pizza but not anymore. Now the crust is alway soggy and the service, specially the host, is rude.
(1)
Andrew Z.
The best Napolitan style pizza I've found outside of Italy. I love their pies!! Highly recommended.
(5)
H D.
The pizza, service, and drinks were wonderful! I would go back for sure all the time if I didn't freakin' live 2000+ miles away, sucks. Maybe I should move for this and many other cool places in East Village. Anyways, the tables are nice the place is set up like a funny dive artsy ambiance. Prices is super reasonable and it's nice enough for a date as long as she ain't a gold diggin' uptight high maintenance chick. Enjoy the food and forgive yourself on the calories, what's another 8 hours on a Stairmaster?
(5)
Brian C.
Good pizza, despite the creepy waiter who was being a creeper and kept staring at my girl from a distance. Large groups welcome! Was here with a group of 14 which they were easily able to accommodate in their downstairs dining area (reservations for large parties recommended). I didn't have a choice of what pizza to order, but I had a white slice (which wasn't anything spectacular), a stuffed meat/mushroom slice (also nothing special), and an arugula/prosciutto slice (very good). Will be back to try again and order something of my choice!
(4)
Ginny B.
Surprisingly good Neapolitan pizza. Great char on the crust and a well balanced sauce make it one of my new favorite pies. The place is a dive and other items on the menu, like the escarole soup, are hit or miss. But, definitely go share a pie and a bottle of Gragnano with a good friend or loved one if you are in that neighborhood.
(4)
Ashwin M.
Great pizza and appetizers! I'd say Luzzo's is about on par with Patsy's in my book, probably slightly better. Piccante pizza was amazing, loved the globs of mozzarella, hot peppers and basil leaves. Amalfi salad was simple but had all the best ingredients - arugula, goat cheese and walnuts. Nice little vibe on a Sunday night with Italian tv station playing on the large lcd. Service was laid back, they let us sit and carry on with our conversation for a while before paying the bill. Felt like I was in Italy! Beware - was CASH ONLY despite Visa/MC sign in the front window. When we inquired, they said the registers were down and nothing they could do about it, but it would be fixed in a week or so. hmmm.
(4)
Sasha B.
5-stars for pizza 3- stars for service
(4)
Elizabeth L.
Loved the pizza here. Got the twelve inch speck for $20 and split it with my boyfriend. The crust was unbelievably good. Soft yet crispy with just the right amount of thickness and the mozzarella was fresh and well sized. Twelve inch was definitely not enough for the two of us though as we wanted more!
(5)
Pun B.
Still the best thin crust pizza in Manhattan. Dough has a lot of gluten in it...very springy, with a delicious coal fired flavor. The Tortalana pizza was good, but wish they had cooked the zucchini beforehand. Excess liquid made it a bit soggy. It's not cheap (about $40/person with a glass of wine), but I appreciate that they use good ingredients like premium mozzarella that doesn't disintegrate into oil.
(4)
Lisa R.
This place is great for these reasons: service (plus there's usually a less than 10 min wait), open late and solid Margherita Pizza. I've tried the pastas here too and they don't compare to their perfectly made Mozzarella di Bufula. Downside: cash only or Amex.
(4)
Julie C.
Hands down the best pizza I've ever had so far! Tasty, extremely fresh toppings :) I would def. visit Luzzo's again when I visit NYC. Cons: Very Loud, chance of being seated literally right next to strangers due to small space.
(4)
Leslie D.
I went to Luzzo's a week ago for a girl's night out with my cousin and her friends. Apparently this place is "famous around the world" but I'd never even heard of it once in all my life haha. Since we arrived a little early and our table wasn't ready yet for our 9:30 reservation, we hung out at the bar and had a glass of red wine. A Chianti, as I recall. No liver and fava beans though. It was so crowded in the small area around the bar that I felt like I was constantly doing the Crowded Shuffle Dance. We also saw a server (or bus boy?) drop a tray of glasses twice. Poor guy! Move out of the way! Finally our table was free and we were led through the crowded restaurant. We had a party of 8 women and we were sat in the downstairs basement which was meant to accommodate larger parties. I noticed immediately we were put in a room where everyone but us was celebrating a girl's birthday. It felt like we were crashing their party... oh well. The room was loud and lively and that's how we wanted it to be. I had technically already eaten but wanted something to snack on. The Carpaccio di Bresaola really caught my eye (who doesn't love practically raw meat) so I settled on that plus called dibs on a slice of pizza from the Bufala pie (basically a margarita) my cousin ordered for her and her friend. We ordered a few bottles of the special wine for the table as well so we all had a good buzz going on. My carpaccio was actually really, really good. Thinly sliced meat with a light lemon dressing, crisp arugula and fresh Parmesan slivers came together in perfect symphony to create a particularly delicious meal. I shared some with the girls at my table who also agreed that it was pretty darn good. I ate 2 slices of pizza (or was it 3? I lost count) from the Bufala pie. It was pretty good but a little flimsy for my liking. Still, it was pretty good and I enjoyed it along with my meat. The service was consistent and although I'm sure we drove our waiter nuts (who we all said reminded us of that guy on Grey's Anatomy with the blue eyes... Jackson is his name maybe?) with constant requests for plates, napkins, water refills etc. he was very patient with us and fast. Overall, I don't know if I would particularly go out of my way to come to Luzzo's but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. If I was in the area and had a craving for pizza and/or carpaccio, I would seek them out. I definitely prefer this place to John's on Bleecker or the other overhyped-but-really-aren't-that-great pizza joints.... you know it's true.
(4)
Lolu D.
I think this is as good as it gets when it comes to pizza. I got the bufalo pie to share with a few friends. We also got the rice balls, good as well. highly recommend. Would return.
(5)
Mar T.
Loved their pizza! The place is tight and expect a wait. Their wine is a bit overpriced given the neighborhood and ambiance. Small, crowded, with long wait, but their pizza makes it worth it, especially if you are in good company :)
(5)
Gia V.
The thinnest, no sauce , no cheese, no taste square pizza I have ever had. I'm Italian - I come fro a restaurant family and this was truly a waste of time and money.
(1)
Sumito A.
Get to the Chase: Pros: 1) The pizza here is delicious! It's just as expected and dare I say even comparable to the ones I had in Milan, Italy. The dough is soft and yet firm, the tomato sauce is just right (not too runny and not too little), the toppings were generous and well spread out, and the taste was clean, ungreasy, and satisfying. 2) The tiramisu was also pretty decent, not the best, but definitely worth a try. Rich and creamy with some decadent smoothness and the right balance of coffee to sugar. 3) Great place to bring a group of people! Loud, fun and good eats! The food also comes pretty quick, so you're not waiting forever to be served. 4) Price wasn't that bad either....2 bottles of red wine, 3 16" pizzas, 1 tiramisu, a few beers split amongst 8 people was about $32 tax and tip included. Ordered the Funghi (Mushroom pizza) and the Arugala (arugala, parmagiano, tomato sauce, proscuitto) Cons: 1) The place is small as hell, and if you want to have a table BE ON TIME and MAKE A RESERVATION! 2) Limoncello was terrible...overly sweet, artificial taste, and sour. The traditional dessert shot should be served complimentary like a lot of other Italian places I've been too and shouldn't have such an acrid artificial taste
(4)
Jonathan R.
Was stuck in the bathroom the first 10 minutes of arriving, one of the funniest experiences of my life. I really enjoyed the pizza here, Please try the olive oil!
(4)
Michelle W.
I wasn't quite as smitten with this place as I wanted to be. We got the arugula pizza and the veggie pizza. To be fair, it's hard to pull off a really good veggie pizza. The veggie pizza was a bit soggy. I really wanted the zuke on the pizza to be a bit more roasted and add more crunch to the pie, but sadly it didn't quite deliver. The arugula pizza was really good. We also got the speck and porcini pasta. I thought that they were a bit stingy on the porcini. Give me a a little bit more porcini on my pasta and I'd have loved this place (and maybe a different pie instead of the veggie pizza).
(3)
Michael D.
TOTALLY AGREE jenny S. BEST THIN CRUST PIZZA IVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And don't be afraid of splitting the large with only two people.. the crust is thin enough so you wont get disgustingly full (unlike at artichoke). ALSO, get the original.. we got half original, half something else, but THERE WERE TOO MANY TOPPINGS on top that the pizza got soggy! And soggy thin crust = NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. So stick with the classics.. It's a little expensive for the amount of food you get, but its a damn good pie.
(4)
Alexandra C.
Luzzo's- what happened? You were once my #1 pizza place in the city. Friend straight off the boat from Italy- you are her favorite place. The last pizza wasn't at all the same or even good. Sadly. :(
(2)
Clara G.
This is my favorite pizza place in the neighborhood. The ingredients are fresh, and the crust is thin. Most importantly, when you are done eating your pizza your dish is not full of grease. If you go during the weekend, try to make a reservation.
(4)
R Y.
Campana Pizza. Delicious! But why 4 stars you ask? Well, let me start from the beginning. The place accepts cash and american express card only so have one or the other when you enter! My friend and I came here earlier this week to try out their pizza. They all sound pretty delicious. Except the price seem a little high. Meh, but it's specialty pizza place so we overlook the price and decided to order the campana, paying $23 for the larger one. The place is quaint and has little booth like seats on one side of the restaurant. Also, on the table, they have extra virgin olive oil on the table. Yum. and a bonus for me because I love dipping my pizza crusts in it. As the pizza is presented in front of you, you can tell it's fresh and the smell is signaling your brain how delicious each bite will be. I loved the taste of the sauce and love the fresh basil. The downside was that pizza was soggy. I could not pick it up without the pizza wilting down and dragging the delicious sauce and cheese on the plate. I could have licked the plate for the sauce and the cheese but I thought it would be inappropriate in public - although I have done that a few times in places I deem worthy. Unfortunately, their sauce is good, but not lick your plate good. Again, the pizza was good and I didn't mind the soggy bottom, but that was only possible because the sauce was good. Still, it would have been nice to have a more sturdy pizza to munch on. Overall they are more like 3.5 stars, but I rounded it up since the sauce was good, ingredients were fresh, plenty of cheese and the extra virgin olive oil on the side. Would I go back? Hmm, maybe but still, don't know if it was worth $23. I still was able to munch on other things after splitting that pizza with one other friend.
(4)
Nida K.
Luzzo's is definitely a gem in East Village. I've passed by Luzzo's day after day and never really thought to stop by. Finally, one day my friend and I were hungry and didn't feel like going too far, and we just decided to hit Luzzo's up. The restaurant is narrow and didn't seem very big. We got seated right away and looking over the menu, it was hard to pick what to order. The names of the dishes were in Italian and every item had a list of ingredients next to the name. Their menu was really extensive, making it hard for me to decide because everything sounded really good. Our server was nice and made some suggestions and I finally went with a pasta dish, Pappardelle Speck E Porcini, and a pizza, 4 Stagioni. Both were incredibly delicious and we ate until we couldn't anymore. We had some leftover pizza so we took that home, but we killed the pasta. The service was good and we had a really nice dinner not too far away from home. Luzzo's is a good neighborhood spot for locals and tourists alike. Even though I haven't been to many pizza places in NY, so far Luzzo's is one of my favorites.
(4)
Christopher S.
Why are you still sitting there?....RUN to Luzzo's right now....seriously, it's probably open so just put your pants on and go. Order the spaghetti carbonara and thank God for what you are about to eat...it helps if you are sitting at the table right under the picture of St. Padre Pio, but no matter either way it will be a religious experience. I haven't had carbonara made the authentic way since it was taught to me by my Calabrian Aunt Yolanda. I would have given it 5 stars if they had just added more pepper (which I asked for and they kindly provided). Are you there yet? I hope you remembered to put your pants on before you left.
(4)
Steve S.
Been here a few times so its time to share some suggestions. Some things to consider before chowing down are beer vs wine. I'm more of a beer and pizza guy so I went with the Peroni and Moretti but they have a wine list as well. Also, you may want to consider splashing a little of the table olive oil on some of your slice half way through. It may elevate the already excellent pizza to another level. A few highly recommended pizzas to try are the: Speck - Is an cured italian ham flavored with juniper berries and its made from the shoulder instead of from the leg like prosciutto. Its sliced thin and placed in strips on top of the pizza right before its served. I would try to eat a piece of the speck by itself before combining it with the pizza. Est - This has to be my favorite pizza at Luzzo's because the salami that liberally covers this pizza is really not that spicy and has a distinct nutty taste. Its like the pigs were only fed acorns or hazelnuts months before becoming sausage. Order it and you'll see what I mean. And you better make it a large. Campana - For those who enjoy bruschetta or crushed tomato sicilian slices, this is the pie for you. Brutta Ma Buona (Bad but Good) - The ricotta compliments the crumbled sausage well and the olives are not over powering nor do they cover the entire pie. Here are some notable ones to try as well: Calzone - very good, hearty and satisfying. Just make sure you specify if you want it served as a pizza or as a calzone. I'd have to say go with the pizza style on this one. Funghi - My guess is the mushrooms are cooked first before being added to the pizza moments before its done in oven. A decent pizza but not a highly recommend. Aglietta - For those garlic lovers. I enjoyed the sweetness of the garlic mixing with the tartness of the sauce. Ortolana - I swear I'm not putting this down here because it has vegetables on it. I just thought the zucchini while tasty was too soft and I guess I just prefer my eggplant to be fried when its on top of my pizza. I'm not sure if the moisture from the vegetables made the crust too soft but I think that may have happened with this slice.
(4)
Sean H.
The real deal. Awesome space in the East Village busting out killer Neopolitan pizzas. The menu is quite extensive. They have reasonably priced wine and beer (Peroni) as well. We happen to sneak in on a Friday night and sit down right away (total luck), but the entire time we were there and eating there was a line of people out the door. I'd say prepare to wait a few minutes, but you might get lucky and sneak in. As an aspiring pizza chef myself, I was very excited to try a place such as Luzzo's I had heard great things about, and it did not disappoint. If you consider yourself a true pizza lover, go here. Greatness.
(5)
D B.
Luzzos is a great dive bar pizza/italian kind of place...If you are looking for a romantic sit down dinner, than this is not the place...but if you want a chill dinner with a partner or some friends, its perfect! To start my boy and I shared the melon and prosciutto appetizer which was simple yet delicious! I had the Rigatoni with eggplant and ricotta (so yummy I almost ate the whole plate!) and my boy ordered a pizza with a spicy salami which was also very good! Overall good basic Italian pasta and amazing pizza!
(4)
Tiffany S.
yummy pizza and pasta dishes! A bit pricey for what it is but the arugula pizza is delicious. They also make a really great nutella pizza but the amount of nutella they put on varies. Service is ok and pretty fast but definitely make a reservation if you plan on going Thursday-Sunday after 7pm.
(4)
Michael M.
Loved the food here. The complete opposite of Artichoke Pizza- subtle yet flavorful. Nice selection of appetizers and pizzas. Didn't enjoy the blaring Italian rock music, but worth putting up with for the delicious food.
(4)
Scott W.
This could very well be Manhattan's best pizza. Luzzo's opened in 2004, featuring a menu of traditional Neapolitan dishes but once you see the coal-fired oven at the far wall, you'll know what to order. Burning coal in your brick oven is a no-no on Manhattan unless your oven is granfathered in. Thankfully, Luzzo's occupies a space once belonging to a bakery so their oven is totally street legal. They import most of their ingredients from Naples, including "00" flour, the pizza purist's best friend. If you only eat pies that overflow with cheese, don't even waste a single delicious slice on your stubborn palate. Luzzo's lays a perfect layer of their sweet 'n fruity sauce (uncooked) onto the dough before distributing a symmetrical constellation of mozzarella di bufala. After just a few minutes in the oven (probably 120-250 seconds), the pie is pulled and fresh basil leaves are added. This "Bufala" pie is what most pizzerias refer to as "Margherita." If you think you've had all the pizza New York has to offer, think again. This new kid on the block belongs in the upper crust of NYC's pizza elite.
(5)
Greg E.
i was pretty happy with lombardi's until i tried luzzo's. the pizza is freakin insanely good. i honestly don't know how pizza could be any better. it's basically heroin with cheese. the funghi and diavola are to die for. staff is very cool, helpful, and quick. im still reeling.
(5)
kari p.
Great pizza. Great pappardelle con funghi. Great artichoke appetizer. Deafening music. Go! You won't find better pizza...and we've searched. But, ask them to turn the music down, (we did 4 times) and maybe, just maybe, they'll keep it at a healthier volume consistently and then everybody in the restaurant won't have to scream over it to have a conversation.
(4)
Jason C.
For lovers of authentic neapolitan style pizza, Luzzo's will definitely put a smile on your face. If you are a fan of Chicago-style deep dish pizza or tons of cheese, this place is NOT FOR YOU, so if you fit in that category, stop reading now. You will be disappointed. Luzzo's serves exceptionally authentic neapolitan style pizza with mozzarella di buffalo that they import from Italy twice/week. Good luck finding that at most other pizza places in the city. I mentioned this to two of my Italian friends and they said good mozzarella di buffalo makes all the difference in the world. So good, they'll often eat it straight up. Moreover, the guy who recommended Luzzo's to me swore it was the best pizza he had in his life -- and he lives in Naples. That was reason enough for me to try it. They use a coal fired oven to make some of the most amazing thin crust. It's barely there yet has enough structure to hold light toppings, like marinara, small slices of mozzarella di buffalo and prosciutto. Each bite is very refreshing and doesn't get old. I love cheese as much as the next person, but I can't stand ridiculous amounts of cheese on a pizza that fills you up with volume and NOT with flavor. Luzzo's is all about flavor and quality ingredients that are authentic. All of this makes for a solid pizza experience in my books. To the naysayers: I've been to Grimaldi's, Patsy's and tons of others in the City. They are good in their own way, but they don't seem as authentic as Luzzo's. I used to live in Berkeley and had Cheeseboard Pizza and Zachary's - these are also great, but for different reasons not because they're authentic. Cheeseboard has unique recipes, like lemon rosemary -- fun to eat but seriously, not authentic neapolitan.
(5)
Brooklyn A.
Bella pizza. Be prepared, you may be tempted to stab your dining companions with a fork for that last slice of perfectly cooked brick oven pizza. If you order the prosciutto as a topping, then watch out - it's every man, woman and bambino for themselves. It's that good.
(5)
Charles K.
One of my TOP 5 pizza places in Brooklyn/NYC area. Thin & chewy crust, sweet sauce, and buffalo mozz cooked in brick oven flavor - altogether great and memorable pizza experience. Also, the ambience was pleasantly rustic and old-school feel, front room tables w/pew seatings. Priced just right.
(4)
Joy C.
I guess I'm not into neopolitan style pizzas... and have been spoiled by Cheeseboard Pizza and Zachary's Pizza in Berkeley. We tried 3 pizzas, and they all were pretty much the same. Decent crunchy/chewy crust, but soggy on the bottom in the middle... bleh. We also got an order of gnocchi, which was pretty good. Chewy but it also melted in your mouth. Average and not mind-blowing.
(3)
Melissa B.
The gnocchi is insane. Get the gnocchi.
(5)
maret r.
you know it's some bomb pizza when everyone around you is an actual italian. so good...just go! get the diavola, too.
(5)
J B.
What pizza should be. Is it DOC? who cares. Its amazingly good - better than any of the NY "famous" joints, including Grimaldi's (which is actually damn good). Not much more to say than that - go to Luzzos, eat great food.
(4)
Nellie G.
Worst service in the world. I went last night with a friend of mine and after waiting a few minutes we were seated at a table that sort of stuck out into the middle of the back room by the kitchen, this meant that ever waiter had to pass by us in or out of the kitchen to and from any table. We sat there for 15 minutes without being given water or bread. No one came to take a drink order or ask if we had questions about the menu. There were two other tables that were seated after us, they had their appetizers before anyone even spoke to us! I finally had to physically take a waiter's arm to get his attention and sort of annoyingly pointed out we'd been sitting there for at least 10 min and no one had given us the time of day. He did NOT apologize and just smirked like I was the one being ridiculous. He took our order and ran off. We got our water and wine but not bread. Our appetizer came out and I had to stop another waiter to ask for bread. No one talked to us for at least half an hour. At this point it was almost a game, how long can we stay here and have them not acknowledge our existence? Finally maybe 40 min after our appetizer we got our pizza. At this point the two tables (a group of 4 and one of 5) who arrived after us were leaving. In the course of eating no one came to ask how it was, a third guy came over a refilled our water glasses but didn't speak. We were almost the last people in the restaurant until we finally had to flag down ANOTHER waiter to get our check. I tipped 10% and I think that was too much.
(2)
A B.
This is top notch brick oven pizza. You won't be disappointed. Try the Nutella pizza for dessert. It's simple, yet delicious.
(4)
Shlee S.
Definitely in the top 5 pizza I have had so far in NYC! Service a little slow but food made up for it.
(4)
Kim D.
This is my favorite pizza in New York. The Bufala pizza is super delicious and heavenly. The atmosphere is very cosy and family. I haven't tried many other items on the menu simply because the Bufala is too hard to pass up!
(5)
maddeline p.
This is great pizza, not greasy and very fresh--BUT i have to say that its overpriced-- i mean a 12' pie is $12-22. i think thats too much. anyway, dont order anything but the pizza-- the salads are tiny and also overpriced and really not worth it.
(4)
Kim D.
The pizza is some of the best you'll find in New York. So good.
(5)
Devon F.
The pizza was absolutely delicious... However it was cold :( we are only 4-6 blocks away so not too happy about that.
(4)
T T.
LOOOOVE LUZZO'S!! I have been going to Luzzo's for the best pizza since my Italian friend brought me here years ago. In the past four years, I have been here numerous times for birthdays, going away parties and just for fun. It's especially great for out-of-town visitors. The staff is friendly and fun, the pizza fresh and delicious! My fave is the Buffala pizza with extra garlic...droooool
(4)
Alicia V.
hand's down the most incredible pizza that I have ever had
(5)
Daniel G.
Not that I'm a real pizza aficionado, but I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this place. And I'm glad I finally tried, cause their pizza was really tasty. Anyway, started off with the frutti di mare. This was pretty tasty, as well, but perhaps the portion was a little small. Though it didn't matter too much, as my friend and I, split two individual pies. We went with the Brutta Ma Buona and the Diavola. The Brutta came with the tomato sauce, buffalo mozz base and was topped with ricotta, sausage, olives and basil. This was really nice, I'm not usually an olives on pizza kinda guy but they didn't over do it. And the ricotta, much like the buffalo mozzarell was really top notch. And the Diavola was even better it came topped with the spicy salame and basil. The spicy salame was really good and again worked really well with the super creamy mozzarella. Great ingredients and a somewhat softer, yet charred crust made for a really enjoyable experience. I will be back!!!
(4)
Michelle L.
This place has compelled me to write my first review on yelp and to thank everyone for their recommendation. This restaurant was the first on our long list of must-trys during our short visit to New York. In short, it was awesome. I was starving and should have checked out how the other tables were ordering; it was only later that I realized that yes, you should order your own pie (the smaller of the two sizes offered, I think) and share with your eating partners. We got the sausage mozzerella pie and it was divine, cheesy and oh-so-fresh. And service was great. So was their argula salad. YUM.
(5)
Jeff B.
Excellent neapolitan pizza. I think one of the best pizzas in NYC. Taste is great, quality, and consistency always the same, reasonably priced, salads also excellent. You always know what you are going to get. I have been here dozens of times, and I have neglected to write a review for to long. I strongly recommend Luzzo's.
(5)
Cyrus X.
My Italian rommate invited me to Luzzos where we met up with a group of his Italian friends and began to order pizza after pizza. What a treat! I am no pizza connoisseur, but I can honestly say that each bite of these pizzas was transcendental. I highly recommend the prosciutte/fungi and the pepperoni. This pizza is so tasty that you will want to eat 5 more slices even after you're full. The ambiance is cool and the waiter and hostess were Italian, which give it an authentic touch, and attentive. The pizza cooks appeared to be Mexican. From our table we could see the giant coal oven where these delectable round treats were cooked. If you want tasty, authentic Italian pizza in the East Village, then go to Luzzos. Me and the Italians recommend it. Manja
(4)
Rob H.
Awesome pizza. Surprisingly good. I know the best of the best are in Brooklyn, but for Manhattan, other than Lombardi's, this is the best I've had. Very high quality ingredients. Has gotten better since it opened. Just go get and see for yourself!
(4)
I Z.
Excellent pizza and hostess was great!
(4)
C. D.
Pizza tartufata, eggplant parmigiana, delicious. The olive oil used is very food. Lovely people, kinda crowded but absolutely worth it. Delicious.
(5)
allison m.
Delicious - having just moved to NYC I have been sorely disappointed by all the NY pizza hype and have had yet to find a decent place I'd go back to. This place was delicious, thin crust, just crisp enough - they have some grandfathered oven they use, which gives it the worthy flavor. The service was great and patient enough to let us drink a few before placing our order. The ambiance is casual and happy, kind of like a a hole in the wall Italian taverna, cozy and drenched with food and wine. And the pizza....very good, this is the stuff you crave. I was thoroughly impressed and will look forward to going back for another round in the next few months. For those that like hot, ask for the spicy olive oil with bread or bruschetta. As for pizza, we had the pepperoni - #14? I think - and the arugula and proscuitto - very fresh ingredients and just enough of everything...can't go wrong. I can't remember the cost, but it's nothing that'll rob your wallet.
(4)
Dorothy W.
Admittedly, this is great pizza, but it's pretty pricey for what it is--we often end up paying almost $80 for dinner for two people. More importantly, be warned: twice we were charged a higher rate for our pies (they added an extra charge for toppings even though the toppings were included in the price on the menu), and when we disputed the charges the waiter/manager tried to fudge the charge but then ended up admitting we were right. So be sure to check your checks there!!
(2)
Jim C.
heard a lot of hype about this place before I actually visited - the place that preceded it was not my favorite - I had a negative association with the joint for a long time. (A downside of living in the same neighborhood for my whole life) Truth be told, great. The room was PACKED when I got there with my wife, but we were attended to and seated promptly, and service was very attentive for a place so informal (they changed plates and silverware, checked on us consistently) Two pizzas, salad, wine, all together very good, very fresh. Great ingredients, good service, prompt seating. I would have liked a little more crispness in the crust, but I get the feeling from other reviewers that this is just their style.
(4)
Eric A.
When there is a lot of Italian being spoken in the restaurant, that is a good sign! Very authentic, very tasty. Started with some good Montepulciano wine & a Moretti beer (on tap). Then, bruschetta with prosciutto & goat cheese, Caesar salad with big chunks of shaved Parmesan, & buffalo mozzarella with cherry tomatoes as starters. Finally, we shared a Diavolo pizza, thin crust, red sauce, & spicy pepperoni baked in their coal-fired oven. Awesome! Service was very good, very friendly, attentive & prompt, with lots of Italian accents. The atmosphere was very warm & intimate, & visually interesting. Definitely would recommend it.
(5)
Bobby G.
No I don't get ricotta on my pizza, I save it for moms lasagna. Chicken and buffalo wing sauce toppings, ridiculous! Salad pizza no way, that's for girls......... But when i'm out roaming the east village, my stomach starts growling, and I know that means, it's time for the diavlola pizza at luzzo's"
(4)
Zach W.
New York City, the "Big Pizza." But here's a little known fact - New York is actually made up of more than one borough, and most of the best pizza places aren't in Manhattan. So one time when I was being asked on national TV (this story isn't true) what I thought was the best pizza in Manhattan, I had to pause, sip my water, look directly at the camera (again, not true) and then say it: the answer is Luzzo's. I actually came here for lunch, which put it at a competitive disadvantage as most of my daily hunger comes at night after I've spent the day wrassling sharks and saving infants from traffic and whatnot. At dinner, the addition of justified hunger enhances my meals. At lunch, it's all on the food, and Luzzo's delivers. (I'm not really sure if they literally deliver, don't quote me). We got two pies, per usual. One of us probably even remembers what they were called, but she doesn't write the reviews for a living, ya know? So we got two pies: one had mushrooms and prosciutto, and the other had sausage and ricotta. That sausage and ricotta pizza holds its own with any other pizza I've ever had. The ricotta especially was magical, in the way that only cheese can be (you know exactly what I mean). Man, those were some good pizzas. Anyway I really, really want to come back and relive the memories, and more importantly the pizza. Also we watched Colombia play a World Cup game with some of the Colombian waiters who loved it, which, I don't know, probably earns bonus points.
(5)
Lils Y.
I have tried Luzzo's twice now, once as take-out and the other time sitting down and both times I have enjoyed the pizza but not thoroughly impressed. I still prefer my Grimaldi's. Take-out is slow on the Sunday noon that I had ordered, but perhaps this was during peak hours. Both times I tried the Bufalo - the second time I added extra basil with pepperoni and for some reason there was so much juice (not oil.. what kind of juice was it?) on the pizza which sogged up the bottom layer of the pizza which I was not a fan of. The taste was good however. Interior is interesting with upside down furniture/pots/pans, service is decent, lighting very dim.
(3)
Grace P.
Warm environment, efficient seating. Service was a little slow. Ordered the Bufala and Est. I would say the tomato sauce tasted a bit raw and definitely more acidic than I'm used to-- my main gripe. The crust was crisp but not quite as fresh and smoky as motorino's. Toppings were ok but were definitely on the traditional side as opposed to innovative (not saying they're out to be innovative though). All in all an average New York pizza experience. Many other options which are better in the area.
(3)
Melinda C.
Rainy, rainy night. I'm in a hotel and don't want to venture out. What to do? Luzzo's and their delivery to the East Village to the rescue. I first tried Luzzo's about four years ago and loved it. I haven't had a chance to have it again until now, and it was just as delicious as I remember, even when delivered. I had the Bufala. It had a soft and chewy crust (but not too soft) and just the right amount of cheese. Yum! Luzzo's, you are my hero.
(4)
Amy Y.
Great tasting ingredients, however, the pizza crust was thin to the point that it couldn't hold the pizza up so it was very soggy in the center. I had to pick the pizza up with a fork since it was falling apart. Aside from the sogginess in the center, it was very tasty.
(3)
Samantha S.
The best meal I have had in New York. We ordered the Arugla and it reminded us of pizza from Antico in Atlanta. Perfectly cooked. And absolutely fairly priced for the quality and quantity of food. Thank you for a perfect dinner! P.S. Order the sangria
(5)
Annie T.
It's great when a pizza place has great appetizers, a good wine list (shared 2 bottles of Riestling) and lastly can accommodate a large group of people . Luzzo's fits that bill. Our group of 10 were comfortably seated in the back on a weeknight. Enjoyed their fried calamari and Rucola salad with simple ingredient arugula, apples and shaved Parmesan cheese. The Tartufata pizza with the truffle oil is really awesome. The crust could be lighter and slimmer but I enjoyed it nonetheless.The other favorite at the table was the Salsiccia with sausage. Good service. Cash only
(4)
Gaetano S.
Really a DELUSION! We are a group of post-doc from Italy. We started with parmigiana: it was good, but a so small helping! The same for the smallest potato croquette that I have never seen (Like a finger!) Pizza was not so nice. We tried and shared Bufala (that is not bufala cheese!), Brutta ma buona and Diavola. Ingredients were not the best. We also tried the 'Limoncello': a little glass with a WHITE (!) sweet liquid inside, with just a little bit of lemon juice inside. 8$ each. And, finally, the service is really bad, trust me. Maybe they get a big head!
(2)
Christina P.
You can't tell me I ordered the wrong thing here because ordering two mediocre pizzas was enough. Don't get me wrong, the pizza has great crunchy crust but that's about it. All the pies that say with basil, don't expect ribbons of basil. Its literally one basil leaf for garnish. Not worth the hype and trip. P.S. their restrooms were out of service that day :/
(2)
Jane R.
My friend recommended this place to me so we went for dinner. I made a reservation here and had to move it to the next day which they told me was fine. Go figure when I got there, the hostess tells me that they don't take reservations on Friday nights. Good thing it wasn't super packed. Once my friend arrived we sat. We ordered bruschette, a large arugula pizza and gnocchi alla sorrentina. We were both sick so no drinking - just sparking water for the table. Bruschette - the tomatoes on the brushette were really cold like right out of the freezer with a ton of olive oil on it, sprinkled with cheese. There were only 3 on the plate which was smaller than expected. Arugula pizza was my favorite! Nice and crispy with enough mozzarella and not too cheesy. Loved the prosciutto on it. Gnocchi had a TON of melted mozzarella on it. It was good probably too much cheese for me but my friend (who is Italian) absolutely loved it. It's a casual place to eat, kinda small and a bit dark inside but comfy without the air of superiority that sometimes rules restaurants. It's a bit pricey for what it is but still solid good, Italian food - and a must for pizza.
(4)
Mark W.
Rolled up 12 deep to Luzzo's on a Friday night, luckily with a reservation. The first thing I noticed was how small this place is-it probably can't seat more than 50 people. Our group had to wait about 20 minutes, so I took the liberty of ordering myself a glass of wine at the bar, and learned my first lesson in that they only take AMEX. Good thing my New York friends told me to bring cash! Our group ended up getting sat in the way back, by the kitchen. The place was packed, and a little hot for my liking, but I'll attribute some of that to the amount of wine I had that night. Now the best part: the food. Started off with cheese stuffed ravioli and pasta marinara. Both were delicious. Next, our table ordered meatballs. The sauce...was out of this world. Like, I like sauce to begin with. But the sauce on the meatballs-I could eat that every day for the rest of my life. So good. After these, the pizzas came out. I believe (read: lots of wine intake by this point) we ordered a couple margarita pies. And they were very good. The crust was very thin, and delicious. The sauce was good, and though there wasn't too much cheese, I still enjoyed it. And then lastly, orders of croissants filled with nutella showed up. They were incredible. I was stuffed, but I kept eating them. Sooooooo good. Overall, this is a non-touristy place with great food. I thank my friends for bringing me here, and I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Steve L.
This is THE best pizza in NYC. The fact that Luzzo's hasn't achieved the fame of a Lombardi's or Grimaldi's is its secret! They still care about the quality of the pizza they produce. I hesitate to write about this place because I am torn. If everyone discovers Luzzo's, they may fall into the curse of being successful. But at last, I've found so many good gems on Yelp that I want to pay it forward. Luzzo's is simply the best neopolitan pizza in manhattan. No lines and great pizza. The one down side is that they don't take Visa or Mastercard.
(5)
Geoff C.
Authentic Italian pizza, not NY style. They don't serve slices, and they have awesome Italian servers. That is why you should go. It will save you a $1200 plane ticket. In terms of what we sampled I say the simpler the pizza the better, but servers are very helpful, and like to talk Serie A football.
(5)
NotTelling P.
I didn't have the pizza - no carb diet. But the Italian meats were great. Was there for a party in the downstairs for a party. It way too crowded. I'll be back for the pizza once the diet is over.
(4)
Zaman K.
3.5 stars We ordered the Diavola and the Aglietta. The flavors were really good but the crust was too thin to hold up any of the toppings and it was completely soggy in the center. The spicy sausage in the Diavola and the roasted garlic in the Aglietta gave each pizza it's distinguishing taste, but a crunchier crust would have gone a long way in turning this pizza from good to great. They also have chili oil to pour on your pizza. It's mild but tastes good. Pizzas aren't generally meant to be very spicy so that was fine. A couple of people in our group also wanted a salad and got the Sfiziosa per the waiter's recommendation. It came drenched in truffle oil but didn't taste fresh. It had four pieces of shrimp that were all overcooked and tough. Pizzas: 4/5 Salad:2/5 Ambience:3/5 Service: 3/5 Value:3.5/5
(3)
Nick D.
I've been coming here for a few years now, and it still remains one of my favorite pizza joints around. I always start out with the Rucola salad. It's arugula with apples and shaved parmigiano cheese. It's so delicious and definitely is the best way to prepare for a delicious pizza. I've tried a bunch of these pizzas so I'm just going to review the one I had most recent. I was always curious with the square pies so I ordered the bufala square. It was amazing. This might be my new go-to selection. It seems so plain, but it's honestly perfection. Another all time favorite is their lemoncello dessert. It's honestly amazing and probably one of the best I've ever had. It's a mix of the lemoncello and layers of cream served in a champagne glass. I crave it all the time even when just having it. Go to Luzzo's. Get a pie. You're welcome.
(5)
Josephine Z.
In the dark, always crowded, hole in the wall, I entered with very high expectations, but was not thoroughly impressed. We got the mozzarella, basil, and sausage pizza. Let me start off by saying that when it arrived, there was a single measly basil leaf in the center of the pie. ONE. That you can't even split because it's in the middle! Don't put basil in the description of the pie if you're just going to put one leaf! How disappointing! The pizza itself wasn't anything special. My friend got the bolognese fettuccine which was decent but too much on the salty side. It completely overpowered any sweetness of the sauce, or quality of the beef. Overall, Luzzos did not live up to its expectations, and I still find myself shaking my head at the memory of the singular basil leaf sitting gingerly in the middle of a pizza pie. How disappointing.
(2)
Frances B.
I'm still dreaming and talking about this pizza. It is the best pizza I've had in the city so far (a side note I have exactly 1 gazillion places I need to try, I'm not an authority yet) and I can't remember the last time I was so happy after a meal. We shared the Aglietta, which is tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and roasted garlic. I mean a lot of roasted garlic. Our server recommended it and holy moly it was amazing. We are coming back for sure.
(5)
Joy G.
A halfway-decent alternative to Motorino's. I will confess my undying bias for Motorino's chewy crust, the way all the toppings cling on to the dough despite making that New Yorker fold, the sparkling pizza wine, the perfect combination of toppings (Brussels sprouts and pancetta, the cherry stone clams), the generous spread of prosciutto across the entire pizza. So yes, I came here, expecting to be disappointed by anything else. And yes, I would gladly come back to try something else. Thumbs up: (A) The pizza came out lickety-split. I'm not kidding around when I say that seeing a pizza borne aloft by a waiter is one of life's little pleasures. Here, you can experience that 5 minutes after ordering. (B) Luzzo's has TWO variations of chili matter: dry chili flakes and chili oil. Thumbs down: (A) Kind of stingy with the prosciutto. It would be awesome if a $26 pizza could be draped with layers upon layers of prosciutto, but among the slices, I think we each got 2 pieces each. (B) Listen, a prosciutto/arugula pizza is a terrible thing to eat gracefully. You have to poke all the greenery inside and then mush everything into your mouth. You eat this in front of longtime friends only. But when I pulled apart that first slice, half of the toppings just slid off, like a massive tectonic plate detaching. I prefer all of the toppings in each bite, but this one I resorted to eating in layers: first arugula, then prosciutto, then cheese/sauce, then actual pizza dough. A heftier dough would have solved the problem. (C) Our first waiter was a bit curt. I barely managed to say that we needed a few more minutes before he spun off on his heel and marched off. NEXT TIME: the Brutta Ma Buona, the Diavola, anything with spicy salami
(3)
Giacomo C.
Busy spot with interesting ambiance. I went for their famous thick square buffalo pizza, but they were out of it (already at 6:30pm). I can't hide I was disappointed. Bufala pizza (round): although it tasted good, the bottom of the pie was burned, while the top in the middle only partially cooked. Good flavors and fresh ingredients, though. Est pizza: I loved their spicy salami. The pizza as a whole was falling apart, but again the ingredients were flavorful.
(3)
Andrew S.
I kind of want to apologize to the staff for our raucous behavior. This was my recommendation to have a group dinner as a friend was in town from LA, and we were wild. He came off the plan ready to party, and we started here. We scarfed down this pizza, and I remember us all exclaiming, "this pizza is amazing" over and over and over. La bufala La tartufata La diavola All superb, with excellent and composed service even amongst all of our raucous. Also very reasonably priced place to share a meal with friends, or go on a date. The ambiance is quite Italian as well and you can see all the good work and the ovens through the back of the restaurant which is nice. The bartender is a great guy too, and tolerated us very well. Grazie!
(4)
XI X.
Great pizza with no wait. Tried to get a table at Motorino but there was a 40 min wait. Walked right down the corner to Luzzo's and got a table. Amazing feeling. I highly recommend the Michele pizza (the owner named it after himself). The spec pizza not so much. Overall a very light and delicious pizza. Well worth it. I will have to try Motorino on another trip.
(5)
Trisa T.
AmEx or cash ONLY?! Never seen that before!! We tried the Pappardelle alla boscaiola (homemade pasta with cherry tomatoes, sausage and mushrooms) and the caprese salad - both were good, but not necessarily the best, especially for the price. Also wasn't blown away by the atmosphere or decor.
(3)
Joy Y.
Pies here are very very similar to the ones I had at Naples. Crust is thin yet doughy. Fillings are simple yet fresh. I got the EST for the ricotta but wish there had been more basil. Next time I will try the bufala pizza. Service is good. PS a picture on here shows half and half but they no longer allow that.
(4)
Michelle W.
Great authentic Italian restaurant with hearty portions and reasonable prices. Everyone has written about the pizza, but I'd also recommend getting the pasta! I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure it's made fresh on-site and uses the same great sauce as their pizzas.
(4)
Arnold R.
Ordered the 16" Piccante pizza for $25 and a bottle of the sauvignon blanc for $38 for myself and a friend. Great service, super friendly waitress and busser. Very attentive and water glasses stayed full despite us chugging our water. When the pizza came, we didn't think it would be enough for the both us but we were very full and satisfied at the end of the meal. Was it a $25 pizza good? No, but I'll still likely come back. Lacking on the meat. Good value on the wine. Great for a pizza place in the East Village.
(4)
Katie C.
This pizza is straight out of Italia! We were steered here from the rumors that Luzzo's has the best pizza in East Village, and were not disappointed!! We got the pizza diavola with fresh mozzarella di bufala, basil and spicy salami--delicious!! It is not inexpensive, but so worth the money! Head over to Luzzo's now!
(5)
Dipesh P.
Great pizza in the city (possibly the best!). We stopped in based on a friends recommendation on a Saturday afternoon. I got a beer and my wife got a aperol spritzer. Her drink was good and the beer was cold. We ended up getting the trufalata (I think that was the name) which was the truffle pizza. We love truffle and this pizza did not disappoint! The crust was perfect. Very thin and light. Almost felt as if you could eat the whole pizza on your own! We shared a small and it was fine for us but we planned to nibble on different items at several places this afternoon. If you are making a meal of it I think a large would be just fine. The cheese was fresh mozzarella and the sauce was just right. They only took cash the day we were there. Apparently they normally take Amex as well but the system was down the day we were there. The service was prompt and we had a great time at Luzzos!
(5)
Fancypants X.
3.5 stars The bufala pizza needed a bit of oomph. The crust was so soggy, & as the meal progressed, it quickly became cold & even soggier! Needed a touch more tomato sauce, though I don't know how that would've held up. And more than 2 sprigs of basil next time, please. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the generous globs of chewy mozzarella, the pizza pie as a whole was (literally) a flop. Thank goodness for the eggplant parmigiana appetizer we ordered, or else dinner would have been a giant disappointment. The layers of sauce & eggplant & cheese were bundled up nice & tight, & had a satisfyingly meaty texture. 4 stars. A dark, cozy pizza parlor that only accepts am ex or cash. Our meal came out to $31 before tip, so if you don't carry a Centurion card, fear not, Luzzo's won't break the bank! Side note: check out the cool upside down furniture on the ceiling.
(3)
Stephen K.
This is maybe my favorite pizza place in NYC. I'd put it above all the classics - John's, Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Tottanos, Juliana's, DiFara's etc. Though I suppose technically this is Italian style, and not "NY style", if there's an important distinction here, for some reason this one stands out the most to me. I'm not really sure why, there's so many good choices but this places feels simpler and better than the rest. If you want to experience pizza in NYC, you can almost always get in here, it's cheap, and you can't go wrong.
(5)
Devin S.
Luzzo's was fantastic! Everything was delicious and the wine was cheap and good. Service friendly, too. I even love the eclectic design; it's fun without being too distracting. My boyfriend and I shared a plate of grilled vegetables, a caprese, and the 16" bufala pizza. We were surprised when the vegetables arrived chilled, but it turned out to be a good thing because they were tasty that way! The pizza was a perfect mix of thin, gluteny crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Use your knife and fork for at least the first few bites (Italy style!), it will definitely make it easier to enjoy. I'd love to come back and try more pies! They only take Amex, so bring that or bring cash to pay!
(5)
Laila D.
Some of the best pizza I have eaten in NYC. Brick coal oven (they dont make these anymore) gets the crust perfect...crispy bottom, not too thin, not burnt, and not chewy, nor undercooked (nor over cooked). Perfect thickness and fresh. Without a great crust you cannot have a great pizza. Excellent sauce and the bufalo cheese is homemade and fresh. Yummy!! The rice balls are very tasty too. Love the interior decor and excellent prompt service. Old school Italian feel.
(5)
Jackie S.
After a failed attempt at going to a different restaurant in the area, the group I was with ended up at Luzzo's on a whim. The wait for a snowy Saturday night wasn't too bad (about 15min for four people), and given the weather circumstances in the city, the restaurant was packed to the point there was barely any room to stand. I loved the ambiance inside. It's small, intimate, rustic, and one of those places where you know you're going to have a good meal. I shared a Caesar salad which was pretty standard (it's hard to mess that up) and had the rigatoni alla Norma dish, pasta with eggplant and a dollop of ricotta cheese. It was good, though I would've been happier to see more eggplant. I also got to try the gnocchi which was ordered extra spicy and it was probably the winning dish. It was ooeygooey, creamy, cheesy, delicousness, not to mentioned packed quite the kick with the added spice. The wait staff is attentive and even though they're the type of waiters who memorize your order instead of write it down (always skeptical of that), they didn't mess it up. The prices are really good, and the pizza looked delicious as well. Luzzo's is a solid spot for a cheesy Italian craving when in the East Village.
(4)
Latef X.
I used to think this place was the best pizza ever, but I went there recently and thought it was just okay. Their crust has gotten a little too soft now and it pretty floppy. It used to have a little more heft to it where it wasn't falling apart. It's still pretty good, but I think I prefer Motorino's dryer, bubbly crust now. Has better spring and chew to it. I also think it's stupid how they won't take the meat off half the pizza anymore. They say no half/half which I understand if you're getting 2 different types, but just asking them to keep the meat on one side isn't that big of a deal. And they used to be fine doing it. Not really sure what changed. Service during the day has always been good, but Friday night is the C-team. Always kind of hectic and slow. Amex or cash only.
(3)
Babs S.
Yum, yum, yum. Delizioso!!! Love this place. The BEST pizza ever. The space is small and cozy and can get really crowded but it's worth the wait for the amazing tartufata and the diavolo pizzas. I'm always amazed that so many of my friends DON'T know about this place. I'm pretty sure the secret is out but if it's not, let's keep it that way!! I don't want the bad element to corrupt my place!!!!
(5)
Joseph S.
My friend recommend their Prosciutto di Parma Bufala pizza as my first meal in NYC, it is thin crust and delicious. Highly recommend. CASH and AMEX only
(5)
Jason H.
A pretty cramped little restaurant, but the service was very friendly and the pizza was pretty good - we had the diavolo with extra sausage and it was really good, and the classic cheese, also good. Both had nice, thin, crispy crusts. The appetizers were not nearly as good, sorry to say - fried calamari was a little soggy, and the rice balls were a little sad and lacking. So yeah, you should only come here for pizza, really.
(3)
Neil C.
Definitely stands up to pizzerias I've had in Italy- Bufala was good and Tartufata that we added mushrooms too was outstanding. Fun decor / homey atmosphere.
(5)
Laura H.
Love the pizza at this place! And I'm pretty picky about pizza, so I don't say that lightly. We had the Diavolo and I had to restrain myself from picking off all the sausage and eating it before the pizza. Also, the salad was pretty excellent (I just had the mixed one, and my husband had the one with arugula and artichoke hearts). Pretty interesting decor too (interesting in a good way). Have to say, wasn't too crazy about our server. I don't have especially high standards for how the servers should act -- they're there to bring me food and drink, not to be my friend or fawn on me -- but this guy was actively unfriendly. And the worst part: When he offered dessert, I said No thanks, just a check, please, and he actually, honest-to-God rolled his eyes. I still left a good tip because people shouldn't get paid less just because they're having a bad day, but I mean, come on. That's not cool. When I go back, I'll try not to sit in this guy's section if possible.
(4)
Yan T.
Let's start with the positives: Luzzo's is pumping out some of the best Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza pies in New York. Now that we've established this, the only thing that really discolored our experience was the inefficient reservation system. I picked Luzzo for dinner on Sunday night because they're one of the few craft pizza places that take reservations. These were surprisingly easy to make over the phone, same day, and a breeze to change to a half hour later when I called back. We walked in at 7 (rez time) and not seated until about 7:25. We watched several other parties, some of whom looked like walk-ins, move in ahead of us while we stood in the cramped little foyer/bar area (whose seats were occupied). The hostess apologized and said there was nothing she could do--there were several parties lingering. And, in fairness, she immediately offered us 3 glasses of prosecco, on the house, which was a stand-up move. So the hostess is great. I take issue with Luzzo having a reservation system in the first place. I bet this happens more often than you would think, and creates false expectations. It's a popular place, so maybe moving to a no-rez policy would make everyone's lives easier. Once we were seated, all was good. A hip bearded waiter who sounded Italiano took care of us. We started with some marinated artichokes (OK but a little out-of-the-can tasting). The bottle of Pino Nero was light-bodied and smooth, going down easy: if you like something with more tannins, stick with the chiantis/Sangiovese. They also brought over some tasty bread, though no olive oil. There was much rejoicing when the pizza arrived (one of the orders was wrong, but quickly rectified). We had the mushroom pie, the bufala, and for me, the Michele (mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella, and truffle pate, sans tomato sauce). All amazing, and I had a few slices for lunch today. Prices are definitely lofty, even on the "small" 12" pies, but quality comes at a cost. So far I love everything Michele Luliano does with food. Luzzo's and Da Mikele are maybe the best pie factories in the city. Despite hiccups with the reservations, I ladle praise with pleasure.
(3)
Nikki T.
very good pizza, I have #5. delicious. good tasty pizza. totally will return to this place.
(4)
Tony T.
Good pizza in the LES and there are plenty of tables available at lunch time. The pizza is classic NY thin crust cooked in a coal oven. The crust was crunchy but not too dry and the bottom of the pizza had a nice consistency. There is even a picture of Martha Stewart at the restaurant.
(3)
Alexandra K.
I'm about to say something that will tarnish my credibility as a New Yorker. I am not a fan of Italian food. I like the occasional pasta dish, but I'm not a pizza connoisseur; I have zero opinion on how to eat a proper New York slice. THAT ALL BEING SAID: Luzzo's is delicious. When I was told we were doing date night at Luzzo's, I was apprehensive because the menu looked like it was pizza-only. That could not have been further from the truth. Our friends ordered the Michelle pizza and the garlic pizza. We each ordered pasta, and I started with the lentil soup. I will say that I regretted not ordering the garlic pizza, because the fragrant scent of roasted garlic enveloped our table. My soup was incredible. Far better than an ordinary lentil soup, it was deep and flavorful - perfectly seasoned. My pasta (rigatoni alla norma) was equally as delectable. The tomato sauce was so richly flavored - the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The eggplant was warm and inviting, with the pillowy ricotta being the perfect bridge between the sauce, the pasta (perfectly cooked) and the eggplant. The cork fee was a little steep consider the service was a little slow - the only negative of this experience. Our total bill with tip, including cork fee for two bottles of wine, was $170. Not bad, considering the quality of the food.
(4)
Gopal R.
I enjoy pizza period. Over the years I've made it a mission to find the best pizza places in the world. I've been very fortunate to eat at some really wonderful pizzerias all over the USA. On my last business trip to NYC, I discovered Luzzos. Easily one of the best pizzas I've eaten in my lifetime! I ordered the minestrone soup as an appetizer. The soup was just fantastic! Fresh and flavorful. They give you a tiny bucket with bread to go with the soup. I would advise folks to skip the bread as you want to experience the awesome pizza. I ordered the 16 inch tartufata - which was basically the bufala pizza with truffle oil on it. When the pizza came out I thought I would never be able to finish the whole pie. In 10-15 minutes the entire pie was gone! Nothing but 16 inches of deliciousness! The cheese, the sauce and the crust (with the right charring) was just unbelievable! I can't wait to go back and try a different pie. Make sure to sprinkle some spicy oil on your pizza. It takes an already awesome pie to a new level.
(4)
Christy W.
AMAZING!!! I spent many months in Italy and this brought me right back to my days of indulging in 3 pizzas a day. The crust is crispy and flaky and the food comes out really fast (seriously..like 5 minutes for 2 pies). I had the La Diavola and it was so good - I can't wait to come back. Minus 1 star for price - $18 for a small pizza is a bit much but I'm willing to indulge when its this good.
(4)
Patrick B.
What can I say, some of the best pizza I've ever had in NYC. We had the #19 and #20. Both were fantastic. The #19 was out of this world. Also had a truffle paste pasta that was amazing (subbed with spaghetti as the pasta). Arancini were solid but just OK. Service was friendly, prompt - in a word, excellent. I would go back to Luzzo's in a heartbeat.
(5)
Sunny S.
So I had really high expectations of this place and a bunch of friends recommended it, included friends that I came here with. The pizza is good, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I can make the claim that it's the best pizza in NYC. I don't think I've ever found the "best pizza in NYC" for me yet. It's a pretty chill, laid-back, family-type atmosphere. The service is OK - not the best, but not the worst. Decent wine list - we got a bottle of Malbec. Appetizer - we ordered the Vegetali Alla Griglia (mixed grilled veggies with balsamic) and the Parmigiana Di Melanzane (eggplant parm). The grilled veggies were decent and the balsamic dressing was a nice touch. The eggplant parm was AMAZING. Probably one of the best eggplant parm's I've had in a long time. It was full of flavor and sauce, and I would honestly just be OK getting that as my meal (in a larger portion). Pizza - one of my friends was vegetarian so we split the Ortolana (mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, basil) and it was good. Some of the veggies were a bit undercooked and I understand that it's thin, but not technically thin crust, but the front of the pizza would completely fall apart when we would take a slice from the pie. It was a bit chewy and I think overall, the entire pizza was undercooked. I was really hoping for something a bit better so I hope it was just an off-night.
(3)
Richel R.
I've been coming to Luzzo's for their one-of-a-kind, fresh, brick oven pizza for a few years now. It's always a treat to come here when my friend who's an ex-New Yorker is craving some excellent pizza. The crust is perfection, the sauce is a little sweet, and their cheese is as fresh as can be. I think they also have a cheese factory in the back because this cheese is just marvelous :) For $25 for the large Campana pie it's worth trying. You will be back I'm sure of it. If you're up for appetizer/salad, the olives are good as well as the amalfi (arugula with walnuts and goat cheese). I also highly suggest their tiramisu. One time I came for dinner and they were sold out of tiramisu! What a bummer! Since then I've come for lunch to avoid missing out on this dessert.
(5)
Andrew V.
I came here by recommendation from my coworkers. After much debate, it was determined this was the must visit pizza place in the neighborhood. I sat at the bar after exploring the neighborhood and ordered a glass of Sangiovese and the EST pizza. I have to say this was honestly one of the best pizzas I have ever had. I will definitely be returning here every time I get a chance. Staff was friendly and the place seemed very clean.
(5)
Lauren L.
We went fairly early on a Saturday night recently and got right in. Pizza was stellar, service was friendly, and bill was a good price. We got the Bufala (tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, and basil) and the Michele (mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms, and truffle pate), both of which I highly recommend. As a note: They only accept cash and AmEx
(5)
Roshni S.
We stopped in to get a quick bit. We got the bufula pizza. It was so thin and delicious. We didn't get anything else but the server was very attentive. I would stop by again for a quick bite. They only take American Express and cash so come prepared.
(4)
Alexander S.
Delicious, unique authentic, such soft and delicate crust that melts in your mouth. It just feels right. Very snappy and efficient service, like Hilton hotel.
(5)
Jenna H.
This was delicious pizza. However, the family who owns and manages this restaurant are incredibly rude and unreasonable people. I split a pizza with my boyfriend that had prosciutto, olives, artichokes and mushrooms on it. The pizza was not the best I've ever had but it was still good. My bag was on the back of my chair at the restaurant. I came in with over $100 in my wallet and I was pick pocketed. The bag was hanging close to my body so whoever pick pocketed me was clearly skilled. Shortly after leaving the restaurant, I realized the money was missing and went back to discuss with the owner. He was short, refused to hear me out, and was very rude. He immediately jumped to accusations and said it was not his fault. I asked if there were cameras in the restaurant but he cut me off. When he finally answered that there were no cameras, all I asked is that he speak to his workers and see if anyone saw anything but he refused to do so. Good pizza but bad people working here. Whether or not they were the ones that pick pocketed me, the way it was handled was upsetting and this is not someone that deserves business. Motorino, a few blocks away, is incredible and the waiters I interacted with were delightful.
(1)
Jocelyn E.
The fried pizza changed me. It's so incredibly good! Their regular pizzas are equally incredible. Cute atmosphere, as well.
(5)
Paul O.
It's a shame, as coming here for years. The quality of pizza is losing step, but it beat the service which carried an extra helping of attitude. The pizza was crisp on the crust, but soggy in the center. Drink prices are a little steep for what it is. Feels like going to the movies, and paying captive pricing for a soda vs. just a good pizza place--that it used to be. Lastly, the service. Years ago, a welcoming and attentive staff. Now, rarely checking on table. Unwilling to leave toppings off pizza. Just a non-pleasurable experience.
(2)
Mike O.
Solid pizza contender in the city. Came here at 7pm on a Friday with the wife, and we were seated immediately. Unfortunately, that seat was right next to the bar, where all the servers aggregate to get drinks and chat between jobs. Makes you feel kind of pinned in. But the space isn't big. In fact, it's so small, they had to fit some of the furniture on the ceiling. You'll know what I mean when you get there. Look up. The pizza is solid. It's good. It's not the best NY has to offer, but it won't let you down. The center gets a little soggy cause the sauce is a little runny, which makes it tough to fold and eat, but you could consider this place to be a fork and knife sit down joint anyway. I have to admit, the medallions of mozzarella on the pizza looks kind of gross in all the Yelp reviews, which is part of why it has taken me so long to visit this place, but they don't taste bad at all. My wife and I had a sausage and basil pizza, and it was quite good. Crust was chewy. I don't imagine I'll ever be back here, but it is definitely a place every NY pizza lover should visit once.
(4)
Eric J.
Been ordering from Luzzo's for a while now, but only recently dined in for the first time. I was not disappointed. Pizza was definitely less soggy and the ingredients tasted a little fresher than delivery, but don't let that dissuade you from ordering delivery. My favorites are the speck pizza and the broccoli rabe with sausage white pizza. I would not recommend the bruschetta, since it's only 3 small, meager slices of bread per order. But everything else was great, including the couple pasta dishes we ordered. The carbonara was creamy and delicious and the ravioli tasted fresh, firm, and tender. Heh. For about 7 people, we got 4 pizzas, which was more than enough food for everyone. It's not cheap pizza, but the quality of the ingredients is easily discerned from the textures and chewiness of the dough. Not sure what it was, but there were about 10 different big families here all at once. Lots of little kids running around, so if that's not your jam, might want to try some of the other pizza places nearby like Nicoletta and Motorino. Overall, you should definitely give Luzzo's a try. The pizza is consistently good, and even when you get delivery, you'll get about the same quality pie you would in the restaurant. Come with a bigger group, so you can order and try a bunch of different pizzas.
(4)
Harry H.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THEIR PIZZA CART, BUT YELP TOOK ITS COMMON LIBERTY OF INCORRECTLY MERGING IT WITH THIS B&M SPOT IN THE EAST VILLAGE (AND NOT EVEN OVEST WHERE THE CART WAS) Dropped by on their 'opening day' to wait on a tiny line in front of their sister restaurant Ovest almost directly under the High Line for a free inaugural pie. Friendly staff, a lively community camaraderie, and a very impressive pie out of the 'world's smallest pizza cart'. It's fortunate there was no line since the oven (despite the quick cook time) is not conducive to the most efficient service. As of now their plan is to use the more general corporate Twitter to post locations twitter.com/PizzaByLuzzos
So, with 636 reviews with 4 stars you would think that it would be a sure home run, right? Well, not by Ben standards. The place has a pretty decent seating area. They are cash and Amex only. The food: Brutta Ma Buona- tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives and basil. The pie was just OK for me. My number one pet peeve for any brick oven pizzeria is a soggy middle of the pie. I start my slice at the tip of the triangle and it was soggy and droopy, it did get a little better as you work your way down to the crust. It was a nice pie, but I thought the ricotta was grainy, the sausage crumbles were almost non existent, the crust had a nice crunch but was slightly dry and the tomato sauce seemed non existent. I've had better. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Can of soda- OK, I never mention soda in any of my reviews and it seems kinda silly really, but I had to make it a point here. It seems so absurd to charge $3 for a can of soda. I know, I know, city= high rent. Blah Blah Blah. It genuinely aggravated me that a can of coke was $3 bucks. So if I had a party of four, and we all had a can of soda, it would come out to $12 worth of canned soda??? Really? God forbid I got a second can... I think I would have been happier if they just charged me more for the pie, instead of the soda. And for the record, the three stars was just for the pizza and not the canned soda fiasco...
(3)
Lily T.
what the heck happened to this place? I was expecting super delicious pizza based on all the great Yelp reviews! But it was terrible! We came on new year's eve and were seated right away. We ordered the ortolana pie which had eggplant, zucchini, basil, and mushroom The pizza arrived lukewarm, WET and SOGGY pizza is not suppose to be wet and soggy! and even the crust were hard to chew! and it had 2 pieces of this sad looking basil on there. and there was not enough cheese on the pie and the tomato sauce was below average. since the pizza was so WET, all the toppings just fell right off the pie! we also ordered the gnocchi which was chewy dough mixed in tomato sauce and some cheese on top. super bland, super disappointing. Service was slow and terrible as well Maybe it was because it was new year's eve and they were busy, or overworked or the chief had a bad day. But whatever it is, I will not be returning again, ever
(1)
Jenny S.
STILL the BEST NEW YORK PIZZA after 2.5 years of living in Manhattan on a constant search for the best pizza! you just can't beat their thin crust fired up in a coal oven & because Luzzo's is underrated, i LOVE that i've never waited for a table my GO-TO pizzas since they are light and simple: ---bufula: i can always count on the crust being crisp & i love buffalo mozzarella ---arugula w/ prosciutto: basically the bufula w/ prosciutto & arugula on top! BUT last night we went out of the box & tried something new ---Michele: it's a bit heavier BUT really good too! so flavorful & if you love mushrooms, you'll love it! i thought the truffle oil would sog up the crust like it has in the past but the pizza was perfect.. maybe because we got the smaller 12 inch? ---bruschette: this appetizer comes w/ 3 pieces, i liked the olive oil infused bread! ---sangria: the pitcher is the way to go! Luzzo's is seriously the restaurant i will miss most when i move back to Cali
(5)
Bruce W.
Very tasty sauce, good portion of speck, bread good, not super, but much better than 90% of pizza in NYC. Very similar to Motorino, but much more flavor and bigger portions of stuff on the pizza. Pricey, but good. Certainly will have again! It would be nice if some of these pizza places didn't have to pay such high rents, because spending $ 40-50 on pizza for 2 people ain't gonna happen often!
(4)
Alfredo S.
Best pizza in NYC hands down. It is the authentic pizza from Naples. Guaranteed. Not sure about anything else on the menu. Just go with the pizza
(5)
Alli R.
I've had good and bad experiences with this place, but recently it's been good which is why I am giving it a high rating. You just need to know what to order. Stick with the basics! Their tomato sauce is amazing! My favorite is the gnocchi with sauce and mozzarella and the bufala pizza. Pretty much the two best things you can get. The pizza crust is perfect and the gnocchi is homemade. Do not get the calamari, it's very rubbery. Also, if you go on a weekend be prepared to wait! Their delivery is great though, arrived quickly and still hot (in the dead of winter).
(4)
Angela F. W.
Best thin sliced pizza I've EVER tasted! I stumbled upon this establishment since it was just right across the street from my friend's apartment in east village. One morning waking up with an empty stomach, I decided to give this pizza place a try. Little did I know I was about to taste the best pizza ever! Apparently, it is a local's favorite! For once, I felt like a New Yorker not a tourist. The restaurant has unique decors and nice ambience. My waiter was very attentive and friendly. We had a very nice conversation. He told me the owner is an italian immigrant and their pizza is true Neapolitan style. I order the 12'' marinara(?) pizza. Because the pizza is thin sliced, it is actually just right for one person. When I took the first bite, I was speechless (as I should be since my mouth was full, haha). It was just heavenly! The ingredients were so fresh and mouthwatering! The greatest pizza pie ever!!! Now forget about the long lines at lombardi's! Luzzo's is where the best pizza is at!!! Next time I am in NYC, I have to make damn sure that I go there again!!!
(5)
Ritesh B.
We love this place! What a terrific menu with some simple yet delicious pizzas. In a neighborhood full of NYU beer bars and cocktail lounges, it's refreshing to start your night here with a fairly diverse crowd as well.
(4)
Kathleen W.
Note: The previous meal my friends and I had was about 10 hours ago and we had a few drinks on empty stomachs. The hunger was very real. That being said I had some pretty friggen dee-licious pizza at Luzzo's during my NYC visit. We ordered two 12" pies and a salad to quell our hunger! The Michele is the pizza to get. When you combine prosciutto, fresh pulled mozzarella, and mushrooms, I can't even function. Even though it was a white pie (no tomato sauce), the combination is so savory and satisfying that I didn't even miss the tomato sauce. The Diavola was also a solid choice. Pretty straightforward pie with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, and basil. It balanced out the exciting Michele pie very well. Solid service, great food, muy satisfying.
(4)
Gus K.
The best pizza in NYC period. Before you try the pizza please do your self a favor and try the eggplant parmigiana... Hallelujah Home made tomato sauce with melted cheese on a fresh eggplant that sends you straight to Italy. CALZONE : BOOM The best Calzone you will ever get in this planet. Signed and Signed. The secret? RICCOTA :-) Go enjoy and celebrate how beautiful life is. oh! Fransesco and Alina ( we needed to introduce ourselves after this spectacular meal) are not servers but amazing and friendly people that care for your pleasure as customers in Luzzo's See you guys soon :-)
(5)
Livio D.
Luzzo has become my favorite pizza place in NYC. I would eat there every day. The pizza is fantastic. The sauce, the mozzarella, the toppings are all very fresh and super tasty. I even enjoyed the pizza ortolana (no meat, only veggies), which for me is some sort of blasphemy. Yes, the topping are that good. The crust though is just amazing. I would give this place 5 stars even if it served me the cooked dough, olive oil, and salt without any of the toppings. I also tried some of the appetizers and they are very good as well. Plus, I love the smokey smell inside the place and the decor.
(5)
Jodie G.
My overall experience here was pretty good. I had the Caesar salad to start that was super good. It had fresh slices of Parmesan cheese on top. For dinner I had the Salsiccia E Broccoli pizza and added tomato sauce. The waitress was friendly about letting me change the pizza but maybe it made the crust a little soggy. I liked the sausage the most but there was too much for me to eat. The broccoli rabe did not stick that well to the pizza but it was tasty. They had a few TV's on Italian channels, and the restaurant had at least five kids in there so I think it is good for kids.
(4)
David F.
Quiet old feel is the second thing I noticed walking into this restaurant, the first was the amazing smell of pizza! Awesome pie! Like seriously haven't had much pizza that is definitively better if any... Do it!
(4)
Becky H.
Best pizza ever!!! The service was very good but the pizza was outstanding!!! This place was recommended to us we are on vacation from California so happy we came. The tiramisu was home made and delicious as well!! If you are coming to Mew York you must try this place!!
(5)
EK B.
One of my all time favorite neighborhood joints! The pizza is consistently delicious and the service friendly and fast. We usually split the large Brutta Ma Buena (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives and basil) which is perfect for two hungry people. In addition to the high quality toppings, the crust is the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. A few notes, they are cash and AMEX only, have a private dining space in the basement, and make a mean sangria interestingly enough. Favorites: Any and all pizzas - go for the large, you will not be disappointed Meatballs
(5)
Alyse H.
We were waiting in line for another pizza joint down the street when we noticed the "C" rating for health department cleanliness in the window. That place's lost business was Luzzo's gain in this situation. Luzzo's has a very cozy and Italian atmosphere. It looks very cave-like when you walk in. There is a small bar with only 5 seats with the backdrop of what looks like a pretty wide selection of wines on the wall. I ordered a very tasty sangria with big chunks of apple and my hubby got a Chianti that he enjoyed as well. We ordered the funghi pizza. We really enjoyed the fresh dollops of mozzarella and the perfect amount of sauce on the pizza.
(5)
Lynn C.
By far the best Italian I have had in the tri-state area. This is my go to restaurant. Everyone I have brought here has been extremely impressed. Great service, cozy atmosphere, and authentic and flavorful Italian dishes. I highly recommend the tartufata pizza and gamberi pasta paired with a moretti!
(5)
Zachary S.
This used to be my go to Pizza spot. Expensive but great pizza with a crunchy crust... They also have chili flake oil which is awesome on the pizza. That said, the last time I ordered from here I got a pizza with extra basil for pick up. When I got home, I realized the pizza had 3 pieces of basil on it. That's right 3 leaves! I called to let them know, and the response I got was "basil is a garnish" even though I ordered it as a topping for which I paid. They were so rude to me over the phone that I have no plan of ever returning. I will be taking my business elsewhere, and making my own chili flake oil, thank you very much.
(2)
Alejandro G.
Wrong place sorry
(5)
Kris V.
We ordered the Aglietta pizza which is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmigiano, roasted garlic, and basil. The pizza was especially tasty after escaping the cold weather outside. We finished the meal with an order of the Nutella Zeppole (italian doughnuts) which were also delicious. The service was excellent! My water was constantly refilled through our meal and the food arrived quickly. The restaurant was really busy and seating space is limited but we were able to get a booth within 10 minutes. While waiting for a table I set my scarf down on a chair to get a drink at the bar and it got stolen. :( To no fault of the restaurant of course but it really was a bummer.
(5)
Rachael C.
I'm here ALL the time. My best friend put me on and we've made it our go to restaurant when we want to relax and catch up. It's a cozy little place with dim lighting and DELICIOUS pizza. We cannot stop ourselves from ordering a second pie most days. Everyone is super friendly with immaculate service. I don't know if you can tell but I LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)
Nikki A.
There is only one word my brother and I could muster out after our first bite of Luzzo's pizza: YUM! The pizza here is absolutely delicious, perfectly balanced between crispy and doughy, sweet and salty. We split a large pie with mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, truffle pate and prosciutto. I am still salivating. The truffle flavor was just right--subtle, but excellent. We also shared the marinated artichoke app and a tiramisu for dessert. The place is small, but homey and is cash only. I highly recommend coming here for pizza. You won't be disappointed. Oh--they also deliver. YAY!
(5)
Xavier S.
Luzzo's is amazing Italian restaurant and a not-so-hidden gem in the East Village. Best part near the end of the meal, I heard patrons in here speaking Italian to the staff saying that the food is "perfecto", and I take that meant perfect, so more kudos to the restaurant and the food served. Rewind, so we started out with the meatballs which were large and juicy. You get a trio of succulent meatballs. The sauce it was sitting in was sweet and too addictive that I sopped it up to the last drop with the bread served. Got the Bufala 16-inch pie to share with my wife. It's cut into 8 slices. This is the signature pie with buffalo mozzarella scattered all over the pie. There's also a 12-inch personal sized one, but we opted for the larger just to go all out. Pizza is so awesome. When you take a bite and land on the toppings, you're gonna do a happy dance in your seat. Love the coal fired pizza with the crispy thin crust. The end of the crust is spectacular. This is not your typical foldable NY slice but who's to say you can't eat it that way. Gets it in your belly faster. If you have a craving for pizza this is your spot but pies only. For a Wednesday night, place was full for dinner around 8pm but the wait was only 15 minutes. It doesn't hurt to call ahead to see what the wait time is before you trot over to 1st Avenue.
(4)
Nala P.
Pizza was great, very thin with quality toppings. I would suggest making a reservation as it gets full quickly and is not that big. I am for sure a fan. Staff was good not stellar, not poor. Prices were reasonable. A good choice when there are so many bad pizzas around 14th street. Good for friends/ families solo or families. I would classify this tho as a family establishment. Apps of fried calamari, eggplant/ zucchini stacks/ potato croquettes were OK. Based on that i would not bother with the pasta. Go for the pizza.
(4)
Carly P.
DO NOT waste your time or money on this dump! The food is not worth it at all!!! If you're thinking about delivery forget about it, they will not deliver within a 3.5 mile radius. The management is very rude and the service is awful.
(1)
Corey C.
Very traditional Italian pizza joint. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the pizza is easily some of the best in New York City. We split a 16-inch bufala mozzarella pizza - amazing pizza doesn't need lots of toppings. The crust was thin, crispy, and browned to perfection. The sauce and fresh mozzarella slices were mouthwatering. When our waiter brought out our pizza, I knew we wouldn't be taking any home! Come here with a date or with a group, they have nice seating for both! Note: cash or Amex only
(5)
Cecilia Z.
After consuming only amazingly delicious Chinese food in China for an entire month this winter (not that I'm complaining), the first dinner I had back in the city had to be, naturally, pizza. And because I had Luzzo's on my radar for a while now, we decided to come here instead of our other usual pizza joints. We ordered the large 16 inch pizza, half and half, with bufala (regular margherita) on one side and salssicia (sausage) on the other. I think margherita is a good standard by which to judge any pizza place. In Luzzo's case, the red sauce was perfectly zippy without being overly sweet and had a nice consistency which I enjoyed. The mozzarella was a bit tough - chewier than I normally prefer - but the crust was phenomenal. Thin, chewy, with nicely charred crispy edges. The sausage on the second half of our pizza was just okay, kinda lacking in flavor compared to some other places in the city. I will definitely try the arugula pizza next time when I return, which initially called out to me on our first visit. What really surprised me, for the better, about my first experience here was the exceptional service. Our waiter was patient, friendly, and personable... which was certainly unexpected for an old-school pizza joint like this. Just FYI, Luzzo's is cash only, at least at the moment.
(4)
Athena C.
Between my boyfriend and I, we ordered a large spicy salami with cheese pizza and the fried calamari as an appetizer. The pizza is crusty and chewy and the salami was flavorful. I just wish there was more salami! We didn't finish the pizza as the fried calamari came in such a big portion. The price here is pretty reasonable and we had a good time here.
(4)
Tom S.
This was the first of five stops on a Manhattan pizza tour during my most recent NYC visit. Wouldn't you know, it turned out to be my favorite. Our group of six shared a bottle of wine and a few bottle of Peroni while we waited for our pizza. We enjoyed a simple Margherita pie, with great crispy crust, tasty fresh mozzerella and a thin marinara that just exploded with flavor. Simplicity in its finest form. We continued on to four more of New York's best pizza places, but for me, Luzzo's came out on top.
(5)
Victor M.
The place is small and can be a bit loud - but the quality of the pizza and the service is excellent...! Loved the arugula and prosciutto pizza...
(5)
danielle G.
Guuuuuggghhh the greatest pizza. I consider myself a pizza snob, this place, unbelievable. Get the calzone and the arugula and prosciutto pizza... Mmmm mmmm the sausage and broccoli rabe pie is good too!
(5)
Melissa C.
Great crust, sauce was a little too sweet for my taste but overall a very yummy pizza!!
(3)
Erin Z.
Luzzo's is absolutely wonderful! The best pizza not only here in America but even in comparison to pizza in Italy! The service, especially at this location, was warm, hospitable, and truly Italian. Grazie Mille per un pranzo meraviglioso!!!
(5)
Ginn C.
This place is awesome, and I am extremely lucky to be living close enough to this place to have them deliver to me. I hope you're jealous. I am originally from the midwest, and therefore was never very fond of pizza. I associated pizza as "american food," and it was similar to the hot dog and philly cheese steak sandwiches you get while half-drunk 4 A.M. on a college night. I think of pizza similar to how I think of chinese food; a lot of places sell "chinese food," and it is not as chinese as most people think. (i.e. "Almond chicken.") So when I first moved here to NYC and heard that NYC was known for their pizza, I couldn't help but to think, "well shit, it better not be like that crappy, flavorless, 'Chicago deep-dish,' junk the midwest prides itself over..." I started trying all sorts of pizza places in the city. Some in Brooklyn, some in the Bronx, many on Manhattan. And after a while, I realized that my Michigan upbringing made me miss out on a lot in life. I have never had coal oven pizzas before, and it now currently a favorite item on my foodie list. Coal ovens create a perfect pie with a nice flaky and crispy crust, and thin as nature intended. You can really taste a difference! Apparently, only a few places have coal ovens in NYC (at least to my understanding) because of some sort of fire protection policy that prevents new coal oven places from opening up. Anyways... I have not yet tried their pasta menu, but Luzzo's uses the coal oven combined with fresh ingredients to create some of my favorite pizzas: Tartufata: tomato sauce, mozzarella truffle pate, and basil. Piazza 'Michele': mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms, truffle pate', basil, no tomato sauce. Can you tell that I love truffles? Ortolana: tomato sauce, mozzarella, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, basil. Some of my favorite vegetables. Quattro Formaggi: mozzarella, gorgonzola, provolone, parmesan, basil, no tomato sauce. The gorgozola adds a nice touch of blue to it, but is not too overwhelming. Luzzo's is a bit pricier for pizza but definitely worth it for the quality that only a handful of places can compete with. Note that they only sell whole pies, not by the slice. There is a lot of variety on the menu, the staff is typically very nice, and the service pretty good. I also like Luzzo's playful atmosphere and quirky decor. Upon entering you can notice a furniture set nailed up onto the ceiling.
(5)
Li L.
Very very good pizza. My go to place to order out (if long wait) or dine in. The crust is damn good and they have spicy olive oil to drizzle on your pizzas!! I've had many of the flavors and honestly they're all good. just what your preference for toppings are. Pasta - i tried the carbonara. Definitely one of my favorites in NYC. No PEAS! Cash Only
(5)
David F.
My favorite pizza in the city, have been there 50+ times. Prices have crept up in the last year but I still like it. We always get the #20 (garlic pizza) with mushrooms with other foods. Its similar to motorino, but I prefer the toppings here and there's more space. We used to get the olives, but they stopped serving the Sicilian olives. They pasta with shrimp is tasty but a bit oily. They used to have a seafood pacheri that was awesome.
(5)
Grace C.
i LOVE pizza. I want to give this place a five, i REALLY do, but unfortunately, they disappointed me in their service. Restaurants are really about their overall performance. I hate hate hate it when someone tells me to relax. I had 8:30pm reservations for a large party, and we didn't get seated until after 9. I get it's a small place...and it wasn't a big deal, because they kept us informed, but seriously, what's the point of saying you take reservations if you don't follow through. This is when I kindly requested if they could place an order so by the time we sit, we could have our food, that's when he told me to relax. LUCKILY, the waiter was kind and made up for the rude person at the front. he knew we were waiting a while and was very cordial. we had the downstairs to ourselves and he even plugged in one of our ipods. Food: started with the rucola salad with arugula, apples & parmiagiono. for pizza we had the est (salame was too salty for my preference), the arugola & prosciotto one (AMAZING, MUST get!!!!) and the ortolona (awesome for veggie lovers like myself) Great place. definitely going back, and hoping no one tells me to relax so i can just enjoy my pizza.
(4)
Sar P.
Luzzos has delicious pizza's whether it is on any of those top lists or not the tomato sauce has a tangy taste and the thin crust and mozzarella and basil make for a perfect lunch or evening - Yes (im a pizza whore)
(5)
Nino R.
Enter 4 fairly hungry gentlemen skeptical of any 4-star rated pizzeria in NYC. They order a large Salsicca, a large Bufala, and an order of calamari. The calamari is ordered as an afterthought and is delivered to the table after both pies have been devoured. That first bite of the Salsicca was phenomenal. Good crust, better sauce, great cheese, fantastic sausage. Fresh basil garnished on top of the pie is a nice touch. I recommend you pull the basil leaves apart and spread it around your slice. It's a great flavor enhancer. The Bufala pizza is good, but not as inspired as the Salsicca. It's basically a red pie with chunks of mozzarella strategically placed atop the pie. Again, the pie is garnished with basil. Repeat recommendation here. The calamari was a fiasco. It wasn't fresh and seemed like it went straight from the freezer to the fryer. The breading looked too uniform, like it was pre-breaded. This threw all of us off. The pizzas were legit, but the calamari was diner quality, poor diner quality. On the flipside, the marinara used for dipping was decent. The pizza is where it's at...
(4)
Irene H.
Friend craved pizza. I owed friend pizza. I've only had Luzzo's delivery and thought it deserved a proper visit. It was a steamy summer afternoon. We were welcomed with a cool blast of air conditioning within seconds of entering. The atmosphere was particularly boisterous, as Argentina and Mexico were battling each other in the World Cup. We had the Michele and Diavola. They complimented each other well. The Diavola was light, fresh, and yes, it does taste better than delivery. The Michele was nice and oozed more cheese than the Diavola since it lacked a tomato paste. I love mushrooms and any hints of truffle. My appetite has definitely shrunk. We had a third of each 12" pie leftover. The crust was slightly crispy, but no chewiness. Sidenote: They don't accept Amex.
(4)
Christina M.
Full disclosure: I am inclined never to return to a restaurant where I had a bad experience. I got a pinkish burger at In & Out and I still haven't gotten anything there but fries since. I'll spare you the narrative and get right to the reason for the rating. We ordered the mushroom pizza. All of three basil leaves were more of a garnish than a topping. The chopped mushrooms looked promising, but the crust and pizza was downright burnt. 'You should be embarrassed to serve that' burnt. On top of that, the pizza was so bland all you could taste was burned crust. I gazed longingly at the pie next to ours being enjoyed by two Italians. Our pizza crust was clearly 5 shades darker than their golden brown pie. I tipped under what I normally would (13% versus 20%) and wrote "burned pizza." Admittedly this might have been a little passive aggressive. But I didn't expect an employee to come after me and say "That's how we cook the pizza. It's a coal fired oven." Oh no they didn't. We've had Grimaldi's, Patsy's, the original Totonno's, Abitino's, Gotham, Gino's, dozens of pizzerias and never complained of a charred pie. LUZZO'S SERVED A BURNED PIE! And I don't care to be lectured as I'm walking out that I cannot tell the difference. He said, well there's nothing I can do about it now. I replied, I haven't asked for anything, I am only giving you feedback. To recap, it was $23 for the pie, $12 for 2 Peronis, plus tax and tip came to $42. Luzzo's threw in the insulting lecture for free.
(1)
Sean S.
Yes, it's definitely as good as people say. Brought my fam here, they were in town recently. They really loved it too. The sauce is really good, almost creamy somehow. I would say the pizza was five stars, really. We had the Bufalo, a 16" and 12" between the four of us. The layout is a long and thin place, so a little crowded. It is kind of divided up into a front and back room. Pretty stylish too, I would say a really perfect date spot as well... On the other hand we felt a bit rushed. Perhaps they were expecting a lot of people later, and tried to shuttle us out. We got there early hoping to miss the rush, and didn't have to wait long for a table. But after we ordered, my salad came in about 60 seconds, and the pizzas came before I was half done with my salad. And I'm not a slow eater. It was literally like 5 minutes. They kept bussing the table, and really were kind of on top of us. So I guess that got on my nerves a bit... The other weird thing was I couldn't get reception on my phone. Even out in front of the building, I could not send or receive text messages. Weird. Note to the non-stop texters, it might annoy you too!
(4)
Lily C.
Awesome pizza! Came with a few friends and ordered the bufala and arugola. The sweetness and tartiness of the tomato sauce really came through on the bufala pizza. My favorite of the night has to be the arugola. Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil... but stars has to be proscuitto and arugola. The bitterness and peppery flavor provided the perfect balance to the saltiness of the proscuitto. Plus, the pizza dough is made just the way I like it. Thin base with a crispy, but chewy crust. Quick tip: the back of the restaurant is extremely warm because of the brick oven... BUT, that's where you can enjoy the intoxicating aroma of all things pizzeria.
(4)
Chantelle D.
Two words: Martha Stewart. She was here last night while we had dinner. If that isn't a glowing recommendation on how bad ass this pizza is, I just don't know what is.
(5)
Nick M.
Meh would describe this place. I know a lot of people think this a great pizza place but I didn't find it charming. The food was ok, I've had better pizza, however, they didn't mess it up horribly so that was a plus. However, our wait service was horrible. We ordered more than one pizza and then were brought out two of the same kind. When we brought it to the waiters attention, before even touching a piece of it, that the pizza was wrong he proceeded to tell us that we were the ones who were wrong. Our cousin, twice removed, from our third uncle had told him we wanted our pizza's the exact same! Our waiter told us he never makes a mistake and was more than happy to argue with us in front of everyone and tell us how wrong we were, while telling us how he never makes a mistake. Honestly, go get a dollar slice, it'll be about as good and if they mess up your order you won't have to pay $25 for a pizza with 6 slices. They make a decent pizza, I'm just not sure it's 25 dollars worth. Someone said it before hand, they skimp on the cheese. Overall, I doubt I'll be back, there are better places in NYC for pizza.
(2)
Jessica M.
The environment wasn't one I was used to: I'm still getting over them having a chair upside down on the ceiling. Nonetheless, the food was beyond delicious and I taste the authenticity in the Gnocchi and the Est pizza. I remember the Gnocchi better: soft, tasty, and rich cheese that was more than filling. The plate it's served on preserves the warmth and taste of the meal, and it's deceivingly small - I was so full by the time I finished. It's cash only, which may be inconvenient for some - especially if you're bringing a party of more than three people. A great spot in Alphabet City that should be visited more often
(5)
Andre P.
I would kind of like to go into a very long explanation of my disbelief of how East Village has changed since the mid 90s when, as a teenager, I would walk around and drink brown paper bagged 40 ounces; yet here am I now eating Naples style pizza 15 years later. But I will not. I will tell you the pizza was very, very good. I've had pizza in Italy - in Naples no less! - and this was pretty close. I'm not a pizza snob, but I do search and appreciate fresh, Naples style pizza. The pizza will not disappoint. The atmosphere is fun. Young people - your typical crowd in that neighborhood. Lively, not fancy, not dirty; a fun Friday night for sure! As we were leaving a group of about 10 people had champagne glasses at the bar celebrating something. So the pizza is great, the atmosphere is fun - why the 4 stars? The wine was not on par. I was wondering if the Montepulciano was really a Montepulciano (your typical inexpensive Tuscan red that pairs perfect with these sorts of pizza). The wine-by-the-glass was the ugly boyfriend to the model girlfriend. I had an app that was microwaved - which is fine, hey I'm not a chef - but parts of the inside were cold. The service was very good. Your respectable professional New York waiters that remember everything. Fast too and well deserved the 20% tip. I'd go back!
(4)
Bill S.
I was in the mood for a great pizza today and I had Luzzos bookmarked for a loooong time. I walk in today to an empty restaurant. This place has an old school vibe. It really reminds me of Johns Pizza in the village but without the writing on the booths and walls. I've been hearing about this pizza style from Naples so I order a small pizza with Anchovies and a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is my favorite pizza wine. Pizza comes out really quick and I noticed the dough is light and not too much charr for a coal oven pizza. One bite and I was hooked. Creamy dreamy fresh mozzarella with sweet sauce. Just spot on. "This" is the place if you want to impress out of towners looking for real NY Style pizza. If your on the West side, then it has to be Co. If you want to meet in the middle, Artichoke. Can you tell that I love NY Pizza? :)
(5)
Nathan G.
I'm always on the lookout for the best slice. Over the years I keep going back to Luzzos. On my first visit about half of the patrons were speaking Italian. Generally a good sign, and it was. Highlights: ~ I've been here many times & it's always an awesome pie. ~ Eggplant parm is terrific. ~ Olive oil is also the best I've had outside Italy/Spain/Greece... ~ Nice homey & chill decor. ~ The staff are always very professional You might find a pie as good as Luzzos. I highly doubt you find a better one. Yes, it's small, it's NY. I don't wait as a general rule, but Luzzos is worth a wait.
(5)
Ariel C.
Delicious bruschetta w goat cheese and spek. Also traditional pizza w buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce. Although nothing can compare to a genuine Naples pizza, this came close. The leftovers were delicious.
(4)
Jo K.
Luzzo. You are super delicious. Your magherita pizza was good and I surprised my self by really enjoying my friends selection of another pizza pie that didn't have any tomato sauce on it. I was like "what?!" and then I was like "yum" then I was like "scarf scarf scarf."
(4)
Erica P.
HORRIBLE. I can't even write a review on this place it's so bad. To the point - Lacking in everyway. Ceaser salad was a bunch of iceberg with 4 pieces of cheese and a few tasteless croutons. The dressing was super liquidy and sour. WTF? The spaghetti with mozzerella, tomatoes, and basil was superrr greasy, tasteless, sauceless, and the basil was MIA. It was gross, a total waste of $.
(1)
Kat Z.
Don't know why this place is rated so high. Pizza is mediocre and overpriced. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE SERVICE. Definitely not coming back again.
(2)
Roberto C.
Definitely an excellent Napoleatan pizza. While they do not have a wooden-fired oven, the coal one does the job pretty well. The pizza is thin and and a bit chewy - exactly as it should be! Toppings are truly Italians (I am 100% Italian) and they only use prime ingredients. Good selection of appetizers (great bruschette!) and pastas! Service is fast and courteous. The place is rather small yet full of character. Reserve in advance if you can as the spot tends to fill up quickly. Enjoy!
(5)
Dan N.
I've been to the other famous pizzeras in town, but Luzzo's has been by far my favorite. I can't claim to be a pizza connoisseur. Their slices are fantastic, and the fried pizza is something I always get along with a classic pie. But I might think that of any place better than Papa John's. However, each time I've been here, the service has been superb, possibly the best I've ever had in this city. I came in on a packed evening and someone in our party bailed out, and they still accommodated us with respect and speed, and a great sense of humor and charm while taking our orders. Whenever someone visiting asks for a pizza place to go, I know they lean towards Lombardi's or the other famous names, but I always wholeheartedly recommend Luzzo as the place to go.
(5)
Barb B.
I had to take my brother to a place that sounded amazing for his first New York pizza, and Luzzo's didn't disappoint either one of us. It is a super quaint and eclectic place, including a random chair suspended upside down from the ceiling. If you haven't noticed it, look up next time! Quite random. So I feel that Luzzo's dishes out a very nice Neapolitan style pie. The crust is soft yet thin which means I can power down more like four slices rather than my normal two. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Who knows. Probably bad, but I enjoyed it! I loved the cheese, oh it was good. We also enjoyed a lovely arugula salad, which was a little more sophisticated than I expected from a tiny joint with a chair on the ceiling. I honestly don't remember how much we spent but I felt like it was a very reasonable dinner. The only issue I had was that they tried to seat us at a two-top which was right next to another table when there was a perfectly nice booth available. There was a single diner at the table right by the one they wanted to seat us at and that just seemed like it would be weird. Like if it's another pair of people that's fine but if it's one person are you supposed to try to chat with them? I don't know! But they were super cool when I asked if we could have the booth instead. Cash and Amex only I believe which is something you should know!
(4)
Ki G.
There are certain things I like about a pizza - density of the crust, the level of salt in the cheese (I want gooey, not salt lick) and the sauce. A pizza with a thin, uninspired sauce might as well just call itself a slice of bread and cheese and get on with it. The sauce on our Bufala pizza was prodigiously good. It was a little sweet, a little tart, flavored well and was full-bodied, not runny. The crust was a little too thin for my liking, but I'm a fan of the hefty NYC crust, what can I say. I liked the quick service, I liked the variety of toppings. The sides, well, they weren't all that great - stick with the pizza. I know this place is Chun's favorite, so this review is dedicated to him. I may not be a 5-star fan, but I did like it and I would come back. A-OK
(3)
Daniele D.
Best pizzeria in Manhattan. Hands down. Go for the large, you won't regret it. There is probably not much to add. I like Pasquale, who, although clueless, proceeds to play princesses with my 3 year old. She was amused, he was amused. He tried to tell her is name. Pasquale, Pasqualino. No chance, I teach my daughter as much Italian as she allows me, but so far Pasquale did not make it into her vocabulary.
(5)
Christine J. S.
Luzzo's is all around fantastic. It's simply and tastefully decorated, the service has been consistently wonderful, and the truffle pie is out of control. I dream about it. A nice place to go on a casual date. One of my favorite pizza spots in NYC. I used to live across the street and miss it terribly.
(5)
Katheryn H.
Everytime I go to New York, I have to go to Luzzo's. HAVE TO. I get Ray's and other street pizza, but if you want authentic, brick-oven Italian pizza, this is the place to go. My boyf and I usually order the Ripieno and Diavola. Paper thin and crispy crust. Delicious sauce. Fresh mozzarella cheese (it's almost to die for). Mouth-watering salami/spicy pepperoni. Just everything on each pizza is fresh and divine. I honestly can finish a whole medium pizza myself. (: Service is also very friendly.
(5)
Greg L.
I wouldn't call this place the best pizza in town but a good spot to get a thin crust pizza. Those are good and tasty (especially with toppings like pepperoni for instance). Service is ok, nothing much. Make sure you bring cash as it doesn't accept credit cards.
(3)
Corinna L.
Came here around lunch time today after much anticipation. Overall, a very solid pizza place. What I loved: the crust! So thin and crispy (but not overly so)! Probably the best crush I've had, beating even some of the most delicious pizzas I've had in Italy. What I didn't quite enjoy: we had the Nepoletana, which is the margherita pizza with anchovies. The anchovies were REALLY salty (well, they are anchovies, after all), but it was somewhat overpowering. We also got the mixed salad, which wasn't anything to write home about. They only accept cash and AMEX.
(3)
Chris T.
Sam Sifton's recent laudatory review ( dinersjournal.blogs.nyti… ) sent us on a journey to Motorino, which halted abruptly when we faced a 1.5-hour wait (apparently other NY Times readers had the same idea). Luckily for us Luzzo also serves delicious pizza right around the corner. On its face Luzzo differs from Motorino in several important ways: (1) it's much larger (Motorino seats half the people, perhaps); (2) Luzzo feels more casual (brighter lights, warmer ambience); and (3) it serves a broader variety of food, including numerous pasta entrees. This is nice if your party consists of both pizza lovers and those who don't share the love. We were seated immediately by gracious, though rushed, wait staff and the food arrived in a rapid sequence. The plain margherita (in my mind the standard by which NYC-style pizza should be measured) was quite good; it featured thin crust that was both chewy and crispy, rich and tangy tomato sauce, melted gobs of mozzarella di bufala, and basil leaves. It was not as good as Lucali (still my favorite), but at least as good as Grimaldi's. My only complaint is that the pie was not as steaming hot as I had hoped (though the pizza served to the party next to us looked like it was served at the ideal temperature -- hot enough that the cheese is still slightly bubbly). The tasty homemade pappardelle with mushrooms, sausage, and cherry tomatoes was served al dente and came in a large portion (enough for two people). We finished our meal with a generous serving of tiramisu (one order is enough for two) and an Americano -- both delicious. We'll try Motorino after the crowds have died down a bit (hopefully they will). Either way, Luzzo certainly holds its own against NYC's pizza elite.
(4)
Sue K.
I was excited to try this place. Oh the hype. Though I pay attention to the ambiance and decor, I would like to be more surprised or pleased with the food. Afterall, when one goes out to eat, it is the food that he or she is after (though friends/company matter). Highlights and low-lights Bufalo pizza: the ratio of the sauce, cheese and basil was good - would have liked more basil. though not a huge herb person, i like to taste/smell basil on my pizza. For a fresh-out of the oven pie, the crust was not crunchy enough. It was a bit...chewy. Fried eggplant: they were fried eggplant sandwiches - there were mozz and speck in between two piece of eggplants. Good speck, not amazing or memorable. Overall, the experience was "ok" but not anything memorable. I went this past weekend and i can't really remember anything to write about...
(3)
Kristina C.
Amazing delicious pizza perfection. The roasted garlic, salsiccia, mushrooms, and diavola have all been standouts but you can't ever go wrong with their basic bufala. It's a rustic spot, great for catching up with friends or a little casual date night. I've tried a few salads which were all fine and dandy, but the star is, was, and always will be the pizza.
(5)
Katrina C.
This is still my favorite pizza place! A friend from Naples brought me here one rainy day (no doubt we were partially there to watch soccer). I get the mozz and basil with truffle oil. Hits the spot every time.
(5)
Jobu B.
Cot damn that's some good ass pizza! Oh, WORD? Yes, WORD.
(5)
Jennifer E.
This pizza tastes absolutely amazing. Seriously. Just a little tooooo thin for my taste (really, it's much thinner than anywhere else), but I'm not discounting that because it tastes freaking GOOD. A little pricey too.
(4)
rene P.
The calamari is excellent here. The pizza is a nice thin crust. The sauce is usually good but this time I found it to watery and not enough tomato.
(3)
I.E. C.
I had a family member from the neighborhood take me here. I wasn't sure quite what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how excellent the pizza was. We got the Funghi, Frusta Quartieri, and the Napoletana. The Funghi pizza was great and the Napoletana with the anchovies was quite tasty. Was not a fan of the Frusta Quartieri, as it just lacked much flavor. Being a bit of a pizza snob, yes this place is great! However is it the best in the world as so many claim? Definitely not. Also, considering the size of the pizze, I was a bit surprised by the price. But hey, it's Manhattan! Definitely will come back next time I'm in town.
(4)
J B.
Pizza was AMAZING! The crust is absolutely delicious, even better when pair with their homemade chili oil.
(4)
Matteo R.
Let me put things in perspective: I'm Italian, and I like pizza. Neapolitan pizza is "the" pizza. For all of you who ask about thin vs. thick crust pizza, let me tell you something: there is NO thick crust pizza! That "thing" is called focaccia if you're nice, and junk American food if you like to call things by their name. Like pizza with pineapple; WTF?!? That's not a pizza, that's an ABOMINATION! But I digress... Luzzo's is the best pizza I've had in Manhattan so far. Simple and good, light but rich in flavor; just the way pizza is supposed to be. This is a place for Italian expats at the last stage of homesickness. Last time I went there the music was BLASTING some of the worst Italian music you could ever hear (Raffaella Carra', Toto Cutugno, Ufo Robot, etc...), the kind of music that makes me feel embarrassed for being Italian. But, boy, their pizza is good...
(4)
Matt H.
Some of the best pizza I've ever had. I love the Diavola. This pizza tastes so amazing fresh out of the oven. It will ruin you for pizza. I only wish I didn't have to cross the country to get it. I go every time I'm in NY and I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Jose T.
Had dinner here with 7 of my buddies after throwing a good amount back at a pub. Great pizza! The arugula with ham was the best!
(5)
Doug S.
The impetus for my first visit to Luzzo's was ritualistic carb-loading the night before the NYC Marathon. My group of 4 sampled the bruchette, the Bucatini Pesto E Gamberi (pasta with shrimp and pesto sauce), and the Campana and Speck pizzas. Everything was delicious and served promptly. On a Saturday night with no shortage of tourists in town for the race, we only waited 15-20 minutes for a table. The pizza here is no joke.
(5)
Louis L.
agliata pizza!!!! and folded calzone!!!!! It gets crowded in there, and a little loud.
(5)
Peter D.
Luzzo's is why I live here. OK, perhaps it's not the only reason, but places LIKE Luzzo's remind me of why I am so lucky to live in NYC.* Strolling down 1st Ave, I can duck into the unassuming little place on a whim. More often than not, I sit down immediately and order a pie. Each slice is as good as the best I've ever had anywhere else. Luzzo's is like a professional athlete; they make something that none of us can do look so easy. Effortless. The Bufala is always perfect, but sometimes I opt for a specialty pie. Perhaps the Brutta Ma Buona, a tomato mozzarella pie with sausage, ricotta, olives and basil. The pizza is as it should be; simple, quality ingredients, perfectly prepared. You want great pizza in Manhattan? Skip the line at Lombardi's and come here. _________ *Despite the insane cost of living, the MTA service cuts, the noise, that smell, the shameful recent performance of the Knicks and Mets, the fear of bedbugs, the humidity, people who insist on making Sex and the City comparisons, subway gropers and the damn NYU students.
(5)
Kristine R.
Dear Luzzo's Establishment, I really wanted to come here and enjoy your pizza that yelp reviews have raved about. Well, one Friday evening a friend and I decided to come in and try this wonderful pizza. We waited about 15 mins or so for a table and once we were finally seated in the back by the wall, my friend had felt something jump on him. He proceeded to brush off whatever landed on him onto the table. While this was going on, I was looking at the menu and he then tells me "Wait!" and pushes my menu out of my way so I could see what landed on the table. Well, it was a COCKROACH. At this point, I jump out of my seat and leave. The bus boy comes and looks at the table looking like he's unsure what to do and as were walking out the hostess asks me, "why are you leaving?" I reply "there's a roach on our table." Anyway, needless to say I won't be back. -Kristine What a shame, I really wanted to try this place, but after seeing that and having it even jump on my friend - I'll never come back. I know I am the odd one out in these reviews, but hey if I could I'd give this place zero stars - a cockroach is disgusting.
(1)
Chris J.
recommending the aglietta pie went here twice, once when crowded, once when empty. the pizza was better cooked when it was empty (a bit soggy when it was crowded). obviously that may not correlate though, could be total coincidence
(4)
Brandon L.
Get here early if you don't want to wait for a table. I have to admit that I had some fun here, even though it was completely packed and the food was maybe only slightly above average. Pretty typical coal-oven baked pizza, soggy in the middle, as usual. On the other hand, the calamari was some of the best I've ever had. The decor is wacky and eclectic. Some of the waiters are gorgeous northern Italian boys with beautiful eyes... but I digress. On another night I might have hated it, but I didn't, and I would probably go back. I can't see myself going here often, but I would try it again. THEY ONLY ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS HERE.
(3)
Isaac T.
Pizzas awesome, fried pizza could use more sauce but worth getting nonetheless
(4)
Ray C.
Haven't been here in years. Still NY's best pizza. If anyone here disagrees, tell me which one and it better not be in ITALY. Bestest crust and best sauce and cheese toppings. Not watery like some pizzas i've seen. Excellent balance.
(5)
Mark H.
This was pizza as I see it in my dreams, exactly how I love it, with delicious mozzarella, fresh sauce, very thin crust, great toppings (i.e. prosciutto, arugula, my favorites...). Perfection. Can't recommend it highly enough, but it seems with all these reviews, that I don't even have to. Had a delicious plate of olives (and I mean delicious, a generous portion, and in a spicy, tasty oil), very friendly waitress, good service, and 2 very nice bottles of wine (a Morellino di Scansano and a Nebbiolo). I would go back here in a heartbeat for an informal meal, and I would proudly bring anybody.
(5)
Michelle H.
Gosh I really wanted to give this place 4 stars, but the service bumped this down a whole star (not even 1/2 a star). I was able to obtain a reservation here for a large party (12 people) on a Sat. night @ 7:30 with less than a week's notice. Hard to do in the big apple (at a good spot). We were seated fairly promptly and ordered shortly thereafter. Our food came out really fast. The pizza's were great, but I think the pastas might have been marginally better. If you go, try to get both to try. After our food came, our server(s) did not come by for at least 45 min. Our group was surprised they didn't try to kick us out as the line was out the door. We finally ordered dessert, and two out of the three (tiramisu and zeppole filled with nutella) came out fast. The nutella pizza didn't come out for another 45 min. We canceled the pizza, but they brought it out right as we were about to leave and comped it. That was the best dessert of the three. Def skip the zeppole. Overall, great place to dine b/c of the great prices and good, if you are NOT in a rush and don't mind subpar service.
(3)
Anthony E.
A lot of pizza places in NYC. This is tops because the pizza is great (don't believe me, look at the pictures), the price is right (20 bucks for a pie big enough to split), and the wait isn't too bad. Bring a buddy and buy a couple brews; you'll have a great f*@king time.
(5)
Justin L.
I gotta say, this is the best pizza I've had in Manhattan thus far. Went here with a few friends for dinner during the week, and while we were checking the menu for prices outside, some crazy lady came up to us and told me that it was the best pizza in the city. Tall order, but I already know the pizza looks delicious based on the pics of the pies on here so we went ahead with the plan. Contrary to the comments here, the service was fantastic, from the waitress to the food coming out fairly quickly, to not rushing us, even getting us lemon wedges for our waters when we didn't order drinks (and asking before they did). It didn't hurt that we are all Italian and the place wasn't even close to full, but regardless I appreciated it. They don't try to do anything special with the atmosphere which I liked, just lots of Italian stuff arranged on the walls and the ability to hear the people you're with talk. One of the main reasons I wanted to try this place was that it has one of the last coal ovens in the city (although they use a wood/coal blend to cook their pizza). We shared a 16" Bruta Ma Buona (mozz, sauce, basil, olives, sausage, ricotta), my friends got the fried calamari to share as well (one of them wasn't very hungry). The calamari was solid, I've had better but it was solid and thats not what we came for anyway. The pizza was simply delicious. It was Neapolitan in spirit, but not form for the most part. For one, the dough had the softness of an Italian pie with the charistic coal oven crispness of the same time. I was leery of the olives, but they worked very well with the creamy ricotta and tasty sausage. My only complaints were that the sauce wasn't as great as it could've been (although it help to balanced the other ingredients in this case), and the pie was a little limp. But the main concern for me was whether the flavor was there, and it definitely was. I will be back and we'll see if this holds up
(4)
Nathan L.
Solid pizza spot in the East Village. This is a smallish place but we had no problems getting a table here. The pizza was good but the thin crust couldn't hold the weight of the sauce and toppings and it kind of fell over itself as I ate it and resorted to using a fork for a few bites. Still pretty tasty though. Its a cash only place which kind of sucks especially when you have to go out in 20 degree weather to go to the bank.
(3)
Adam S.
This a cute little pizza joint in the East Village. Went with a buddy and had a nice meal. The waiting staff were very attentive, if a little quirky. Took numerous attempts to get our table to not wobble. The pizza are pretty huge. Which is good right? Perhaps too much of a tomato taste for my likely - that's to say it dominated the pizza slightly. The range of pizza are not super innovative but nor are they the run of the mill. If you want super innovative go to Motorino. If you want a more chilled vibe and affordability and size of pie. Come here.
(4)
D. N.
Pizza is religion in New York, and this place may just be the St. Peter's Basilica of the you-can't-order-a-slice denomination. Absolutely fantastic.
(5)
Robert L.
Well, never got to try the pizza. Went into the restaurant after a yoga class with my Google Offer ($20.00 worth of food), which enticed me and I asked if they did take out. Waitress answered Yes. I ordered a large combo pizza with pepperoni and anchovy, (number 2 and 9) my favorite which would be a special combination for them. Cost was not an issue. Went to pay in advance, and told them I would take the pizza home to eat. When I showed my Google Offer I was told CONTRARY to what is written on the offer (Not valid for delivery) that the deal does not go with take out. "Take out" is not "delivery" I responded. Then I said I would pay extra for the box but I did not care to eat in the restaurant. The reason is mine alone. The bartender was adamant and someone who also apparently worked there backed him up. I asked if they were good business folks they would honor the Google offer, and the offer did not exclude take out. Being as they were, I left after having cancelled the order with no pizza. I then went to the $.99/ slice pizza place in my neighborhood, got two plain slices and went to the local Associated and purchased a pepperoni ($2.99) and a can of anchovies ($1.99). I simply wanted a slice of pizza of anchovy and pepperoni, and I was willing to pay handsomely for it, so money was not the issue. I had my slice and another one in the fridge. And enough pepperoni and anchovy left over to add to another full pie. The stubbornness of the wait staff and bartender lost this potential customer for good and gets no favorable review from me. And Luzzo's pizza's seems way overpriced also. About price, which I originally did not care about: C'mon $18.00 for a small thin crust pizza? The combo pizza I wanted would have cost about $26.00. I had my pizza and ate it too! At home. For about $1.75 per slice. And it was very very good.
(1)
Mark M.
Wanted to impress one of my closest friends who was in town visiting. Pizza was on the brain. Grimaldi's? No....don't want to wait in line. Yelp to the rescue to find Luzzos. What a find. Great service. Wonderful ambiance. Fun crowd. Not too loud. The tables are close - but not too close. And the food. The homemade buffalo mozzarella. Sweet baby jesus. And the prosciutto. Mary mother in heaven. And the pizza. To cover more bases, get two different small ones instead of one large. Decent wine list, too. I highly recommend this spot for a group, a date, or just with a friend!
(5)
Richard W.
I forgot how big 'large' pizzas were in the states! I lucked out & stumbled upon this place after a search for pizza using the Yelp app - and got a seat instantly. 10 minutes later there was a queue completely filling up the bar area, so I timed my arrival perfectly! The pizza (large w' mushrooms) was enormous, and damn good. Possibly the best I've ever had. That good. The topping was fairly loose - not the congealed, baked-together mushrooms/peppers you get with a lot of pizzas - so slicing a chunk off and eating with hands was a bit perilous, but tasted all the better for it. Wine list is reasonably small & restrictive - I wanted a cab but they only served that in bottles, so I ended up getting a merlot. Which was decent, and came in a generously jumbo glass. The place is pretty compact, so maybe booking in advance would be the way to go - and despite the staff clearly being very busy with a full house, they were all lovely and attentive. I'm definitely going back next time I'm in NYC.
(5)
Alex A.
Wow! I was looking for a some of NYC's best pizza on my recent trip to Manhattan (I'm from Los Angeles). The best ratings seemed to be coming from Brooklynn which was a shame because I didn't have time to make the trip. That said, Yelp delivered in a big way. (tourist side of Alex speaking) OK. So, the fact that this place is actually run by Italians who actually speak Italian, kiss each other on both cheeks, slap each other on the back and yell alot actually added to the experience for me...."cheesy" (in the bad sense) on my part, I know but for some odd reason I dug it. The problem for me was that I had the hardest time figuring out what I wanted. My gut told me to go simply but did I listen? Nooooooooo! I ordered the Ripieno (tomato, ricotta, mozzarella, mushrooms, spicy salami, ham and basil). The wife ordered Diavola (tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami). And risotto with a creamy, cheese sauce (sorry, I wasn't listening while we were ordering...to busy trying to figure out what I wanted) for the little one. Risotto? Kick ass! Diavola? To die for! Ripiieno? Killer....but too much going on there. The reality is that pizza a Luzzo's is made from just plain quality ingredients. Killer dough (just the right amount of crispyness) with the freshest ingredients (amazing mozza). How do I know the ingredients were fres? I COULD TASTE IT!! Really just amazing. It really takes something (relatively) simple, like the Diavola to truly appreciate it. In California, I usually order the pizza with everything under the sun. Luzzo's is pizza you just want to savor and enjoy. This was a late weekday lunch so we had pretty good (but not fantastic) service. Restroom (downstairs) was clean which is always a plus. We had a limoncello (lemon liqouer) for 'desert'. Not the best I've had but really very good...I can't think of another place that I know of (certainly none in LA) that would even think to offer as a desert item after a lunch like this. Overall, just a really good experience at Luzzo's. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)
Heather S.
Not as good as it used to be. We used to treck down here for this pizza and ambience of italians once per month. Lately the pizza has fallen-off...and the wine list is terrible. I'll pay for good wine dammit, not this vinegar being sold under $30. Yuk.
(3)
Steve K.
Ordered the pizza with sausage $18 for a pie. Overpriced and small, not a great value. Just ok. My wife loved it, but we both agreed $$$$$$$
(3)
Jeremy A.
Luzzo, thank god for you. I went in for lunch and the service was real prompt and friendly. Its a very cool little italian restaurant with a very expansive menu that I hope to continue to explore. I got the Bufala pizza and it was seriously the best Neapolitan style pie I have ever had. Its a hole in the wall and easy to miss, I walked past it twice before I found it. If you're looking for the best, you can find it here. I cant wait to go back.
(5)
Chris H.
Any fans of the original Iron Chef will instantly recognize this quote: "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are" - Brillat-Savarin This mind set, when applied to Luzzo's, means that the fans of this place are pizza purists. This place is shamelessly old school, and laudably authentic. First of all, this is the closest American pie i've ever had to replicating the pies that I was able to sample in Naples (Trianon, Da Michelle, etc). While Americans may revel in stuffed crust, deep dish, or Hawaiian monstrosities, traditional Neapolitan pies emphasize a crispy char, skillfully plied dough, a perfect sauce, and good quality mozzarella cheese. Anything above and beyond this, save a sprig of basil, is excessive. I like to think that i've honed my pizza palate through my travels, as well as my keen interest in Jeff Varasano's point of view on the matter ( varasanos.com/PizzaRecip… ) and I can safely say that this is one of the best pies i've had in the states. The crust is crispy at first, but cracks under the slightest bit of pressure, allowing pliability for a proper fold. Each bite is at first crunchy, but then yields into a chewy and flavorful morsel. Pure pizza bliss. In addition to the fantastic pies, we tried the carciofi gratinati (breaded artichokes), which were nicely seasoned, adorned by a bed of fresh baby arugula, and simply dressed with lemon and good quality olive oil. Brillat-Savarin may not have approved of my pizza fanaticism (apparently the old guy dissuaded the excessive consumption of bread, according to Wikipedia), but other pizza purists will revel in the beautiful fresh pies at Luzzo's.
(5)
Samson L.
I had to try some New York pizza while I was here for vacation so I decided to give this a shot because of all the reviews. When I went in there it was so empty. I expected this place to be packed. We ordered Arugala, Cal Zone, and EST. The pizza were quite thin and the toppings could not stay on my pizza at all. Not sure what was the cause of that. The EST in my opinion is my favorite pizza out of the 3 because it had plenty of meat. The bathroom is located downstairs which makes it quite scary but other than those flaws its quite good
(3)
Emily M.
Been here twice now and I look forward to the next time. The pizza is SO INCREDIBLY GOOD! The mozzarella is heavenly. Great dough, great sauce....great pizza.
(4)
Joe H.
The last time I was in New York I had a chance to visit Grimaldi's and thought it was pretty good. Well... this place is better in my opinion (I know... I may be roasted on a spit for that comment). Anyways, this place has the 3 things that make the perfect pizza: A thin crust that is crispy, chewy and thin. I ordered the Agugula (I'm kinda guessing on the spelling here) pizza. It had procuitto, mozzarella, arugula, grated parmesan, and tomato sauce. I think the combination of the butteriness of the arugula, the boldness of the parmesan and the saltiness of the procuitto was amazing. It worked out perfectly. My only gripe is that there was far too much arugula on the pizza and not enough mozzarella and procuitto. Another thing being that the slices were cut, but the procuitto wasn't cut all the way through, so it required some "creative" slice and meat dividing. The crust is amazing. It's crispy, thin and chewy all the way through. We destroyed a 12" pizza in less than 5 minutes between 2 of us. Is it the best I've had? Probably not, but it could hold up in a battle to the death in the best pizzas I've had. Weapon... Coal burning oven.
(4)
James F.
During your meal there's that point when your server comes to check on you: "is everything all right sir?" At Luzzo's, the waitress took one look at the giddy grin on my sauce encrusted face and stated: "pretty good, huh?" Not really a question and more than a mild understatement. Simply fantastic pizza. The sauce is tangy and zesty which I personally prefer to a sweeter tomato sauce. I don't know the specific difference between buffalo mozzarella and regular but this cheese was delicious. A greedy part of me wished for more of this gooey stuff. The crust surprised me a bit. I was expecting a firm, almost toast like crust. This was a soft, but not soggy , crust. Tasty and not too doughy. Best, and less messy, to eat this pizza folded in half like a traditional slice. I wavered between 4 and 5 stars because of price. $18 for 12 inch pie with sausage seemed pricey at first, but it's not out of line with what other similar style pizzeria charge. Whether you can afford to go weekly, monthly or every few months you definitely need to go. It's worth it.
(5)
Jin B.
the best margarita pizza in nyc! nothing comes close.
(5)
Victor A.
Delicious Pizza. Very thin crust that was delicious and the sauce and toppings, olives, sausage and goat cheese were wonderful. Good atmosphere and friendly staff. No crowd when we were there on a Saturday afternoon so that was a bonus.
(4)
Arielle C.
I completely agree with Anna G. I spent a bit of time in Italy - only 4 months - but I completely fell in love with it. Luzzos somehow let me relive it. Their pizza tartufata is out of control, and their tiramisu is like...a little piece of Italian heaven. Luzzo's is one of those neighborhood spots that just never disappoints. And when you become a regular there, you're family. One note: it is now cash only, so be prepared. But it's totally worth it.
(5)
Are M.
I'm not the only one who wants pizza in a poorly air conditioned space on the hottest day of the year! The place is small but packed. Not so friendly hostess directed us to wait at the bar, where there was a very friendly bartender, thankfully. Rice balls were frozen in the middle but the pizza was why I was there and why I would go back. I'll overlook the generic appetizer mishap.
(4)
Nicole R.
One of my closest friends is moving to Australia tomorrow, so one of our friends decided to get a group of us for dinner last Friday night at Luzzos. If you have not dined here, I did not understand how we were going to have 16 people eating dinner here at one time...it is a small crowded restaurant...ALWAYS. When we arrived, you could hardly get in the door. But then we were escorted down the steps to a private room in the basement. Other than the fact that there was another party down there, who eventually left, the space was perfect. We turned on the AC unit, put in our ipod and created our own party. Wine flowing, of course! The pizza and appetizers were great. They left us alone...did not rush us. We ended up closing the restaurant down past midnight and being asked to leave as the rest of the restaurant had already closed...understandable. 13+ bottles of wine later.....we stumbled out of the restaurant. Thanks for a GREAT sendoff for our friend!
(4)
Dave B.
Went there for lunch there yesterday. Only time I was there. Had a large pie with my friend. I'd say that it was very good. Sauce is a bit tangy (I prefer sweet), but they definitely have a very nice crust, very unique. Crispy and fluffy and thin...not too many pizza shops can pull that off. Overall, very good. Also, had a tiramisu for dessert...was excellent. Definitely worth trying if you're into pizza.
(4)
J R.
Came here almost by accident, and very glad we did. Terrific service and delicious pizza.
(4)
Art K.
I've been to Luzzo's a few times and it keeps getting better! Clearly one of the best places in NYC for real Neapolitan pizza, but they do other dishes really well... Last night I had the eggplant parmesan, and it was really delicious and the portions are a good size. Also had the shrimp and squid in spicy light tomato sauce -- also very good... My favorite pizza so far is the mushroom. Great imported cheese and a light crispy crust! Luzzo's is an all around solid east village Italian restaurant with amazing pizza (that one MUST try), and the service isn't so bad either... I love this place --
(4)
Venkatesh B.
I was invited here with friends tonight. The pizzas are brilliant as is the gnocchi. The ambiance was lively and overall great. Have a blast!
(5)
Zack G.
I like it a lot, came here on one of what will be 50 pizza dates with my girlfriend. She thought the crust was a little soft and watery, can't say I disagree. That being said, it's delicious. The sauce is good, the bread is tasty though too soft, and the bufala is delcious. Clearly a place that puts it's time into pizza. Really not bad, not superlative, but pretty freaking good. Not a bad price, but also sorta a quick eat. Came here and then tried out butter lane. Pizza + Cupcakes, jealous?
(4)
Lindsay W.
Magical crust. Thin as paper but not soggy and the "handle" of the pizza is thicker and pillowing with little crisp spots. Sauce was fresh and spot on balance between acid and sweet. We ordered the margarita and I really really appreciated the small mozzarella balls because you can easily get one in a bite and not have to choose between trying to tear the large piece to save some for another bite of just eating the whole piece leaving the slice now cheese less. I know it sounds goofy but it does make a difference. I ordered the arugula salad with sliced apples. The fresh lemony dressing was spot on and the apples helped balance the acid. I also had presseco which is always great with Italian food. My husbands salad was good as well (can't remember what it was) and both salads were generous in proportion. We did not order any other food but looking around made us wish we had tried to stuff in a pasta dish. The menus says most pastas are made fresh in house and they all looked so good. We are from out of state and had tried Lombardies Margarita which was great and I would rate as a 9 but I would rate this place 10 in the pizza department. So glad we found it..thanks other yelp reviewers! Drooling thinking about it.
(5)
jamie s.
Luzzo's pizza is simply the best. Classic coal over pizza napoletana with a variety of toppings, prepared to perfection. I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Last night was no exception. I generally stick to 3 favorite pies: Tartufata - standard sauce, mozz, basil + truffle oil; Arugola - arugula, prosciutto, sauce, mozz; and Brutta Ma Buona - sauce, mozz, ricotta, sausage, basil (we hold the olives on this one). Two 16" + one 12" was the perfect quantity for my party of 5. Everything tasted fresh and delicious, and we left feeling perfectly full. So yeah, the pizza undoubtedly earns 5 stars. But I will make one small complaint: the wine list is a little challenging - not many "cheap" options, and a lot of strange varietals (even for me, and I'm in the business!). Luzzo's is definitely worth a go. I always recommend it as "the best pizza in NYC". I admit I have yet to try Motorino (around the corner and getting rave reviews) and a couple other crowd-pleasers, but I'm pretty confident Luzzo's still ranks at the tippy top!
(5)
Charlece H.
Coming from a place where good Italian food is hard to come by (Texas), I was anxious to find a great place during our last visit. I'm happy to report that our dinner at Luzzo's was great. We showed up on a Friday night without reservations. We waited about 20 min at the bar (enough time for a glass of prosecco). I had a great (and reasonably priced) Siclilian wine. The table ordered pizza, taglatelli, meatballs, and a salad to share. It was plenty of food and I was so happy the food tasted so much like my last trip to Rome and Sicily two summers ago. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend it for a casual night out with great food.
(4)
Michael L.
Went to Luzzo's last night and must say it is one of the best Neapolitan style pizza places in the city. Stopped off for a quick dinner ordered a bottle of Prosecco, some mozzarela di bufala and a Speck ham topped pizza. Crust is thin and delicious with a perfect char on the bottom and the ingredients are top notch. Very very close to the pizza I had while in Southern Italy and that's a good thing. The only drawbacks from what I can see are the place is fairly small and tight so I could imagine getting a table on weekends is fairly difficult. Otherwise Luzzo's has earned my praise.
(5)
Eric K.
Only in the last year did I learn about Luzzo's but after a couple visits, I'm ready to declare it my favorite pizza place in Manhattan. And it's not just because of the pizza. At Luzzo's, I don't feel like I'm one of a few New Yorkers in a place overrun by tourists (sorry lombardi's). I go in and it feels more like a local's place. Luzzo's location in a nondescript part of 1st ave. in the east village contributes to that local feel, and the knickknacks all over the brick walls give the restaurant a personal touch. But the food is obviously Luzzo's most distinguishing feature. Unlike other pizza places, they actually start you out with a basket of tasty focaccia, with an accompanying bottle of olive oil for dipping. And then you look at the menu and realize that there is more than just pizza. They have fried calamari! It's a dish that my parents would always order when we'd go out for italian, and I still have an obsession with it. Pizza places generally don't have it on their menu but Luzzo's does, and their version is delicious: fat, thick squid rings and legs fried in a light batter that come out hot and not greasy. The calamari texture is perfectly tender, the batter crispy, and when dunked in marinara, it is truly classic. The fried calamari, as good as it is, still is overshadowed by the pizza. While initially, I was a little skeptical that Luzzo's largest pie was 16" and not the traditionally larger 18", my stomach didn't feel the difference in the end. My friends who were first-timers kept commenting on how good the underlying crust was: crispy, doughy, and chewy. While I did need to use fork and knife for the first couple bites of my first slice, the crust held up and I actually savored the end-crusts as their texture was more like a soft breadstick than a saltine cracker. I've tried the bufala (tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil) and the heavier, meatier pizzas like the ripieno (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, mushroom, salami, ham, basil), and all make you consider getting a second pie. Gobs of mozzarella dot the pizza, fresh and tangy sauce cover the rest of the surface area, and honestly whatever other toppings you get are simply icing on the cake. I really do hope that Luzzo's continues to maintain that local feel, and that everyone else keeps going to lombardi's, john's, and the other more recognizable pizza places. I don't want to share Luzzo's with anybody else, although i guess by writing this review, I just did. Dammit.
(5)
Sara B.
The decor was cute, the service was attentive, and our food was generally well executed, but overall I found it to be no better or worse than the gazillions of other rustic Italian spots I've eaten at. Long story short, if I lived nearby, I'd go back....but I don't, so I probably won't. We started with the fried calamari, which included only the rings, looked like what you get at TGI Fridays, and didn't taste so fresh. We both ordered fresh pasta. My husband's bolognese was pretty standard. I found my papardelle with speck and mushrooms to be overly rich and a bit bland. It seems like pizza would've been the way to go.
(3)
Jim U.
I absolutely love authentic Neapolitan style pizza. My visit to Da Michele in Napoli was one of my great culinary travel experiences, and it is the standard by which I judge all challengers. The simplicity of the pizza is seductive and enticing. With only crust, sauce, mozzarella di buffala, and basil, you do not have a lot to work with. There are many ways to get this wrong. So how did Luzzo's fare? Not so well. The first revealing clue was when we asked if we could have different toppings on the two sides of the pizza. We were told this was simply not possible, but we could order two smaller pizzas instead if we wanted to have different toppings. Translation: our pizzas are pre-made. The second revealing clue was when our pizza was served within a few minutes of ordering it. Translation: confirmation, the pizza isn't exactly made to order. Indeed, that fresh mozzarella, is not so fresh and has, in fact, been melted on the pie long before you stepped foot through the door. The sauce was not especially intricate or complex either. The crust was fine though. But my first bite revealed my true feelings -- disappointment. As a generic pizza, it is decent and certainly edible. I am not disdaining the pizza outright, rather, I just know that if real love and attention were given to the preparation process, a much better pizza could be had. I did enjoy the Menabrea Rosso, a beer I do not ordinarily see on the menu in Italian eateries. Ambience was okay. Our table was right next to the point of sale station, so there was plenty of activity right behind my back. There was some random furniture hanging upside down from the ceiling as well old Italian music on the radio. Aside from that, it felt like any pizza parlor. Overall, it's okay for pizza. I would recommend several toppings to help cover for the multitude of sins buried underneath. 3.5 stars
(3)
Hayden-William C.
I did a fairly extensive search for well liked Pizza places on the east side before settling on Luzzo's for my birthday dinner. This is a small place with only one floor of seating and a private room downstairs. As such you should probably make a reservation in advance. I ordered the #10 pizza which had an assortment of toppings like ham, artichokes, olives, etc. I thought it was extremely good overall. All the ingredients (including the sauce and dough) tasted fresh/handmade which is hard to come by and the pizza wasn't overloaded with cheese, allowing you to better appreciate the variety of flavors. Several of my friends ordered pasta and their assessments ranged from excellent to very good, so there are options here if you don't want just pizza. The ambiance is a bit rustic and the staff was friendly, though at the end when we were getting our money together to pay, a manager came over and "encouraged" us to get up as he had a long line of waiting customers. That was somewhat tasteless as we were clearly working on paying. Then when we were done 2 minutes later, we couldn't find anyone to take our money (the manager was off in the corner socializing). Nevertheless, extremely good food here. Worth checking out.
(4)
Jen A.
As an avid GQ reader, I decided to try the pizza's on this list: gq.com/food-travel/alan-… To sum up my warm sentiments on Luzzo's pizza, I will simply say that I enjoyed my experience (food, ambience, consistency, service, & wine) far more than any restaurant on GQ's "american pie" list. and yes, that includes great lake which is a wonderful byob spot.
(5)
BubbaluArare G.
we've been searching for you... all these years luzzo's and you were right under our noses!!! we love the east village... but we strayed... got distracted by luke's and caraca's and big gay ice cream and and... we're so dumb... if you are looking for pizza that is NOT over-sauced (so many in manhattan are which just ruins the crust, not to mention, the taste for me) with the perfect crust that is light but has a chew and yet is crisp on the bottom with that signature smoked burnt bubbles that only coal ovens can create, i'll tell you-- this place is it. never mind all the buzz about keste... they do an even better red sauce and don't over-sauce either (they really get that right) but the crust is traditional neopolitan (so i've heard).. like a pita bread... soft, chewy and with a pull if that's your thing. as for angelo's they are not bad too but they tend to over-sauce and their crust is not consistent so you'll wind up with something flaccid and soggy in the middle on occasion; when they do get it right it can be pretty good, but like i said-- they usually get it wrong... as for john's it's well, fine... just OK, and lombardi's is hype... it's fine, but nothing near mind-blowing...in fact, their crust was a bit soggy as well the pies are a bit pricy at luzzo's but i don't mind paying if it's good stuff and the two times we went, we were always serviced well. the waiters are really friendly too and one even made recommendations and marked a take-out menu for us if we made it back. well, of course we did. we're not stoopid anymore. we ordered the speck and the martha. the speck has red sauce which i'm partial to but the martha (w/o red sauce) was pretty damn good too. i was happy that the each time we went, the crust was consistent! luzzo's you're a keeper.. please don't change!
(5)
Jane P.
We got a pizza with tons of veggies on it (i forget the name) and it was so delicious. Very greasy also but wow. My roomie and I thoroughly enjoyed this with our coke. YUMMMM.
(4)
Nidhi B.
The tartufata (basically a margherita with truffle oil drizzled on top) is divine. And we ordered in - I'd love to try it fresh in the restaurant. Definitely stopping by!
(4)
Rich W.
There's just way too many positive feedback about this place for your not to try it out at least once. Then again since I've been somewhat of a regular here for the past year, I should be selfish and say stick to Lombardi's, John's or Grimaldi's. This way I won't have to wait long and it can somewhat be a under the radar establishment for pizza lovers like myself, then again it's too late the word is out! I have officially become a Neapolitan pizza snob thanks to Luzzo's. Aside from the pizza their other dishes at times feels like someone's nonna cooked it! Definitely try the ravioli and fried egg plant if you're not in the mood for the pizza.
(5)
grampa g.
Good pizza, but super duper hot inside!! I'm sure it will be better when it's freezing outside... but until then...we couldn't wait to get outta there, maybe the air con was broken. Do not order the "Prosecco", it's not. Most entrees around $17. Stick to arugula salad and a pie. Overworked looking, but nice staff.
(2)
Ro N.
Best Pizza in NY!!!! Every time anyone asks me for direction to nasty Lombardi's - I ALWAYS try to convince them to go here. I love their calamari and their own extra virgin olive oil! Not to mention their focaccia - YUMMY! So damn good! Bolognese is a must too!
(5)
Charlotte G.
This HAS to be the best pizza in New York if not the United States. We went in late one night after dinner and a Broadway show just to sample a slice because I'd done a lot of NY pizza research on Yelp, and now we can't go to Manhattan without making a point of stopping at Luzzo's. On our first visit we ordered the 10' margarita-equivalent (just sauce, cheese and basil) to split because we only wanted one piece each (after all, we'd had dinner a few hours before and really weren't hungry) but literally within five minutes of the pizza reaching the table the whole thing was GONE. The crust is perfect - light, chewy, perfectly browned. The sauce is perfect - just acidic enough and just flavorful enough to balance the cheese, which is delectable and imported from Italy. I hate pizza overloaded with tomato paste and dripping oil from the cheese... This has none of that. Just simple, heavenly goodness. The ambiance is kind of hole-in-the-wall, but if you're choosing a restaurant based on decor you're probably not aiming for a pizza place anyway. Our service was fine - no complaints. Just don't miss the tiramisu for dessert - it's the best I've had outside of Italy.
(5)
Elben S.
I came to this legendary place expecting a legendary pizza. And I got it. I ordered the bufala pizza, a pure, no-frills pizza. 90 seconds in the brick oven is what I hear. It was very close to perfect. Every ingredient glittered in my mouth, like a troupe of dancers. One of the best pizzas I've had all the years of my life.
(5)
Janet P.
I love pizza, especially in NYC. California just doesn't compare (although a few places are close). I came here for a family dinner and immediately loved the scent of fresh pizza in the air. We ordered a plain pizza, a pepperoni pizza, and one with truffles (in the form of truffle oil I think). They were scrumptious. Not only were the pies bubbling hot when served, but the crust had that distinctive "crunch" when you bite into it. The sauce was flavorful and robust, the mozerella cheese nice and soft. I'm torn between this place and Lombardi's as being my favorite in NYC.
(5)
Mike M.
Nice authentic Neapolitan pizza. This isn't my favorite pizza place, but that's mostly down to personal preferences (I like more cheese and less sauce on my pie), but this would be a great place if you like Neapolitan pizza. Not a great location (between a couple nail/spa places) or ambience, but not bad either.
(4)
Art E.
Luzzo... you bring me back to my days of traveling Northern Italy as a young, naive, pizza-feining teenage boy. Your crust is delicate yet chewy, slightly crispy and burned, the perfect thickness indeed. You're like the Dove Girls of Pizza crusts... just right. I came here on a whim after someone in line at Ssam Bar suggested I try it since I only had 30 to spare for a quick bite. Sat down at the tiny bar, ordered a glass of Montepulciano for 7 bucks and ordered the spicy salami pie. 7 minutes later, I was in Pizza heaven. The mozzarella was fantastic, the sauce perfect, and the 'spicy salami' was real, wholesome, fatty, rich, spicy pork. Service was lovely and prompt. I'll sure be back again-- maybe the best pizza I've had in New York... and without the "designer" fuss you get with wait times at Motorino and Co.
(5)
russell b.
Currently my favorite pizza spot in New York. Its not your traditional triangular New York slice, its authentic Italian pizza and its so, so good. I'm giving it 5 stars despite having had small issues with management, service, the temperature and space, etc. None of it matters when you bite into the tartufatta or buffala pizza and savor every bite. When I say a perfect crust, I mean a perfect crust. Bless you Luzzo's and thank you for delivering this delicious (and not overly expensive) meal.
(5)
Jessica G.
Man o man. I am not usually a pizza girl, but this place has me coming back for more. I highly recommend the arugula and prosciutto pizza and meatball app. You won't regret it. Mushroom pizza missed home for me, but others enoyed. Now stop reading and go eat!
(4)
Lauren L.
This place will turn you into a pizza maniac! It also has great pasta dishes. The service is usually quick at the restaurant and with delivery. I love the EST and Michele pizzas they are perfection. The past I love here is the Pappardelle Speck E Porcini. If you like fresh, high quality ingredients (porcini mushrooms and truffle oil) and authentic Napoletana Italian head here.
(5)
Tara P.
I was so completely ecstatic with my entire experience at Luzzo's. Came here after a long day in the city and wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. After spending an entire semester abroad in Italy, I learned a lot about the culture and the traditions Italians have, such as having what is called "Aperitivo" which literally means "drink before a meal". So normally, you would have a drink/some appetizers and then go enjoy your entree. I have yet to have seen something like this anywhere in New York since getting to experience it all the time abroad. Upon arriving to Luzzo's, I saw what I've been hoping to see for almost a year. We got a bottle of Chianti, and Luzzo's had free food for everyone to enjoy. They had a buffet of rigatoni bolognese, Neapolitan style pizza, and many other small appetizers. The bartender, Kelly, was incredibly friendly and made good conversation. I felt like I was re-living my days in Italy, only with much more English to go around.
Somewhere beneath the upside-down tables and chairs, a small person shared two 12" pizzas with a big person, and finished it all. The "Arugula" with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmigiano, and arugula, and the "Salsiccia" with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, and basil were found to be top-notch Neapolitan slices. And the chili-infused olive oil they gave us was magical.
(4)
Sara C.
Alright Luzzo's, The one that was awarded "best pizza in nyc" by all my friends. I may have had a few glasses of wine before dinner so I was chomping on the pizza like a mad woman. Bread + Wine is always a win win. Sooo why the 3 stars? Because I'd probably never return and go back to my 2 bros or 99 cent pizza parlors. This place was good, don't get me wrong. But pizzas are too perfect in nyc when you have 1k+ competitors! Sorry Luzzo's, yours just didn't make the cut. My main reason for the -2 stars was that the pizza crust was soggy... A nyc pizza rule nooooooooo noooooo! But who knows, maybe it was just the day I went. :( sadface.
(3)
Evangelia K.
I adore Luzzo's. The best coal oven pizza in NYC. I love that they give you red pepper oil on the side. I drool just thinking about it. Even the pasta dishes are delicious. The appetizers, maybe not so much :) Really nice wine list. Servers were always very nice. Very reasonably priced. I've been there too many times to count and will go back again and again.
(5)
Rachel F.
Went to this place once last year. Their pizza is really good and I love the place decoration. Nice pizza place to go.
(4)
Henry C.
Classic Italian food that really hits the spot. Amazing, friendly service. Pizza crust was just right, crispy and chewy both -- with nice fior di latte. Gnocchi were quite good, but eggplant melanzane was just ok. Be sure to look up at the ceiling!
(4)
Tracie S.
If you like pizza (who doesn't?), then this place is a must try. The pizza is hands down one of the best I've ever eaten. We went with a group of 5 people and started with a few apps (mussels, rice balls, bruschetta) that were just ehh. The mussels were pretty plain, rice balls not too flavorful, & bruschetta was well bruschetta. As for pizza, we got the calzone (open), arugula, and EST. They were all so delish that I can't pick a fav. Really can't go wrong with any of them. If you like to spice things up, ask for the hot/spicy olive oil. Sprinkle a little on your pizza or crust...you won't be disappointed. Service was good, food was great. My advice is skip the apps and go straight to the main event.
(4)
Barbara T.
This is one of the best places in New York City. The waiters are so friendly and fast. The food is delicious. The taste is just like Italy
(5)
Jason P.
Tasty, coal-oven-style, Napolitan pizza. Thin crust that is nicely burned. Tangy, sweet sauce. And while you eat, enjoy listening to the Italian pop radio.
(4)
Anand M.
I have been searching for a perfect, standard, no frills, back to basics pizza for a while now; Luzzo's delivered. I was really worried, there is a little Luzzo's in UES that is terrible, with worse service. They both look the same from the outside, so I was ready for a big dissapointment - I was not excited for the meal. I had faith in yelp though, and walked in with only a little trepidation for my early lunch on a weekday (no wait). Inside feels like an italian pizzeria, and the olive oil on the table completes the look. However, it just tasted OK, i much prefered the pizza crust plain. I tried just one pizza but am confidant that the quality is the same throughout. The mushroom pizza had everything I wanted and everything was done so well. The crust was thin and crispy with a little chew(and soggy by the last peice), there was not too much cheese, there was plenty of tangy sauce. You can't go wrong with this pizza. Because of our time, the pizza came out almost immediately - I cant imagine the pizza taking more than 8 minutes in the coal oven (=high temperature cooking). I will be back often, it is only a few blocks from me and the pizza is so great they have definately earned me trying the whole menu (probably in one sitting)!
(5)
Chelle N.
I had higher expectations for this place since the reviews were so good. I ordered the Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza based on the recommendations and I thought it was really mediocre. I suppose it was my bad for choosing a lighter pizza instead of something more decadent which was what I was actually craving. I ended up going to Lombardi's a few days after and was very satisfied (I need the cheese and sauce!!). The bruschetta was three pieces of bread with sliced tomatoes on top for $7 bucks. I feel like I could have made it myself to be honest. The one dish that i did LOVE LOVE LOVE at this place was this egg pasta they had. I can't remember the name (sorry!!) but it was at the bottom of the menu and it was really creamy and rich. It was a plain pasta with little pieces of pancetta in it but the sauce was so good! Now that I'm back in LA, I'm trying to find a restaurant around here that will have something similar because I don't think I'll be happy with any other pasta for a while! The pasta really saved the restaurant experience for me because everything else was just all rightttt. TIPS: - Restaurant gets really crowded so avoid peak hours! - Ask for a table along the wall or closer to the front because if you sit in the back, they'll seat you in tables two inches away from other parties and it's really...uh...awkward
(3)
David J.
Goooooood, buuuuut, the place has Neapolitan pizza written all over the place yet within 5 minutes of walking in I see the chef stretching the dough over the palms of his hands, up in the air....not kneaded and pressed on the counter as per DOC protocol. Also, this pizza is made in a coal fired oven, not wood, so technically breaking the Neapolitan rules - at least as prescribed by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Anyway, who cares, this was some darn good pizza. Not the best I've ever had, but up there in the top 5 for sure. The experience of Luzzo's adds to the happiness of the place. Lots of wood from tables, chairs, bar etc, to italian touches all over the place from the Italian music playing over the stereo, or the olive oil pourers attached the the wall, to the amazing tins of Partanna olive oil from Sicily on the tables (so so so fruity olive oil). Check this place out!
(4)
Ivan S.
This is my favorite pizza in NYC. My friend from Italy lived here in NY for years and she introduced me to Luzzo's. They use buffalo mozzarella on their pies and the sauce is unbelievable. Every friend I have brought there considers it the best pizza they have ever tried.
(5)
Elizabeth J.
Always loving pizza that comes from coal-burning ovens. Luzzo's is not to disappoint. Super thin and crisp, perfect sweet and tangy tomato sauce, just the right amount of cheese and toppings. Ahhh Hungry just thinking about this place. To Start We had: Bufala E Prosciutto mozzarella di bufala with prosciutto di parma : Awesome fresh cheese and tons of prosciutto! Salumi Misti mix of imported cold cuts: amazing selection of meats! great app for the whole table to share. Pizza: Pepperoni --yummy. Excellent spot to start out the night! Thanks for the great pizza and cold cuts. Make sure to make a reservation as it get Packed!
(4)
Heather S.
We ate lunch here while visiting NYC. It was recommended to us by a bartender in San Francisco, and it ended up being right by our hotel. The pizza here was incredible - best pizza we have had in NYC so far, and we eat a LOT of pizza. The burratta and prosciutto was also very good. Even though we were stuffed, we got the tiramisu, which was a great decision because that was also delicious, so save room for dessert!!
(5)
Jenn C.
I was last here a couple of years ago, I suppose, and was looking to have dinner with a friend. Although I found the restaurant, it was much different from when I was there last. The place used to feel warm and romantic, have real italian waiters, and generally was a nice place to go and have some great pizza. When I walked in, I was greeted promptly, but then sat under a huge TV screen blaring Italian music videos. The lighting was harsh too - I commented to my friend that it was like sitting in my own kitchen to eat pizza. Eventually they turned the music lower and the lighting down a tad, but by then we were almost done with our meal. The food was good - we had a margarita pizza, arancini and bruschetta. The bruscetta itself was tasty but it was served on hard as rocks slices of bread which detracted from it overall because one bite it and the bread crumbled like a taco upon first bite. The arancini were soft little pillows of rice and meat and were really yummy. Otherwise, service was accomodating and friendly.
(3)
Deborah Z.
I love this restaurant! The pasta is homemade and delicious! The pizza is authentic New York pizza and also yummy!
(5)
Judy C.
Pros: really good thin crust pizza with great toppings. The calamari was also tasty Cons: small space. I suggest going early to beat a weekend night rush..especially if you're a big group Slightly pricey but the portions are definitely meant for sharing with large groups
(4)
Christine Y.
The food was good. We ordered calamari, a 12 inch pizza with zucchini and mushrooms , gnocchi and a pasta dish with speck. Everything tasted fresh and arrived promptly. I would've rated it 3 stars if the waiter didn't stomp his foot and looked uninterested when he took our order because he got impatient! This totally threw us off and made us order the wrong dish because we wanted to expedite the process (although it was delicious). Sorry but bad service really kills it for me!
(2)
Jack S.
awesome pizza place! It's not very formal but very tasty. Reminds me of my trips to Naples and Amalfi. Definitely must go, if you like pizzas.
(5)
Rachel K.
I recently came to Luzzo's with a friend for dinner since I heard it was the best pizza in East Village. My friend and I split the arugula pizza. It had arugula, prosciutto, mozzarella, and a light tomato sauce. My friend was recently in Italy and even she thought it was superb. The crust was thin, light, and crispy. Four stars because they don't take credit card. One suggestion I have is to get there on the earlier side. We arrived around 7:45 PM on Saturday and had no trouble getting seated but when we left, it was packed.
(4)
Evan R.
Wow!!!! This place is the real deal. Our mushroom coal & wood fired oven pizza was so ridiculously good, I was shocked. We had a minestrone soup which was good. And an arugula salad with apples which was nice. I'm going to try and make it back before heading home to California. Service was nice and authentically Italian. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Nidaa M.
It's been a while since I've had some decent brick oven pizza. Craving it for the past two weeks, I finally decided to yelp a location and meet up with a friend for lunch. So glad I decided on Luzzo's! When you first walk in, you notice that the restaurant is pretty narrow. It's relatively long, just not as wide as you would hope for. The environment was pretty quiet when we stopped in, so a plus on our end. It had an italian pizzeria type feel to it, very interesting if you ask me. As I sat down and skimmed through the menu, I suddenly became very indecisive. So many different pizzas to choose from, how could I just pick one?! After careful consideration, because food is a serious matter, I finally decided on the Diavola and my friend concurred. Intrigued by the ingredients and suddenly craving salami, this was definitely the way to go! Originally deciding on a 12", we were advised to order a 16". Glad we did but I felt that we should have ordered another one. IT WAS THAT GOOD! Although a 16" would be enough for a normal party of two, my friend and I consume food like there's no tomorrow. We're very well aware of our appetite, we can eat! The strong brick oven taste, the aroma of the basil, the taste of perfection from the mozzarella, tomato sauce, and spicy salami combination; what more could I ask for in a brick oven pizza? Just typing this review has me craving it all over again! The service was relatively decent, no complaints there. The only reason I'm knocking out a star from this review is because this place ONLY ACCEPTS AMERICAN EXPRESS. How is it that a restaurant only accepts American Express in NYC? I found it very weird, especially since their charge percentage happens to be the highest out of all major credit cards normally accepted. My friend ended up paying for our meal, but I promised to grab the next check. Sorry Luzzo's, but you actually let me down on that end. So what have we learned here, people? When coming to Luzzo's, make sure you have cash or an American Express on hand. Otherwise, I highly recommend and definitely plan to be back, very soon.
(4)
Angela A.
Feel like traveling to Naples just for a night? Make it a point to go to Luzzo's for some 5-star Neapolitan specialties and most importantly, pizza! We had the eggplant parmigiana and speck bruschetta to start - both great choices. We had a decent size group so we split three various pizzas - one with speck, a second with spicy salami and a third with mozzarella di bufala! I don't venture to Luzzo's often enough but know it's one of the best pizza places in NYC!
(5)
Andrew J.
There is something about a coal oven that produces the perfect crispy char on pizza crust. Another big plus is medallions of melted mozzarella, as opposed to the shredded supermarket variety. Luzzo's is an inviting, ever so slightly hip spot that definitely does thin crust pizza right!
(4)
Jill L.
It's been awhile since I had some good pizza. I love brick oven thin crust - although it can get a little too chard it is still delicious. So silly me I ordered Cesar salad - classic but "boring" and it disappeared so quickly I was only able to get just a bite. I was so sad. It was fresh crunchy delicious and nothing was overpowering. We ordered the artichoke and arugula salads as well but there was something fresh and crisp and flavorful. I know, it's a pizza joint, but freshest tastiest salads I have ever had. Order some. We had the arugula pizza...thin, crunchy, delicious pizza and this is from a person who prefers other types of food over pizza.
(4)
Andrew R.
Sourcing awesome pizza was one of my first aims when I moved to NYC, and this cosy little Italian in the East Village was the first place I visited twice - which speaks for itself. I've only been in on a Saturday and both times the place was reassuringly busy with a really diverse crowd looking for something authentically Italian. If you like your pizza Neapolitan style, then this is your pizza-joint. Fabulous balance in the base maintaining a light & crispy texture with rich toppings. Went for the Diavola both times and you'd struggle to get better Neapolitan-style pepperoni pizza this side of Southern Italy. Was a little disappointed with the arancini starter, they lacked the depth of flavour needed in risotto balls to turn them from starchy fillers to more-ish appetisers. But this place is all about the pizza - and I'll certainly be back for another some time soon.
(4)
Kevin C.
Arancini (aka risotto balls) were so delicious. OMG, I could eat these little fried balls of goodness everyday. But really, you come here for the pizza and the pizza here is very good. We had sausage, basil, tomato, cheese. Simple ingredients. Just the way I like my pizza. The crust was SOOOOOO GOOD. AGHHHHH! I loved it. Overall the food here is great but the wait can be annoying. My paragraph rant: The wait was pretty long ~ 1hr at 830pm on a Friday. Now, I'm used to waiting and it's okay with me, but one of my pet peeves is when the host grossly underestimates the wait time. He told us 20 minutes and we ended up waiting at least 1 hr. Is it so much to ask that the host SET EXPECTATIONS properly? It's always better to undersell and over deliver. Nevertheless, I would come back to Luzzo's because the pizza is some of the best in NYC.
(4)
Maelina F.
Bravissimo! This hidden treasure deserves MORE than five stars. I'll preface this by saying I'm a pizza snob. I know for a fact the best pizza around is in New Haven, CT. The only other pizza joint in NY I've tried was Grimaldi's (good, but not worth the 3-hour wait). Luzzo's, however, blew my mind. The crust is very thin, yet bubbly and succulent. And despite the fact that, like the New Haven joints, it's cooked in a coal oven, the cheese doesn't scorch the roof of your mouth! I tried the Margherita pie and something else with arugula. Both were outstanding. Before our pizzas, our party (about 18 of us) had a round of salads and various appetizers. The mussels were ridiculous. And I was also impressed they had arancini (a not-very-well-known Italian dish that basically consists of a ball of rice, fried, with meat and tomato sauce). Along with our pizzas, we ordered the gnocchi (PERFECT consistency) and the fettuccine with seafood. BTW, coal ovens are now banned. Luckily, they were grandfathered in. Keep that in mind and give this place a shot.
(5)
Paula S.
Pizza was good. I guess I was expecting to be blown away based on the reviews. I'm a native NYC gal so I prefer regular mozzarella cheese as opposed to buffalo mozzarella. Service was fair. They served my friends pasta dish's ten minutes before the pizza. The atmosphere was good and the kitschy decor makes it a fun place to take children. I would return!
(4)
Ruggy J.
Before my jaunt to New York, I had this idea in mind that I'd fuel my body on nothing but artisan pizza, molecular cocktails and Twinkies for the short time I was in the city. While I strangely ate more Twinkies in three days than I'd ever previously eaten in my entire life, noshing on New York style pie was something that seemed to escape my grasp. Lucky for me, the one real fling I had with hand tossed eats came by way of Luzzo's. I'm a pretty big fan of Naples inspired pie, but I've yet to have anything quite as enjoyable as the Pizzaiola with Mozzarella di Bufala, tomato sauce and basil from this particular pizza palace. I'm typically not the biggest eater, but I could have smashed an entire large pizza all by myself, and quite possibly, a second one to boot. The slightly sweet sauce coupled with mounds of fresh cheese and the freshest basil this side of Babylon made for quite the impression in my first dabble with real east coast fare. If the pizza itself wasn't good enough, they'll also deliver the goods straight to the door faster than you can say Amore! It's not the most inexpensive of its kind in the 'hood, but as the age old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Also, word on the street is that hardened criminal and household virtuoso Martha Stewart drives in all the way from her palatial estate in Connecticut to eat pizza at Luzzo's. Just sayin', that's pretty cool.
(5)
Evan R.
I'm a huge devotee of John's on Bleecker, so when someone says "best pizza in NY" about anywhere else, I loudly scoff. But, I'm always open to pizza adultery. Went here last night for an old coworker reunion. It's cramped horizontally, but the restaurant goes pretty far back. There was a party of 25 women celebrating a birthday party right next to us. And by celebrating, I mean being loud, drunk Long Islanders. I could barely hear my friends tawk. For starters, we shared the Pappardelle Speck e Porcini and Spaghetti Gorgonzola e Rughetta. The pappardelle was a little sloppy but the taste was amazing. I'm not a huge mushroom person but the truffle was delicious. The spaghetti was a little boring but cooked perfectly al dente. For dinner, we shared these pizzas: - 5. Arugola - perfect amount of arugola and prosciutto..leafy without tasting like you're eating a salad pizza - 9. Diavola - good, but just tasted like any salami pizza - 18. Speck - this pie was placed right in front of me, and speck smells like my workout gloves the day before I throw them out. But man was it good (note to self: try eating gloves?) I was really impressed with all the pies...they were very thin at the front, but the crusts were just the right amount of doughy. For drinks, I had two of their Luzzonianas, which is a combination of limoncello and prosecco. Considering half of the group was Mormon, it was just the right amount of alcohol. Other than the absurd amount of noise, it was a great time. I would never go on a pizza journey to anywhere but John's, but this is definitely a keeper if I were in the neighborhood.
(4)
Ivan M.
Contender for the best pizza in New York. Yes, it's that good. It's Italian style, but that's the best kind anyway. Yes, it's loud and tightly packed, but that's all forgotten once the pizza gets on the table.
(5)
Sang B.
Delicious pizza! I've recently grown fond of pizza with that said I'm not a good judge of a good slice. My ideal pizza has great sauce, great cheese, and nice thin brick oven crust with a little dark spots and bubbles. With that said, this place was great! The classic margarita was delicious! Some of the toppings overwhelmed the flavor so wasn't so fond of some of them. But their spicy salami and ricotta was delicious! The ambiance was nice, the service was prompt. Really, nothing to complain about. Well.. it is all the way on the east side. :( CASH and AMEX only.
(4)
Rajani M.
Neopolitan style pizza! Mmm, good. The incredibly thin crust with slightly burnt edges is deliciously good, as is the bufala mozzarella polka dotted on top. I was also impressed by the mushrooms on our Funghi pizza- they were lightly grilled chunks of mushrooms that had a great meaty texture and flavor. My favorite part of pizza is the sauce- and that's where Lazzo's did well. It's chunky, and has great blend of salty and sweet flavors that make every bite super tasty. A large is good for 2- it comes out looking like wayy too much- but each slice is light (and yummy) enough- that you'll keep eating, and won't walk away feeling like (too much of a) glutton. The space is really cute and homey too. The decor is old fashioned-kitcheny with pots and pans lining the walls, and if you look high enough, you'll see that the ceiling has it's own room feel to it with upside down chairs and tables. Quirky details, I like it. Well, it's cute enough for a casual date, or an easy night out with friends, just be wary of the kids eating there there (some of them scream!).
(4)
e g.
Overrated. Food was cold and nothing special . Wine was nasty
(3)
S. D.
Fantastic pizza, best in Manhattan that I have tried.
Nothing special. There are far better pizzerias in this town (see e.g., Otto Enoteca, Rubirosa, Lucali's, etc. etc.)
(3)
Ujon C.
I think one of the best pizza place in NYC. Many italian people were watching soccer game when I was there, and with wonderful pizza and wine....I felt as if I am in Italy!
(5)
Meghan M.
It takes a lot for me to actually say..."Hey, I feel like pizza!". In fact, you'll probably never hear me say that. Well, that may not be a fact for long after last night. We didn't have a reservation (they wouldn't take one for two over the phone) so just headed over. There was no wait around 8pm on a Saturday which was impressive. The ambiance is cozy and casual and there's a bar in case you do have to wait. On to the meal... We ordered a bottle of cab and a large arugula pie (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, proscuitto, parmesan, arugula). The wine was good and the pizza was outstanding. The bruschetta that our neighbor table ordered looked incredible and I'll definitely head back to try that out. While my date picked up the tab, I do think it was relatively pricey for pizza...maybe $25 for the pie but well worth it. My only complaint? The service. It was timely and sufficient but rather blase. In fact, it was downright unfriendly. In such a warm restaurant with such great, simple food, I'd expect a more welcoming vibe from the staff.
(4)
James C.
Found this place through Yelp. We didn't want to stick with the usual Little Italy pizza joints that are so packed with tourists, so I decided to look for a place popular with New Yorkers. What I found was Luzzo's, and I'm very glad I did! We arrived on a busy evening without a reservation (a suggestion would be to make online reservations available as this would increase the foot-fall of international diners). We were greeted by a very friendly lady who told us she could squeeze us in but it might take a while. With the glowing Yelp reviews in mind, and having seen the fantastic looking pizzas being consumed by other diners, I was happy to wait. We took a seat at the bar and had a drink. The wait ended up being quite lengthy - a table was very slow in leaving after paying the bill - but our server kept us updated and we never felt ignored or forgotten about. When we eventually got to our table, we ordered a few dishes off the menu accompanied by a large pizza to split. I can't remember the name of the pizza but it had cheese and roasted garlic - amazing. I can honestly say that this was the best pizza I have ever eaten, anywhere, including Italy. The sauce really made it, and the base was fantastic. It was so fresh. We followed up with an order of tirumisu. This is my all time favourite desert and I have eaten it all over the world. Luzzo's make theirs on-site, so I was expecting something special. I wasn't disappointed. Maybe not quite as good as a backstreet Italian ristorante, but very close. All in all, I am very glad that I stumbled across this place and am thankful to Yelp and the other reviewers for recommending it to me. I'll be back!
(5)
David W.
I think 3.5 stars is more appropriate for this spot. We went with the aruguIa pizza, and I thought for all of the hype this place got, the toppings and tomato sauce would be on par with all of the other spots I really like in NY, but they weren't. But where this place did succeed, is the crust. I think this place is definitely in the discussion for some of the best crust I've ever had, and I'll bump this place up to 4 stars because of that. To backtrack, we started with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Definitely great texture on the mozzarella, such a light texture that falls apart in your mouth. Also got a pasta dish, it was good, but nothing super memorable. We went on a Friday night at 930 or so, expect to wait around 30 minutes for a table. By 10pm though, it seemed like several tables were available.
(4)
Holly C.
2 stars for the service. 4 stars for the food. 8:30 reservation for 8 people on a Friday night. Seated at 9:00. No acknowledgment from the staff until about 9:15. It took a very long time to even get water & bread, and we had to ask several times. Never asked how our food was or anything. Maybe it was because we were seated downstairs (which was the only area they could fit large parties) - out of sight, out of mind? The food itself was good. Fried calamari was decent, Their salad (I can't recall which one) was pretty good. Their margarita pizza was really good & their #6 piizza (mozz, tomato sauce, sausage, olives) was not as good, but still decent. Their pizza is extremely thin which I loved. Their house wine was rather bland & slightly sour. Not worth getting.
(3)
L C.
you want quality Italian food? come to this restaurant. Old school Italian, Forza Napoli! making Italian dishes the way their supposed to be made with quality ingredients and simple recipes. Not overdone sauces and gravy...simple and delicious. The pizza deservedly ranks as one the best in the entire city...2 words.... Buon Appetito
(5)
Kailyn G.
Went with a group of people while visiting over Memorial Day weekend. We were looking for Italian food, but being unable to get last minute reservations we found Luzzo's on Yelp. We started with appetizers - we got mozzarella and prosciutto and the sampling for fried things. Both were good, nothing too special though. For dinner, we got 3 pizzas and 1 pasta dish for 7 people. The pizzas are very thing crust, with sliced mozzarella (not shredded). We got one vegetarian pizza (Ortolana), one basic one (Bufala), and the Speck (this was after asking the table next to us what they got). While all were good the Speck was my favorite. I'm still not really sure what speck is, but it is some sort of meat. The pasta we got was Tagliatelle Bolognese - definitely a winner (even though they had to switch which kind of pasta they were using). The sauce was so good. Environment: good amount of space, but pretty busy. Interesting decor - with furniture on the ceiling. Service: Decent, but nothing special. A little bit slow with running our credit card and bill.
(4)
Lynette B.
I agree, best pizza in the city. My favorite being the Tartufata. But what I seriously have dreams about is their pasta dish. Pappardelle Speck e Porcini is OUT OF THIS WORLD, PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH and I don't even like mushrooms all that much. Try it and then, like me, you'll probably be torn be between a pizza or that pasta the next time you go. Oh, Cash Only.
(5)
Alice W.
Very delicious thin crust! The crust is also very soft and chewy, which I've seldom experienced - lot of thin crusts tend to have crispy, near burnt crust. The price is on the slightly more expensive side though with an average of $20 per 12" pizza.
(4)
Francesco L.
Pizza is a 5 stars .. good service .. arancini very good ! Pasta with bolognese so so .. croquette not that good ... sfinci with nutella very good .. no bread service ... If you love pizza this is the place and forget about the rest :)
(3)
Eric W.
Pizza was good. Crust was just the right chewy texture and the tomato and mozzarella were tasty. Wouldn't recommend the artichoke salad however.
(4)
Ekaterina M.
Really amazing sauces which brings the food to 5 stars. We had the meatballs which are one of the best.
(5)
Heather Z.
one of the best pizzas i've ever had in my entire life! I always get the tomato, mozzarella + truffle. BOMB!
(5)
Brian C.
Oh man, this place was really good. The pizza was amazing. We had a big group, a few bottles of wine, and some delicious pizza. Tried probably 5 different pies, all were great. The next time I am this far east in the city, I am getting food here. period.
(5)
pslice p.
Went once late, and came back within days. Excellent pizza.
(5)
Julianne B.
I've been wanting to try Luzzo's for a while and finally stopped by on Saturday night. We were there on the early side (7pm) so there was no wait. We shared a 12 in pizza and a pasta. The pizza was really good. We opted for the one with spicy salami and it definitely did not dissapoint. The pasta, on the other hand, was an overly creamy mess. Carbonara is something I am generally weary of ordering since most restaurants tend to make it with cream. The menu said "parmesean and egg" so we decided to try it...bad idea. 4 stars for the pizza 2 for the pasta. Next time I'm sticking with pizza only!
(3)
Madhuri I.
When I love a place enough to want to give it 5 stars, I struggle with it and somehow convince myself into lowering the rating because it was too loud, or too quiet, or the server once brought me the wrong dish, or the pillow cushion wasn't soft enough, or some other such lame reason. I'm such a nitpicker. I tried to do that a lot with Luzzo's. No matter which way I cut it though, I found myself here almost every week, and recommending it to everyone I knew. Luzzo's get the most important thing right, their pizza. Oh that tangy garlicky tomato sauce. Those fresh dots of mozzarella. That thin, thin crust, almost collapsing under the weight of the most minimal toppings. Those fresh basil leaves. There's no subtlety or gimmickry in the food here. Just clean and simple flavours, and amazing textures. Gimmickry there is in the decor though - It's a little bit like Italian Alice in Wonderland. open brick walls and a TV showing music videos. Upside down furniture on the ceiling and mirrors everywhere. It's just a lot of fun. Service is friendly and efficient. They'll keep your water glasses filled and your tummies full. I have a friend who said she doesn't dig Luzzo's because she doesn't like thin crusts, or charred edges, or what she described as the 'lack of cheese'. I'm just going to recommend the Chicago Deep Dish pizza to her then. For me though, I'll always have Luzzo's.
(5)
Suzana U.
First let's talk about the food.. The pizza is great , thin crust and tomato sauce like it should taste (not sweet) and buffalo cheese great too. But when we got there we had to wait a bit to get anyone to say hi and let us know how long was the wait. About 30 min later we got sat and as soon as we ordered they brought our pizza. It was super fast and it was delicious. I would come back again.. Ny has a lot of pizza places but does not mean all of them are delicious. I also like Piola ( try Sao Paulo pizza with Catupiry cheese ) , patsy (my mom's favorite) and Posto pizza (2nd ave/18)
(4)
Maria W.
I'll keep it simple. Pretty good pizza! BUT, not worth it at all!!! There are many other places with good crafted pizza to go to in NY. This place has no good energy, it is cramped (no space/place for your arms, legs, jackets), boring atmosphere, tasteless service that made us feel like we need to hurry. You know that situation when you are trying to get that last bite off of the plate and they show out of nowhere and take it away in front of your nose. And that was just after 25min since we got there. Then you scream back:" Pleeeease, I am not done...!" Then they give you one gigantic bottle of mineral water, after you needed only a GLASS! Overcharge that saaaaad bottle....And then for the end they charge you a freaking 22% of gratitude... For that service?.....Are you kidding me? We will never go back there, and I'll make sure non of my friends do as well!
(1)
Joe C.
It's OK pizza, but it's hardly the fantastic religious experiencing pizza that others are clamering about. The pizza is sort of wet and floppy, which is actually the type of pizza I prefer. It's a New Haven thing. What I did not like is the sparsity of the cheese. What's up with that? Cheese is the most expensive ingredient for any pizza so many places cut costs by skimping on the cheese. Not cool, not cool at all, especially considering the pizza prices are somewhat high ($17 for a 12"). Also, the crust could been cooked a little bit more. More char please! Sorry, the coal oven might impress some New Yorkers, but I wasn't impressed. Maybe it's because I've been eating coal fired pizzas all my life. I've enjoyed better pizzas from some gas fired ovens. Also, what's up with the lighting inside the restaurant? If you go, bring a flashlight because it's somewhat dark inside. What I did like is that Luzzo's doesn't serve slices. No self respecting pizza maker should, if they're serious about their pizza.
(3)
Izzy B.
the best of the best! pure italiano perfection!
(5)
Annilia S.
Loved my meal from beginning to end! Went on a Saturday afternoon, wasn't so busy. After reading lots of reviews before coming I knew I had to try the Carbonara pasta dish but surprisingly it wasn't on the menu. I showed the waiter a pic and description from yelp and they were able to make it. The carbonara pasta was simple and amazing! Paired the meal which also included the spicy salami pizza with sangria. The sangria was very good and refreshing! Finished up the meal with some tiramisu which was also delicious. This place has great pizza combinations, I'd say try something new off their list, you won't be disappointed. The pizza is thin, with a perfectly crisp crust and the sauce itself is quite good. As a pizza lover I will definitely come back to try some of their other pasta/pizza dishes.
(4)
Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because this was the non-touristy pizza I was looking for! --- --- --- I was sick of waiting in hour-long lines with flocks of tourists, only to experience the inconsistency of Grimaldi's. So I asked the local NYC CM's where I should go to pretend I'm a local. They led me to Luzzo's, and it was a path of pure gold, Jerry. How does one place make cheese that tastes so much different (better) than any other pizza joint? Is the secret ingredient, crack? Would crack actually taste good? It's funny how the balls of cheese appear to be very few and far between, but when you actually bite into one, it's like a chorus of singing cheese angels in your mouth. I hope that makes sense. Go here. Skip Grimaldi's or any other tourist trap. I'll be back... and probably upgrading to a 5.
(4)
Rohini P.
The best pizza in town!!! These are so good, flavourful and delicious... We were a party of 5 and our friends were coming over from Canada, so we wanted to take them to a great place and LUZZO'S it was!! We got 2 appetizers - Burrata and GUSTOSA salad. This is arugula, artichoke hearts and goat cheese in a balsamic dressing.. so fresh and so good! For the entrees, we got 3 pizza.. All of them were so fresh and flavourful. BUFALA which is the tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil FUNGHI - tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms and basil TARTUFATA with the tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, basil I loved this place and will be visiting it as often as I can! ;)
(5)
David N.
It is a tough city for Pizzerias' but great for the pizza connoisseurs. Competition bread the best pizza. Luzzo's claim of best voted pizza is plastered all over the entrance beckoning people to come in to try when there is two other just around the corner. So of course we did! Always on the lookout for new pizza restaurants in the city but again will it win my heart over my favorite like a big pizzaaa pie, that's amore! The interior is quite simple like other Italian decor. A small bar up front with wood bench booths style seating. We were having an early supper to beat the Sunday dinner crowd on a cold night. The friendly hostess asked if we had reservations to a nearly empty restaurant. We thought that was a bit amusing. With that gotten out of the way we were promptly seated. As pizza goes many does it good, few does it great and fewer does it terrific I want to tell everyone to eat here. We ordered the large 4 Stagioni or Capricciosa. The pizza came out surprisingly quick! The coal oven pizza had a nice thin crust but slightly charred on the edge. The tomato sauce was slightly sweet, the buffalo mozzarella creamy and leaves of fresh basil with ham, mushrooms, olives and artichokes. As pizza goes Luzzo's does a good pie but it isn't amore. Luzzo's doesn't supplant my favorite but still a great choice in a crowded field all vying for a slice of the pie.
(3)
Raksha M.
First time, I had the Margharita and thought it was great. Second time, I had the Tartufata and it was divine. The best pizza I've ever had in the city, I just ate there today and I want to go back tomorrow. They serve the pizzas really fast and the prices are decent. I usually split a large pie.
(5)
Lisa I.
A friend, and I have enjoyed quite a few meals at Luzzo's . Today I happened to go with a friend who is a vegetarian. I am not a vegetarian. We wanted a particular pizza that did contain sausage, however when we asked if the sausage could only be put on half the pizza we were told "We don't do half here". We found it peculiar that something as simple as not putting meat on half of a pizza was not, by any means permitted. It wasn't a busy point in the day, our server didn't bother to even ask the cooks if no meat on half a pizza is possible. I wanted club soda, I was told I needed to order a whole liter. I couldn't simply have a glass of club soda. Which brings me to another stipulation the restaurant demands upon their customers, one can only pay using cash, or AMEX. The food is very good, but not being able to order what I want,and not being able to pay for the meal how I want makes the experience at Luzzo's fall short regardless how good the food is.
(3)
Sam Y.
Ordered: Diavola - 16" Price: $31including tip ($25 without) Review: Impressed by the flavour. Not greasy, wholesome, and the dough was impressively crispy. Not one to miss if you are pizza fan. Artichoke fans - don't come here for a creamy type of pizza.
(4)
Yuriy B.
This is a pizza centered review as our group didn't order anything else in the way of appetizers or salad. We did have dessert however and that will be touched upon. Man, I'm picky about pizza. Growing up in Brooklyn and with the presence of actual great pizza restaurants, I'll never have a slice from somewhere I haven't heard good things about. I'm used to the likes of DiFara's, Totonno's, Delmar's and Saraghina to name a few great spots from the other side of the bridge. I was thoroughly impressed by Luzzo's and am looking forward to trying something different there soon. We had a few pizzas on the table but the ones that I remember ordering myself were the Arugula and the Est. Est was heavenly with the tender ricotta forming a bubble in the perfect amount and frequency on the pie, with a thin perfectly baked crust. It did sag a bit from the moisture after a few minutes but the ingredients tasted so fresh and so great that it did not detract from the pizza. Arugula was a little more bizarre with the fresh arugula on the mix of hot tomato sauce, mozzarella and prosciutto but the bitterness of the greens added a dimension of flavor. Dessert was a last second decision and the homemade tiramisu did not disappoint but is certainly big enough for two to share. The zeppoli with nutella I tried from a friend was also delicious. Our waiter was pleasant and attentive and seating was prompt despite it being fairly busy but I didn't dig the bottle of Malbec we got being a twist-off cap. I know it's not a huge deal but wine's just not supposed to be in those kind of bottles unless they're bought at Walmart in rural Pennsylvania. Notwithstanding, 5 stars for Luzzo's is an easy deicision.
(5)
Marielle T.
Ok selection of beer, I do like that there were a few Italian beers to choose from!! Price range is $$ lowest price pie was I think 18 & lowest pride beer 7. Standard drink pricing in ny Pizza came out spur fast!! It was awesome and turned out to be delicious! We got a 15 & 18 +mushrooms. Spicy salami was yum! There's also a downstairs where there is music played and where the bathrooms are located. Did not like that they only took Amex and cash.. Seriously? Ever heard of visa? Accepted worldwide?? Normally.. Decor was awesome! Alice in wonderland style furniture on the ceiling, musical instruments gathered on the wall, & an old school dim lit charm!
(4)
Ryan C.
My brother who has been working for Italian motorcycle companies for the last 8 years, and spending many weeks working in Italy, knows what pizza should taste like. As soon as I came into town we headed out for true Italian pizza. So we arrive at Luzzo's and are greeted by Italians who do not speak much english. This is going to be good. I let my brother do the ordering and quickly we are served a margarita and diavolo pizzas. His comment is, when comparing this to pizza in Italy, the diavolo pizza is very close. It really changed my view on pizza with the salty, spicy, and oily aspect of the pizza. It was really amazing. What did I learn today? Words to not describe the satisfaction and joy of eating great pizza.
(5)
Wendy Q.
I went a couple nights ago, craving hearty , gooey, cheesy comfort food on a frigid night of NY. And found this on Yelp. Most places pointed to Brooklyn or Queens, so this was our closest option. It did not disappoint. My bf and I shared the 16' Bufalo di Mozzerella. AND it literally came within 5 minutes. A+ Exceptional wood fired pizza , thin and piping hot. It was very simple, sauce, fresh mozz and a few leaves of basil. The sauce was definitely homemade, perfect saltiness and lots of cheese. SO GOOD. Perfect for two hungry people, and it cost 23 dollars. You get your bang for the buck. Would definitely go back again. The decor was a little dated, but felt a little dated. It was not packed at all as it was late on a cold Tuesday night. There was an upside down chair on the ceiling directly above my head. Cool, but kinda scary. And other upside down objects as well as wall decor. Service was very attentive, almost too much staff working.
(4)
Food E.
Amazingly good pizza. Thin chewy crust, perfect amount of toppings (calzone pizza). Fried calamari appetizer was good. Service was okay, took a really really long time to get our pizza though..about 45 min from when we ordered.. Cash and Amex only as many have noted which is kind of annoying.
(4)
Stephen M.
I think its the best pizza in NYC! And worth the trip from the UES. I have been hosting alumni dinners here about 3 times a year for the past two years and Luzzo's is a home run! Francesco is a fantastic host. A fast tip, when you order the #6 pizza (Salsiccia tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, basil), ask them to put some hot cherry peppers on the pie!
(5)
Elle W.
The pizza is phenomenal. I loved the EST! I wouldn't recommend the non-pizza items. We ordered the arancini, calamari, and meatballs. All were mediocre. Plus you want to save room for the pizza!!
(4)
Andrew E.
Excellent bufula mozzarella pie, but something about the sauce was definitely off to me. Thoroughly enjoyed everything else about it though, and the small pie was a perfect portion for two. I'd be happy to return and try a different pie with some toppings next time.
(4)
Beau B.
The Pizza was incredibly delicious. Perfect texture, nicely cooked, just the right amount of browning of the crust, sauce was nicely balanced.... I could go on. We got the Aglietta... Roasted garlic definitely was a winner. Also great salad, simple but spot on to compliment the pizza. We also ordered for delivery and the food came hot and way sooner than we expected. Over all great experience. I can't wait to have another pizza night!
(5)
Dude L.
All the raves about this place are correct. Great wood fired oven pizza. Crust is doughy with a great crunch. The service is friendly and efficient. We has the 4 cheese and added mushroom and sausage which took it over the top. The red pepper infused oil was wonderful to drizzle on (for me).
(5)
Olena P.
It was GOOD!!!!!! LIL priecey but at least you get what you pay for.
(4)
Ken S.
The BEST, and ONLY, decent pizza place I have found in the entire East Village. And I've lived in NYC for over 15 years. All the other pizza places in the East Village are disgusting, dry, stale pizza, nothing fresh, or $1 pizza joints everywhere, and don't even mention Articroke, i mean Artichoke, that slimy greasy pile of blubber mess that is not pizza, but a tourist trap for trendy NYU kids who don't know what decent pizza actually tastes like blowing $4-5 a slice of their parents' money. And forget thin crust like that place on 18th where you have to eat 2 entire pizzas, spend $40 and still feel hungry. Nope, this is the only pizza place south of 14th that makes a decent pizza pie.... Delicious, crispy crust that is crunchy on the edges, fluffy on the inside... Fresh toppings, not shriveled canned stuff like all the other places. DELICIOUS DELICIOUS!!! Only took 1 star off because 1) They somehow manage to always burn the crust on the edge a little in spots...but maybe that's part of the flavor...haha, 2) It is not cheap, so I'm still looking for ANY decent regular old Neapolitan pizza place in the EV, which does not seem to exist (all the decent regular places with $14-18 pies are in Gramercy or above for some reason); and 3) They don't take credit cards (oh please, Amex? I'm sorry, I meant real credit cards!). Obviously they're running a shady cash business off the books, which is the only reason they've managed to still stay in business while everything else has become a 7 Eleven...but c'mon, it's 2015, any business can get a free smartphone card reader and swipe credit cards for a small transaction fee...not taking credit cards is just shady! Still....the best pizza in Manhattan anywhere below 14th Street!!!
(4)
Domenic K.
Pizza is good. Let's get that out of the way. Luzzo's pizza is incredible. Every aspect of it rules. The crust is deliciously bitable and full of nice crusty, bready flavor. The sauce....WOW. I don't know how the sauce is so good. It's sweet, slightly acidic, with the tomato punch. Honestly not sure if I've ever had sauce taste quite like this. Then there's the cheese. The Buffalo Mozzarella. It's so perfectly chewy and gooey and mooey. Like how a cow says "moo". I don't think I've ever had buffalo mozzarella before this, but it's truly out of this world. We also ordered the truffle oil pizza which was also great, but a bit different. The truffle oil aspect turns the pizza into a more hearty, wholesome feel rather than the Bufala's fresh feel. I'd say Luzzo's Bufala is the best Neapolitan pizza I've ever had. Please try it. 10/10
(5)
Eric H.
One of my favorite pizzas in NYC! The ambience leaves something to be desiers but always a great pie and theres usually not a problem getting a table. Order the Tartufata pizza!! Its got truffle oil on it and is one of the best pizzas I've ever eaten anywhere.
(4)
Dana J.
My son and I ate there yesterday. We went about 5pm on a Saturday (no wait). The service was great, our waiter was very helpful. They even gave us a mini tour of the kitchen/oven. We ordered the Bufala? (Don't know if I'm spelling that right) as well as the number 5 which is basically the Bufala with prosciutto. This simply put was the best pizza we ever had, it lived up to the hype, usually places like this don't but this was even better then I thought it could be. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ks S.
THE BEST PIZZA and they Deliver!!!! Love this place.
(5)
Mehreen S.
From the moment I picked up this pizza I knew it was love at first bite! I had the Bufala pie with extra chunks of bufala mozzarella. Mmm Mmm indeed! It was the perfect light crisp and the perfect balance between sauce and cheese. This pizza, so far, is the best pizza I have had to date. It is exactly what a pizza should taste like. Aside from the pizza, I'd have to say that the ambiance was interesting and oddly rustic. There are 2 large TVs in the restaurant that are playing Italian music videos and random decorations from the walls to the ceiling. The coal oven resides in the back behind a glass wall where a couple guys are pounding, twirling, tossing and slicing pies. Overall, the staff was pretty friendly, attentive and fast.
(5)
Al J.
Near the top of the list when it comes to pizza in NYC. Thin, blistered crust (courtesy of a combo wood/coal oven), fresh (and slightly sweet) San Marzano sauce, creamy Mozzarella. Two things to note about the dough: it's rolled ultra-thin (still chewy and significant, but thin relative to competing spots) and has sugar mixed in (creating an almost imperceptible sweetness in taste). For those looking to fill out a meal with appetizers - the Bruschetta came quickly and was huge: topped by a mountain of chopped tomatoes. Uniformally impressed by the quality of the pies; even more impressed by Luzzo's ability to accept reservations for large groups on short notice.
(4)
Sharad K.
This is the most authentic Neopolitan pizza available in New York. You will consistently find Italians eating here, speaking Italian, watching Italian soccer, and drinking Italian beer. Legit.
(5)
Dumpy P.
why go to italy when luzzo's is 2 blocks away
(5)
Randy S.
A bit on the pricey side but the food here is okay. Personally I thought the sauce was kind of bland and plain. But the crust on this pizza was absolutely perfect! It's a little strange because for most places I'd say the crust is hardest part to perfect but at Luzzo's the crust was perfect but something as simple as the sauce was totally flavorless!
(3)
ng g.
It is absolutely amazing. We had been to Luzzos before about a couple of months back and we went there again for dinner. We ordered the campana...awesome..just tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes basil and cheese... it tasted wonderful... It has got this smoky flavour as it comes right out of a brick oven. Then came the even more amazing tiramisu... it just melts in your mouth.. you have to taste it to believe it... The decor is good. The inverted table and chair on the ceiling is interesting but a little scary... Good staff, i would say only good because we were a little dissapointed with the slow service. Last time we were served a basket of some excellent bread, but this time they dint :( Location wise: Located at a very happening place..union square..near to subway. Its a must go...
(5)
JP E.
Pizza was pretty good. We got the prosciutto arugula and vegetable pizza (forgot the name) with the zuchinni, mushrooms, etc.. Both were very good and I housed a pizza and a half by myself. The staff friendly enough and recommended an excellent glass of wine to go acompany the pizza. I think its a little overpriced in my opinion. $19-$20 for the aforementioned 12' pizzas is overpriced. Place is small and crowded.
(3)
Gee K.
First let me tell you how awesome the staff is. They let me come back and check out the coal/wood oven and all the tasty ingredients, which are for the most part imported from Italy. One of the first things you'll notice when you enter Luzzo's is the rustic look and feel. A patina covers all the decorations, lending a warm brown to the environment. Old fashion iron chandeliers flicker with electricity. Guests may choose booth style seating in front, or table family style in back. Sitting in back gives a good view of the oven, which fires coal and wood. It also puts you in the middle of the futbol cheering section. If you come during World Cup season everyone's eyes are sure to be glued to the TV, especially the staff. Be sure to order in. Thin crust pizza with fresh moz is always best fresh from the over. Recommended
(4)
Joe H.
I ate there with my wife and three kids at the end of a long touristy day in New York. We were sent there by a friend in Maryland who knows the owners. We all had pizza except my wife who had the gnocchi. The four pizza'a we had were wonderful -- some of the best I had ever had -- and I am a pizza snob. The gnocchi were also among the best I have ever had. I would go back regularly if we lived in New York. The service was great. The only drawback was that they did not take Visa or MasterCard, and since I forgot my American Express, I had to pay with cash. It isn't cheap, but it is a pricy city and the food was, well, just about perfect!
(5)
Mary F.
Okay, I don't think I can fully judge this place yet until I eat it fresh out of the oven and with cheese. My experience with this pizzeria was mediocre. It wasn't anything special and they don't accept American Express which sucks. Anyhow, the pizza I ordered, the Ortlana was normal. The crust was okay and the pizza was not that charred which was good. But it's not the best I ever had. I'll probably go back and update this review.
(3)
G C.
Great pizza place. Came in on Good friday to get a table immediately. We ordered the fried calamari, mista green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and 3 smaller pizzas 12 inches each. The Funghi (mushroom), michele (prosciutto, mushroom, truffle pate, no tomato sauce), and the EST (mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce, and spicy salami). All were delicious works of art and relly fresh tasting. We asked for extra basil and grated cheese and they grated fresh parmigiano reggiano on each pizza. The tomato sauce was slightly sweet and the basil was so fresh. The mushrooms, prosicuttio, and salami were all top notch and nothing from a can at Luzzo's. One of the best pizzas I have had definitely. I love that you can basically order 1 pizza per person so you can sample a lot of pies. The slices are very thin and small so you can eat a lot and not feel extra full. I had around 6 slices total (which equates to about 3 real slices). The calamari was terrific also, Fresh out of the fryer, perfectly crispy, not chewy, and the tomato sauce with the lemon was great. Love Luzzo's and will go back without a shadow of a doubt.
(5)
Sheanon C.
Just went there last night because could not goto Motorino (1hr wait!?) The pizza is good, crust was crispy and light. I liked the diavola which had a spicy pepperoni. It's a good option if you're in the area, there seemed to be decent turn over and not hard to find a seat. However it's a little cramped in there. We were a table for 2 and 2 other tables were on our inside which required that I stand up for the other couple to go in. The service was definitely lacking. Basically the guy seemed rushed and not really very mindful of when we were speaking. I give the service a 2 and pizza a 4.
(3)
Maggie A.
Clearly I have pizza on the brain because after yesterday's Motorino post, I am practically jumping out of my seat to write about another superb Italian pie spot. Ladies and gentleman, I give you...Luzzo's! Luzzo's is where you want to go for friendly and efficient service, low key atmosphere and delicious authentic Italian food from the heart of Naples. Although the restaurant accommodates a number of tables, it is often difficult to find a seat (power through the wait or try delivery/takeaway). Forget the rest and let's get serious... go to Luzzo's for the food. The Gnocchi Sorentina is outstanding (think perfectly made homemade pasta with mozzarella, basil and a touch of creamy tomato sauce). However, I swear, fireworks will go off when you try the pizza! My favorite is the Arugola which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parm and a heaping bed of leafy arugola (obviously). All of their pizzas are made in a traditional coal oven and include layers of fresh ingredients true to the Napoletana style of cooking. Pies are around $20 for a 12" and $25 for a 16".
(4)
Shu Han C.
Ordering is fast and easy; our pizzas arrived 10 minutes after we sat down. Their arugola pizza is hands down the best pizza we've ever tasted. How the hell do they manage to toss the dough so paper-thin, yet still manage to be crispy and hold all that mozzarella and toppings? And the fresh arugola is the icing on the cake - its slight bitterness brings out the flavor of the cheese and the delicacy of the proscuitto and crust. I dare say it's a loss to anyone who ever visits East Village and not hit up this restaurant.
(5)
Chef Invisible T.
Restored Coal Oven, Italian Ingredients, Nice do-able decor, and the f'''n best Bufala Pizza I know. Perfectly executed and gets better each time I go. Only place in NYC I went to on two seperate occasions.I think we were meant for each other. Because the first time I gave up trying to find my pizza love, saw a sign hanging above my head that said pizza somethingorother, and I just entered to find out that I was in the right place.Like pizza magnetism. Nothing more to say except that $8.50 for tiramisu is a little cuckoo--it is good but it wasn't suspended in mid air by magic cocoa powder or anything like that. F''k this place should have a line out the door to 2nd Ave--I want to bring back the flavor and consistency of this za' to the ATL. Watch out Antico..haha Are you hiring? 4.56 stars Chef Invisible--Out
(5)
Jason K.
Pizza was ok. Nothing special.
(3)
Meri S.
I love everything about this place from the lively ambiance to the reasonable prices and, of course, to the amazing pizza. Delicious crispy crust, mouth watering sauce that is neither too salty nor too sweet, gooey cheese and perfectly melted toppings. This is one restaurant that helps NYC earn the reputation of having the best pizza in the U.S. I could eat more than my weight in their pizza and I think I probably did last night.
(5)
Eve P.
I probably would have gone with a 3.5 to 4 if I'd been by myself, but 3 was the table consensus. The pizza is excellent - we tried two of the basics, the bufalo mozz one and another with mozz, roasted garlic, and another type of cheese. (They both looked almost identical.) It is super simple, but all of the pizza elements were delicious to me - though not quite as standout for my dining companions. The service was friendly enough, though the bartender was surprisingly inattentive to people wanting to order. This is also a nice, cute place to eat inside for dinner, which isn't always the case with pizza places.
(3)
Jeremy S.
What do my mom, dad, sister, roommate #1, roommate #2, and two good friends have in common? Luzzo's is by far and away the most amazing pizza we've ever had. Forget the toppings - they just detract from the beautiful flavors of the sauce and mozzarella - get a 16" bufala for 2, and enjoy the one food you've been eating since you were 6 years old and can still be spectacularly surprised by. The meatballs and the house chianti aren't so bad either.
(5)
H. N.
I decided to try Luzzo's after seeing high marks on Yelp, but I just do not understand how it has 4 stars. The place is so crammed, feels dusty, and the pizza tastes pretty average. For what they charge, I rather eat at Motorino or Posto.
(3)
Hedge K.
the pizza is delicious, I'd skip the salads, the portions are really small and taste o.k. their new quadrata thin crust is super thin and crispy! so good- it takes a little longer but it is definitely worth the wait, the other pies came super fast
(4)
Brian N.
Still the best pizza I have ever eaten in my entire life. When I get my urge to eat some pizza this is the only place than stands up to my MVP tastes. Best in New York, hands down.
(5)
Justin G.
The pizza was quite good. I absolutely don't remember what we ordered, although I do know it was a large pie, two different halves, both good. And some glasses of Chianti I'm sure. The vibe was perfect for a dark and rainy Monday night. Our servers for whatever reason chose to ignore us. Could have been the night, although it wasn't that busy (and a Monday). A bunch of reviews of this place say the servers are nice/good, so hopefully an anomaly. Since it's in my hood I'm sure I'll be back and after which will update this action.
(3)
Joshua D.
Great service! Our server was extremely attentive and friendly. I highly recommend the sausage and broccoli pizza. Delicious!
(5)
Florencia a.
-Love the Pizza- My favorite is the simple Buffalo Mozzarella and light and flavorful sauce+ basil!! Service is fast and correct. Appetizers and desserts are very well executed. Definitely a favorite.
(5)
Alex P.
Without a doubt my favorite pizza in the United States. After I moved back to New York from Rome, I though I would never truly enjoy pizza again. I was wrong. Everything about Luzzo's brought me back to my favorite pizzeria in Trastevere (Ivo's). Brick walls, real brick wood-fired oven, helpful Italian-speaking staff. The pizza is perfectly crisp, thin, and not over-dressed. The ingredients are fresh and combined perfectly. GO EAT THERE NOW! And remember to ask for the chili-oil. Not to be missed.
(5)
Albert H.
The waitress, while sweet, doesn't know her menu. I sat in chesee. Generally would ding a joint for those problems... But, oh. Oh, Martha. Dear, dear delicious Martha. Perfectly crackly yet chewy crust topped with the most extraordinary buffala (or maybe just plain mozarealla), arugula, pate, and truffles. Every bite was to die for good. Please go, check it out. Actually, don't. I want to keep the lines short. Shhh!
(5)
Marijke B.
Took my kids there on a Friday evening. They enjoyed the decor of eclectic items on the walls and even ceiling. I was in the mood for a nice fresh big salad. Instead, I received a wilted with brown spots endive, walnut and pear sloppy mess for $12! The boys' pizza was fairly good - sauce was nicely flavored, fair amount of mozzarella, and decent crust. $3 for a can of Sprite was a bit much... The service was average. It felt very touristy once more people arrived. I couldn't believe a tourist joint existed in an East Village pizza joint, but what do I know? Probably won't go back...
(2)
Mark Y.
I always feel good pizza is hard to judge because everyone has their own personal taste. We went for pizza at Luzzo after looking through yelp. This place is located in the East village on 1st ave between 12 and 13. Its a small restaurant with a slight rustic feel. The pizza we ordered was a coal baked oven thin crust pizza. It was tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, olives and very little basil. The pizza was delicious but not the greatest. We also ordered an arugula salad with walnuts and goat cheese. I felt the salad was ok. The total came out to about 43 including tip for 2 of us. I would recommend this place because the pizza was good, but i felt the large pizza might be a little overpriced.
(4)
M. C. M.
Awesome pizzas! Delicious. Apps and salads are average. Prices are great. Atmosphere is casual and cozy. Again, pizzas are top-tasty!
(4)
Fabio P.
Luzzo has possibly one the best pizza in New York City! Fresh ingredients, excellent crust (probably one of the most important thing in pizza making) and wide selection. In addition to the usual wines and beers, one can find some interesting beers that are so typical in Italy (Moretti, FORST, Peroni, etc..) The decor is very unique. The place has definitely personality and some history (check the pics of various actors who --I assume--dined there). Not a big space but comfortable enough for a nice group of friends to stay. Staff was friendly and attentive. So, why only 4 stars? Pizza is definitely expensive; I understand that they are good but I think they went a little bit too far. No need to use buffalo mozzarella in every pizza they offer (Not even in Italy!). For what one pays, they should definitely use more topping In conclusion: must try it! The quest for 5 out of 5 pizza continues....
(4)
Juston P.
Note: this is my follow-up review in which I downgrade Luzzo's from 5 stars to 3 stars. You know that scene in crime movies when the criminal finally scores the bit hit and he sits back, lights a cigar, and breathes a sigh of relief as he lounges on a pile of money? That's how I felt when I found Luzzo's. I sat back, lit a cigar, and lounged on a big pile of mozzarella. That was the good life. All good things must end. The main offender is the crust, arguably the most important part of a high-end pizza. Gone is the airy, pockmarked crust that felt simultaneously like chomping on a loaf of bread and eating a cloud. In its place is a hard, disgusting crust that you'd find at any St. Mark's pizza hole. The tangy sauce also seems to have taken a dive toward mediocrity. To their credit, the cheese is just as good as it always was. That's the only thing saving Luzzo's from 2 stars. And while I'm at it, they redecorated. Oh boy, they redecorated. Have you ever thought it would be a good idea to glue a chair to the ceiling? Or mix wagon wheels, columns, and sleek glass? Well if you have, then you'd love Luzzo's and you should never, ever, ever, ever decorate anything. For the rest of us, get ready for what is now The Ugliest Restaurant In New York. Luzzo's, you're out. I'm going to Keste.
(3)
Paul G.
I don't often give 5-star reviews but hands down, THE best pizza in the city that is known for its pizza. Having recently been to Naples I can say without a doubt, the most authentic napoletana pizza you can get. I recommend the Brutta Ma Buona pizza which translates to "Ugly but good", heavy emphasis on the good part. The atmosphere is eclectic as well, with chairs, etc on the ceiling. Buonissimo!
(5)
Jeff O.
My pizza was a bit limp. Kind of a delicate, wet slice. I dig the char crust and the cheese drippings are good turning to creamy, but damn if I don't like my NY slices. This is obviously no NY slice, and the sausage and pepperoni slice I had at Rays Pizza the night before and was strong and sweet and fluffy and better. It Was! I'd like to give it more of a shot, but the rule is that I review when I Get It or I don't plan on going back. I don't plan on going back barring an invitation. The review stands.
(3)
Ricky L.
Delicious!! My fiance and I were walking around East Village and ducked in Luzzo's in hopes for some great pizza and pasta. We were not disappointed! There was a wait but since it was just the two of us we got right in. We started off with fried buffalo mozzarella and it was creamy and fantastic. Great tasking mozzarella with basil and ham deep fried. What is there not to like. For the main course I ordered the arugula pizza and she got the "Pappardelle Speck e Porcini" which was Homemade Pasta with Speck, Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Oil. First off the pizza was just like I remembered it when I was in Italy. Nice crispy thin crust with a delicious marinara sauce. The arugula, prosciutto, and shaved parmigiana was a peppery and creamy combo that makes me want to run over there right now. Now the pasta dish was outstanding, thin and wide homemade pasta with a creamy sauce that had the pungent yet amazing truffle oil smell and taste. Porcini mushrooms and Speck (ham) all throughout the pasta really made this dish unbelievable. Luzzo's was an incredible place. Amazing authentic Italian pizza and delicious homemade pasta dishes really make this place a must.
(5)
J M.
I travel a lot, and when I hit a city I always look for gourmet pizza. This was not it. It's fine pizza, but the campana I ordered lacked the "pop" that would have me walk 20 blocks (which I did) to eat here again. 5 stars for me is mozza or olio in LA or zavino or barbozzo in Philly, for reference point.
(3)
Michael D.
-- Case Notes of Dr Marvin Heifferman, Otolaryngologist -- The patient, Michael D., is a white male, approximately **years of age, appearing younger than his stated age, complaining of loss of hearing. The standard battery of tests was performed and revea
(2)
Nina S.
I came here for dinner recently and was not very impressed with the pizza. When I read thin crust I thought back to Italy and this was certainly no where near the quality of the thin crust pizza I had in Italy. For pizza I had the 4 Stagioni and split the fried calamari appetizer. Not bad, just disappointing, especially considering the prices.
(2)
Vince S.
Some of the best pizza I've had in a LONG time. I felt that it was fairly overpriced, but it was definitley some quality pizza. If margherita pizza tasted like that more often...I'd order it more often. No meat, no bullshit. Just tomato sauce, mozzarella, thin crust, and a bit of basil. Just the basics. Basic never tasted SO good. When we went it was empty, but apparently it's packed every other night of the week. Go, go, go!!!!
Nice hidden gem! Generous toppings and delicious pie but stay away from the house sangria, totally tasteless.
(4)
Stephanie T.
This takes pizza to a whole new level for me. I've tried lombardi's and grimaldis, but this is something different. Looking at these pictures does not do justice to its taste. It's super thin and just.... amazing. The thin crust gives you a kind of euphoria, so delicious. The mozzarella for some odd reason just kind of melts in your mouth. From a glance you would think it would be chewy, but it's not. I can't really describe the whole experience. Just go and concentrate on the taste and texture. You'll be amazed
(5)
Liz C.
The most compelling takeaway from Luzzo's wasn't the superior flavor of the truffle-paste caulking a delightfully thin, melty-cheese pie, nor (interestingly) the unfinished quadrant of said pizza, but rather the disgraceful canyon of incongruity between the quality of the food and the quality of the service. I don't dole out single-star willy-nilly, especially on a service-basis, since it's so subject to change. But I don't feel an ounce of remorse in flaming this otherwise very nice establishment that kept us waiting conspicuously and unapologetically for over sixty minutes for two pizzas. We happened to be seated next to the check-out station; thus, our pieless-plight didn't go unnoticed. However, nobody, not even the alleged manager we parleyed with, could tell us why two appetizers caused our order such a delay. Our party of four watched the entire restaurant turn-over, and then some. No complimentary drinks or snacks during the wait? Boo! Forgoing respectable service just because you have a bunch of glowing Yelp reviews: gross. It's just pizza, people. I put my foot down; I shan't eat here again.
(1)
Jason D.
Italian style pizza. These guys use awesome ingredients - fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, fresh dough. Get their bufala pizza and ask for it with arugula. Their marinated olives are awesome as well (although half the time they're out of them). Ambience is fairly basic and unremarkable. Can't really put it in words here. Luckily, the food makes up for things.
(4)
Amanda B.
Another overrated pizza place. Luzzo's pizza is just alright. I find it to be somewhat bland. I usually like to order at least one margherita-style pizza since that sort of sets the bar. This one was umm, just OK. I recommend Gruppo, just a few blocks away.
(3)
Eric N.
We ordered a Salsiccia and a Diavola pizza. They were decent, much better then you get at any standard late night pizza place, and priced well. We decided to try them because it said they accepted credit cards... though we found out not on delivery orders. Pros: * Inexpensive (relatively) * Fast delivery Cons: * Overall not as good as Gruppo or Posto (same basic area) * Credit cards not accepted for delivery orders
(3)
Sean O.
I was searching for good Neapolitan pizza on YELP for my NY weekend trip and came across this place. It got really high reviews and i was really excited to try it out. It's very unassuming from the street and I almost passed it when looking for it. The hostess was dressed in some sort of pirate lady top (or maybe it's a traditional Italian thing...seemed more German?) which was funny. We were sat in the back, near the coal ovens and it was very hot in there! The chairs were really uncomfortable, too. Over all I'd say the atmosphere was just OK. The pizza came out very fast. The crust was really really good! 5 starts for the crust! The pizza sauce was pretty good, not amazing, but good. We got the spicy salami. I probably should have gotten the prosciutto as I usually do when I get authentic Neapolitan pizza (otherwise I get peperoni). The salami gave the pizza the strange taste of Cheetos. CHEETOS! Yuck, I don't want my pizza to taste like that. The pizza crust is so good here I would be willing to check it out again, but order a different kind of pizza. Just steer clear of the spicy salami.
(3)
rupert e.
the pizza is fantastic,yuuuummmmmm!!!! the staff friendly. I recommend it! :)
(4)
Brian H.
Between the thick Italian accents and the rustic, old world atmosphere, I had that rare experience where I felt transported to the country of gelato, chianti, and, well, you know, pizza. So expectations were high to taste authentic and fresh Neapolitan pizza. The menu was a bit more extensive than I had expected. In addition to the large selections of la pizza, there were le insalate, le paste, le panini, and le red wine. I ordered the Napoletana, which was basically a margherita with the addition of anchovies. The service was a little cold, but attentive. The pie arrived and it was quite beautiful. The tomato sauce was bright red and almost glowed. The orbs of mozzarella di bufala looked like gorgeous fluffy marshmallows. And the garnish of fresh basil in the middle seemed to put everything in balance. But how did it taste? I'm pleased to say that it tasted pretty good. For me, those beautiful cheese bulbs were the highlight. They were so fresh and flavorful. They alone were worth the rather steep price tag of $18 (for a 12-inch pie). I chose anchovies, so I blame nobody myself, but the saltiness from those little fishies was a bit overwhelming. But I was amazed that I couldn't stop eating it - even with all that anchovy saltiness. -eatthisny
(4)
Anthony C.
Pizza was awesome! Moretti beer was awesome! Service was a bit slow and automatic gratuity was added; I prefer to tip according to the quality of service.
(4)
YK C.
For those of us who live in UWS, this place is a bit of a trek, but it's well worth it! Luzzo does thin crust pizza and they are great at it. Between the five of us we had three large pizzas and two apps. All were delicious. It was a bit hot inside as we were seated net the back by the ovens, but the company and smell of fresh pizza was worth it!
(4)
Alyssa S.
The food at Luzzo's is really good. The decor is cute, it's a little overpriced but the food makes it pretty worth it. They only accept Amex and cash. This place only gets two stars though because I went there for dinner last night and had a pretty bad experience. I was in a group of 7 (I know big groups can be annoying - but we were easy). The waiter was really rude. In the beginning, we didn't know what we wanted, and he asked if we'd been there before and we said yes, but asked how big the pizzas were (I had only previously ordered pasta). His response: "I just asked you if you'd been here before." So that was strike one. Then someone in my party ordered the smaller pizza and was brought the larger one. She said she ordered the smaller one and the waiter argued with her, telling her he was sure she didn't. Then he said, "OK, you can keep this one and I will only charge you for the smaller one." Then the girl in my party apologized and he got upset and changed his mind and took the pizza and they made her a smaller one. Then, the worst part of all, he overcharged us. We double and triple checked the bill (paid in cash) and he took about 20 minutes to bring change. We were supposed to get $6-7 in change and he brought only cents. We told him we thought we were supposed to get more change and he had this story all formulated, "actually, we were being friendly and gave you back 12 more cents than you were supposed to get." We were all fed up at that point and just left. Unfortunately, although the food is good and I'm sure this was a rare case as the other waiters all seemed friendly, I will not eat at Luzzo's again because of this rude waiter. Also, we had to ask for bread after our food came even though every other table received it when they sat down (not too important, but on top of everything else).
(2)
Nick H.
Food was good but I was a bit bothered by the service as they were eager to have us on our way on a busy Friday night. I made the mistake of ordering a 12" small as opposed to a 18" large (the only other option available) and didn't notice that the difference was a mere $4. Not to mention that the small is overpriced at $20 a pie; unfortunately I didn't notice this until I got the bill. Had they not been in such a rush, I might have ordered otherwise. Next time I'll remember to order a large and arrive early before the crowd arrives. In general I prefer more moderately trafficked restaurants but this was for a special occasion.
(3)
Hai T.
Went to NY for the very first time ever last Xmas with the wife. We met some friends here @ Luzzo's cuz we had to have some NY pizza. How can you not, being in NYC? All I can say about the NYC pizza and the pizzas @ Luzzo's? BEST FREAKING PIZZA of my life. I'm not sure if this is the same for most pizza joints in NY but this was my first time with it. I'm a big pizza fan. and have had it all over. The spicy oil that we drizzled on the pizza was incredible. Soooooo good. Wish I had it now while I'm here in Socal.
(5)
Allan C.
Was here last Sunday at around 5:30 with my wife, brother in law and father in law. We split a salad (forget which one...) , octopus salad, and a large Funghi oie. Pizza was tasty! Great crust. Skip the octopus salad for sure, and probably skip any salad. Leave room for the pizzas - definitely the star of the menu. Definitely going back. Would certianly go here over Lombardi's / Grimaldi's, given the wait times there and the fact that, well, the pizza here is frankly better. (based on my limited sample size of course)
(5)
Rahul G.
Pizza isn't just some tomato sauce and cheese on white bread that makes you fart. It's art. It's edible art. It's delicious edible art, and if I may, I think Luzzo's is Picasso's sidekick, who does all his best work and does not get credit for it. All the credit is taken by flashy Picasso (yes Grimaldi's and Lombardi's, I'm talking to you). Seriously, Luzzo's served me incredible pizza. It was simple. 16" pie. Tomato. Basil. Arugula. Mozzarella. It was simple, but beautiful. The crust was charred ever so slightly by the coal oven and had a fresh crunch to it and somehow the flavor of the pizza had infused itself in the crust. I usually start wasting the crust after my second slice, but I finished all five crusts at Luzzo's! Also, its worth noting that everyone here was Italian. The waiters, bartender, and patrons (except for me of course). May be it was just that night, but I felt like I was back in Florence. A special mention for the waiter who knew of Spritz! I've been craving one ever since I got back from Italy, but no one here has heard of it. This waiter knew it was a drink from Venice, and concurred with me that it was delicious, but did not have Aperol to make it for me. Now for the reason I gave this place four stars vs. five. The waiter had THE WORST MOUTH ODOUR EVER! I'm talking not brushed your teeth for 3 days and nibbled on a large piece of garlic and tons of asparagus. All he had to say was "what can I get you to drink?" and it just hit me like the Tsunami from 3 feet away. I feel bad, but I had to cringe slightly. Okay, a lot. I'll stop now. Please don't let the mustachio-clad waiter's MO deny you a scrumptious meal. p.s. I have nothing against Picasso. I'm not even sure if he had a side-kick, but I've read that he was kind of a dick in real life, so I just made up the side-kick reference for the sake of my lame metaphor.
(4)
Scott P.
Ran in to have an early dinner and was pleasantly surprised at the food and service. The whole wait staff was very friendly. The antipasti and the homemade gnocchi was tastey . Someday will have to figure out what that giant wagon wheel is all about...
(4)
Tyler C.
In terms of pizza quality, this place is up there. The crust is good, thin and crisp. The sauce is done well - tastes freshly made with a very clear, as opposed to tart tomato flavor. Cheese is fresh bufala mozzarella. Perhaps it could use a more liberal sprinkle of basil. Pie wise, it actually comes close in taste to my personal fave, Lucali but doesn't quite achieve that restaurant's perfect tomato/mozzarella ratio. It still is quite tasty, though, and I prefer it over Keste. The establishment, as noted, won't set records for service, but heck, this is a glorified pizza parlor so realistic expectations should be in order. I came on a non-peak night so things came out relatively quick for me. Downside is the prices are rising, whether due to demand or rising price of ingredients or whatnot....up to $17 for a personal (12") bufala pie, fancier ones are in the low $20's...
(4)
Chris J.
I never really got on the "New York Pizza is so amazing" train. New York pizza is good, but it never blew me out of the water. Luzzo's did. If you're from out of state, and want to know why everyone raves about New York pizza, go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
lesi w.
Good pizza in a convenient location. on 14st 1ave little hole in the wall with delicious pizza and long dinner lines. Lucky for me that it's located a few blocks from where I live. It's so convenient that I can't say it's too memorable but crispy New York style pizza.
(4)
Meagan M.
One of the best thin crust pizzas I've had outside of Italy. Not too crispy, not too thin. The tomato and mozzarella pizza alone didn't amaze me, but with ricotta added to the recipe, perfection! A pie alone might be pricey, but split between friends is very doable. Next time my friends want pizza, I'll recommend Luzzo's
(5)
Jackie B.
Honestly, the best pizza in the city!!!! Besides the food, the staff and service is amazing! Everyone is so happy and fun! Its also the BEST place to have a party as they have a great private room downstairs. We just had a 28 person birthday and it was one of the best parties we have ever had! You can bring your own music and just a have fabulous night of great food and wine with all of your friends. This is one of my favorite places in the city and I highly recommend it for any time your are in the mood for pizza or a good plate of pasta!
(5)
Marcus S.
Best Neopolitan style pizza in NYC. Enough said.
(5)
Ben R.
I love Pizza and been to many of them and I have come here with my family and friends about 6 times and every time it's amazing. It's always GREAT. ( Especially the square pizza) I don't think many know about it and yesterday I took out 2 pies along with Calzone. Also note that Calzone taste even better when it's reheated later. The best Pizza in NY for that matter anywhere.
(5)
Semra K.
The food is DELICIOUS and the servers are nice, but the space is a bit cramped. I got seated next to the server's computer stand once and I kept getting knocked in the head. I would recommend checking it out, just watch out where you sit!
(4)
Caroline L.
I'm on a mission to check out all of the best pizza places in the city. Boyfriend and I checked out Luzzo's on Sunday afternoon and we're so glad we did. We split a Bufala pie. The sauce was simple and delicious. The crust was soft and fluffy yet also crisp. The only thing I would've changed was a little more basil but other than that, it was a truly superb pizza. We'll definitely be going back. I'm already craving it!
(4)
Ahu S.
I'm with Atif on this one. It took me several visits to realize that this is my favorite pizza in NYC. There are only 3 things you need to know about on the menu: 1. Appetizer - Fried Artichoke 2. Pizza - Arugula Pizza 3. Dessert - Tiramisu Just, go now. In fact, I would too if I could!
(5)
Kealan C.
If I had to describe my ideal pizza, I'm pretty sure it would taste something like Luzzo's. The ingredients are fresh, the cheese to sauce ratio is on point, and the crust is perfectly chewy with a few obligatory crispy "burny bits". It's definitely some of the best pizza I've ever had. I had family in town who all wanted pizza, and this was a great place to take them as it's loud & bustling (gotta keep them comfortable in their natural environment) and not too expensive. No one was particularly starving, so the four of us shared a large and it was enough. I wasn't too impressed with the service - from the hostess to the waitress, everyone seemed to have a bit of an attitude. Our order came out incorrectly as well, but we ate it anyway and it was great enough for a four-star rating, despite the imperfections. I'll absolutely be making another visit there in the future.
(4)
April W.
Amazing pizza!!!!! My sister and bro-in-law from N.C. LOVED this pizza! So much so that they don't ever want to have pizza down south again.
(5)
Mark W.
This is the best pizza I've tried since moving to New York. Everyone raves about di Fara's, but in my opinion Luzzo's is much better and a lot closer to real pizza from Italy (Neapolitan style). Luzzo's pizza is thin, but not too thin. The crust is well done but not too crunchy. The ratio of sauce to cheese is near perfect, and the sauce is slightly sweet and tangy. Luzzo's pizza reminds me of the pizza I ate while traveling around Italy last summer. Try it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Gee L.
Incredible, indulging wood oven pizza. The cheese melts perfectly. The olive oil and the basil finish it off just right. The best pizza I've ever had was in Naples,Italy at a local pizza joint nestled along a shady alleyway. Luzzo's comes close (minus the shady alleyway). Staff was accommodating; never felt rushed even though they had several large parties at the door. The space is a bit narrow but that makes the atmosphere all the more "Italian" and family style like! Truly a pleasure dining here. I. will. be. back.
(4)
Allison H.
I love Luzzo's for two reasons: 1. that they can accomodate a group of 10 with same day notice and 2. For perfectly charred pizza. Luzzo comes pretty close to greatness by using truffle oil on my favorite pizza but a star is lost due to everything else on the menu. I've tried a bunch of their pastas, and all are lackluster due to them being too stingy with quality ingredients. I will continue to eat their fried calamari eventhough i know there is better out there. Their house wine, especially the chianti is always a welcome addition to the meal.
(4)
Linda C.
We came here due to all of the rave reviews on Yelp. I'm on the quest for the best Pizza in NYC and so this was on my list of "must do's". We arrived at about 6:30PM on a Wednesday night and were seated immediately. We started with Prosecco ($7/glass) and fried Calamari ($10). The calamari was huge, perfectly fried. We ordered the pizza tartufa (with truffle "pate"). It was tasty and had a nice thin crust, but the truffles didn't jump out at me. I think I would have preferred a pizza with mushrooms instead. We ordered the 16" pizza for two and we stuffed ourselves and still had 2 pieces left. I think a 12" would have been wiser especially since we walked down to Butter Lane for cupcakes afterward. The girl that took our drink order was a sweetie but our waiter (a guy) was a bit lacking. He was totally enamored with this cute girl at the other table (despite that she had a date) and went overboard grating cheese into her oil (for her bread) and forgetting to ask us how our meal was, whether we'd like pepper on anything, etc. By the time we left, the place was buzzing...still not packed, but pretty busy. We'd return if we were in the area again, but I'm not sure that this is the best Napoli pizza in the area. I'd definitely had better in California and in Italy. So the quest will continue.
(4)
Xinyuan W.
really good pizza, very thin, and crust tastes like breadsticks
(4)
J C.
Came here for lunch on a Wednesday (maybe) and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Upon entering, we were seated immediately by a very attentive waiter. Unfortunately, the place had some sort of stench like water damage or moist humidity. I couldn't place my finger on it, but it wasn't so bad that it ruined the meal or anything. We ordered the Tartufata and the Stagioni. I personally liked the Tartufata better, with a simple tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, and basil. But toppings on both were fresh and the crust of the pizza was amazing. We also ordered calamari. I liked that it was lightly battered, but it wasn't anything spectacular. Overall, very cute, cozy interior. The pizza was amazing, and I've heard their pastas are great too. Will definitely be back! Also, the entrance has a sign up saying it's cash only, but we were able to pay with Visa or Mastercard.
(4)
Daniela A.
Very good pizza and loved the atmosphere in this place. I went for lunch on a Saturday... had a good amount of people - but felt very friendly, relaxed and comfortable. Italian TV was on - soccer...and I felt like I was at my grandmother's house. I love my nonna... I could have stayed here for hours and not felt like I was being rushed...a much different vibe from (blech) Keste... The pizza was very tastey - good sauce, toppings were fresh and the crust was very good... Also tried the meatballs which were pretty good as well. I have to get back there -- last time I went was several months ago...
(4)
Phoenix F.
Needed to catch up with a friend who is smaller than me, yet packs away twice the amount of food. She chose Luzzo's and at first I squirmed because me no likey the East Village (although this area is still technically Gramercy/Union Square). Very warm employees greeted us. Very nice Nero D'avolo by the glass. We ordered the large with buffalo mozzarella, basil, and truffle oil. We also added on some prosciutto, for if you didn't know "I'm a meat-a-tarian" The pizza tasted like edible sex...it was delicious. By far the most flavorful pizza I have ever had.PERIOD. If you happen to be going through a dry spell and are hungry, this place is a two-fer.
(5)
Jade L.
Love love love love love.. I loooove the pizza here. I couldn't really rave about one particular pizza place before I came here. Luzzo's has become my favorite pizza in NY. I know it's not considered a real 'neopolitan' pie because of the crust, but I find it just perfect. The combination of great ingredients and perfectly cooked crust (to me) makes my tummy happy. Service has been great both times I've been so far. Our water glasses were always filled and the waiters/waitresses have been attentive as well. Would I go back here? Hell yes!!! Count me in for a few slices any time!
(5)
Lindsay B.
I was 9 days into my 11 day cleanse when the carb crave truly hit me. I was doing so well avoiding grilled cheese, toast, crackers and pita chips but the smell of Luzzo's pizza might as well been a giant flashing "you're f*cked" sign. Instead of slowly reintroducing carbs back into my diet I caved in and ate half a bufalo mozzerella pizza by myself. This place is pizza heaven. You won't find better anywhere else in Manhattan.
(5)
Lisa K.
Let's face it, it's all in the crust. John and I devoured a medium pizza in about 3 minutes, crust and all. Pizza is so simple that it absolutely has to have great ingredients and Luzzo manages to nail every single component. I have really never tasted a crust so good that I may be willing to forgo the cheese all together. It's a great place to have pizza in the East Village and it won't be as touristy as all those other editor-baited pizza joints. I do have to say that the pizza is a little pricey. What can you say? Good ingredients don't come cheap these days...
(4)
Jason L.
Came here multiple times already; good for 2 people as well as big groups (just make sure to call in advance). As already mentioned by others this place is A-MAZ-ING. Their pizza is the best pizza I ever had, I don't know any other place that serves better pizza.
(5)
Robert M.
What can I say that already hasn't been said? This is probably one of the best za joints in NYC...if not the best. I can't say enough about their za. This place is going to make me take the time to downgrade every za joint I've rated in Atlanta. After moving out of NY, I guess I forgot just HOW much better it is. The crust: incredible....crisp, thin, nice char on the bottom without an overwhelming char taste, and the best flavor that lingers after each bite. The sauce: beautiful and fresh, with the right ratio of sauce cheese overall on the pie. Maybe could use a little more spice but very good. The cheese: Fresh bufala moz. Very nice. What else to say? I would say the only negative I can give here is that they were pretty wimpy with the basil. Come on....I know you can spare more than 4 teared pieces on the pie! One of the best....
(5)
Grant C.
Best in town? You people need to get around more. Not the best pizza, not even in Manhattan, but it definitely ranks up there. I went with a basic mozzarella and basil. The toppings and the sauce were great, but the crust just didn't hold up its end of the deal. Nice and chewy along the edges, but too thin and soggy towards the interior. Overpriced, too. It's a fun place, though, rustic and wooden, very cozy and inviting on a dismal rainy night.
(4)
The B T.
This place has a really cool and relaxing feel. We walked in on a rainy evening and the place was packed. We decided to wait at the packed bar and have a glass of wine from a poorly displayed choice of wines. The service is super quick we were seated in 15 minutes. The food was amazing we had the pasta Norma, arugula salad and the buffala pizza all of which were some of the best pizza pasta and salad we ever had. Other than a few loud guido types the place is great
(5)
Jen G.
Forget motorino and vezzo, this was the best sit down pizza I've had in a while! The sangria we had at the bar wasn't anything special, but for $6 how could anyone really complain? The caesar salad was great and had plenty of delicious cheese (big plus in my book!!). The bufala pie was delish and had the perfect balance of sauce, cheese and crispy yet doughy crust. My only gripe is about the temp in the back room. We were there on one of the hottest, most humid days of the summer and being seated in the back room was a little uncomfortable. A couple of fans would make a huge difference but it won't stop me from coming back
(4)
Joe S.
NOW THIS IS WHERE IT'S AT....true off the boat first & second generation Italian-italian/americans making old world true brick oven pizza within a family owned & operated beutifully rustic setting! brick oven is real for once & is set at the right temp by wood to get it OsoRIGHT! the cheese is mozzarella di bufala! the sauce is fresh basil'd! ....and finally the dough bubbles in all the right places! check, check...aaaand check! its all thier!
(5)
Silvio D.
The pizza was delicious, and the friendly servers make this an enjoyable experience. Two people can easily polish off a 16" pie. I thought the pizza was unique because the dough and crust are nice and chewy, but the bottom is cooked all the way the through. The ingredients are all fresh - from the mozzarella to the sauce. I would highly recommend this place.
(4)
Patrick C.
The pizza is freaking awesome....but you'd expect that when a small personal pie is $17.....and I wasn't even full when I was finished. Great sauce, very thin crust, perfectly put together w/ the right amount of basil. I really can't knock the pizza b/c it's awesome but I think it's terribly overpriced. It's def worth checking out though.
(3)
chris J.
Pizza. Everybody loves pizza. Chicago deep dish, New York, Sicilian, thin crust, thick crust, the list goes on but at the top of this list is Luzzo's Napoli style pizza. The pizza here is other worldly. Diavola - yes it is devilishly delicious. Just the right amount of spice in the sauce and the peperoni is perfect. Procuitto with arugula - listen who said you can eat your greens with your pizza. Fantastic. This is the place we always bring friends who visit NYC for pizza. Great every single time
(4)
cherry w.
It was okay, maybe I'm being a hard critic but it didn't blow me away. On my visit I did note the handful of Italian speakers at the restaurant. Real Italians at an Italian pizza restaurant? Must be a good sign! I prefer pizza that is thin and crispy everywhere- from first bite to the crust. We got a 16" pizza pie split into two different flavors. My first bite was disappointing. It didn't meet my crispy criteria. It was wet and sloppy but the closer I got the crust the crispier and airier it got. I also wish there was a bit more tomato sauce. I love tomato sauce. Besides the pizza, we also got an Arugula salad. Is it weird that I loved the salad way more than the pizza? It was tangy and tasty. I'll come back for the salad. :)
(3)
Angie W.
Luzzo's is classic Neopolitan type pizza - very thin dough, just like I just had in Italy a few months ago. It was pretty crowded for a Sunday evening, and you would never have imagined the crowd inside if you saw it's typical small East Village Storefront. The typical place to pick up a quick slice, it's not. Service was prompt and they have alot of choices on their menu. Definitely check it out if you like Neopolitan pizza.
(4)
Brian S.
I am convinced this is the most authentic and best tasting pizza outside of Naples. Luzzo's is all about the pizza, burnt just right , bubbly and crusty to the right amount, soft and crunchy, tangy tomato sauce and the melted mozzarella smelled great. We ordered the large Salsiccia which had the tomato, mazzarella, sausage and basil. The atmosphere is very pleasant, you get the sense of being in Italy and the waitstaff are nice.
(5)
Eeeeestar T.
The Marinara pizza here is just amazing. I loved the superthin, chewy, and lightly crispy crust with just the perfect amount of sauce, basil, tomato, cheese and...anchovy. That's right -- those deliciously salty, pungent, melting anchovies were the perfect way to top off such a simply perfect slice. Do it right or don't do it at all! The ambience is unpretentiously rustic and the waiters no-nonsense...but add a glass or two of wine, and I think Luzzo's would be perfect for a casual date.
(5)
i. p.
I don't really believe in knocking a restaurant for being expensive, but I probably won't be going back to this place unless I win the lottery. Okay, it's not that expensive, but wow, the bill at the end of the meal really hurt. That said, there's a lot to be said for this place: the space is cozy and incredibly charming, the staff are very nice and friendly, the food is very good, and it was a lovely experience overall. We got the Arugola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, Arugola and basil) -- a real winner -- and the Bufala (tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil). Both were very good. The crust was soft and crunchy in all the right places. One complaint -- the Bufala had like 3 pieces of basil on it. Maybe that's traditional, but in my view that's just garnish, not worthy of putting in the description of the pizza. I was expecting to be blown away by this place, especially after seeing the prices on the menu, but I just wasn't. If you have some money to spend and want a casual, lovely little place with good food, maybe for a date or something, Luzzo's might be the place for you. But if all you care about is pizza, go to Di Fara's.
(4)
Kaka-Q S.
This place is not great. It's not even better than OK. It smelled disgusting when we walked in at 7:30 last night. Like they'd just mopped the floor with dirty water and no soap. There were no pizza or food smells - not even any coal oven smells, or cleaning chemical smells - two different people in my party commented about the stench as we sat down. We almost left because of it but decided to stay b/c of the Yelp reviews. The decor is cute and eclectic, and the bar in the front is inviting. The bathrooms (in the basement) are nasty and smell like rats (I've worked in the restaurant business long enough to know that odor anywhere). Our waitress was delightful. She was so sweet and friendly. But she took our order and then never came back. The pizzas came out literally four minutes after we placed our order, and they were cold when they arrived. Kind of confusing. Maybe they are pre-made, and not made to order, and just tossed into the oven? Not sure. But they were not hot. The pizza is INCREDIBLY overpriced. It was so-so. Nothing special at all - especially for New York. The sauce was not distinguishable in any way. Very bland, very typical. Toppings had no flavor. The crust was OK, and I did like the black-burned bottom from the coal oven (although it would have been better if it had been served hot - or even warm). The homemade bufula mozzarella was fine, but from the reviews I was expecting to be blown away - and I wasn't at all. The wine was also very, very overpriced - $32 for a crappy bottle that you can buy a few doors down for $13. Nobody offered us grated parmesan or fresh pepper, and we didn't recieve a bread basket (not even sure if they offer bread, but there was olive oil on the table). This place is probably fine if you're a student, but I would never recommend it. I'm very surprised that it got such great reviews.
(2)
Jeffrey N.
The field of NYC pizza reviewing is so rife with contention that it's all but impossible to get any perspective. We're all a bit pizza nuts and get trapped in the polemical loop circling what constitutes "the best". Are we as strongly opinionated about any other food in this city? I suppose we feel in some strange way that NYC pizza belongs to us, or stems from us, or is us...a kind of food proxy; hence all the heated debate. Anyway, where does Luzzo's stand in the fray? I've eaten here several times and it has oscillated from very good (3 stars) to outstanding (5 stars) depending largely on whether the resident pizzaiolo is manning the ship. On their outstanding days, the pizza comes out of that blazing coal fired oven in 2 minutes flat. As you bite in the crust gives off a puff of steam (the rapid bake time traps the moisture). There is just a smattering of char on the base to add that subtle carbon twang. The sauce, the cheese, everything tastes so bright and articulate; it is just barely cooked and has yet to dissipate an ounce of intrinsic flavor. Utterly ethereal! If you wait more than 5 minutes, it is a soggy mess of disjointed flavors. More than any other dish, this hinges on timing for the pizza you start with bares little resemblance to that which you are ingesting at the meal's conclusion. As for the service, what can anyone say? It possesses that rare continental combination of aggressive and inattentive - polarities fostered in countries devoid of tipping.
(3)
Jen L.
Yum Yum Yummmmmy. I'm not a pizza gal, but gosh-darn-it, ciò che è buono pizza! All hail bufala mozzarella. Love to hear Italian? Come listen to the staff chatter away. It's a nice little touch. Get some Italian beer, it goes down easy. It's borderline average, comfortable, and simple, and yet something about great pizza and beer in a small cozy space made it feel special.
(4)
Antonella M.
Luzzo's is one of those places I hesitate writing about in fear of spreading the word even more; I mean already every night is a Saturday night.. From the outside, Luzzo's doesn't even standout, aside from the red awning nothing really jumps at you... the investigation of the hype begins... The minute I stepped inside, I was speechless, I loved everything about it, from the decor to the Napolitan (Italian dialect of the Naples region) sign on the wall. We were greeted by an all American boy who when we asked how long for a table seemed distressed, to his rescue out came a manager (maybe?), some super Italian man, goodlooking but even more so when he spoke with that heavy accent and flirty charm of most Napolitano men, he said 2 meenutes pulleasse. The all American host replied "you always say that though." But low and behold, one minute passed and we had a table in the back room. The front of the restaurant seems to be mostly booths while the back is filled with cozier tables for small AND large groups along with more authentic Napoli decor and art. A flat-screen plays an Italian network which plays all of Italy's greatest and latest hits which I had difficulty taking my eyes off of, which I suppose isn't the greatest thing to do on a date (than again not the worst). Let's get serious now, the food. The calamari are big, reminded me of eating onions rings, but still delicious. The rice-ball (arancini) are also worth trying if you like rice-balls with meat inside instead of plain old cheese and rice. Basically the appetizers are good, and if you are not on a budget, order away you will not be disappointed, but my advice on a date or some kind of budget would be to get a pasta and a pizza to share. Out of the pastas I tried the Spaghetti Carbonara - cooked perfectly, pasta tasted like it had just been made and rolled 5 minutes prior. It's a white sauce and the pancetta was super tasty. My favorite pizza has been the EST (mozzarella, ricotta, basil, Salome). The dough was perfect, it truly is the pizza of all pizzas, and the closest to the actual pizzas I've eaten in Napoli thousands of times through the years. Upon exiting, I couldn't help but notice a Papa John's pizzeria across the street; a person that enters there instead of Luzzo's should seek help immediately and avoid me at all costs...
(5)
Brendan M.
There a lot of 5 Star pizza shops in town, and this is one of them. The crust is magnificent and the sauce delicious. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is fantastic. Not as giraffe friendly as some other places but I've been more cramped.
(5)
Stephanie Y.
IT was aight. I've had better pizza, I've had cheap pizza together that makes this place 3 stars. Thin crust is good - the Arugula pizza was actually quite tasty but this place just didn't overall do it for me. The place was cute the service was great but I think there maybe better pizza out there in the world. Not a bad East Vill spot though.
(3)
Victoria D.
Basically, not worth the price. I went with my roommate, she ordered lasagna and I had a pizza. The pizza was so thin that it fell apart and was soggy towards the center. It was WAY too expensive. Should have been about $6 less. She said her noodles and meat were dry, and they looked like they were. I am from Texas and I have had much better pizza there. However, they were really quite friendly, and had fast-service. Also-If you have credit card, be prepared to pay a random minumum of $18.
(3)
Alanna D.
The house red wine somehow tasted like dish soap mixed with vinegar and the bruschetta was distinctly average. But the pizza? Oh, the pizza! I have had a delicious week in New York City, but the only thing that I will walk away craving will be the Campana pie from Luzzo's -- tomato sauce, mozzarella, shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes, basil. I could eat that pizza for the rest of my life.
(4)
Philly B.
OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD. If I could give Luzzo's a one million-star Yelp rating, I would. Atmosphere is great, the staff are helpful and patient with indecisive patrons (such as myself), and -- most importantly -- they serve mouth-wateringly delicious pizza. I would say, overall, that it is the best I've had in New York. Which isn't to say that it's perfect, but taking taste and quality and presentation into consideration, it is a damn delicious pie. I agree with Grant C's review -- I wish the crust had held up just a little better toward the center -- but whatever. Minor detail, really, because everything else about it was so to-die-for. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this place before! Definitely try it out; you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend the Tartufata pizza. Mmmm.
(5)
Cindy T.
It seems like every pizza joint in New York City claims to have the best pizza in the city. I've tried a lot of them with an open mind and have been unimpressed every time. So far, the only pizza that has made a good impression on me came from Luzzo's. I had the Bufala pizza, which is made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The crust was perfectly thin. The ingredients were very fresh. The sauce, which I believe is the key element of a great pizza, was tasty. The atmosphere at Luzzo's is very comfortable and casual. The staff were very attentive.
(5)
Allyson R.
After all the awesome reviews and living right down the street I went to Luzzo's wanting to love the place!!! BUT, when I went (party of 2, please), we had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated, when their were many tables open. The hostess was just standing there, not really doing anything. Then, when we were finally seated, NO ONE approached our table. no one brought water, no one brought menu's. Okay..... So we waited for about 12 minutes and then decided to leave. There was a hostess standing next to our table (it was the first table in the front), a waiter that kept walking past us, and a bartender right behind our table that were all not really doing much. For no one to come over and greet us, give us menu's, or take our orders was ridiculous. I'm not sure I even want to go back after this experience...
(1)
Christopher I.
I've returned to Luzzo's time and time again when I've got a craving for great Italian pizza. Not great Italian appetizers, service, or dessert. Appetizers here are just ok, even the neapolitan specialty appetizer plate tastes like stuff that was just warmed up at the bar of an AutoGrill, not piping fresh fried gnocchi, croquettes or arancini. If you order this, you will be disappointed. And the servers, especially the suave dark-haired host (who's romancing a different single girl every time), have been rude and blase time and time again. But I don't come here for appetizers or great service. IT'S THE PIZZA. And not all the pizzas. Steer clear of the ones overloaded with toppings...stay simple. Mozzarella di bufala. That's why I'm not afraid to give this place five stars. With the tried and true--a simple margherita pizza, a Moretti and good company--you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Namrata A.
I was really excited to go to this place after reading the fantastic reviews on Yelp. However, I was extremely disappointed with it. The place is small (most of the place was empty and we were squished in the corner even when the hostess knew we had baggage with us), the service was inattentive, and the prices were ridiculous for an OK pizza. $55 for tax, tip, one pie of pizza (regular) and two glasses of wine. That's outrageous. The pizza itself was $28! If I was paying $28 for pizza, I'd expect it to be delicious and swamped with toppings. Skip this place and save your money.
(1)
Sergio S.
I have no frame of reference as far as New York pizza goes, but this is the best pizza I've ever had! My favorite was in Chicago, but I guess it's been debunked! We had the Martha, which is Mozzarella, truffle pate, prosciutto and basil. Delicious! The flavors were so perfect and the crust, so delicately thin. The place was cozy and so friendly. A perfect environment to enjoy the goodness of their Pizza!
(5)
Nicole C.
SO I work at an Italian company, and all of the Italians come here for authentic Italian (Napoli) pizza. I've also been to Naples and agree with them wholeheartedly. The brutta ma buona (translates to: ugly but good) is my favorite one. They also have an amazing artichoke appetizer. Yes it is a small space, yes you might have to wait a bit for a table but it is so worth it. Everyone who works there is Italian too, so it's a great place to brush up on your skills! And yes, it is a bit expensive but they import their ingredients from Italy, wouldn't you rather have super fresh delicious ricotta or mozzarella cheese? Just go ahead and order a whole pie for yourself..
(5)
Anne G.
Im a Luzzos-aholic. Some people loves Johns, some Joes. I've had both and always come back to my man(men? woman?) Luzzos. The first time I went, we knew it was legit because almost everyone there was speaking Italian. If Italians are coming to eat here, it must be okay we thought. Then we ate. And eat we did. Splitting two pies and an app among 5 people, we wiped it clean...and were still jealous of the pastas that our neighbors had order. I've been back multiple times since and I'm always impressed. When I went to Joe's, they were 60% crust, 40% sauce/cheese. While maybe I hit a bad day, Luzzo's seems about the hoopla of being the best pizza in town: they simply do them, putting some heart into each pie, pasta and app. It's the place I bring my outta town guests to and will cont to do so!
(5)
Eric P.
Hands down one of THE place in New York for good pizza. The style is similar to Paty's in Chelsea, but the atmosphere was a lot more a romantic and cozy, and our waitress spoke Italian. On top of that, it's in the East Village, so I had an easy time finding a bar I liked afterward. I had the 4 Stagioni -- tomato, prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil and washed it down with a few glasses of Malbec. VERY good.
(5)
Rose W.
Yummy pizza! I think this is definitely one of the better spots to eat pizza in the city. I had a simple pie with just tomato sauce and spots of mozzarella. I'm such a fan because the crust is amazingly thin. Didnt walk out of lunch feeling like a complete greaseball (which is nice) :-)
(5)
ZO R.
I had the pleasure of going Luzzo's on this past saturday with a friend from Boston. Words could not express how I felt when I left. We really had a great time there. The staff was very nice and personable and the food was out of this world good. I had the Tartufata with the spicy oil. All I can say is that If I was in NYC everyday this place would be one of my main spots. I will be back!!!!
(5)
Aaron H.
Memorable pizza. Perfect crust, slightly charred, crisp not chewy. Wonderful sauce to cheese to crust ratio. 5 stars. I've even liked the broccoli pizza they gave me by accident.
(5)
Jordan G.
This is honestly, hands down the best Pizza I've ever had. I recommend the Bufala and Arugola Pizzas. Every time I'm in Manhattan I have to go here and bring new people to experience the dining. And I order at least those two varieties every time I bring people here and everyone agrees it is amazing.
(5)
Chris S.
Great. Pizza was tasty, staff friendly and beer cold. Get the number 1but add Prosciutto to really top it off. I will definitely be back next time I'm in the city.
(4)
Raul R.
We had the fresh pasta with mushrooms and sausage (not a lot of sausage) and very little red sauce to our surprise, but it was good, it was fresh and we shared it with the three of us. We had the large Bufala 16" pizza and it was really good. Simple tomato sauce, a good amount of cheese and the crust was light, just a little chewy and just a little crispy....Anne was in heaven and I was truly appreciating a Neapolitan style pizza. The ambiance was great. Casual, rustic decor, with non matching chairs and tables in the restaurant that had about 20 tables for 4 and small groups would be welcome here anytime although depending on the time you would likely have to wait. The service was attentive and the place was clean and we had fun peeking inside the bright yellow/orange light from the fire inside the oven when the chef would open it up to make sure the pizzas were cooking to perfection. We'll be back - the Calzone pizza is next on our agenda. Oh and in case you were keeping track, 1 guy two girls, one pasta, one large pizza...perfect. We all left full...and happy.
(4)
Erika C.
Something changed markedly. This used to be my go-to pizza place, one of the best in Manhattan, the perfect place to take anyone from mom to friends from out of town. Not sure if they changed ovens, chefs, recipes, budgets, or what, but the crust has deteriorated - it's not nearly as moist and smoky - and the sauce has less zing. I wrote the first mediocre pie off as a fluke, but after multiple tries, I think this is, sadly, the new state of affairs. Shame.
(3)
Eve T.
You know you are at the right pizza place when you hear the wait staff speak Italian. Between my husband and I, we devoured both a 16 inch and a 12 inch pizza in one sitting. We got the pizza with the truffle pate (Tartufata), and couldn't really taste the pate at all. The Diavola (one with hot salami) was so good and crispy, I'm salivating just thinking about it. The crust was much crispier on the 12 inch than the 16 inch, and it was just the right thickness. I wish they put more basil on their pizzas though rather than the garnished 3 leaves in the middle. The space is small, but the pizza came out fast and they were very accommodating to our 1 year-old son. I saw our neighboring table ask for spicy oil to put on their pizza, will have to try that next time.
(4)
Michael S.
Legit Pizza. Equally as good as Lombardi's but different. Fresh Mozz, Prosciutto and Arugula pizza was awesome. light sauce and cheese, super thin chewy and crisp crust. DELICIOUS.
(5)
K P.
I believe this is probably one of the best pizzas I've had in NY. The crust is very thin the outer crust is charred as others mentioned which is something I usually do not like but it was still flavorful and tender. The sauce is light, the mozzarella fresh, buffalo style "globs" for lack of a better description...pictures ppl have posted here are accurate. Service was very efficient - almost a little too quick but not in a bad, pushy way... Had the diavolo which wasn't spicy as described but the right combo of salami and cheese. Also had the goat cheese salad with pine nuts in lemon juice - that was very fresh, light & delicious. Liked that they had an Italian MTV-type program playing in the background, I don't know why, that's just me. The space is completely wood covered - cute. I think it could be a lot of fun if you came with a group of friends. I thought the people who worked there were polite. The tables are a little jammed together...so I'm sure if you went on the weekend you'll be practically sitting in your neighbor's lap - which might not be a bad thing...
(5)
Chelle T.
THE BEST pizza in new york! In my opinion anyway.. I've been to most of the other reputable ones and this is my favorite. Perfect crunchy crust with still a little doughiness in the inside. To die for toppings. Silly waiters too.. the service is great. WAY better than grimaldi's. Ugh I hate those guys that work there. Anyways this place was so great it was the only place I wanted to go my last night in new york (aside from union square). Go there now!
(5)
Min K.
I HATE HATE HATE to admit it, but it's better than Lombardi's. - Pizza: I'm perplexed about the crust. How does it get so crunchy and chewy? Perfectly burnt as well. Other places can't get it this soft and chewy. The ingredients were great as well. I recommend trying the spicy salami and sausage. Nothing bad or special to say about cheese and tomato sauce. - Salad: I like to fill myself with some fresh veggies before stuffing myself with grease. Salad selection here is not that special, but fresh and light. A bit pricey I have to say for the quantity. It's all about the pizza anyways...wasted my stomach with veggies.
(5)
Brian R.
This is perhaps one of my all time favorite pizza joints. This is right up there with Lombardi's and Grimaldi's. The place is sort of a throw back to those really narrow, but long pizza joints you used to visit as a child in the city. The decor is made up of all these old pieces of Italian immigrant paraphernalia that makes you yearn for more simpler times of years gone past. I have sampled a number of the pizzas here and my three favorite are the Bufula, Napoletana and Salsiccia. All three are simply made with some of the freshest tomato sauce and mozzarella you will eat this side of Italy. For me, what makes an excellent New York style pizza is the thin, but chewy crust and the perfect amount of "charring" around the edges. I don't like my pizza drowning in sauce or using second rate grated mozzarella. Tables can be a bit tight at this place since they always try to pack as many people as they can with the limited seating they have. The seating also uses some really old furniture, I think I was sitting on an outdoor fold chair at one of my visits. I do not recommend to take the pizza home, because it should really be enjoyed fresh out of the oven as quickly as possible. For some reason the pizza gets cold quickly so eating it ASAP is a must. If you like authentic style pizza, Luzzo can't be beat.
(5)
h h.
No better pizza in the whole city. There, I said it. My man and I love this shop. Our favorite Italian beers are on the table the second they see us come in, they're always nice, the pizza is ALWAYS exceptional, and if you ask, they'll even hide an iced cream cake for you to surprise your favorite someone on his birthday.
(5)
Emi M.
Best gnocchi in the East Village (and it was delivery)!
(5)
Brandon Z.
Congratulations, my friend, you have found it. The best. Perfect coal-oven crust, buffalo mozarella that melts in your mouth.
(5)
Pria P.
Great pizza, friendly Italian service, cute space = enthusiastic 5 stars! Beautiful thin, slightly burnt (in a good way) crust. If there are 2 of you, go for the large pie- the small has 8 slices but will still leave you wanting more (it's that good). When choosing your pie, the simpler the better. The mozzarella/tomato pizza is delicious.
(5)
Alan N.
just got back from luzzo's and unfortunately had to downgrade my two 5-star reviews down to 4 stars. simply because of the unfortunate service tonight. This time my bro and i took my sister in law after raving about their calzone. in my last review i discussed how great it was. so this time we ordered the same large calzone except in eggplant parm flavor. what we got was a small one. So we kindly said to the waitress that we had ordered the large one. We then were surprised with the following excuses: 1. we only make one size (there are two sizes explicitly written on the menu) 2. we have never made any other size though (showed the waitress picture of the last large one on my camera phone) 3. ok, but it's not in the system so we can't make a large one (this excuse was worst of all) after that convo, she said i'll bring the manager over and you can talk with him. 5 mins later she returns (without the manager) and says, ok, so you don't want this? like, what just happened there??!!. so we say, no we want the large one remember, we'll speak to the manager like you recommended. manager comes over and says he'll make us the large one and was pretty rude about it. we get it and we were unattended to for pretty much the rest of the night. very sad to downgrade Luzzo's since i have been telling everyone i know on facebook and twitter that luzzo's makes the best pizza i've ever had - including all in manhattan, brooklyn, and new haven. really upsetting too that after 2 visits of great service we got them on an off day.
(4)
Rich G.
The bufala was as good as some of the more well-known names (Lombardi's, etc) if not better.
(4)
Lorenzo V.
Incredibly good pizza! One of the best in the city. Can be a little noisy.
(4)
Elijah C.
Really good Italian pies are served here. The service was nothing to write home about, but the pizza was very authentic and tasty. 4 stars.
(4)
zhi z.
this use to be my defacto pizzeria, but i've had enough. While pizza was in general really good, everything else about this place was horrible. The last few times i went the pasta was not fully cooked(still white and stiff). Basil was unwashed(sand), cold meat, and the service was horrible. meaning no water refills, snotty management, and deceptive promises to fix mentioned bad dishes. they even at one point argue back saying pasta was meant to be white in the center or that the sand was charcoal from the oven. overall never going back again, see ya loozer!
(1)
Rubie R.
I was surprised at how thin the crust was. And yet, still soggy. *sigh* Service was friendly, though.
(3)
Cybil S.
I can't add much to what everyone here (who knows good pizza) has said. The pizza is perfection, true NYC style with thin, crisp crust, excellent sauce, daubs of fresh motz, and basil. Mushroom was my fav, but we had 2 others that were nice too. With 5 at a table we had 3 large pies and not a slice was left, so be sure to order enough!
(5)
Jon Michael A.
I was introduced to Luzzo's by Scott's Pizza Tours (which I totally recommend! scottspizzatours.com ). There is just nothing else like this pizza out there. I like Grimaldi and Lombardi's and Fornino, but I think this is really my favorite of them. It's pizza prepared to some incognizable Italian standards where the tomatoes have to be grown in the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. Yeah. The sauce is perfect, the cheese perfect, the crust perfect... You just can't leave a single crumb behind. When I moved away from New York, this is where I had my goodbye dinner. I needed to be able to savor the memory of pizza while I was away in lands far from the influence of those who understand how to make a good pie. That memory slowly slipped to dream, to myth, to legend. And one day I returned and I found that not only were my memories not an exaggeration, but an understatement.
(5)
Donna D.
You know you're going to get authentic Italian food from a restaurant that has a photo of Padre Pio in the corner. I've yet to try the pizza (I will do next time) as both times I've been in the restaurant, it was because I was craving their amazing gnocchi. I always order it with the mozarella cold and on the side. The pasta itself is obviously homemade. Not dry and starchy, but instead moist and almost meaty. Because I don't have the chef bake it with the mozarella on the top, the pasta absorbs the thick and sweet sauce perfectly in every bite. Fantastic wine selection, and quaint atmosphere. I particularly like the shovel adorned with the witch painting that hangs from one of the back walls. I was also surprised at how cool the place is as well. Normally restaurants with large brick ovens in the middle of them are stuffy and hot regardless of how high the air conditioning is turned up. Not Luzzo's though! It's always comfortable, and inviting. I'm DYING to try the pizza next!
(5)
Lindsay D.
Ya know, I'm just not feeling it. Maybe it was the fact that my roommate and I ordered delivery. Maybe we didn't order the right thing. Maybe the delivery guy got lost and that's why my pizza was ice cold. Maybe the chick on the other end of the phone was having a bad day. ...and maybe this place is just an over-hyped, too thin pizza for major dinero. Whatever the case may be, I will never eat here again.
(1)
Sarah M.
I'm not a big pizza person, but I could eat this every day. We had the one with cherry tomatoes and basil. By far the best pizza I've had in my life. The crust was a great crispy thinness, and I liked how the cheese was just spotted around the pie instead of covering the whole thing. They only thing I would have enjoyed more was if there were a couple more sprigs of basil on it instead of one. I would request that next time. On the pricey side-it was almost $30 for one pizza, but totally worth it.
(5)
Amy W.
SO GOOD. Authentic, classic brick oven pizza. This place gets crowded, so make a reservation. The owner also walks around, very friendly. I just had the classic pizza, split it with some friends. It really has that super thin crust, brick oven taste. You could easily eat 3 slices from the large pie - I love food, but I'm a pretty small portions kind of girl. So when I say I can eat 3 slices, believe it. Delicious. The dessert was just okay, but go for the pizza!
(5)
Joan H.
Just had to note - SPARKLING RED!!! WOW. Few places serve it, but yes, you can find that here. *heart*
(5)
Jonathan S.
New to the neighborhood, I was excited to check this place out after reading all the good reviews so I stopped on my way home for a pizza. I got the Bufala... 12''. Walked home (I live a block away). Looked good... but was soggy. I know steam builds up and yeah, but this was a little much. It hadn't been five minutes. The edges of the pie were crispy but that's it. The crust was so so, the cheese good, sauce... so so. I wasn't really impressed. It was okay overall. But when you factor in $17... plus tip, lets say $1... it's take out after all... and you're almost at $20 for a personal pizza. I don't think so. Will I be back? Maybe one more time, eat in. I have a hard time believing that many people don't know what they're talking about. hrm. But really... there are too many good to great pizza places within a six block radius. BTW I'm from Naples. =)
(2)
Jennifer C.
This place is awesome! If you are ever in NY or a NY resident you should check it out!!!
(5)
Max K.
I got there when the place opened for lunch and there was almost no one there. We ate the "aglietta", which had sauce, mozzarella, roasted garlic chunks and maybe some shaved parm. The pizza was excellent. The crust was one of the lightest I've tasted. I ate 4 good sized slices and didn't weigh in my stomach. Their dough must be very well fermented. It is on the expensive side for pizza, but from my experience it was worth it.
(5)
Angela L.
easily one of my favorite pizza joints in the city, very fresh simple ingredients, chewy and thin. their pastas are also great for sharing, we had the rigatoni with eggplant and ricotta, it was perfectly coated with just the right amount of tomato sauce, cheesy and chunks of eggplant. only tidbit - the wait can get long and the servers can get annoying trying to rush you out.
(4)
Daisy P.
The rustic Italian decor made the atmosphere feel authentic. The thin crust pizza is the best I've have in a long time. You don't feel stuffed at the end of it all, but are still completely satisfied. The spaghetti carbonara is one of the best dishes at Luzzo's.
(5)
Foodie P.
I was in NYC last week and searched YELP for a new pizza place. I have to say thanks to all yelpers for your honest feedback cause that place was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! My Best Friend lives out there and it was her first time there too. I believe that will be her new pizza spot. We got lucky and the manager there treated us like Queens and the servers were very sweet. But the Pizza was one of the best I've had, and I'm from Chicago so I'm bias when it comes to pizza. Luzzo's pizza and salads are definitely authentic, flavorful, and fresh!
(5)
Lisa B.
The best and keep coming back for more -- very consistent.
(5)
Tim M.
The pizza, we got the Buffala... which is a traditional Margherita, was AMAZING. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was very comparable to Grimaldi's for me... which is my favorite NYC pizza as of yet. However, it was $21 for the same size as a Grimaldi's so there is no way I will go back. $7 more is not worth it for me. The service was quite fast, borderline creepy because they came out of nowhere to refill your water and clear your table. However they weren't very personable. The Mista ensalate was delicious too!
(4)
Matt S.
I was really in the mood for pizza last night, and happened upon the glowing Yelp reviews for Luzzo's. I am happy to say that Yelp did not lead me astray. The pizza (we got the standard Bufala) was nothing short of exceptional. Hands down, you must try it. As for the rest of the meal... We got a Caesar Salad, and Insalata Riccia to start. The Caesar salad showed that someone at this place really cares. Two thick slices of Parmigiana-Reggiano Cheese, perfect dressing to lettuce ratio, and amazing miniature homeade croutons. While small, it was one of the best Caesar salads I have had in the city. The Insalata Riccia on the other hand had some SERIOUS issues. Explained as a salad with goat cheese, pine nuts, and "lemon dressing" it is better described as a sour punch in the kisser. The salad was literally drenched in pure lemon juice. Not lemon dressing, mind you, but mouth puckering, pure lemon juice. Unless you really have a thing for lemon, stay away from this one. We also tried the Mozzarella Imbottita appetizer. It is described as fried bufala mozzarela stuffed with mushrooms and ham. At $10, the size of the appetizer was underwhelming. It had very little ham and questionably existent mushroom. It was tasty, but I would not get it again. The Pizza alone was enough to give this place 5 stars. Alas, as some other Yelpers have caught onto, the service at this place is just a little off. Our waiter asked us 3 times if we wanted drinks, each time with us kindly replying no. The bus boy would come by our table every 3 minutes like clock work, stare at our unchanged table, and then walk away. This happened literally non-stop throughout the entire meal. He wasn't unfriendly at all, but it was a little unsettling. Next, there was this guy who appeared to be either a host, manager, or grifter who stood around the bar and literally would not stop moving, even when he was in standing in place. It was not "keeping busy" movement mind you, but more like the "someone poured red bull in his coffee, then transported him back in time to when he was three years old" kind of movement. At one point he started throwing bottle caps across the bar, while dancing and giggling. Maybe there's something in the water? Either way, the food makes this place worth it. But I warn you: Keep a thick skin when you go to Luzzo's. No really. In case you get hit by a bottle cap.
(4)
Victor T.
When it comes to restaurants, I believe in two simple rules: 1) Dining at the restaurant is ALWAYS better than delivery. 2) When you do not like the food from somewhere that receives a lot of praise, maybe you did not order one of their best options. I ordered a quattro formaggi pizza for delivery at Luzzo's. Although the crust is thin like every actual good pizza, it was completely soft. The four cheese were not well distributed on the surface of the pizza and the cheese actually felt like rubber in my mouth. There was not even smell of tomato sauce. After a couple of pieces, I tried to put the pizza on my electric "churrasqueira" to make it taste a bit better and it sort of worked. But it was far from what I expected after reading the reviews here. I will try this place again in the future, but I will eat there and go for a more popular flavor. Utill then this place will rank very low on my list.
(2)
Ethan H.
I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the decor; its bordering between either kitschy or trying to heard to be rustic/authentic. Something about it just doesn't click. My friends and I started off in a tiny cramped booth up front but moved to a table that freed up in back. They have a decent selection of wines and pretty knowledgeable staff. I went for the beers though, which go a small step beyond the usual peroni's offered at italian joints. Pizza was pretty good too, though quickly got unmanageably soggy in the center. We had the Ripiieno which was good but didn't work as well as it did on paper. The definite winner was the Martha, actually an excellent pizza, you can taste the truffle pate through each bite. I will mention that we spotted a pretty bad ass cock roach hanging out on the wall. Told the host who quietly smashed it and sent it off.
(3)
DayDay D.
I visited Luzzo's with my family and wow, was it busy. We waited for a couple minutes and kept shuffling our bodies around so others can get by. Anywho, we ordered the Mista Salad, good for 4 and a large mozzarella/ tomato/basil pizza..soooo yummy.. to top it off a few Peroni's..
(4)
Kevin E.
By far, the BEST pizza place in New York! The buffala mozzarella they put on the pizza is divine. The artichoke appetizer my lady chose is delicious as well. The portions are just right. It is a little pricey (just a tad more than Lombardi's) but well worth the price. It can get crowded at times, but hey! if Martha Stewart loves the pizza here, then it's gotta be worth it, right? And it is.
(5)
Phil C.
Got the sausage pizza... Was 20 bucks for a 12 inch pizza that will fill only one person... Two-thirds of the pizza was nothing but burnt crust with a tiny smattering of tomato paste... Rest of pizza was a few dollops of mozzerella and ONE basil leaf. Overhyped at its worst.
(2)
James E.
I love the pizza here. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. I've had the pizza and a few of the pasta entrees and was very pleased. This is a place that I'll return to again and again (its in my neighborhood). The only bad part to this place is the acoustics. It can be quite loud at times. They need acoustic tiles.
(4)
C M.
Despite it's distant location (1st Ave in the LES), I would gladly venture to this restaurant for the fresh dough and fresh Mozzarella found in each pie. The varietal selections offered by Luzzo's can appease any pizza fan. What make's Luzzo's special is their ability to harness balance between all elements in each slice of Pizza. As with the Margherita, the balance of Buffalo Mozzerella, Dough Crust, Basic Tomato Sauce, and Basil all combine to make a perfect pie.
(5)
Anastasia L.
Pizzas and espressos were great as many others have noted and the service friendly and prompt. However, the place smelled like a moldy basement and its walls and decor were dingy and in dire need of a redo. Ordering take out of their pizza would be a great idea.
(3)
julia r.
few frills, flavorful pie on the double. the arugula/prosciutto was off the hook. the customer service was off and on.
(4)
Natasha U.
What a disappointment. I had such high expectations based on reviews and based on the fact that my boyfriend was saying that he heard this is the best Neapolitan style pizza in the city, I was really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this pizza that I skipped lunch! Okay so we arrived and were seated right away. The ambiance was classic Italian style, rustically decorated. Cute place. My first point of contention, we love pizza but we have different tastes in toppings. I love my pizza loaded with toppings and he has simpler taste and prefers to keep it simple so he can get the essence of the sauce and crust. Okay so he wanted the Bufala and I wanted the Quattra Stagioni. So we asked if we could get half and half and the waiter said no. Ahhh this is how they make money. Because they encourage you to order the 12 inch pizzas instead of the 16 inch by saying you can't do half and half on the 16inch. Blah..I cannot eat that by myself so I just said, okay, we'll just do the 16 inch Bufala especially since Jim said, that you don't need a bunch of toppings if the pizza is truly good Neapolitan style. Fine fine...okay so within literally five minutes, our pizza arrives. Piping hot and calling my name....I sink my teeth into it and..expecting fireworks...I experience pure.....disappointment :( What the hell? This pizza wasn't BAD it just was unremarkable. Sauce was decent as was the crust it was just too plain and the mozzarella wasn't the best quality either. I have tasted way better. In the end, I ended up taking two pieces home for lunch the next day and I had to dress it up with my own toppings. It greatly improved the pizza, I have to say. Maybe I wasn't wowed by this place because of the type of pizza we ordered, but either way, I won't be going back. There's just too many good pizza options in this city for that.
(2)
kahee y.
saturday night dinner, 8:00pm, twosome it was one of those "pizza and diet coke" nights, so we headed over to luzzo's. we waited about 10 minutes to get seated, 10 minutes is never a problem. to start: Fried Calamari - hey, it was a "pizza & diet coke" night.. why not go all the way with the fattiness. standard calamari, nom nom nom mains: Bufala - we ordered a large between the 2 of us; like i said, it was a "pizza & diet coke" night. the pizza came out pipen hot and the first bite was mighty tasty. the crust was excellent, i couldnt get enough of it. tomato sauce tasted fresh and light. only down side to the pizza was that the mozzarella was a tad salty for me. it definitely helped that we had diet cokes to wash down the saltiness. drinks: diet cokes served in cans, no fountain this is great place for big groups because they have the space and take reservations. i know this because as we were waiting, i see my friend and as i was talking to her, 15 of her friends emerged from the back of the restaurant. I was informed they all had an excellent dinner as well. would i go back - gladly, for our next "pizza & diet coke" night
(4)
Theresa T.
We were in a large group (13) and they were able to accommodate us even when half the group ran a little late. All the pizzas we tried were good, fresh, and they even had hot tea for my cold. I'd love to go back!
(4)
Michael N.
Pretty good pizza but not too filling. We ordered a large between 3 people and left still a little hungry so we stopped for falafel on the way home. I'd recommended it but nothing that really stands out.
(3)
Jay S.
Better than lombardis or any of the touristy destinations for pizza. Hands down my favorite coal oven pizza in NYC. Not overly cheesy, delicious sauce, delectable crust. Not greasy at all. Highly recommend
Yet another stellar night at Luzzo's. Place was jammin packed and soooo worth the 30 minute wait, went with the prosciutto, truffle pate, and basil pizza and it was TO DIE FOR. We really loved this pizza. This makes 4 different pies of theirs I've tried and all delicious. Had an excellent meal and awesome service. I can't say enough good about this place.
(5)
Christine P.
I really don't understand the reviews about the pizza being soggy. I thought it was perfect and delicious!! I visited Luzzo's for the first time last week. The place was really cute, small and cozy, and the smell that greets you on the way in... wow! It got my mouth watering :) I went straight for the pizza. I didn't come to Luzzo's for pasta or appetizers. Give me the pizza!! I opted for a pizza with eggplant and mushrooms. It was crispy, delicious, fresh, and wonderful. If you are a pizza person... go to Luzzo's!
(4)
Tony D.
best tomato sauce in the city. fra diavola is a must! My top three in the city: Luzzo's, Paulie Gees and Keste.
(5)
Malerie B.
Luzzos is a very special place for my husband and me. When we first moved to NYC, that was our first restaurant we went to. Thankfully for us, it was an amazing experience! The food is so good! We have gone back so many times. I have gotten the gnocchi which is to die for, and last time we went, I tried the lasagna. They are both very delicious! My husband always gets the pizza. It is so good too! The service is pretty good, and the restaurant atmosphere is so relaxing! Brick walls inside with cool decor on the walls. A wonderful spot for a date! As long as we live here, we will continue to go there and indulge in the amazing food!
(5)
Tina P.
Luzzo's pizza is so INCREDIBLE that there have been days that I got into my car and drove into Manhattan JUST to buy a pie and bring it home! The sauce, the cheese, the crust in one word is described as PERFECT!
(5)
Steve C.
I had dinner here with a friend last night. It looked like a cool place, busy, nice enough people but there it ended. Warning. I didn't have pizza and neither did my buddy so it may well be amazing for that. My starter (buffalo + tomato salad) was a little thin, and arrived within about 2 minutes of ordering. Within another 2 minutes my main course arrived and the waitress apologised that things were just flying out. My bolognese pasta was a bit flaccid and didn't take up the plate. When I finished the starter I put the main course plate on top of the empty starter plate and started eating that. Then the waitress just whisked out the plate as I was eating without saying anything. The wine was acidic. I noticed a couple at one table just leave without ordering and a table in front of us having issues with the service. I asked for a spoon for my pasta and was brought a tea spoon which I found a bit clueless. It seemed the whole thing was set up to get us in and out as quickly as possible. Again, maybe pizza is excellent here, but we had a terrible experience and I hope they improve.
(1)
Lauren V.
Good food but way over priced so if you are looking to be economical this is not the place for you
(3)
SM P.
Casual environment, friendly waitstaff (although they were kind of slow with a few requests) and was able to accommodate a large group pretty easily. The fried calamari was my favorite dish of the night. It was crispy and salty, decent even breading and not too oily. The marinara sauce was OK and was kind of sweet. I came here to try the pizza, which I've read was pretty amazing. Sadly, I can't 100% agree. I ordered 3 types of pies: Bufala, Arugola, and Diavola. The Arugola was the best with its light and fresh taste. The Bufala and Diavola tasted good but the problem for all 3 pies was the soggy bread. It definitely took away from the experience. The pies are definitely better than your average NYC pizza but I'm not running back here anytime soon.
(2)
Neha S.
Wow this was delicious! Ordered the small margherita for take out, and when I got there - they actually made me a large and only charged me for a small since I was a first time customer. But it was totally worth it - absolutely delicious!! This is definitely one of my faves in the neighborhood! Taking out one star because they are on the pricey side - 18.50 for a small.
(4)
Caterina M.
Luzzo's is a great place to go and have pizza - not really worth ordering other items. The waiters are very authentic and funny and the pizza is good. I would say 3.5 stars, fourif they can make it less soggy in the middle! Yes, another place that does that sometimes...
(3)
Rebecca K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious pizza! I will definitely frequent this place. The crust is absolutely delicious. It is light and cooked perfectly. The sauce is also delicious and flavorful. I went with a friend and we shared the Buffala (based on reading reviews) and we devoured our food rather quickly it was so delicious. The chili oil is also amazing to dip in if you like spicey food. We went on the later side on a weeknight so there wasn't much of a wait and they didn't rush us out. This was a plus! Only downside is that the ambiance is rather rushed/quick in general so don't go here for a leisurely meal. The plus is that your food comes out very quickly if you're hungry! I would also recommend drinking their Chianti - a good spicyness that goes well with the pizza.
(4)
Michael L.
Gloriously thin pizza made with quality ingredients. Delicious.
(5)
Philip S.
I am giving this place 3 stars, but the pizza itself is 4 stars. The ingredients taste fresh and by all means should be enjoyed with each bite. The crust was crunchy and the sauce was tangy. Two other negatives were that the pizza was pricey even by Manhattan standards and that the servers were incredibly snobby. Sure we're college kids, but that doesn't mean I like or expect rude service. Plus, we had a reservation and still had to wait 20 minutes.
(3)
Ed W.
This is a top-notch pie. I was debating between four and five stars, but I realized I would just be nitpicking. The cheese is phenomenal, the sauce is delicious, and the crust very nice. The price, @ 22 for our eight-slice Neapolitan (anchovie and basil) is very reasonable, at least compared to that pretentious dude at Una Pizza Napoletana. Personally, I preferred this pizza to the now-defunct UPN. Still, Luzzo's is not quite a perfect pie in my mind, but so what, it's damn good. My only other nitpicks would be with the atmosphere - I prefer a place like L'asso to this crowded loud establishment with no beer on tap, but who cares about those nitpicks, you come for the pie.
(5)
Hungry D.
Can't say enough about this place. The food is truly outstanding and the service is great. Cozy too.
(5)
Nicole M.
I am about to make a bold statement here... best pizza in NY?
(5)
Belle M.
One thing I heart about the lower east side was the countless number of restaurants in walking distance from our hotel including Luzzos. It was a rainy evening last week but we braved the rainy in search of the quintessential NY Pizza. It was well worth thewind chill, the rain and the puddles to get to Luzzo's. We devoured a large mozarella and basil pizza with a whole bottle of Syrah from Sonoma (corkage $15). It was perfection.
(5)
Erin C.
the best eat-in pizza in the east village! everything is very fresh and Im a huge fan of their carbonara too!
(5)
Judy L.
Must be the cheese and crust. The flavor just lingers... sigh. Plan a wait of 30 min at minimum. The anchovies on the pizza just give that perfect savory touch. Fresh arugula on pizza!
(5)
Keivan M.
I loved almost everything in NYC but this place. To be honest, I am not a fan of "real" Italian pizza as it is so thin but I had them here in Chicago and they were good anyway I just don't prefer them. But $28 for a pizza that can be hardly shared between two men is a lot and there is not much topping anyway. The bread is delicious, so the Mozzarella cheese but that's about it. If the price was something reasonable I would give it another star BUT the worst part was the waitress. We went there with a large group and we sat at 2 different tables (and 2 separate bills). My friend wanted fried calamari but he ordered another calamari by mistake and when we told her she said ok that's fine and brought us the fried one. Our friends at the other table ordered anchovies and they did not like it so they ASKED if it is possible to change it and we said we will change one of ours with them but she nicely said "No, I will take care of it!" and she brought them another one and TOOK the half finished pizza away! So we finished eating although most of use were still hungry and then we paid the bill with a 20% tip as we thought she was nice but on the way out that b**** was giving us attitude and did not respond to our thanks and byes! wondering what happened we realized that she actually billed them for two pizzas!!! and as they refused to pay she was angry (no need to say that it is not even her business to get angry! she is just a waitress!) and then she was even mean to us who were stupid enough to pay for both calamaris even though she took it off the table "UNTOUCHED!" I will never ever go back to that place!
(1)
Brice D.
Luzzo's has some amazing pizza. There is almost no need to say anything else. The dough is tasty and thin. The mozzarella fresh and served in the Italian style. The sauce simple but perfect as an element to the pizza rather than a mask to hide imperfections in other ingredients. Though I didn't have any of it, my friends loved the ripiieno (?) meat pizza. By far, the only trouble with Luzzo's pizza is making sure that you don't lose your toppings when you grab your slice.
(5)
Chloe S.
I think this is one of the most authentic pizza experiences in New York. I'm not sure if they are "neopolitan style" - but they are definitely authentic italian. One way you know that is by ordering the Margarita, where they pull no punches because the anchovies are already IN the sauce, which is the way it should be, melted intrinsic to the pizza, not just greasy little filets added on that people can Pick Off. By the way, no cheese on the plain pizza; that's just the way it's done traditionally. I really adore Una Pizza Napoletana around the corner too, but there is is like uber-zen napoletana style at uber prices. The staff was very friendly; I got the feeling it was family run - we didn't sit down; we live in the neighborhood and heard about this place from a Roman woman we know, so came in while walking the dog to get some pizzas to go. They speak Italian there (my husband is Napoletano) and the vibe is warm and rustic. I have to say though, eating pizza there is better as a dinner experience than a takeout - between $15 and $24 per 16" pie. I guess we always get two for variety, but there is definitely plenty o' leftover pizza for days, though unlike their americanied counterparts, genuine coal oven, less cheesy pizzas are not as good hours later relative to fresh.
(5)
Melanie L.
Get the square pizza. It's amazing!
(5)
Nic B.
This is the best pizza in Manhattan.
(5)
Ariana G.
I was really excited to go to Luzzo's for dinner with my boyfriend, I read the reviews and everything. It was packed when we got there, good sign, right?? Wrong!!! I guess no one understands what makes a good pizza or Italian place.. for many reasons... Firstly, We had to wait a few minutes to be seated, so we sat at the bar and ordered some wine. Waiting a few minutes wasn't the problem. The problem was that out of all the wine they had on their "wine list", only 10% of them did they actually have on hand. The wine wasn't anything special, and we were a little disappointed for an Italian place.. they are the ones that know wine after all. We were then seated in the back, looked nice and romantic, but was so loud we couldn't even hear ourselves think, let alone, hear one another. So we moved back to the bar and ate there. The salad we ordered was decent, but who can really mess up a green salad... The pizza we got was disgusting!!!! It said on the menu that it came with roasted garlic, basil and we added olives. If we didn't add the olives the pizza would have been uneatable. There was only 3 pieces of basil and 4 pieces of garlic on the whole 18" pizza. And to top it all off it tasted like they had cooked it with chlorine. I'm not the type to complain, but the whole experience was unpleasant. The only part I liked about it was the salad, which I could have easily put together at home. The $2.50 a slice pizza around the corner is 110% better than this expensive stuff. Don't go!! Save your money and your stomach!!
(2)
Joseph F.
GREAT pizza one of the best in the city for sure !
(4)
sunita s.
Luzzo is where the Italians go for pizza in NYC, or so my Italian friends tell me. Their pizzas really are the best Italian pizzas in NY from whatever I've tried. Do not leave without trying the nutella pizza.. (okay now I've made myself hungry). The only downside is that you have to wait ages to get a table...sigh.
(5)
Lawrence W.
This is where I take out of town guests who want to try real New York pizza.
(5)
Jennifer C.
This pizza was fantastic! We came to Luzzo's as part of Scott's Pizza Tours (also awesome; if you're in NYC, google the tour, it's a lot of fun) and this was by far the best pizza place we visited. We have since sent all of our friends here. You have to try it!
(5)
Steve H.
Amazing thin-crust pizza with great sauce. My eating partner and I ordered the calimari as an appetizer; the portion was larger than I expected--and I'm a big guy that likes to eat... a lot. We also had the buffala (sp?) pizza and it was just as good as anything I've had in New Haven, CT (which is pretty well known for its pizza). The beer list features all Italian beers (note: the one that begins with a "P" tastes like Heineken, which I hate but that's just me. The next one down the list is a bit darker and not bad but not great). All in all, not a bad little place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced and casual place to grab some authentic Italian pizza.
(3)
Brian F.
Good, but not great pizza. Went there on a Friday based on the number of yelp reviews and I found the pizza tasty, but not really worthy of all the praise. There are so many other great pizza places around town (Gruppo, Lombardi's, John's, Patsy's), so unless you are right on that block and/or looking to mix things up from your usual pizza joints, it's not really a "must eat at" place. On the plus side, they do have excellent & fast service, fairly good & inexpensive house wine ($6 for red or white) and the furniture nailed up on the ceiling is a nice touch.
(3)
Christina G.
This is the best pizza I ever had! The crust is excellent. I have been dreaming about the pizza with the truffle on it since I finished me last slice! The salads were also very good.
(5)
Spaghetti B.
Unfortunately Luzzo lost much of the quality he was known for - the last 2 times I've been there I've been disappointed by the poor quality of the pizza and it seem that the owners are cashing in on their past fame. I wish they could regain their original dedication and passion and bring their pizza back to one of NYC's finest.
(2)
Mike B.
Note: this is a sit-down restaurant and does NOT serve by the slice. I wish a previous reviewer would have noted this before I ventured over there last week. I went today with a friend and we ordered the bufalo pizza and gnocchi. Their red sauce is really great and has a light flavor. The bufalo pizza was simple, with a thin crisp crust, light sauce, a few slices of delicious mozzarella and some basil leaves. Really a perfect pie. I think it is better than both Una Pizza and Lombardi's. Definitely one of the best pizzerias in the area, and would put up there as one of the best slices in the city. The interior can be described as "cozy". There are wooden benches and booths and the assorted antiques and photos line the walls. Service was as bit slow, but the quality of the pies and pasta are well worth the wait. A bit pricey for a pizzeria but less costly than Una Pizza. Definitely one of my fav pizzas in the city.
(5)
Joe S.
This is some of the best pizza I've ever had- try the one with sausage, olives and ricotta, or the the one with spicy salami- delicious beyond words. The gnocchi is also tremendously tasty.
(5)
lynn b.
It's not bad, it's really very good. But, if I was going to get gourmet pizza again, I'd get gruppos. I like the pizza better (not so greasy, thinner crust) and I like the empolyees better---nicer delivery person, MUCH nicer person taking orders.
(4)
Lex s.
food is amazing. get the Insalata Riccia, frisee salad with pine nuts and baked goat's cheese in lemon dressing!
(5)
David L.
Thoroughly enjoyed my meal last night. All the dishes: Baked clams, Spaghetti Carbonara, Bufala Pizza were exceptional. I was going to give it 4 stars because the ambience and service were both a bit off .. perhaps because the place was very Italian (not to be confused with italian-american) the service was lackadaisical and it seemed like most the staff was off-the boat-- also no music for much of the meal and lights too bright cheapened the experience a little-- but once i tried their amazing Tiramisu, I had to give it 5. Looking forward to going back to this neighborhood place.
(5)
Ana T.
The Euro is insanely high.... met an Italian guy visiting from Milan. This is where he took me for our first meeting (outside the bar of course LoL) -- anyway, it's about as authentic as you can get. Everyone spoke Italian and my new friend recommended everything. We had the arugula pizza, eggplant appetizer, cheese and sauccison dish, dry cake dessert that tasted like amaretto - everything was PERFETTO! Service was friendly, staff was memorable. It's a little pricey but definitely a treat if you're craving a dining experience. Side note: a casual place to take a new date or catch up with an old friend.
(5)
Amy D.
We went for the pizza, lucked out on trying the eggplant parmesan. My husband took one bite and said, "You're gonna like it." He was wrong. I LOVED it. I don't ever order eggplant parmesan b/c it's usually over-breaded and just tastes deep fried. But we went with the waitress' recommendation, since she gave it without hesitation. It was layered thin slices of eggplant, well seasoned, just the right amount of mozzarella, and served in a pool of yummy tomato sauce. We ordered the "Martha" 12-inch pizza, another of Francesca's recommendations, and it was also quite yummy. Something unique about the pizza - it had truffle paste. I now understand why people flip over truffles. It adds a great layer of flavor. This is definitely a place worth putting on a regular rotation.
(5)
Reshma B.
I had a pretty pleasant birthday dinner here last night. I was excited to try what some call "the best pizza in New York". While I wouldn't agree with them (New York has so many pizza options, I'm thinking I can find better) but it was pretty good pizza. We entered during prime time on Saturday around 8pm and were seated right away despite a pretty long line at the front. We assumed that those were larger groups waiting for bigger tables, so our table for 2 request was taken care of pretty quickly. It was pretty muggy and hot in the restaurant, we're thinking the A/C hadn't kicked in yet on an unseasonably warm May night. The waiter was very friendly and helpful. We ordered some wine and then asked for his advice on which pizza we should order. While I've heard lots of good things about the truffle pizza topping, I was a bit disappointed that all of the pizzas with truffles did not come with tomato sauce (which is one thing I require on my pizza). We ended up choosing the Arugula pizza on the waiter's suggestion. The 12" size was large enough for both of us and easy on our wallets too. The arugula was a bit excessive but I guess that's the point. The crust was not too thick and not too thin and just the right firmness. There was just the right amount of sauce and cheese and the prosciutto was tasty. The atmosphere was good for small or large groups alike. I highly recommend Luzzo's!
(4)
Stephanie W.
I am so lucky to live around the corner from this East Village gem. The pizza here is amazing - especially if you happen to stop by on a night when Michele is in the kitchen! The thin yet chewy crust, the light sauce and the fresh cheese are a treat for the tongue and taste buds :-) Definitely worth the wait for a table at dinner time.
(5)
Kristin W.
You know this place is legit when all the diners are speaking Italian. The pizza was great! The service was a bit slow but very friendly. I am going back to try the pasta...
(4)
Jason H.
i heart luzzo's. pizza is amazing, calamari was so-so. cozy wood tables and staff is very welcoming.
(4)
Mike M.
Perfect crust!!!! Went back the next day for more.
(4)
Ashley E.
incredible pizza, probably the best thin crust i've had in my life. even my friend who travels to italy twice a year says this is the best pizza she's ever had. i've ordered the plain and mushroom pizzas, as well as various calzones...all insanely good. and the staff is friendly and attentive.
(5)
Caroline F.
As much as I love a slice of crappy american-style pizza at 4am, sometimes I just want something a bit more authentic. The thin crust pizzas here are a tasty treat. I love the pizza ai funghi (mushroom). The mushrooms are a world away from the garbagey canned ones you get at most by-the-slice places. The pizzas come with regular fresh mozarella or the pricier mozzarella di bufala. I've always been to cheap to spring for the mozarella di bufala but i'm sure it's worth it.
(4)
Grace L.
one word: FOCCACIA pasta was a bit salty all around but the foccacia is really yummy. Pizza is pretty good but nothing to write home about.
(4)
Ursula M.
yummy pizza! very crowded when i went but the staff was super nice and the food was delicious. the one criticism i have is that the entranceway was completely blocked up with people and since it was freezing outside we all wanted to stay in there. we were seated fairly quickly though. we split three different kinds of pizza and a couple appetizers and they were all very tasty and on the lighter side - in a good way, nothing was heavy and even though i had a few pieces, i was not stuffed and uncomfortable like i might have been elsewhere. i think we had the luzzo, the argola and another one that i cant remember. all very good!
(4)
Daniel C.
The Margherita is a thin crust with a winning combination mild marinara and smooth mozzarella. This is the kind of pie you get sitting down with some wine, not beer.
(4)
Robert L.
Excellent Neopolitan style pizza from an old fashioned hot coal oven. Tender, thin crust, great sauce, fresh mozzarella. Had the "Bufalo": mozzarella, basil and sauce. This was probably the best NYC/Naples style pizza I have ever had. Better than John's in the West Village, Totonno's and Grimaldi's in Brooklyn, I haven't tried Una Pizza Napoletana yet. Calamari appetizer special was good. Tiramisu and coffee for dessert was much better than expected at a pizzeria. Easier to get to than Patsy's. I'll be back.
(4)
David L.
cute spot and has a warm cozey feel. the thin crust pizzas are great. tried some arugula, meatball, and plain tomato and cheese. also some white sauce pasta which was delicious but the portion is teenie weenie. the meatball pizza was on the money. tasted homemade and very tastey. place gets pretty packed (we went on a saturday) so make reservations ahead cause there was a good rip of people waiting.
(4)
Richard H.
After watching Man Yoo win 1 nill over at Nevada Smiths my best friend suggested we go to Una Pizza Napoletana for lunch. One of his coworkers told him that their pizza was the closest you could get to being in Italy. To our dismay Una Pizza was closed when we got there. Saturday at 1PM and you're closed what gives? Well what started out badly, ended quite well as we passed Luzzos and decided to walk in. My best friend is Italian and has been there many times. Needless to say this pizza was going to have to be very good to impress and boy did it . The mozzarella and the sauce were extremely fresh and tasty. In a matter of two seconds the 21 inch pizza we ordered was gone. Turns out the owner of Luzzos is a "paisan" of my buddys from a small town outside of Naples. After some small chit chat with the owner we left to enjoy the rest of what was an incredible day in New York. I will definately return for a pasta dinner and some wine. Luzzos, a great neighborhood gem in the East Village.
(4)
sara h.
yummy ny style pizza; our top two pizza places in nyc: luzzo's and keste; better than grimaldi's, lombardi's, etc.
(5)
Mimi V.
We had reservations for 9 for Thurs night. Night out was in honor of an ex-New Yorker who used to love coming to Luzzo's and was visiting from overseas. Restaurant was packed and 100 degrees inside. When we checked in, the host looked at us like we were crazy - and with good reason, as no big tables looked ready to leave any time soon. We got seated in the back room, but as evident by the look we got from the host, the table was really only for 8...we managed to squeeze in, nonetheless. Service was very poor - my husband's pasta never came, even after reminding the waiter twice; the pizzas took awhile to come out, too, and judging by the droopiness of the first slice, we think the pan was sitting around for awhile before it was served to us. Overall, the food IS good, but sadly, the guest of honor declared that that was her last visit and as for us Luzzo's newbies, well, for better service, we'll stick to John's and Grimaldi's, thanks....
(2)
Sammy C.
Ridiculously good! Get the sausage pizza (I think it was 3rd from the top). Actually, order 2 - so you don't have to share w/ your date. Yes, it is that good! The gnocchi was pretty darn good too, but definitely on the heavier side. I'd rather eat 2 pizzas than 1 gnocchi. My recommendation is to choose any pizza, but don't share with anyone. After the first slice - you want to savor every square inch of the pizza to yourself. I felt like Joey on that Friends episode, "Joey doesn't share food!" After eating at Luzzo's, you'll become a Joey too!
Great, rustic Italian restaurant and coal-oven pizzeria. Nice for a low-key lunch. Gets more packed for dinner. The pizza is the best I've had to date in the East Village (sorry Lil Frankie's...haven't tried Una Pizza Napoletana). The star is the bufala mozzarella. REALLY good - much more depth to the flavor than the 'fresh mozzarella' you'll get at some pizzerias in town. The crust is very thin and could use a little more crispness (it doesn't hold up particularly well to being eaten with one's hands) but that's a real mild complaint. The tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes (if you get them as a topping) taste nice and fresh but don't dare to compete with the bufala mozzarella which appears in 1-2 globs on each slice. Worth checking out...
(5)
Chatsphotogpilot C.
Luzzo's: Carpaccio Braseola, Pizza Martha and Pizza Bufala are amazing. The tiramisu is good but the portion size is huge. Every time I visit Luzzo's, I come out satisfied. Luzzo's does not accept Amex. Only MC/Visa.
(5)
Elyse L.
just like your high school friend with benefits - this one's a sure thing. fantastic pies each and every time. thin crust but not crispy. just dough-y enough. the margherita is perfection. reservations? sure. big group? no problem. their staff will take care of you. all of the taste but none of the hype - that's Luzzo's, tried and true.
(5)
F C.
great crust., razor thin, crispy and chewy..... good sauce, slight tang... could use more cheese but i guess that crust is too thin... chili oil on table is huge.. should be standard everwhere
(3)
Paolo C.
Was thinking of lombardis, read some unfavorable reviews, passed up grimaldis in coney to eat Russian food in Brighton beach, ended up finding this place on yelp, went in about 3:30 and the place was empty, perfect, ordered two pies for some to take home, spicy salami (basically pepperoni) and roasted garlic. My wife doesn't eat pizza and she ate four slices! Best I've ever had anywhere, avoid the hype of the tourist traps and give this place a try, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Johnny D.
A Luzzo's Delivery review - The Calzone (a menu item): This closed-pizza has great natural flavors.The ingridients mixes well together and all seems to be of high quality. My only hopes is that the calzone (and their pizzas) comes with a bit more topping. At $24 per each16 inch "thin" pizza, it should. Eat the calzone warm and enclosed as much as possilble. Delivery: Usually comes within 15min - which is faster than average delivery.
(4)
Christina C.
My favorite pizza in New York City. The bufala pizza is to die for. Creamy, fresh mozzarella circles and sweet sauce. Mmmm! I've been to Italy and this pizza is pretty close.
(5)
Robin M.
Stopped in on one rainy afternoon - so lucky we did! Excellent, quality pizza. Left us full and very satisfied.
(4)
Chris K.
Expensive for a pizza joint ($25 for a large pizza). But quality ingredients and local atmosphere together with the experience of a coal cooked pizza, make this a worthwhile stop for a East Village experience. Check out the daily specials as these are sure to please. Staff and service was friendly and efficient.
(4)
Brannon H.
Not as good as the last time I went, but still pretty good. A friend of mine from Naples introduced me to Luzzo's several years ago and it was great. I recently learned though that the owner has opened a few others pizza spots and takes no part in the kitchen work anymore. The pizza's are good and because they are thin, you can try a lot without getting filled up. Although I didn't try it, the truffle oil piza comes highly recommended by my friend. The pizza's are all between $18-25 for a 12 inch and you can easily have three of them between four average eatinng adults. They'll get you on the wine though. We had the house red and it was $30 per bottle. It was probably more like $8 wine from the grocery store. Maybe call ahead and see if you can bring your own.
(3)
David L.
Some really good thin crust pizza. Easy to down a whole bunch of slices. Only down side is that it's not very easy on the wallet.
(4)
Mr F.
As close to pizza from Naples as you're going to get. Amazing pizza and the pastas and antipasti are very underrated.
(5)
Scott H.
Really, really good NYC style pizza but probably not the best in Manhattan. Also, it gets pretty over crowded over dinner time. Would easily go again though!
(4)
Tracy P.
The pizza here is amazing. I love pizza, but I have never had anything close to this. It was the perfect blend of sweet, tangy and salty. I had the basic sm pie and almost ate the whole thing. One thing I hate about pizza shops is the generic decor.....blah! Not here you step off the steets of new york into a cozy restaurant. Well done! It is a little pricey so be prepared, but keep in mind every good in life has a price. Try it you will love it!!!!!!!
(5)
Tina S.
I had my birthday dinner here and the staff did an amazing job accommodating my party of 10. I don't think anyone ever had to ask for more wine or water, and all the food orders were brought out promptly, correct, and tasty.
(4)
Jacquelyn S.
came here for a low-key birthday dinner and it was great! i loved the rustic, quirky feel of the place.. a table and chair nailed on the ceiling? a burlap flap on the wall tempting you to check out 'the ugliest thing on earth" hidden underneath? haha weird little touches like that made me like it instantly. the place was pretty full for a monday night, with large groups in the back. we got the lone round table in the corner by the kitchen, and the only bad thing about it was the stifling heat!! i know we were next to the kitchen, but whew.. a little ventilation or fan would've been nice. for seven of us, we ordered the perfect amount of food: bruschetta, arugula salad w/goat cheese, bufala 16" pie, brutta ma buona (sausage, olives, & ricotta) 16" pie, and spaghetti alla vongole. the pizzas were super thin and flat, and the sauce was juicy and a bit runny... doesn't sound impressive, but they were deeeelicious!! the kind of slice you almost slurp up. YUM. the crust was soft with a chewy bite, gone in two seconds! they have a pretty extensive menu, and include alot of pizzas that don't use tomato sauce. i thought the wine list was on the expensive side (mostly $32+) for such a casual spot, but i will definitely be back...
(4)
John O.
I can't add too much to what's been said by others. The pizza is exceptional and the price point is wonderful. In addition to the pizzas (our group had three), we got the fried calamari and eggplant parmesan as appies. The calamari was tender (not rubbery) and the eggplant parm melted in the mouth. The red they suggested went well with the pizza; full-bodied and complementary. If you're in the neighbourhood, this is a must. *Especially* if you aren't a NYC-area native. This is what pizza should and does taste like. -j
(4)
Catherine S.
Tastes just like the pizza I would eat when I lived in Florence.... Alabama. They really know their pizza down there. Seriously, though, their crust tastes as close to the pizza crust in italy as i've ever come across, and it's all about the crust.
(5)
Elizabeth C.
A slice of heaven! Reminds me of the pizza I had on my honeymoon this summer in southern Italy!
(5)
Dylan P.
Luzzo's makes the best Neopolitan pizza I have ever had. Their ingredients and freshness is simply world-class. Their venue is cozy and intimate. This place is great for dates, family, and group event. Their wine list and menu unlike other pizza places is dynamic. This is a must stop if you are in the East Village.
(5)
Eleanor M.
Pizza: very tasty, could be crispier Salad: nope Wine selection: decent Service: yikes
(3)
Prachi B.
Very yummy food, i had the Tartufata Pizza, which was absolutely delicious. Portion sizes are quite large so its good to have someone to share with or plenty for left overs the day after. I wil definitely be going again!
(4)
Gina P.
Great pizza!!! I have been to Italy and Naples and this comes damn close to the original. The wine here is not that great, so the 5 star rating is a testament to the pizza.
(5)
Kristin B.
Pizza - bland crust, sauce looked/tasted like what came w/ the old pizza kit in a box from the '70s. Expensive for semi-edible cardboard. Restroom was locked & waitstaff ignored my request for them to open it. $10 artichoke app was very tasty but very small for the price.
(1)
Casey P.
Though it is not the cheapest pizza in my area it is the one I always choose for take out. The ingredients are fresh and great quality and the crust is perfect.The plain with buffalo mozzarella is amazing, but my new favorite is the number 3 on the menu which includes cherry tomatoes and parm, it really adds extra flavor. I have tried a few of their non-pizza menu items too, and they do not disappoint either.
(4)
Rochelle D.
The pizza here really is delicious. We live up the street and usually get it delivered. I've only been into the restaurant once but had a solid experience there. Service was a little slow but no big deal. Seems like a good place to take kids for lunch or early dinner.
(4)
Alberto B.
amazing food! service depends on waiter or waitress, but typically is impeccable. only downsize, they are cash only! so load up before you go!
(5)
Audrey L.
How do you fuck up meatballs? Somehow Luzzo's does - they taste like industrial grade meatballs that have been languishing in the freezer since the mid-80s. $9 for FOUR TINY meatballs that were TASTELESS, DRY and TERRIBLE. The first bottle of wine we ordered was heat damaged and probably didn't start off anywhere near passable anyway. Btw this is their house red. The waitress was happy to replace it though and apologized. Uptick. Pizza came. Bigger uptick. If you want good pizza, Luzzo's is the place. However, why settle for good when you can have excellent? The second bottle of wine we ordered, the Montepulciano, was marginally better, but also stored in an environment way too hot for wine because it was warm. Euch. That's the sound I made when i took a sip. Downtick. Then came the ninja-like busboys. The line going down just plummeted off the graph and raced towards the earth's core. Normally good service is not noticing when fresh cutlery is brought to you or when dishes are replaced. They were skilled in these arts, however their game was taking things that were still needed. Napkin tucked under my friend's forearm? Gone. Water glass while I was signing the bill with my pen since none was provided, even though two of us used credit cards? Gone. Wine bottle with 1/3 still left? Almost. My friends and I took turns to go to the bathroom while the others manned the table to make sure that nothing else was taken on a premature trip to the dishwasher or trashcan. The pizza is three stars, but the service drags it down over a star, and the wine - why even bother serving it if you're just going to leave it out to spoil in the summer humidity? I am so surprised that this place has this many reviews and still has a high rating. The website doesn't even work. This is one of those places that will cause me to wake up in the middle of the night and remember something else that was bad that should be written here. Please don't discount this review because it is one of the few downers. Even if the pizza makers are in the groove, you will have neither the water to wash it down nor the napkin to wipe the crust crumbs off your lips.
(1)
Deann G.
Cute, quaint, and cozy, Luzzo's was a welcome haven from a long cold day walking the streets of NYC. We arrived around 7:45 on a Friday night, and luckily we had reservations because the place was packed! The food was great - delicious thin crust pizza with fresh and generous ingredients. The calamari and bruschetta were also tasty! My only complaint was that the service was so speedy and efficient that it felt a little like we were being rushed out. We were in and out in just under an hour. Overall, I'd highly recommend if you're in the mood for a good slice of pizza.
(4)
Ezra H.
OK after eating at Luzzo's about 150 times i have to say that the tartufatta pizza is my favorite pizza on earth! Crisp, ultra thin, lightly charred crust, light tomato sauce has great balance, perfect amount of bufalo mozz and the truffle oil is subtle and just makes the pizza perfect. Caveat: the other pizzas (with meats and veggies) are also delish but nothing compare to the tartufatta. Service is always genial and mellow and the ambiance is nice and relaxed. Go already!
(5)
Sergio F.
The brick oven pizza is great any style just the way it should taste like u were in italy....
(4)
Chris L.
The pizza here is good but I will never eat here again. I saw a cockroach about 2.5 inches long climbing up the wall and it eventually landed in the food on the people sitting next to me. The restaurant comped their meal but were not very apologetic at all. That surprised me more than the cockroach.
(1)
Ann L.
Had the Ripieno pizza, which has a variety of meats (since the bf refuses to go cheese only). Liked the different types of mozzarella, and the fresh basil. It resembled DiFara's style - thin crust, different type of mozzarella, basil, but I have to say I preferred DiFara's. Service was okay, the waiter kept forgetting about us since we were sort of shoved into a corner, but at least the pizza and bread weren't bad.
(3)
Jen L.
This is NOT the best pizza place in NYC, which is what I heard. It's good, but not the best. The crust was not crispy enough and was a little too thick. I don't like pizzas that don't have a lot of cheese. We had the margarita one and another one with proscuitto. The service is great, friendly and cordial. But, for the price, I wouldn't go back. I didn't hate it, but didn't love it. There are just way too many other better places to go for pizza (Totonnos, Arturos, Grimaldis, Patsys, etc)
(3)
lauren M.
I was extremely disappointed by Luzzo's Pizza. I had seen this restaurant before and was always curious, as the decor was really cute and figured the food would be decent. If your palate is as unsophisticated as the waitstaff, then your crude and bland appetite will be satiated. It does not even deserve a mention in the New York Pizza Category. The people who work there are less than friendly at best, and even worse, their food was nearly inedible. We ordered fried calamari as our appetizer and the square margherita pizza. The fried calamari was comparable to fried rubber bands, and after one or two bites, I could not bare to take another. The margherita pizza was very bland. The only thing memorable about the pizza, was the disappointment to my taste buds, as it was not nearly as delicious as I had hoped. I had major food regret after eating there and wish we had gone to a better and super delicious pizza spot in the neighborhood, like Gruppo or even Domino's would have been better! Names like Totonno's and Di Fara's are heavy weight names that are in a different class and what I consider to be REAL NEW YORK PIZZA! This pizza does not even come close. Sorry....
(1)
S A.
One of the best pizza's I've had in NYC yet. I've tried Grimaldi's and I didn't understand all the hype. So far Luzzo's has come as close as you can get to pizza perfection. We tried the Funghi and the Bufala and both had a wonderful thin crust and the toppings were very fresh. According to people, Luzzo's has authentic Italian pizza, and since I've yet to try pizza from Italy, Luzzo's will have to do.
(5)
Stephanie Q.
Delicious. 2 girls- one large pizza. We polished off the whole thing and could. not. move. The crust isn't too thick, isn't to thin, its perfect. The cheese is urghhh so delicious. So is the sauce. It wasn't too crowded on a Sunday night but it was definitely not empty. Come here or else you are missing out!
Brian F.
It's pretty much all been said on here already, but here goes....crust is as good as any I've had. Just simple, tasty, coal fired oven perfection. Love that they have 2 different size pies to choose from. 3 of us opted to order a few of the smaller pies so we could sample more. The classic pie was very good. Not sure I'd call it the best in NY, but it was really good. My favorite was the Speck pie. Basically a regular pie with crispy speck and some shaved parmagiano. I loved the bite and saltiness of the speck and Parm. We also had a white pie with truffle pâté, mushrooms, prosciutto and a balsamic reduction. Great combo, however I would have preferred some ricotta cheese on there. All in all, top notch nyc pizza. The rave reviews are pretty much on point.
(4)Lynnez H.
Atmosphere is nice but that's all you'll get. Wasn't a busy night, got there at 10:35p (they close at midnight) and was seated. The waitress didn't come to us til 10 minutes later (she just meandered throughout the small restaurant). Ordered meatball appetizer and I would rate it 6/10--juicy but salty (but to be fair, they would be perfect with pasta, not by themselves). Got the #6 16" pizza (mozzarella, tomato sauce, sausage and basil) 40 min after we ordered. Yes, 40 min on a quiet night there. (Other patrons seemed to share the same disdain). The pizza was not worth the $25 (could've been $29, I forget). Salty, burnt, and just eh. Our waitress (the tall, blonde one) was just bad. Never checked up on us, had to flag her down where our pizza was and just plain awkward. Was excited for the hype but sadly, it was a lack lustered and overpriced experience.
(2)Stephanie R.
Wow! This may be the best pizza i have ever had! It was amazing how simple and fresh it was but so flavorful. Everything was perfect, i will be back for more.
(5)Sara W.
This is my favorite pizza spot in nyc. The crust is thin but has a good bite and chewiness to it, but most importantly the sauce! The sauce is sweet, fresh, not too heavy and really just phenomenal. I have had a few different pizzas here, but I'm a sucker for most things mushroom, and the funghi pizza is no exception. The mushrooms are small slivers like they are at most pizza places. They are actually rather big chunks of mushroom so you get a solid mushroom flavor and texture with each bite. Another great aspect of Luzzo is that they take reservations--so definitely book your table ahead of time. It's important to note that it is cash and Amex only, so plan accordingly. The only true gripe I have with this place is the price of the salads. Most of them have 3 or fewer toppings and will cost you at least $9. I can't have a meal without a little green with it, so I get the salads but hang on to the dressings just to get some crust dipping sauce out of them for later (they are really tasty!).
(5)Andrew F.
Great sausage pizza with a chewy, yet dry crust. The tomato sauce is top notch with preference for sweetness over tomato. Ambiance is very good and relaxing.
(4)Yae J.
I LOVE PIZZA and LUZZO'S pizza is one of the best pizzas I've ever had. Everything was so fresh and it just hit the spot. I love their interior as well. I need to go back.
(5)Tiffany D.
Eat this delicious pizza quickly or else you'll end up with a soggy mess. The pizzas are thin here so you won't find yourself getting full off of one slice which is perfect if you're planning on trying a few different pizzas in one sitting. I like their Diavola pizza because the flavors are balanced and I'm a sucker for sausage. I haven't tried much other than pizza but seriously. . It's a pizza joint, do you really want to try a salad here? O_o The ambiance here is ok. It's a regular mom and pop type place with interesting decoration. Don't forget to look up. You might find something interesting. Oo important thing to remember, bring cash. I don't think they have changed anything but the last time I checked it was cash only. Try a drizzle of their chili oil. It's pretty tasty.
(4)Phil Y.
I first walked into the place about 10 years ago, and it's been my go-to place for pizza ever since. The fresh buffalo mozzarella, the thin, chewy crust, the delicate tomato sauce are in perfect harmony here. My favorite pie is the diavola,which adds spicy salami on top. I never would have thought to pair the house Montepulciano until the waiter recommended it (I now recommend the Malbec). The calamari is delicious--not overly breaded. And dig that amalfi salad of arugula, beets and goat cheese. The pizza doesn't travel well, so it's best to eat in. I remember when this place was packed and hard to get in. Real Italians (i.e., those recently from Italy) would come here--I was once treated to free opera here! It's less of a hotspot these days, but whenever I'm in the mood for pizza and on the Lower East Side, I'll come here.
(5)Jessica G.
Hubby and I went for a late night dinner. We ordered the pizza which was so flavorful and crispy. I also got the lasagna which I didn't like it had big layers of melted cheese and was just sloppy. I would come back again for the pizza!
(4)Paul H.
Decor: 4/5 -upside-down chair, table and cup&saucer on the ceiling -chairs are somewhat comfy and small Service: 3/5 -I expected service to be better but it didn't meet my expectations. -Water wasn't refilled at all -Took extremely long to get change back -The pizza however came super fast Food: 4/5 -Crust is super thin which makes the topping to crust ratio very favorable but don't expect the crust to be crispy -Also eat the pizza while its fresh out of the oven. Once it is room temperature, it's not as pleasant to eat. -Diavola was great. The tomato sauce was not salty which balanced out the salty salami -I can't confidently give Luzzo's a five star just yet. I will need to return to see if they are consistent with the other pizzas. I can easily consume a 12" pizza but $18 is a tad much.
(4)Neelam P.
Ugh, I feel like I wasted date night here. I thought the pizza here was going to be fab, but it really didn't hit the spot. - I thought the pizza was way too thin. Maybe I just like to eat a lot, but having two slices did nothing for my hunger. - While the crust was really good, the rest of the pizza didn't hold itself up well. Maybe the mushrooms we got on the pie weighed it down? Who knows. - Service was not great. The restaurant wasn't even full, yet I felt like our waiter was rushing us. It would have been nice to have a relaxed meal. - The large pie is a bit expensive for what you're getting. I'd rather pay some extra $$ and get an amazing pie from DiFara's next time.
(3)Anhtuan T.
Nestled in East Village you will find THE most legit Italian thin crust pizza in Luzzo's. The pizza here is more delicate than more Americanized pizza verisons. The sauce and cheese are relatively light so that you're allowed to really taste and appreciate how well the dough is prepared and cooked in their coal-burning oven. Unfortunately, my palate is not so sophisticated and I found myself craving more meat, sauce and cheese. However, it was a nice change of pace from the pizza that I'm used to and since it was lighter, I could see myself eating it every day without the shame and guilt. I've never been but I imagine this is closer to how the pizza in Italy might be. Plus, the dudes that work here speak with a heavy Italian accent so you know it's extra legit. Pro Tip: Try their Arugula pizza and don't forget the chili oil. Cheers!
(4)Marlon T.
I came to this pizza joint because I was a part of Scott's Pizza Bus Tour. If it wasn't for that tour, I wouldn't have checked out Luzzo's. Scott, an amazing pizza connoisseur, taught us a lot about the process of how they made pizza here. He said that they have one of the few brick oven pizzas in New York. We were able to go to the back and see how everything works. The staff was nice/accommodating. The pizza was amazing--soft, tasty, flavorful, fresh. We also had some amazing wine with the slices. I wish I could remember the name of it. I liked all the Italian knick knacks around the restaurant--environment plays a big role for a smooth eating experience. I would recommend checking this spot out if you're looking for authentic Italian pizza in NYC. In your life, you must experience eating pizza from an old brick oven.
(4)Tristan M.
Very nice Italian restaurant, this place is exactly what you would expect it to be. Good pizza, good and affordable wine (pick the montepulciano), good deserts. And it's big enough for small groups!
(5)Rashad R.
This place is underrated, it has some of the best pizza in the City in my opinion. And I've been to most all the "big name" spots over the years. Fresh ingredients, superb fresh mozzarella - simply just terrific neapolitan pizza. Obviously better prices than Motorino around the corner.
(5)Lena H.
Luzzo's.. I love you. Please don't tell my boyfriend. I had the pleasure of having my last meal in NY at Luzzo's before heading home. I thought about it my long journey back to the west coast. I don't think I can have another NY trip without coming back. We had the arancini to start. Super disappointed in them. If you've ever been to Umberto's in Boston, you'll understand why. I should have known better than to think I'd get the same quality. They were dry and mushy.. pass on this one. The Diavola- The perfect pizza. Spicy salami, basil, garlic, tomato sauce. It's simple and super delicious. The crust is what I can't stop thinking about! It was kinda flaky/crispy on the outside and slightly fluffy/chewy on the inside. The pizza was perfectly thin.. but not too thin where the toppings fall off when you pick up a slice. Service was great! Super friendly and attentive. Our waters were always full and we were checked on several times throughout the meal. Definitely my new fave place in NY for pizza!
(5)Apurva N.
I was very underwhelmed by our experience here. We went here for dinner a few days ago and really expected amazing pizza. What we got instead was about average pizza on undercooked base. The servers were nice and friendly and the decor is warm and inviting. We had a generally nice time, but the pizza itself was really nothing to write home about. I would pick Keste over Luzzo's any day of the week. I will likely not be making the trek downtown to eat here again, but if I'm in the area (within a 4 block radius), I might try it again. You should do the same!
(3)Judy L.
Loved all the food we had here. - meatball appetizer - salad - calamari - meatball pizza - prosciutto pizza - one of the vegetarian pizzas - bottle of red wine The total for 9 people came out to be $26/person, which is pretty steep for pizza, but we all had a good time and really enjoyed the food. I'd highly recommend it! But you should plan ahead because the place is pretty small. Also, they only took cash or AmEx.
(4)joey c.
Been coming for years. Food is great. Went yesterday evening and the hostess and staff were extremely rude and ruined the experience. Unfortunately I won't be going back.
(2)Mike C.
This is some of the best Neapolitan style pizza I've had in NY recently. Everything we got was on point: - Arancini di Carne ($9): four delicious, meaty, fried rice balls, a perfect way to start the meal. - Diavola (12") ($18): an extremely good pepperoni pizza. Generous with the pepperonis, but not overly greasy and oily. - Quartieri a Frusta ($18): an awesome stromboli filled with mozzarella, sausage and broccoli rabe. Pretty damn oily, but that's partly what made it so damn good. This is simple, straight-forward, classic-style pizza done right. Sometimes it's nice for a change to not wait for an hour at a hipster pizza joint in Brooklyn for some funky pies with "artisanal" and "farm-to-table" ingredients, and get a really really good pie with regular ingredients. Service was also perfect. Very friendly and polite waitstaff and pretty prompt with the food and any requests we had. I would definitely come back, even without the aid of my 50% Groupon that lured me here in the first place.
(5)Paul C.
Came to Luzzo's for dinner very nice place good pizza and we tried the really homemade gnocci. The crust of the pizza was perfect thin yet not cracker like great. The service was also good. all good except it is a little pricey A 12'' pizza, one past dish and one glass of wine as $70 without tip. A bit high in my opinion. so if you want some good pizza and pay too much for it go to Luzzo's Ciao-
(3)Nin A.
Had the chance to try the Michele pizza (prosciutto and mushrooms). Although it did taste like quality pizza, I didn't think there was anything really special about it. It was good but definitely not the best.
(3)S P.
Outer pizza crust was crisp & good but towards the middle of the pie it was soft. Staff was very nice & friendly. They do not sell slices. Overall dining was ok if you are in the area.
(3)John B.
This is a review I hope is read by Luzzo's management. I realized after logging in I also reviewed Luzzo's in Brooklyn. I think I always ended up feeling slighted because I'm old enough to remember when restaurants had a personal touch and loyal patronage was rewarded. I rarely see this in NYC anymore, but some places still do it. Tonight I was there with a party of six. We had a $43 bottle of not-great wine at the bar. We then sat down and had 4 pies and drinks. Our check came - everything was there except the least-expensive pie, and including a mandatory gratuity. I go there a lot, so we figured this was a courtesy. We thanked our waiter and left $20 EXTRA (20% of our table bill - the bottle of wine was settled at the bar) on top of the mandatory gratuity since we thought it was a nice gesture. We sat a bit after we paid, then left. Maybe 5 minutes later, one in our party had to use the restroom. As we left a second time and walked outside, two waiters followed us out and said we were given the wrong check. I said yes, we saw one pie was missing and therefore left $20 as a tip on top of the mandatory gratuity - meaning something like a $40 tip. No, they wanted the right check paid. The difference in the amount after our $20 extra tip on top of the included gratuity? $12. And we spent close to $180. For a pizzeria this expensive, that is classless. I keep receipts for business, and last year I went to Luzzo's (Manhattan) 31 times. I've been doing that kind of business for years. You lost a customer tonight. I hope it was worth the $12.
(2)Kimberly K.
Bufala Pizza! Decided to grab a Bufala Pizza to go. The employees are friendly and laid back. Seating is available. Our pizza was ready in no time. It looked and smelled amazing. It tasted even better. The crust is thin, light, slightly crisp on the edges and smooth in the middle. It had a lovely chew. The sauce is juicy, slightly sweet and tangy at the same time. Loads of quality buffalo mozzarella spread throughout. Ooey gooey goodness. Finally a sprinkle of basil and olive oil completes this work of art. The pizza is very light. Each slice melts in your mouth. Thanks to Yelp friend Kurdy S. for recommending this place to me.
(4)Louis P.
I love this place!!!! Never had a bad experience here. I always feel like I am back in Italia. Great service and love the Italian videos. Forza Luzzo's....
(5)Charlee N.
Amazing pizza as usual - with very good choice of pizzas. Definitely one of the best place for pizza in town
(5)Alisha C.
good pizza, but definitely not the best. Came here with a group of 6 and while service was prompt, it was also somewhat inattentive. We ordered a few meat pies, one margarita and one veggie. All were delicious, no complaints.
(4)Becky M.
We took a box for a picnic on The Highline for a perfect afternoon lunch. The dough was soft but sturdy and so delicious! The service was knowledgable, kind and laid back.
(5)Nicolle B.
Pizza is one of those foods that I could eat every day and never grow tired of. I am always on the lookout for amazing pizza places and New York City is fortunately not short on this. My friend and I dined at Luzzos twice. While I enjoyed my meals there both times I have to say that I enjoyed my first experience there slightly more which could be attributed to how the pizza was cooked along with the menu selections we made. The first time we dined there my friend and I split the Arugula salad which was simple yet delicious with fresh arugula and tomatoes. Next, we split an order of meatballs which were tender and tasty and topped with the most delicious sauce. I wanted to eat this sauce by the spoonful, that is how delicious I thought it was. Next, after much thought we ordered the pizza with broccoli rabe and sausage which is our favorite food combination...Simply Delicious! The crust was cooked perfectly and while the toppings were plentiful it didn't weight down the pizza. The crust was light yet durable enough to withhold the toppings. We left very happy and I found myself daydreaming about this place and my return. On to our second visit. We ordered the fried calamari to start. You could say we are a bit of calamari snobs and this didn't measure up. The fried calamari was extremely chewy to the point that we couldn't chew or swallow it. We explained the situation to the waiter and he was very nice and understanding and allowed us to try a new appetizer. We then ordered our second choice which was the fried eggplant, which was perfect. Then we split the special pasta of the day which was pesto with shrimp and the margarita pizza. The pasta was amazing and we cleaned up that plate quite nicely. The pizza was just OK this time and I attribute that to a burnt crust. However, the sauce was just as delicious as I remember it. Overall, I really like this place as do most others due to the reviews I have read and the fact that this place is always crowded. I will definitely come back when I am craving a great pizza with sausage and broccoli rabe and some tomato sauce on the side!
(4)Brent O.
Tartufatto pizza was like a margherita with drizzle of black truffle oil - very fab. Thin crust very much like the ones in Naples.
(4)Contra S.
pizza is truly great, but not to be missed are the italian dishes (eggplant is prob my favorite!!) The staff are mostly from italy- which is nice. They can get busy, but they're open to midnight, which is another reason I love going there.
(5)Hettie P.
I am a vegeterain and my family and I absolutely enjoyed this place It's a lil crowded all the time but the wait was totally worth it! My personal favorite- mushroom truffle pizza
(4)Drew A.
I had high expectations for Luzzo's since I'd heard great things and the 4-star Yelp rating. My guest and I had the Arugula pizza (#5 on the menu) which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, and prosciutto. The prosciutto was so salty that it ruined the pizza. Removing the prosciutto made the pizza edible but it was still a loss. Also, I like pizza with a fair amount of sauce on it. Luzzo's pizza sauce had a nice flavor but they didn't put enough on the pizza. This is a common problem I have with NY pizza, so I'm probably in the minority and will request extra sauce if I eat at Luzzo's again.
(2)Justin S.
Wow, I have never had a worse experience at a restaurant. This was the single longest wait time that I have ever had. I arrived at 8 PM and went to the front of the very crowded restaurant to alert the hostess that I would need a table for two and how long would it take? She responded it would take 15 minutes, or maybe even less! "This is perfect" I replied with a smile. My friend was to arrive in less than 15 minutes meaning that we would be in and out of the restaurant by 9 PM, right when our party was going to start. My friend arrived right on time at 8:15pm and this is where things took a turn for the worse. At this point, I go ask the hostess how long it will be. She replies, oh just a few minutes more, sorry for the wait. That's fine! 15-20 minutes, no big deal. Fast forward. It's 8:45pm. That's right, we've been standing in the awful, cramped, and freezing waiting area for FORTY-FIVE MINUTES, when were told the wait would be, at most, FIFTEEN MINUTES...what is that? How can you so grossly misjudge the timing like that? Well, if you think that is bad, keep reading. At 8:45pm I check the list, we're next. Although perturbed, I was comforted by this fact. At this point, an elderly couple of women waltz through the front door, kiss the hostess and proceed to take the table that was being prepped for me and my friend. what. What. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Are you kidding me? How can you run a restaurant like this? To conclude: 1. This restaurant had an uncomfortably crowded waiting area 2. They egregiously misjudged my waiting time 3. They lied to my face at 8:15 saying just a few minutes more 4. After waiting three times as long as originally planned, they then took new customers ahead of those already waiting 5. They didn't even bother to address our party with a "sorry for the wait" Needless to say, the beginning of my night was ruined. We left before we even sat down and I officially had the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in New York City. TL;DR: Don't ever go here. EVER.
(1)p s.
if you're looking for pizza that tastes just like that pie you had in naples, here's your spot. stick to the bufala or something simple, and soak up that coal-fired goodness.
(5)Mike S.
Very authentic and quality. Cash or Amex only so heads up. Very quiet, with some cool Italian music on speakers
(4)Jason G.
High quality, fine dining pizza: the kind made out of sliced mozzarella, not shredded, and baked in a brick oven. There are a lot of options here... I got one with mushroom, zucchini, and egglpant. Delicious. Got a bottle of wine with it. Yes, they have wine. No wait for a table, either! Never going back to Grimaldi's.
(5)Jay B.
This is hands down THE BEST Napolese pizza spot you'll ever find in the city. I love this place and believe it is a MUST-EAT when you're in Manhattan. Served thin(hence, napolese) and slightly crunchy, this pizza rocks. The Bufalo is simply awesome. Again, service-wise. Awesome. The owner, or one of them, Miguele, comes by and says hello almost every time I've been there. Popularity - Everyone knows about this place, and it's not huge, so come early or be prepared to wait. And if you don't believe that it can be THAT good, then the fact that the owner of Grimaldi's out in Brooklyn eats here should say something.
(5)Peter K.
I had some friends visit from the UK and they wanted to eat pizza. I know I probably should have taken them to a "NY" pizza place like John's but I've been getting sick of going to John's lately. I think authentic Italian pizza is better than "NY-style" pizza anyways. Anyway, we got a couple of salads, a bottle of the house wine (a Merlot that night) and a large pizza. The large was enough to feed the four of us after the salads, though if you're a big eater, you might want more pizza. The balance of flavors between the toppings, cheese and sauce was just right. I loved the thin crust. The thing I like most about authentic Italian pizza is that it's not as cheese heavy as American pizza. Luzzo's does it just right. Brought back memories of eating pizza in Rome. The wait service was friendly, yet efficient. We got our salads so quickly. The pizza also came out quicker than expected. I strongly recommend this place if you're getting tired of eating NY pizza.
(4)Ken G.
Cute, good Pizza, Pricey on a block (First Avenue between 14th Street and 12th Street) where there is currently a pizza price war between the four or five pizza parlors. Would have earned more stars if they accepted credit cards. Beware, CASH ONLY!
(3)pickle p.
5 for the buffulla (I can't spell) pizza, everything else is not the best. but I really want YOU to try that damn pizza. its the greatest thing ever
(5)Ani D.
This has got to be one of the best pizza places I have eaten at in NY, and that's not an easy thing to say cos there are so many great places. But this place knows what they are doing. The arugula pizza with the prosciutto is just incredible. If you like thin NY style pizza you have to try this place. The octopus salad is also great.
(5)Alan G.
Checked out Luzzo's last week since I was in search of a good pie and had heard good things. I was pretty ravenous so I was pleasantly surprised to be seated just about immediately at 7:30pm on a weekday night, granted I was bumping shoulders with the guy at the table to my right. Comes with the territory though. Lately I've been seriously missing the cheese produced from the discharge of goats so I opted for the amalfi salad -- arugula, walnuts, tomatoes, balsamic, aforementioned goat cheese. Rock solid. My friend copied me because I have impeccable taste. Then onto the Bufala, just a 12" sized one which I regretted pretty much instantly. A legit sauce on a nice crunchy crust, granted our pie was just a touch cooler than I would've hoped coming out of the oven. That's splitting hairs though, the pie satisfied my craving until later that evening (this is not a bad thing, this is merely my day-to-day life, the cross I bear that is a stomach that won't quit). Lastly, the service was pretty good -- I especially appreciate the vigilance in which my water cup was filled, I must've guzzled 5 cups or so which is quite impressive, don't you think? So yes to Luzzo's, a perfectly pleasant place. It does the job and it's pretty affordable, granted if you're not careful I imagine it can add up quite quick, but hey, the stomach wants what it wants and in this case it wants a pretty damn good pizza.
(4)M W.
I went here for a late dinner. While the food came very fast, the food didn't impress me compared to the other reviews. We had a Diavola Pizza, Calzone and Lasagna. The pizza was good, but not amazing. The lasagna was decent, but I like mine with more cheese. Luzzo's preparation is authentic howeverI prefer it layered with some béchamel sauce. I must say the meat in the lasagna was nicely seasoned and the salami on the pizza was rather delicious. Good but not 5 stars in my book.
(3)Catherine X.
After having lived in Italy, I pretty much became a gastro-snob when it comes to Italian food. So coming back to Chicago was just soul-crushing when everywhere I was surrounded by: -cardboard monstrosities (aka domino's 666 deal. i mean could that number BE any more ominous?) -deep dish (ummm yeah... remember that time when i wanted to shove a wagon wheel of plastic-tasting cheese down my throat? yeah, me neither) -digiorno -let's not even go there But I love love LOVE Luzzo's. We came here twice in a span of 3 days on a long weekend to nyc just because we loved it so. The first time, we made the trek out to Luzzo's after a long day of shopping and photo-whoring. Immediately, we were greeted and seated in the narrow hallway next to another couple. Claustrophobic and elbow-to-elbow in true Italian style. Not to mention the staff was mostly rail-thin and bilingual-- and friendly! My partner was instantly in the mood for lasagna, and although they didn't have it on the menu, the waiter said he'd see what he could do. Within ten minutes after placing our orders, a fresh plate of meaty lasagna with a piquant tomato sauce was delivered. Of course we had the Bufula pizza. Simply constructed, but the elements were elegant and refined on their own. The mozzarella was fragile and tender, dangling precarious between mouth and pizza. The smoky crust was cracker-thin with opposing textures, the sauce just right, and the basil fragrant (if not scarce). We made another trip here before jet-setting back home, with luggage in hand, only to find that they weren't open. When we explained that we made out especially for their pizza and were cabbing it directly to the airport afterwards, they seated us :] much to our delight. We went back to our old Bufula, but experimented with the Arugula as well. Highly recommended! The crispy arugula packs a tiny bitter bite and the truffle oil was just the right touch. With just enough time to wolf our pizza's down and write a big tip, we left the tiny Italian microcosm and back to the land of Bad Taste...
(5)Ina C.
Perfectly cooked thin crust that maintains its crunch and doesn't get soggy with the weight of its own sauce and grease. We ordered the buffalo mozzarella and basil pizza. Although we were pretty happy with everything, our pizza looked kinda sad with only two lonely leaves of basil. But that's a minor complaint. Excellent pizza and fast and friendly service.
(4)Amy W.
My fav pizza spot in the East Village! Margherita is my fav and its some BOMB ASS PIZZA!! PERFECT CRUST, MOZARELLA AND TO DIE FOR TOMATO SAUCE! The meat pizza with pepperoni and sausage etc. is my delight and I always get that if I don't get the marguerita. The waitstaff is alright, and not overbearing. Go here for the pizza and you won't be disappointed! Thin crust and never charred is definitely a reason to keep coming back. The price is the way it is because of the quality of the product and that's fine. I find it hard to pay for mediocre sub par food and Luzzos does not do either of the two. This place is A++, unpretentious and simply delivers a solid pizza every single time!
(5)Bonny N.
This really is one of the best thin crust pizzas I've tried in New York. I've never tried their pasta but I'm afraid to be disappointed. I come for the pizza. The place can get a little crowded since it's a small restaurant and I'm usually starving by the time I sit down. The appetizers are a bit expensive and are not a very large portion for sharing. The pizzas are big enough though and the service is usually pretty quick. My only annoyance is that the place does NOT accept credit cards and I usually forget this. Finishing a delicious pizza dinner and then having to run down the street to take out $30 is a little annoying. Legit restaurants should accept credit cards.
(4)Lila H.
Bellisimo-So far I think this place is my favorite pizza in New York because it seems the most authentic to the Napoli pizza I've eaten in Italy. Down to the cozy atmosphere and the people that work there are Italian and speak it. I shared the small Arugola which was perfect bc it had everything I like on my pizza and reminded me of the times when I lived in Italy and was always eating arugula. The crust was thin and crispy just the way I like it and not too soggy. I also love how they have the spicy olive oil which is not always easy to find in Italian places here. We also ordered the tuna salad that came with cherry tomatoes, and fagioli. Loved it bc they used Italian tuna. Makes me miss Italy so much!
(5)Elaine W.
We always come here when my niece visits from Chicago. This is one of my favorite places to go. However, it's usually pretty crowded, so be sure to make reservations. Our favorites pies to get are the Tartufata (truffles!), arugula and bufala. Still need to try the pasta one day, but everytime we come, we only want the pizza! Also, if you have a large party, there's a room downstairs, so there is room (it just smells a little musty down there).
(4)Christina F.
Amazing pizza... fast service, comfy setting... go with a few friends and split a couple pies... you can't go wrong!
(5)Adam L.
This place is literally over rated.
(2)Elizabeth B.
We tried delivery from here for the first time last night: caprese salad and Ortolana pizza. The salad had lots of mozzarella but not so much tomato. I was shocked because it's $11. The pizza was good. Great toppings, thicker crust than I imagined. But the crust was a little soft and soggy at the beginning of each slice. Super fast and friendly service, though!
(3)Wendy L.
Mmmmmm. Every other NY pizza gets compared to Luzzos in my book. The rest of the menu is sub-par, but the pizza (plan margherita) is fantastic! Thin crust, meaning you'll eat more than you think, so order plenty! And it's cheap so you can always bring extra home for leftovers. I also really like the ambiance. Try going on a weeknight when it's not as crowded. Not such a fan of the singing woman that one time, but this still gets 5 starts since the pizza is THAT good.
(5)Brady H.
The best pizza I have ever eaten. I've never tried any of the entrees here because the pizza is so good, but all of the appetizers I've eaten were pretty great. Decent, affordable wine list (and daily specials that make the deal even better!), friendly staff, and cool decor all add to the equation. It seems like a good sign that a majority of the customers on any given night are speaking fluent Italian here. Only downsides? The place is a little small, and the wait gets a bit long sometimes, and the volume tends to get a bit loud when it is this busy.
(5)Maximus D.
"The BEST" pizza in NYC hands down. No competiton, not even Lombardi's, John's or Patsy's compares to Luzzo's. It is right off the boat from Napoli good. The service is impeccable and the vibe is old school Italian.
(5)Jeff M.
Grimaldi's what? Lombardi's who? That's right pizza snobs, it doesn't get any better than this in Manhattan. Luzzo's is quite simply the most authentic Neapolitan pizza place on the island. And to give you an idea of how great it is, I was in NYC last week and has walked 12 blocks in what felt like a mixture between a brick over and a boiling aquarium (it was 90 degrees with 99% humidity) and I still ordered 2 pizzas for myself! Nothing stands between me and my favorite pizza restaurant in the United States, not even the fires of Hell or Manhattan during a summer heat wave.
(5)Isabel L.
For most regulars, they know there's this one pie that they're really food at. DIAVALA !!! Our table ordered 3 of those and the rest of the night was spent in between stuffing my face and endless food coma.. great pies ! NOTE: Extremely friendly service, family style Great setting with large groups
(4)Pinky And The B.
I wanted to try a new highly rated pizza. (new to me) So I decided on Luzzo's. It must have been an off night. It must have been because it was hot and humid out tonight after a long cold spell so everyone was out. The restaurant was really crowded. The taste of the pizza was what I am used to and was expecting. The rim of the crust was nice and charred. The cheese was creamy and the sauce was good. Our waiter was really attentive and pleasant. He told stories of Italy. He even spoke Italian. I got the idea he might be part owner or a family member. I should have asked. They were so crowded and busy they must have called in extra help. The salad was the best part of the meal. It had a warm toasted goat cheese that was delicious. The problem is it was extraordinarily soggy! I wanted to love it I really did and I could tell the place is really authentic. I can't remember the last time everyone that I saw working in a pizzeria was actually Italian. At Luzzo's they were. But really it was like someone sprayed it with a water hose in the middle. It just fell apart. But the service was so exceptional and I could tell on a good night it would be great but it was more like pizza soup than pizza. For me there are too many pizzerias in NYC to go back and try it again. For now I will stick with the classic pizza joints I am used to like Ray's Patsy's, Nick's and Grimaldi's.
(3)Po K.
Best pizza I've had in NY! I ate here for the very first time last month. I will definitely be going back here on my next trip.
(5)Zaree S.
I came here with friends two weeks ago. The pizza was good, but I wasn't overly impressed, and definitely expected more based on the reviews and prices. I ordered the Arugola, which was a bit soggy, and it seemed like they opened up a bag of arugula and dumped it on top of the pizza at the end. I felt like I had arugula falling off my pizza while I was trying to eat it. The service was good, but rushed. I understand that they were trying to capitalize off the fact that it was a Saturday night by getting as many people in as possible, but we weren't at TGI Friday's, and that is certainly not how they should make their patrons feel. Overall, the food here is solid. You won't be disappointed but you won't be impressed, which is probably par for the course with pizza in a lot of cases. Given that pizza is a trend right now, I'd try a different place before I came back here.
(3)Canny F.
I ordered the Ortlana pie and it was okay. I expected better. You would think that if you order with no cheese, they would put a bit more sauce or something like other places, but nope! My pizza was hardly covered. It was thin, but not thin like gruppo or vezzo and it was a bit chewy.
(3)Ilan M.
Love this place! When I first moved here this was the first place I ate. Had it again last night (albeit in a much more intoxicated state) and it was so delish! Their pizza is super thin crust so you can eat a lot of it. We ordered 3 pizzas, of which my favorite was the bufala - simple, yet delivered in style. We also ordered a plate of fried apps. Really tasty, but in all fairness it's hard to screw up fried food. Their pizza has to rank among the best in the East Village. Not sure about all of NY, but definitely the best over a large area of avenues/blocks. You just can't go wrong with this place. Eat here. You'll probably see me in the corner scarfing down some Bufala slices.
(4)Atif I.
"It's all good". That's the writing on the wall. It took me 6 months and close to half a dozen visits to realize that Luzzo's is absolutely my favorite pizza in Manhattan. It might be because I am more culturally attuned to New York style pizza, than to Neapolitan style pizza. It might also be that I didn't appreciate its simplistic genius the first few times. And, all too often humility is an under-appreciated virtue. Surrounded by many big names in pizza, and in all the hoopla created by "The Choke", it was easy to overlook Luzzo's. Ironically, I discovered Luzzo's by accident. I had planned a get together of friends at the nearby Una Pizza Napoletana without realizing that they were closed for the day. Prodded by hunger, we took a chance at this unassuming restaurant nearby which had the rustic feel of a small café in Italy. As we conversed with the servers, we realized from the language barrier that this indeed was the real deal. All the servers and the Pizzaioli were Italian, and by that I do not mean from Italy by way of Staten Island. Yes - I am looking at you, Artichoke ;) I liked Luzzo's pizza then, but at that time I wasn't sure that I loved it. The texture of the pizza was soft and chewy. It was thin, but not crispy, except at the edges. Charred by the coal oven, the crust was definitely unique. The sauce was simple, sweet and tangy, and made perhaps from canned tomatoes. The creamy mozzarella di Buffala was the star, extremely fresh and uniquely presented in the shape of large polka dots all over the pizza. It was exquisitely light, and delicious. But, I wasn't sold on the crust. Used to the crispier NYC version, I found the pizza chewy, and at times a little bland. Over a period of time, I got to appreciate the fact that this pizza was perfectly executed per Neapolitan standards. A well made pizza in Naples is described as one where you can fold the pizza in half and then again into quarters, without cracking or breaking the crust. This is definitely the case with Luzzo's, which is one of the most pliant in the city! Also, the pizzaioli have started charring the crust more, making better use of the coal oven. So, now not only do you have the desired chewiness, but the crust is also crisper and with a number of bubbles. I have struggled with this five star rating. One of the problems of authenticity is challenges in communication. At times, my pizza order has been delayed because the multiple servers haven't coordinated well between them. I have also found the Pastiera (Italian cake made with ricotta cheese and candied fruit) to be refrigerated and not as texturally complex as other versions in the city. I also fear that they will be unable to handle the crowds as their fame spreads. In short, their management skills are untested. But, in mirroring the mood of the country, I decided to overlook my present fears and concerns about their ability to deliver in the future and bumped them up to five stars. I can not fault them for authenticity, genius, and flair. Heck, I can even overlook a Martha Stewart endorsement for that.
(5)Tameka S.
A great dinner date for 2. The place is really cute on the inside. The pizzas are huge. The atmosphere feels good and we have always had a great time.
(3)Elle T.
I came across Luzzo's on Yelp; it had so many rave reviews, I couldn't resist. Sure enough, when we arrived, the entire restaurant was packed. Not a single table open, EXCEPT the one in the front, right by the bar; we took it. While we waited for service, a lot of Italian-speaking Italians walked in. Ah, a pizza place with Italians; that's gotta be a good sign. We ordered a small bufala; I was sold on simplicity. Tomato sauce. basil. mozzarella all on a thin crust. It was delicious and Italian! If only there were more of it... they weren't kidding when they called it "small". I could have easily eaten the thing myself. Service was lackluster; in addition to being curt and impersonal, they took a while to bring our food and bill. Of course they were busy, but we ended up paying in cash because we didn't want to wait around for someone to take a card, return it for signing, etc. Oh well, that aside... My gripe was the price. Our pizza was fairly small (12") and with zero toppings, cost $15 and some how, the bill came out to $19. That's kinda steep to me, for a pie that isn't really filling, despite that it was yummy. 4 stars for the pizza; the price kept it from being a 5. 2 stars for the price. Less price or more pizza, please. 2 stars for service because, really, meh, I've had better.
(3)Henry M.
It's hard to believe that this place has one of the few coal ovens in the city and yet they get it so wrong. I'm basing this review on what I had, which was the pizza topped with mushrooms. These guys should take a trip to Lombardi's and get some tips on what to do. And to those on here who have given this place 5 stars I have to ask: have you been to Lombardi's or Grimaldi's or Di Fara? The crust at Luzzo's was not bad at all but then again it was cooked in a coal oven so it's hard to screw that up. My main issue here is the toppings. Is it that difficult to know the correct amount and distribution? There was not enough sauce or cheese and there were not enough mushrooms by far on this pie. I don't know if they top other pies so scantily but based on this one I can only assume they do and i guess I won't ever know for sure since it's not worth going back to find out. This place is a missed opportunity. All the "ingredients" are there for them to compete with the big boys (especially the coveted coal oven), but they miss the mark.
(2)John S.
2nd best pizza I've ever had in my life, and that is coming from a list with a trillion pizza places tied at 3rd and 4th place. The best pizza I've ever had was in Napoli itself, this pizza was either equivalent or very slightly under the quality of that one. The cheese was much different than the mozzarella from 98% of pizzas here. The crust was perfectly burnt. The pizza was delivered in about 10 minutes, which is quite fast in a packed restaurant as fancy as this. We had the #8 on the menu (the calzone pizza).. it was topped with mushrooms, salami, and ham.. all the ingredients were incredible. No complaints whatsoever. And the service could not have been better! Waiters came up to us a few times to fill up water and ask if everything was okay. I'm very happy with this experience, and if I were to give it a 1-100 score, it would literally by a 99.
(5)Allie C.
This place has been one block down from where i live and just discovered it recently!! One of my co-workers who's straight from Italy had recommended this spot. We were discussing the difference between Italian and American made pizza. She said this is one of the best she's had since being here. So i finally had the oppportunity to go the other night. Me and my boy were the only non-italians up in there so you know that pizza is authentic! The place was filled with with 30 something Italians all speaking their native language. The servers too. So glad i found this spot. I will come back alot alot alot. btw, i had the pizza michele which had prosciutto, basil, mushrooms, mozzarella, truffle pate, and no tomato sauce. ahhh.. so delicious!!! glass of white wine to top it off...PERFECTO!
(5)Drew D.
Just to avoid any confusion I do think this place was good. I guess the fact that it was very hyped and wasn't amazing is where I'm deriving these comments.... I went here a week ago with 3 other guys for a casual dinner after a long day. I had heard the pizza was to die for so that is what I was ordering. For a salad I had the tuna white bean salad. I must say that this was the dish of the night. The tuna was tasty, beans we a tad crunchy, nice contrast to the tuna, and there was just enough basil and olive oil. Couple dashes of pepper hit the spot. Being that this is a pizza place we ordered a couple. They are large. They are tasty. Are they the best pizza's I've ever encountered? No. Sadly. We had some meat filled pizza and some veggie-ish pizza. Both were good, neither was phenomenal. The service was fine. Price was slightly above average for the area but on par with the food. It does have the feel of an old school hole in the wall place that may have been upgraded in the early 90s. I'd say give this place a shot.
(4)Michael S.
Not my FAVORITE pizza place in Manhattan, but pretty damn close. Staff is pretty friendly and the sauce on the pizza is amazing. My wife was not a fan of the LACK OF CHEESE, but I thought it worked really well. Either way, this the perfect place to go if you don't already have a reservation set for Friday night. Limited wait and satisfying food!
(4)Carlin Y.
Came here with a friend. Pizza is delicious, even though a little pricey. You can definitely taste a quality difference compared to Dominos down the street. We tried one with truffle oil and another that had prosciutto; both amazing. Definitely recommend trying it at least once if you're a gourmet pizza fan!
(4)Ben J.
4.5 - possibly best pizza in manhattan. Go with EST (spicy salami) and Martha (white/truffle oil/proscuitto).
(4)Alex C.
My favorite sit-down pizza place in NYC. The place is small but the pizza is definitely worth the long waits at night. Advice - don't order the pasta dishes. I'm sure they're good, but anytime someone ordered one at my table, they'd end up asking to "try" the pizza and looked at you like they expected you to give yours up. I've lost like 3 friends over this already.
(5)Alexandra B.
First of all... if i meet any of these people who said "that pizza is too soggy", i'm going to smack you in the face with your own ignorance. This is what pizza is supposed to taste like. If you want cheesy, americanized pizza... order dominos. ***NOTE: they DO take credit cards unlike other reviews said and a reservation was not needed for 2 people on a busy Saturday night*** Hands down best pizza I've had in NYC and possibly anywhere else. Look no further. While I am usually a lemming to the yelp recommendation cliff, my foodie friend made me more inclined to be more of a lemur. We ordered the 4 Stagioni. According to babelfish this means seasons. I have no idea how that relates to the pizza unless in italy they have ham, artichoke, mozzarella, mushroom and olive seasons. All these ingredients were on the pizza and there were more than a few i wasn't thrilled about eating but somehow they all came together to transport me to CARBOHYDRATE HEAVEN. take my word for it... look no further for pizza. i dated an italian whose family literally had a brick pizza oven in their backyard. i've been to italy. i'm from chicago. i know pizza. (The waitstaff/owner were also super nice and gave my friend and I a glass of prosecco. The calamari and pizza and rose wine were also really good. Even the decor/ambiance was charming. But everything was overshadowed by the pizza.)
(5)B D.
Great pizza! Although my slice missed the basil. So I would order extra basil. EVEN BETTER PASTA! Pappardelle Speck e Porcini, sooo yummy. Home-made pasta with mushroom and truffle oil. I thought this pasta was better than Babbo. THANKS for the friendly service and Italian music video's playing in the background!
(5)Richard P.
Went there with my cousin a couple of months ago while visiting ny. I did a lot of research before going up there so I had high expectations after reading the reviews. I'll get right to the point. The pizza looked good on the surface but when we lifted the crust it was a little on the burnt side. Too bad because other than that the dough would have been good. The sauce was decent but I have made and tasted better. My cousin and I being both Italian were a bit disapointed after reading all the positive reviews . The ceaser salads were very small and tasteless. One pizza,two salads,three beers. 64 dollars not including tip. Are you kidding me? I know this is NYC but come on . OVERPRICED and OVERATED .
(2)Deanna L.
The pizza was awesome. I mean, I don't even know how I could say that considering the way I pretty much inhaled it, but it was delicious. We got the funghi and added sausage. Yum. The crust was nice and crunchy. We ordered the large and because we're animals, we also got an order of the lasagna. I like my lasagna simple and cheesy, and that it was. We were satisfied when we left. It was packed on a Friday night but the service was prompt. I only wish the tables were not so close together because I was only an arms reach away from the other table's pizza and I don't need that kind of temptation.
(4)Lauren P.
I think Luzzo's is the best pizza in NYC. We discovered it because my friends live right next door. We are big foodies and pizza lovers, always trying to find the next best slice, but this is THE BEST! Whether its simple margarita or more exciting with ham and truffle oil, they are all GREAT. Its so casual and full of Italians / Europeans. In the summer it can be hard to get in, but its worth the wait. Go a little later like 930 if you dont want to wait. Enjoy!
(5)Sarah M.
I came here for a very quick New Year's Eve dinner...wanted to meet up with a friend in passing, but didn't have a ton of time to do so, but we managed to swing by here and meet up for about 30 minutes. I loved the traditional Italian feel of this restaurant. Everyone who worked here was 100% Italian...straight off the boat! :) They were celebrating the Italian new year which was going on while we were seated. They were a very lively bunch...cracking open the champagne, cheering, and hugging once the clock hit midnight in Italy. Really fun vibe to it! I only had time to down some minestrone soup...but it was TO DIE FOR! I've never had better minestrone soup in my life. Nice, soft veggies, great flavor, and all of the veggies that I actually LIKE. Sometimes restaurants put in too many beans or whatever is cheap to "fill" the soup. But not here. There were tons of carrots, onions, potatoes, and all that other good stuff. It was perfect too considering it was 10 degrees F outside. My friends ordered salads, gnocchi, lasagna...and it all looked delicious. I wish I hadn't eaten so much pizza before coming here - otherwise I would have had something else. Fun little place...we were lucky we got here when we did b/c most restaurants were already packed. They quickly accomodated our group of 8 which was even better! I'd definitely come back here again!
(4)Gregory C.
Every once in a while, when you leave expectations by the wayside, you are sometimes surprised by what you find, and Luzzo's is a gem of a find. Most of the time, pizza is pizza, and the differences or distinctions between pizza are....well...not that great. That is NOT the case for Luzzo's pizza. Luzzo's sets itself a world apart from this mostly mundane world of pizza. This was my first time at Luzzo's, and I have to say the quality of the ingredients and execution make them PIZZA MASTERS. The thin crust is perfect, the mozzarella cheese light and fantastic, and prosciutto and funghi adding flavor to a perfectly executed pizza. Visually you realize these pizzas look like homemade treasures, and when you taste you know you are tasting the best pizza you have ever had. This was the best pizza I have ever had in my life.
(5)Vinny C.
Pizza might be the most authentic in comparison to pizza in Naples. Ordered the campania, extremely good. Martha, prosuito with cheese and basil..great. third pie was arugala, very good. If theres little to no wait, DO IT!
(4)Katrina H.
Not that they need another review, but this place is fantastic! I came in suspicious because it is so small, but that just adds to the Italian charm :) I loved every bit! AND they had good wine.
(5)Jaehong H.
I'm not a New Yorker, thus this was my "New York-experience" pizza. It was ****ing EPIC. We went on a Sunday afternoon; no waiting. We picked Salsiccia (tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, basilone). The toppings by themselves are actually not abundant or special even. But the foundation - the bread, cheese, crust - were just phenomenal. For pasta, we got Spaghettoni Gamberi E Carciofi pasta (pesto, artichokes, cherry tomatoes and shrimp). Not particularly fancy, but the noodles themselves were amazing. The beer I ordered - Peroni - was disappointing; it tastes just like St. Pauli Girl (it's sweet with a strong barley taste). But the pizza was so good that even the beer tasted good eventually. My suggestion: don't get Peroni. Other than that you can't really go wrong with choosing your pizza or pasta. Definitely go to Luzzo's if you're looking for a New York Pizza!
(5)Lindsey M.
I am giving Luzzo's 5 stars for the pizza. I think some of the other things about this restaurant are not 5 stars, but the pizza (which is the only thing you should really care about here) is absolutely 5 stars. I've tried a lot of Pizza in NYC, but this is as good as it gets. All of the pizza options on the menu are great, but I tend to stick to the classic...the buffala can't be beat. The crust is really thin, so don't scimp. You should get the large if you are splitting wtih someone. The place gets crowded everynight at the normal NY eating times and you can have a serious wait on the weekends. There are always loads of Italians. Real Italians. Speaking Italian. That is obviously a good sign. This pizza will forever be my favorite in NY and perhaps anywhere.
(5)Renee C.
I like thin crust and I cannot lie...buffala mozzarella's great and I can't deny!....when a girl walks in with...ok I'm NOT going to go there :) 3.5 stars...there's something about the hype for Luzzo's in the back of my head, which gave me a feeling that I wasn't missing anything...I was right again. It's good, I'm not saying it's not, but I've had better. I am also spoiled and can never recover from spending a summer in Italy where I had the best pizza of my life in Cilento, the birth place of mozzarella di bufala!!!! It BLEW MY MIND into thin air for a split second before I managed to stuff it back into my head! @_@ @ Luzzo's the crust was good, but the sauce made the middle too sogging...it just collapsed when I tried to rip off a piece. I'm not a fan a soggy pizza, although the tomato sauce was good. ^_^ My cuz and I shared the spaghetti cabonara, which was good and al dente but again... not great...the Romans put Cabonara on the menu and you can't even compare. :( Now that I've proven what an Italian food snob I am, I can shut it and go on with my food quest to find the next thing to brag about :) The waiters/bus boys here are definitely in need of more training...a least not lean over my back to reach for a plate at the table next to us without saying excuse me...oh wait, he can't speak English. Also I felt a little rushed...out waiter was a bit hostile the whole time we were there, I'll blame it on the rain. :0
(3)Mike O.
First thing you notice is the furniture on the ceiling. Gimmick, right? Well, they don't need it. They make delicious, traditional, brick-oven pizza. We got a great deal: Two pies and a bottle of wine for around $60. Perfect for the three of us. The pizza was so good that we struggled to shove down the last couple slices. We got the margherita and the proscuitto/arugula. The margherita was pretty straightforward, although I agree with the reviewer who noted the small amount of basil. The arugula/proscuitto was amazing. There was lots of proscuitto and they put a lot of fresh arugula on after it came out of the oven. Service was great too.
(4)M C.
My favorite favorite italian spot in NYC. If you've been to Italy and agree that their pizza tops NyC pizza then this is the place to go. My friends and I usually do family style with the pizza and pastas, because their pastas are great, too!
(5)Kristina F.
THE SAUSAGE TASTES LIKE FEET!!!!! I was infuriated after leaving this place. There are so many amazing pizza places in New York, so many fantastic varieties of pies and I had to go to the one place with the most disgusting sausage I have ever tasted in my life. I'm getting mad just thinking about it. ( i uploaded a photo of it... *shudders* )
(1)yanwen j.
Finally, came into the restaurant instead of getting delivery. They made us a pie in twenty minutes and we peaced out to eat it at home. The surroundings were nice, but not anything special. The pie, when we got home, was good. However, I would caution against ordering the salsicce pizza (sausage) because the sausage is ground. My girlfriend had mozzerella and basil - she loved it.
(3)Dorine L.
really love the pizza here, just about as good as Grimaldis
(4)Marco d.
There I was sitting in my car, stuck on the 110 freeway, driving my ass from LAX on my way home, when depression hit me, faced with the bleak reality that I can no longer have great pizza for a long, long time until my next visit. You see, it's been less than 24 hours since I left and I'm already reminiscing and daydreaming about that almost-flawless pizza, whose crust seemed to have come straight out of Pluto's ass, charred to perfection, with an equally unmatched combination of chewiness and crispness, whose sauce is a balanced harmony of tang, saltiness and just a hint of sweetness. I'm not saying this pizza will turn your world upside down. But if it did, you're in luck. It seems that Luzzo's came prepared if it does happen for they have a chair nailed upside down from the ceiling, complete with a side table and a lamp, if I'm not mistaken. Jupiter, it seemed, was looking down from the heavens that night, too, as if guarding one of his heavenly creations. It was spring and petals were literally falling down from the sky as my friend and I walked out of the restaurant, our guts bursting. And as if that's not enough, a couple of young lads talking in Italian were smoking on the sidewalk, hanging out by a light blue Vespa. So, tell me, how can you not fucking reminisce about that night?
(4)Annie L.
I have been to NYC a few times but weirdly eating pizza always alluded me. I was trying to figure out why, usually I would just stay in the city for a night to party en route back home. The lads in work organized a table at Luzzo's. The red wine and Italian beer flowed as did the pizzas. I think they ordered every variety. I now understand the obsession with good pizza, the richness of taste, the pure pleasure with every chew of the cheese as the sauce warmed up my mouth, I think my eyes rolled with bliss at one point. The atmosphere was everything I would expect from an Italian American joint; loud, intimate, bustling; simply just alive. Families showing off their new babies, dates, friends and everything in between which I shall come back to later. Service was quick and friendly. On the way out, who is eating in the restaurant but only Martha Stewart, for reals! She passed a comment to her dinner companion about my mate's hat and my coat, Martha Stewart approved our style. I just feel like I am endorsed forever in life - yay!
(5)Liana L.
::Enter Luzzos:: Waiter: What would you like to order? Me (to BF): Well, let's get the large bufala pie, we can bring some home to your sister. BF: Okay, good idea. ::Exit Luzzos without leftover pizza:: Yeah, try not eating a whole pie of this delicious pizza. Go ahead. I dare you. It's absolutely perfect; the dough was crispy and charred on the bottom with just the perfect chewy bite, giving way to the sweet tang of fresh tomato sauce and unmatched creaminess of melted buffalo mozzarella. This is the pizza dreams are made of, people!
(4)John W.
Awesome pizza! Get the olives for an appetizer - they are OMG good. Fried artichokes were also the bomb. Get the broccoli rabe & sausage pizza: 1st, it's a great combo, no matter the dish; 2nd, Luzzo's does it right. Get there before 7pm to get seated right away, otherwise you'll probably be waiting. It's a small restaurant.
(5)N W.
MMMMMM the most mouth-watering, authentic, thin Italian pizza I have tried here in the city. You will go crazy! And it is casual and not too pricey.
(5)Anah G.
My first review, so I figured I'd do something I know and love. When I came back from four months in Florence, I was depressed, abhorred New York, and longed for Italian culture and food. I checked out Luzzo's because several study abroad returnees had suggested it to me. When I stepped off the dirty New York streets and in through the tiny doorway, I instantly felt like I had shifted back to Italy. Not only did it have the precise feel of a rustic, Italian restaurant (warm wood coloring, eclectic kitchenware hung on the walls as art), but it actually was authentically Italian. The waitstaff, at that time, were all Italian expatriates. In the far back, a flatscreen TV hanging on the wall blasted popular Italian music videos (I squealed when they played my favorite band, Le Vibrazioni). And, just like in Italy, we were greeted at the door with free spumante (like prosecco) to compensate for the short wait time. I have not sampled much of the Luzzo's menu, because I feel it's a blasphemy to not order the pizza tartufata every single time. It's much like your normal margherita recipe - mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, but with a drizzle of inexorably mouthwatering truffle sauce on the top. But there is nothing basic about this pizza, for while simple, the ingredients are of the freshest and highest quality. The mozzarella is warm, thinly-spread, and preserved in water (the correct way!). The tomato sauce is juicy, slightly sweet, and lacks the nauseating chunks that comes from the cans. The crust is thin and has a hint of burny-bits that crunch between your teeth. Jesus, I'm drooling just thinking about it. Sure, it's, like, twenty-something dollars, way more than you'd pay for your local take-out place, but you're not gonna get truffle sauce at Big Tony's or whoever caters your parties. After a while I kept going back so often and (coincidentally) had the same waitress every time, and she would recognize me and start up conversations in Italian. So not only was I in the atmosphere and eating the food, I was also speaking the language. The upsides... * The food (pizza tartufata, bufala and prosciutto appetizer...) * The authentic Italian feel * The Italian waitstaff * The processo * The decoration * Proximity to the L train (1st Ave. and 13th St.) The downsides... * It's changed a bit since I first discovered it two years ago. To keep up their business, they've started hiring Americans, so there's no guarantee that you'll get to order in Italian. * If you sit downstairs (yes, there is one), it's not decorated the same way so you won't get quite as positive an experience. * Like all Italian restaurants, it's not designed for groups larger than 4 people. They can accommodate it, but it's difficult. My final words... Luzzo's is the perfect place for any New Yorker who misses Italy dreadfully and needs to get their fix.
(5)Heather M.
Well, I went to Luzzo's three times in one week. Haha. I'm obsessed! I did have three out of town guests all of whom requested pizza, so that's why I brought them here, but I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The food here is just out of this world good. Still the best Italian style pizza I've had in the city. I love, love, love the food here! A few notes - Pasquale is the manager and such a charmer. I love him. Service was inconsistent the last time I was here. There were like 6 people serving us and it was slow and neglectful. I'm willing to forgive though because this isn't normal and Pasquale still takes care of me.
(4)William S.
I owe previous reviews a thanks for helping me find my way to this spot with some friends who originally wanted to hit up Little Italy, which I wasn't about to settle for or deal with. My group shared two pizzas (one small plain style, and one large Calzone pie) between four of us. It was definitely more than enough and was extremely tasty. I don't remember exactly what was on the Calzone pie but there were a combination of meats with some mushrooms and your usual sauce and cheese. It was delicious. I'm not usually a fan of thin crust style pizza, but it was baked almost to perfection and not too crispy, nice and fluffy just the way I like it. We also shared some fried calimari to start which wasn't the greatest I've ever had but certainly not bad at all. Overall a great dining experience, except for some douche sitting across from my group pestering the waitress about their wine offerings. Seriously if you're such a wine snob you wouldn't have so many questions and you'd just order what they have.. or skip the wine altogether... but anyway, that isn't Luzzo's fault. It's a nice change of pace when I'm in the mood for Italian and don't exactly want a pasta plate or if I'm not looking for anything too fancy in terms of atmosphere. Definitely recommended.
(4)Edmund T.
So after hearing my friend rave on and on about how great Artichoke Pizza is, I finally decided to trek down there to check it out. Unfortunately, when I got there, they were closed for 3 hours to do some sort of repairs on something so I never got to try it. Hungry and frustrated, I decided to jump into the next closest pizza joint just to grab a mediocre slice of pie and call it lunch so I could head down to Oden (Sam P. suggestion) and get some shopping done. As I turned the corner on 1st Ave., I noticed this cozy looking pizza joint that seemed to stand out from the other 30 sec pizza stores. So I decided what the hell, lets try it. OMFG!!! Talk about good pizza!.... I cannot tell you why my pizza was so great because I simply lack the vocabulary to describe the party that was happening in my mouth. I started off with an eggplant and zucchini salad. Forgot what it was called but it was fresh and light and very appetizing. For the pizza, I ordered the Quattro Stagioni. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
(4)Ben L.
Went here after being referred by the barista from Zibetto as having authentic Italian pizza and can't agree with him more. Started off with the eggplant pargmigian and it was enough for two, perhaps three. As for the neopolitan pizza...the crust was crispy thin yet so supple. Yes, so supple, I could chew on that crust all day long. The bufala mozzarella really does have a unique flavor that comes together with the spicy salami that we orered on the Ripieno. Though the pizza was good, I couldn't give it five stars, because when compared, Grimaldi's is in another league of its own.
(4)Michelle L.
The pizza was delicious. At the recommendation of the waitress, we got #5 and #16. She said they were the most popular, and they were definitely good New York Pizza. Thin and crispy. The only thing about this place is the noise level. It is extremely hard to talk without shouting. But otherwise, good service, good wine, and great pizza.
(4)Sara K.
the best pizza in new york. done. the pizza is the perfect marinara to cheese ratio and the crust is amazingly thin and delicious. they pour a hefty glass of wine as well. SO worth the overindulgence. GO HERE!
(5)Adam W.
I came here with a group of friends to celebrate a birthday. Despite the fact that I made a reservation earlier in the day, we had to wait something like 20 minutes to get a seat when we showed up. What's more, even though we tried to get out of the way of the door, staff members muttered discontents in Italian under their breath as we waited for our seat (they're too conceited to realize that some Americans speak Italian too...). That really set the tone for the poor service we received at this place. That said, the food was really quite good -- I would agree that the pizza here is a close contender to Grimaldi's. The portions are a bit small and it's a bit pricey, but the food here is delectable. I imagine coming here with a small group of people (four or less) would be a much more enjoyable experience. The service is the only thing that really turned me off of this place.
(3)Susan B.
So freakin' good. The thin crust is perfect, as are the small blobs of buffalo mozzarella. This, my friends, is the sort of pizza that reminds me why I could never leave New York.
(4)D K.
the good: the pizza is quite tasty. the 12 inch is enough for one person for sure. recommend the arugola. note that the 'calzone' under the pizza column is actually a calzone, rather than a pizza. the calzone itself was a bit skimpy on the stuffing, but the bread was thin, crunchy and quite good by itself. the bad: surprised how a busy friday night resulted in complete anarchy and amateur hour from the bartender to the waiters. owner was running around, clearly having delegation issues whilst working up a visible sweat. bartender was uninformed about booze (really?) and served warm beer. the wait staff appear to work on a zone-offense basis. first waiter was smart, knowledgeable and helpful - but another waiter swooped in and we noticed visable annoyance from our first waiter. bottom line - the pizza is good (albeit a few bucks more expensive than places like keste). recommend for small groups (less than 4) at non-busy hours; get the pizzas to go otherwise.
(3)Anya S.
The food here is phenomenal... I were dying this would be my last meal request. Arugula pizza with prosciutto...AMAZING...rigatoni pasta with eggplant...AMAZING...little fried nutella dessert...AMAZING. Also a great ambiance!
(5)Jen C.
Our very nice Italian server conned my 2 other friends and I into getting a large 16" pizza instead of a small 12" pizza even though we had just popped in to grab a bite since we had just recently eaten at another joint! What a charmer. But we stuffed ourselves silly and had one slice leftover to go. The pizza was good...we had the Diavola pizza with tomato, mozz, and spicy salami. The spicy salami/pepperoni was great. There were several different pizzas that I would've liked to try. I kept eating it even after having just eaten so it must've been good. This place was pretty packed on that Saturday night. Definitely enjoyable!
(3)Gloria G.
there are tons & tons of pizzeria/italian restaurants in nyc, and i have to say that I have never really been that impressed with any of them. they're all pretty generic. (aside from the usual nyc popular pizza spots). luzzo's, however, is above all this!!! it's got that GENUINE, rustic italian feel. exposed brick, hardwood floors & wooden tables. service staff was friendly & attentive. their pizza has the perfect amount of crust & crisp to it. and it's thin crust so i haven't left the restaurant like a bloated whale. i can actually finish half a pie here. the four cheese pizza is like no other. it's fresh, it's quality, it's luzzos! they have a generous selection so take your pick. i must say, the very first time i came here, i ordered the calzone pizza. it's pretty damn good, but beware, it really is made like a calzone with a thin layer of crust. i was not expecting this, but since they delivered such decadence to my mouth, i was able to look past the look of the calzone pizza. i've also had the gnocchi here & 'twas delish. i usually go for the creamy pasta sauces and i'm not really a HUGE fan of tomato sauce, but this was some bomb ass tomato sauce. it wasn't overly heavy. perfection. can't forget, the fried eggplant w/mozzarella & proscuitto for the appetizer is the perfect starter! nom nom nom ...i'm going to have a heart attack in this restaurant. but whatevers, it's that's good! o, and just as an FYI for you claustrophobic people here, if you're not seated in a booth, on a crowded night, you will literally be like 6 inches from the next party/table
(5)pauline L.
This place is my favorite pizza place in NY. The other two places that come close are Grimbaldi's in Brooklyn and Lombardi's. No--correction. It is my favorite pizza place of all times. The ingredients are super fresh, the marinara has a lot of taste to it, and the crust is light and crispy. Two people can eat a large. Seriously it is that good. I live in Chicago and I will come here every time I go to NYC. I think this is a hidden treasure that must be discovered. And if you go out the door, take a left and walk a block or 2 there's a cute little "green" bakery that has great organic cookies.
(5)Steve M.
Best pizza in NYC. Doesn't get any better. Order the square pizza and taste for yourself. Service is great (went on wednesday). Great desserts as well - hazelnut pie...sweet!
(5)Louis M.
Yeh it's what you heard, fine fine pizza with a special touch. Fun lively crowd. As Mark M says in his review, great for out-of-town friends, you take a walk on 1st Ave which is distinctly downtown NYish, point out places, see people, then a great NY time - who doesn't like pizza? Also enjoyed the cole cut platter, salad, and pastas were good.
(4)Royce S.
Amazing pizza joint. Nothing like New York pizza. You order a pizza and they throw it in the oven and its done in like 5min. Good olive oil on each slice in true New York fashion.
(5)m b.
The pizza is excellent and truly Neapolitan, really it's superb. Fresh, light, tasty. The appetizers are good portions and also very fresh. The pasta is actually homemade, and the sauce is light and perfect. I haven't had that good papardelle since I was last in Italy, and even it's only the better restaurants there (not necessarily the most expensive) that make me say this. I ate so much on our first visit, and then I wanted more. It's just bellissimo! We were there at about 2pm on a saturday. It was not crowded and the staff is attentive. Even if it was crowded, the food is so good you won't notice!
(4)DW B.
I almost never give max # reviews, but Italian food is my fav, have spent 2-3 months in Italy and this was the best spaghetti I've ever had in my life.
(5)Ro O.
Great place for pizza or amazing pasta dishes. My favorite is the pesto pasta with shrimp. I deduct one star because I think it is slightly over priced. Yet I continue to go back again and again - definitely worth it.
(4)Brett B.
I will reiterate what most yelpers say: the pizza is amazing. Atmosphere leaves something to be desired, especially on hot summer days. Shouldn't deter anyone from coming. Fantastic.
(5)Kate T.
Well, since this is my first pizza experience in NY, I can't shout "The best pizza in NY!!!" but I have to say it's the BEST PIZZA I had in my ENTIRE life!!!!! I never really like thin crusted pizza in the past, but their pizza is so different, I order the most simple one from the menu called "Bufala" recommended by the waitress, it's simply amazing.. only three ingredients in the pizza, tomato, mozzarella and basil, it's so simple yet so flavorful, I almost lick my fingers the Italian way to show how good the pizza was. The crust was thin but not crispy thin, and it's soft yet a bit crunchy. But the combination of everything just make it so special, I never taste anything pizza like this, so plain but yet the taste is amazing. We order the smaller pizza, and at the first bite, I regret that we didn't get the bigger one instead. The pasta was good but not great, I didn't get the "wow" factor like I did with the pizza. We ordered Tagliatelle Alla Bolognnese, it's just pasta w/ meat sauce, the pasta seems to be home made, very chewy and meat sauce is pretty good. Dessert was a so-so.. so go else where for dessert. :) If you live in NY.. gotta try them, I'm sure you won't regret.
(5)Jon G.
Up there in my top 5 pizza restaurants in NYC! Fresh and delicious, I am surprised this place isn't even more popular! The service is mediocre, as is the ambiance, but once the pizza comes, it is worth it. It tastes way better at the restaurant than getting it delivered, though if you can't make it out of the house, it's still worth a try! The east village has a lot of good pizza places. Surprisingly, I discovered this place when the line around the corner at Una Pizza was just too long. Although both claim to be neopolitan pizza (and perhaps both are), they are completely different in taste, both being excellent. If you live nearby and have not tried the place, put it at the top of your list. Also, the other food is pretty good so if a member of your party does not eat pizza, there are plenty of choices.
(5)Julie R.
Okay, I'm supposed to vegetarian. But Luzzo tempts me with their superb Pizza Michele. Prosciutto and truffle pate, need I say more? It's great going with big groups so that you can order more varieties of delicious, perfectly crisp thin-crusted pizza. The crust is so thin, that each person can easily eat half a small pie, but be full with half a large. The Arogola is amazing, too, and I feel better eating it since it's completely covered with fresh arugula, thus hiding the fiendishly delicious prosicutto underneath. Wash it all down with an affordably priced bottle of Montepulciano. Ahhh, perfect.
(5)Adriano R.
Great pizza. We ordered a diavola to split (basically a margherita with soppresata) and it tasted almost exactly like what I've had in Italy on many occasions. It's clear they use fresh, quality ingredients and know what pizza should taste like. Go here and not Una Pizza Napoletana if you want real pizza at a reasonable price. Also- service was excellent- the waiter even spoke to me in Italian since he realized I am fluent. Cool interior as well.
(4)Eileen H.
I could give Luzzo's more stars if it had better customer service. My husband and I went to Luzzo's last night with a friend and were very disappointed with the marked difference in the service we received compared to the other guests around us. Was it because we looked young or something? It wasn't until our meal was almost over that I realized all of the other tables had bread baskets and were being friendly greeted by the manager/whoever-seemed-in-charge. Our glasses of water ran empty and our leftover pizza was folded and cramped into a round aluminum take-out container meant for pasta. I would assume they ran out of pizza boxes or something, except that other people were walking out with them. I normally wouldn't care that much about the service since it was busy and we really didn't have to wait that long for our food--but the fact that we were treated so differently is unacceptable and the pizza here is not worth it for me to come here again. On that note, the pizza was good--the crust really is very thin. We laughed when our server told us that the 16" pie was only meant to serve 2 people--but that actually turned out to be pretty true since the crust is so thin that each slice is not very filling. Another thing that I didn't like was that basil was listed as a topping on one of the pizzas we ordered, and there was only a single basil leaf placed like a garnish on the pie. If it's just a garnish, don't list it as a topping! Pizza lovers should go to Luzzo's for the sake of sampling all the pizza NYC has to offer, but I just hope they give you better service than they gave to us.
(3)Alyssa G.
Really delicious pizza (and cheesecake!). We were going to check out Motorino around the corner, but there was a long wait and a hostess with a bad attitude. So glad we went here instead! Plus, the people running it are actually Italian, which is rare in NYC.
(4)Steven S.
I think my pizza partner and I settled on something like 3.5 stars for Luzzo's. Tiny place but with more space than at first it appears, Luzzo's was crowded with a modest line at the door when we arrived on a Saturday night. I had the Tartufata (Tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle, pâté, basil) for $18, and she the Michele (Mozzarella, prosciutto, funghi and truffle pâté, no tomato sauce) for $19, both 12". A little on the expensive side, perhaps, but a very filling meal for both of us. The crust was thin but not soggy with a nice, crisp consistency. The sauce was just sweet enough. As usual at most of these fancy pizza places, they were stingy with the basil, but it can be an overwhelming flavor, so perhaps I make too big a deal of it. Personally, I wouldn't mind being given a whole bowl of it to just eat with a fork. The prosciutto was applied liberally enough, however, especially given its saltiness, and was delicious. I don't like that these thin crust pizzas get cold so fast (the cheese on the last few slices always ends up congealed), but what can they do? I had an idea for a warming plate served at your table to keep the pizza hot while you eat. Patent pending, unless some Japanese guy thought of it first, as is likely. Service was Italian and perfunctory.
(3)Madeleine R.
I will always love Luzzo's, but I REALLY wish New York Magazine hadn't ranked them the 6th best pizza in NYC in last week's Cheap Eats issue. Usually on a weeknight, the wait for two people at Luzzo's is a quick 10 minutes. I came by on Wednesday night around 7:45pm and the wait was 45 minutes. There were mobs of people both inside and on the sidewalk. I used to call for delivery pretty frequently and it would take under half an hour... Now it takes an hour. Damn you, NY magazine.
(4)john l.
OK Pasquale your pizza is better than # 6 and you could make a case for #1! Love this place !!!!! Octopus with rocket, Amerone on sale, and possibly the best pizza in the city, noisy and fun and frozen lemonchella for desert, on the house; thanks Pasquale.
(5)Christian R.
Simply the best pizza in New York City, but comes nowhere close to the traditional New Haven pie ; ) I've had John's, Patsy's, etc and none of them compare to the authenticity of real Sicilian thin crust pizza. You're not going to get antipasti on this menu- these guys don't mess around. It's really crowded on most Fri and Sat nights- I can't remember if they take reservations- but make sure you go in small groups or with a friend or date. I highly recommend the prosciutto, arugula, and bufala mozzarella pie. Everything is fresh and full-flavored. Bufala mozzarella almost melts in your mouth- and is baked with such precision and the utmost care. A nice chianti complements this particular selection very well.
(5)Beverly H.
i've come to Luzzo's twice now since it seems to be the only italian restaurant in east village that comes to people's minds but after trying this place for a second time, this time trying a pasta dish, i have to ultimately say, it's only ok. while the atmosphere seems truely authentic italian which leads me to believe so is the food, nothing in the dishes i ordered truely had any bang. On top of that, for the prices they charge, i expect some goosebumps at least. all i can say is the most exciting aspect about the place is the bread and olive oil. the service is nice also.
(3)Moriah R.
I love Luzzo's. I love the waitstaff, the food and the ambiance. I would recommend to someone who is looking for a casual place and great food, always. The pizza rocks!
(5)Kathleen G.
We had a little service snafu, but the Manager more than made up for it, so a solid four stars. Friend and I came in for dinner, got some wine at the bar and waited a few minutes. The manager chatted with us during that time, so maybe he was pre-disposed to be nice to us later. We get seated and my friend orders pasta, I order pizza. Hers come out in a reasonable time. Mine ... not so much. She waits, we look around. It becomes obvious that they just forgot my order. The manager came over and explained, I said it was ok, and can we please get another glass of wine while we wait? He come back with a brand new bottle, pours us each a glass, smiles at us, and just sets the entire bottle on the table. Immediately, our irritation was history, haha! If nothing else, manager's got his shit together when it comes to placating customers. Overall, my friend's pasta (the gnocchi) was really good, my pizza was great (once it arrived) and the staff (our waitress and manager) were very helpful in correcting the mistake. I'm sure it was just a mistake, as everyone else in the restaurant seemed happy, so I don't hold it against them and would definitely go back.
(4)Zeb C.
Been enjoying Luzzos for years, but recently had an awful experience there. Mozzarella was sub par and unbelievably FROZEN. There must be new management or something. Service was lousy and the atmosphere was notable for the TV on volume 11. Complaints to management were met with a shrug. Remove Luzzos from your list of East Village must try eateries. There are plenty of other good choices.
(1)Erika H.
Best pizza place ever in NYC, hands-down. The buffalo mozzarella pizza is to die for!! I haven't read any of the reviews here, but if anyone says anything about taking off a star for the decor or whatever -- YOU ARE AN IDIOT. By the time you take a huge bite out of the perfectly thin, melt-in-your-mouth gooey goodness, you should've forgotten about complaining about the lack of decor and "atmosphere", which really has no place in a pizza restaurant anyway.
(5)Andrew M.
Great thin crust style pizza and a homely vibe venue. My favourite place to eat Italian in NYC.
(5)Taylor M.
This is my favorite pizzeria in NY that transports me to Napoli, Italy. From the crisp, gossamer thin crust with exclusive use of buffalo mozzarella to their excellent cafe americano, all I can say is "Mangiamo!!!"
(4)Natalia H.
Very fresh, tasty pizza. The place gets crowded early but it's worth the wait. The pizza is not too thick, not too thin and the crust is soft and chewy. The sauce is flavorful yet not overpowering, the cheese is fresh buffalo mozzarella. Wine is very reasonably priced. The staff is attentive and chat in Italian. Yes, the pizza is a bit pricey but the fresh ingredients totally justify the price.
(5)Dr. M.
Real lunch on weekends. Authentic Italian. Especially good for Neapolitan coal oven pizza. Can get very crowded and noisy, but it's worth it.
(4)Daniel F.
Still looking forward to trying other pizza places in NYC, but this was a great start. Surely the best pizza I've had. I wanted to eat it very slowly so that I wouldn't finish it. After we all had our first bite, there was a brief moment of silence, and we knew we had a real contender here. I''m sure there are other great pizza places in the city, but this is one to beat.
(5)Bethany L.
Amazing pizza, great atmosphere. I will be returning again and again. I'm not sure if I would say it's the best pizza in the city, but it's definitely within the top 5.
(4)Minh N.
I have to first start with a disclaimer that I did not end up ordering the pizza toppings I wanted, but instead let my cousin who was visiting from CA handle that. She wanted pizza, and even though it was tempting to take her to Lombardi's since i'd never been, this place got such better reviews and it's a few blocks away, so why not. We got the sausage, ricotta, and olive pizza even though I just wanted to try the bufala pizza i kept reading about, but i liked those toppings anyway so it was fine. But I was wrong, the olives were super salty, and I think all of the toppings made the pizza a little bit soggy. It just had a watery liquid running over it that ruined the crust for me. I can see how if the pizza were made perfectly crispy I'd love this, but maybe i just got it on an off night. I'll have to give it another shot because i really do believe in this place.
(3)angie s.
This is BEST pizza place ever!! I live in california and I was visiting NY. I read some good review fro yelp so I wanted to try it. I still think about Luzzo's pizza and craving for it everday!! You lucky newyorkers!!!
(5)Ian G.
I had high hopes; good reviews and I received a glowing recommendation from a friend. However, I found the pizza to be mediocre. Plus, Lombardi's delivers to my door, which is in another league.
(2)Ronda W.
The pizza here is really good! I went on saturday night so it was pretty noisy, but in a lively way. The pasta portions are pretty small though, so I recommend that groups order a large pizza pie to share. We ordered the bruschetta as our appetizer and I was a little dissappointed; for $7 we got three peices of very crunchy bread with some tomatoes on it-- not recommended. The servers were friendly and helpful and even communicated in Italian with my friend who is a beginner in Italian (no rudeness at all). Simply put, order their pizzas and you'll happy and satiated!
(4)Y S.
I ordered the "Bufala" and the "Luzzo's" pizza for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. The "Bufala" was a standard Margherita however the "Luzzo's" was a no tomato sauce pizza with cherry tomatoes and covered with arugula. Both pizzas were excellent. This is one of the best pizza's I have had in Manhattan and definitely worth a try. I look forward to going back to try some other items on their menu.
(4)Jonathan T.
I had the arugula and proscuitto pizza here. It was good, but not as satisfying as Lombardi's. I think the pizza is more like Italy style than Lombardi's which has a more american feel to it. Lombardi's is also waaay more busy and packed. The environment here is more friendly and relaxed. The wait staff is also friendlier, maybe because they're less busy. The waiter even mentioned this is just like the pizza he has back home in Italy. Because of him, I give this place 5 starts, otherwise 4.5.
(5)Elizabeth V.
Awesome little find. Have gone there two times and the staff has always been very friendly - my favorite is by far the truffle pizza! Get it! Decor is very welcoming. Don't forget to ask for the spicy oil and that it is cash or Amex only.
(5)Vicki D.
GREAT. Pizza - I recommend the diavola, the truffle one with prosciutto, and the rucola. Calamari is nice and light, so is the bruschetta. Wine offerings are standard. Came with a large party and the service was quick! Bring cash or amex if you have one.
(4)Katrina L.
One of the best pizza places in the city. Hot, fresh, chewy, not soggy in the middle. You might also see a couple celebrities there :)
(4)Irene C.
Delicious pizza, delicious crust. My friend and I shared the Martha (mozzarella, basil, truffle oil, prosciutto) in a 16'' pizza, and it was phenomenal. Literally I want to order this every day for dinner now. And I don't even like pizza that much! Service was fine on a Saturday afternoon. Nothing noticeably wrong, which is always a plus.
(5)Lana T.
My 100th review goes to my favorite pizza place in NYC. Read my previous reviews and GO! Chili oil is a MUST!
(5)Steve R.
I have eaten about 8 "est" pizzas from here since trying it four months ago. It's very reminiscent of great pizza places in Florence and Naples. The crust is perfectly charred but chewy, and the center of the pizza is gooey and creamy. I am about to order another one...
(5)Brittany A.
Delicious thin crust, Naples style pizza in a delightful environment. I came here with a Yelp friend and we split a 16'' pizza with mozzerella cheese, basil, and truffle oil. The pizza ($23) was a enough for 2 people and definitely left us fully satisfied. The decor is adorable and I loved the details such as the upside down chair and table. It is a small pizza parlor so it does get very crowded on weekends. There is also a bar area with some chairs where you can sit and eat or order a glass of vino while you are waiting for your table. The waitstaff was great! Our pizza came out so quickly and our waiter was constantly filling up our water glasses. Notes: Cash only. Come on a weeknight so you don't have to fight the crowds.
(4)Hyungki P.
First time trying NY pizza, so I have nothing to compare this with. However, my taste buds are still traumatized and drooling from the thought of this place. Extra cool points for chairs attached to the ceiling. Gimmie PIZZA... P-I-Z-Z-A
(5)Jacek L.
Luzzo's takes the cake, or in this case, pie, when it comes to a good pizza. Being the pizza snob that I am, i have a top three, but after I ate here, a fourth spot was taken. Luzzo's actually took the number one spot. If you are in the area, better yet, go to the area and have their pizza. You will not be sorry
(5)Jando S.
Luzzo's is hardly one's typical New York style pizzeria, and that's exactly why I love it. It's a far cry from the hearty NY foldable slice and more akin to the thin Neapolitan variety found in Europe. The place didn't always win me over, service was amiss at times and it was generally a tough sell for groups larger than 4. Over time it seems these issues have been less prevalent and I've been able to enjoy myself here again. As for the pizza, well, it's phenomenally delicious. It's easy to miss a place like Luzzo's. There is no giant conspicuous signage or an ambiguously cheesy website to promote its works of pizza art. The place is absurdly narrow, which puts into question how they manage to cram any group of people, let alone the tiny tables for some NYU kid's date night. Whoever did their interior design has interesting taste: the random, even partially strange, funky decor? Upside down lamps and chairs? It may double as a wing of a Halloween venue in some scenarios. People have already noted Luzzo's place among the gods in the NY pizza scene and I for one believe it deserves to be there. There are plenty of pizza joints that mirror each other but how many others are able to execute the coal oven, thin Neapolitan slice as well as they do? Few and far between. Price wise they're not too crazy, but the pizzas won't be nearly as filling as the nearby alternative. Folks are keen to order the personal sizes (12 inch from $14-18), but the 16 inch pies ($23-26) are the perfect size for sharing. Recommended starters include the patata a modo nostro (potatoes au gratin with mozzarella and ham - awesome), arancini di carne (rice bals with meat ragu), and even the frito napoletano (fried Neapolitan platter). I'd also recommend some of the salads and pastas, but really the pizza steals the show. First timers ought to try the Bufala ($21), a simple pie consisting of tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, and basil, is among the standouts among their array of quality pizzas. It's hard for me to resist the Martha ($24), a lovely thin crusted pie of mozzarella, prosciutto, truffle pate, basil (though there is no tomato sauce). Finally, the Burtta Ma Buona ($25) is utterly ridiculous pie containing tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives, and basil, and is a delicious every time. Whenever I find myself in the East Village looking for a sit down pizzeria with folks as eager as I to tear up some serious pies, Luzzo's answers the call almost every time. I often will call ahead of time to find out the wait time and if it exceeds more than an hour, I'm placing an order to go.
(5)Melvin A.
I love the food! The service is attentive and the atmosphere is cozy. Never disappointed!
(4)Stockton J.
Best pizza I've had in Manhattan. Amazing mozzarella and prosciutto starter that reminds me of being back in Italy. Wish they took reservations and credit cards, but this place is still worth it.
(5)Rama D.
This is one of my favorite pizzerias in New York City as a whole. The pies reminds me of when Lombardi's pizza was good in the late 90's. Everything about their pie is fantastic. The campana pie is what delivers me for me every time. Great staff as well!
(5)Dorim L.
Best pizza ever. I read some other reviews and how people thought the pizza was a bit on the limp side. I have noticed but that's how I like my pizza. I LOVE the crust and sauce. It has a nice oomph to it since I can taste a bit of the tartness and saltiness; a great combo. I wished we tried the various pastas but I was focused on just their pizzas. I'll try the other dishes next time and there will definitely be a next time.
(5)Joe G.
Forgot to mention : What's up with not having Garlic powder at Luzzo's?? Yes the pizza is good enough, but I always enjoy garlic, oregano and red pepper on any pizza I take down. I recently noticed a lot of places around the city not putting these garnishes out - particularly Garlic. Is this some new hipster thing? People not eating pizza with Garlic anymore? It's just crazy. Probably shouldn't take a star away, but don't tell customers how they should enjoy their pizza. Garlic powder is the number 1 pizza topping - don't act like you're too good for it.
(4)Lawrence Z.
Pizza was phenomenal. Definitely get the one with prosciutto and truffle oil, eggplant appetizer, and down it with a Moretti beer.
(4)Tom O.
We waited 45 minutes for our waiter to realize he forgot to put in our order. After reminding him twice, he actually went back to put it in. The food looked good jut we bailed out of the principle before getting served. Sorry. We were really looking forward to it.
(1)Caroline E.
The Speck pizza was Specktacular. Hole in the wall place in NYC. Includes upside down furniture on the ceiling and old photos on the wall. I would recommend sitting in the back room, more ambiance with the kitchen and you can see everyone in front. Although the pizza was very affordable, we split a bottle of wine and the only options were $38 or $40. Downside: THEY ONLY TAKE AMERICAN EXPRESS! (Just a heads up)
(4)Jason T.
i'm a pizza freak and this place is definitely a top ten pizza in NYC kind of place. There has been a bit of an explosion of real pizza here in the last decade. Prior to that it would have been top 5. I had pizza in Naples back in the 70's when I was a kid and this comes very close. It's the real thing. You pay a premium but it's worth it. Go check it out!
(5)Don W.
Great thin crust Naples style coal oven pizza. Small and local, they only accept cash and AMEX. No Visa or MasterCard.
(4)Eddie C.
I came here with a large group of 9 people, and I have to say was quite impressed with the pizza quality. We ordered several apps and 4 large pizzas. We ordered the Argula, Tartufata, EST. and Aglietta. The Argula and EST were pretty standard, but I was especially impressed with the Tartufata and Aglietta. The truffle on the tartufata was delicious and made a great touch! If you love garlic, the Aglietta is definitely worth it. It has cloves of roasted garlic on it and is quite strong. Wouldn't go kissing anyone after eating this! In general though, the crust is the star of the pizza here. It stays so crispy even after the pizza sits for awhile. A little on the pricy side, but the pizza is delicious here.
(4)May L.
Best.Pizza.Ever. A simple pie of deliciousness. I can still taste the truffle oil in my dream. 3 girls shared a pie plus a calamari and we were full and happy. Love the quirky decor too!
(5)Sean M.
Arugula Pizza - 4 Stars. The arugula on the pizza was good, but a little much Michele Pizza - 5 Stars. One of the best pizza's I have ever had. Calamari - 4.5 Stars
(5)Ann Beth C.
Loved it! Either I have been so pizza starved since being on the West Coast or this was just a truly outstanding pizza. I am going with outstanding. One pie had sausage, not cherry peppers and cheese (#13 with a substitute for ham) and one was #20 red with roasted garlic. My question about the roasted garlic, why do more places not do it? The crust was thin, and amazing. The sauce, like it should be, great tomato flavor and not tasting like cheap spices. Mozzarella, just enough. We got there just after opening and pizza came out quick. All 4 of us agreed that this blew Lombardi's out of the water. So good, I want to go back today!
(5)Giovanna A.
Best pizza in NYC! The thin crust pizza makes it so easy to indulge in several slices, without feeling full. You feel like you stepped into a pizzeria in Naples, Italy. The staff speaks Italian & has a very cozy vibe to it. The restaurant is narrow & the wait can be long, but it is all worth the experience. You do not know what you're missing!
(5)Jeff G.
Luzzos is great. Great location, great staff, just all around the full package. I don't consider it the best pizza place ever but Luzzos has definitely become a regular go to place for me. Typically there's never a long wait, it consistently gives me a good experience, the atmosphere in the place isn't too loud or crowded. It's a great go to place when you're like "I want something good, I don't want to deal with long waits, I want to sit and have a drink with some friends where we all can be seated easily". It's the no hassle go to restaurant, perfect for dinner meetings also.
(4)Maeve C.
It's always a good sign when the plainest option tastes phenomenal, in this case, the Bufala pizza was phenomenal and well-worth the trip through the freezing cold. My friends and I met here for dinner one night, and I loved the atmosphere upon walking in and sitting at the bar to wait. It is so low key and inviting, with tons of wood and warm lighting that feels rustic and comfortable. Prices are a little steep for what you get, I mean $17 bucks for a personal pizza is a little much for me, but I sucked it up. I think the way to go is to split an appetizer and get the 16 inch pie for two people, as the price per square inch of pizza significantly drops at the point. It's super cute for an intimate date, but I also saw a couple of larger groups.
(4)Angelina P.
Great food great service. The most incredible pizza i have ever eaten. Fresh and delicious. The stuff was quick friendly and accommodating. Will definitely go back! Amazing!
(5)Dana F.
Fantastic! Absolutely loved the thin crust pizza and the appetizers, especially the artichokes. The decor is adorable and they take reservation (big plus when compared to other top notch pizza places in the east village like motorino). Highly recommended
(4)Christine T.
Oh my.... finally a real pizza place! The thin crust on this pizza is pretty much like crack, the flavor, tomato sauce, and the chili oil at this place just makes me happy! I haven't really found any good pizza in nyc since i've been here but Luzzo does the trick so far. I had the arugula pizza which comes with prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella.. the chili oil is amazing, but it makes the pizza super oily! Staff is nice, no wait on a friday night and good enough space for groups.
(5)Ellen F.
Luzzos is amazing. Great service, all the pizzas are divine. I recommend the speck pizza, the diavolo and Tartufata.
(4)Lizi C.
Great pizza! It is simple and delicious. We ordered the 16" which was a hearty portion for 2 people. The crust was perfection and the olive oil on the table was an excellent addition. We went on a Sunday afternoon so it wasn't that busy. Service was efficient and attentive and our pizza came out in about 10 minutes or maybe a little bit less. Cash or American Express only. We'll be back!
(4)Pizzadog 8.
NEVER GET DELIVERY! The lady who works the phones is one of the worst people I have ever dealt with and I've worked in restaurants for almost 10 years. She was rude and also...wrong. The pizza is amazing. Dine in or nothing.
(1)Silvia F.
My husband and I are Italian (not American-Italian, we are straight from Italy) and we have been on the hunt for authentic, delicious Italian pizza in New York. We have found 3-4 good spots but when we tried Luzzo's....we declared it the ultimate winner! The crust is absolutely perfect, traditional Napoletana style, the ingredients are fresh and it is even more delicious than some pizzas we have had in Italy, and that is a compliment! I wish it were not so insanely difficult to get seated (even with reservations made well in advance we have usualy waited 30 minutes), but it is worth it! I can't say anything about the non-pizza items on the menu, we've never tried them because we always want to "save all our room" for the delicious pizza!!! Either way, 5 stars, absolutely!
(5)Xoxox X.
I remember when this place opened and it was excellent. Back when they really cared about the quality. The service was really friendly and hospitable too. Then suddenly one day, the pizza was under cooked, rushed from the ovens, and the eggplant parm was half the size of the original. For the same price. I'm not kidding. And the service was like a bus stop. I'm sorry to see this because when they opened, they were very authentic, and then they became just another over crowded place with mediocre food. I really miss the original quality, especially since I know that they can pull it off.
(2)Kyle R.
Luzzo's is my favorite pizza place in nyc! This place is very authentic and even has Italian servers. The girl who recommended this place to me brought her friend from Italy to Luzzo's and she said the pizza was better then anything she has had in Italy. I've tried 3 different pizzas here and they were all awesome! Only bad part is that they only take cash/American express and that the appetizers are VERY small portions.
(5)Trisha M.
Really yummy pizza and phenomenal customer service. Definitely adding this as a staple restaurant in my life.
(4)Justine G.
8 out of 10. The food was absolutely perfect! The spaghetti carbonara is to die for! And the pizza! it's number 11 on the menu but the service is poor :( they're not busy when we came but they're not helpful at all to tell whats on the menu since its an italian menu. Lastly they only accept cash and amex card.
(4)Clarita H.
This place might be okay for pizza, but their pastas, and meatball appetizer, left us unsatisfied. I got the Bucatini with capers, olives and anchovies...they gave me fusilli and there was no anchovies, but an overload of olives. My husband ordered the rigatoni with baby back ribs, meatballs and sausage...would've been nice if he got a meatball, actual sausage and something other than pork fat with bones. The appetizer of 3 little meatballs in mediocre sauce for 11 bucks, not worth it. It would help if they at least give you whats described in their menu.
(2)Daniel C.
Who said that you have to go to Lombardi's to get a great slice of pizza! Luzzo's pizza is quite phenomenal on it's own way. I had the Salsicca and the Bufala and I was extremely impressed. It's not cheap but well worth the price. Pizza Breakdown: Crust - Excellent (thin crust) Sauce - Excellent Cheese - Great My goal is to search for the ultimate Pizza slice in the Metro area. If you are reading this review and know of an outstanding Pizza place in New Jersey or New York kindly let me know. I would love to try it.
(5)Rachel K.
Quiet, casual, but most of all delicious. This is what I envision when thinking of NY pizza. Got the bufala, and everything about it was perfect. Crust was chewy yet crisp. And the mozzarella? A+. Luzzo's is a must!
(5)John H.
As far New York pizza is concerned, I only have Grimaldi's to compare Luzzo's to. And that is a pretty good pizza to compare yourself to. Unfortunately, Luzzo's didn't live up to expectations. I was visiting a friend in New York and he suggested this place. It was a rain soaked day and I was ready for some warm food. Got into Luzzo's and ordered a pizza. A sausage pizza I believe. A good pizza. It was just what I wanted on a cold rainy day. If I lived in the neighborhood, this could be a regular hangout. However, it's not the mind-blowing experience that my other pizza experience was.
(3)Camille K.
The pizza is amazing. My family and I went pretty classic and just ordered the regular margarita one (unfortunately I forget the name) and we were not disappointed. The bruschetta was just ok, it was way too oily. Also, the service was nothing to rave about. It was quick but out waiter didn't really connect with us at all. I would efinitely return and recommend this to all of my friends in the area who are craving pizza!
(4)Amy S.
YUMS. We got three different kind of pizzas for the 10 of us (approximately?) and a truffle pasta, yum yum! My favorite was the arugula. OMG, I would get an arugula pizza everyday if I could. The others definitely weren't bad either, but I currently can't remember which ones we got. I just can only remember the arugula right now. Also, that truffle pasta. MMMmm, that was tasty. Kind of heavy, so it was good we shared, but still good. I want pizza. Right now.
(5)Isabelle Z.
A great pizza place that has amazing service and delicious pizza and salad. In my opinion, the salsiccia e broccoli (broccoli rabe & sausages) pizza is my favorite: it doesn't contain any tomato sauce, but the flavor is all there; it's light and refreshing. If you're a lover of prosciutto like me, go for the arugula. Another aspect that I find important for pizza is the dough/crust. Here, the dough is both fragrant and fluffy, slightly charred from the brick oven pizza, but still one of the most delicious crusts I have ever had. I've already been here several times, and I will definitely be back ....as often as possible! You won't be disappointed! **ALSO, maybe this comes natural to people but because I ALWAYS have trouble debating how much pizza will satiate my hunger, an 18" is more than enough for 2 people, and an 18" + 12" is perfect for 3.
(4)Honora M.
Went in to order and carry out. Took over half an hour to get one measly pizza; when I got it home, it was cold and sloppy with the cheese falling all over the place. Plus they were rude. Never again. I'll eat at the dollar slice place first.
(1)Carrie H.
amazing, amazing pizza - one of my favorites. Service was OK but the pizza did come out really fast! But you live in NYC, so you're not really coming for the service...
(4)Josephine L.
I consider myself a bit of a pizza connoisseur and this is one of the best pizza spots in nyc. - crispy, thin dough - sweet but tangy sauce - perfect amount of cheese - high quality toppings
(5)J A Y.
The best pizza in town for me. I've tried Lombardi's, DiFara's, and Grimaldi's, Juliana's. I think Among the four, it's a toss up between DiFara's and Luzzo's but DiFara's is a lot more $$$$. I think Luzzo's gets it right with the perfect crust and thickness. True NY pizza
(5)Sara N.
In the mood for an early dinner, a gal pal carelessly searched for a pizza joint in our area and we landed in front of Luzzo's door not realizing what lay before us. Only the best authentic Italian pizza in a city with a population of 8.3 million people. After sitting down in a charming wooden booth, she ordered the bufala, I ordered the marinara pie. Baked with a fresh, thin crust, the marinara was layered with a tangy tomato sauce and generously sprinkled with oregano, garlic, and basil. I wolfed down the entire pie before my friend even finished her second slice, so I moved onto her bufala.
(4)Phuong T.
LOVE their pizzas! Honestly the best crust I've had to date! :) We asked our friends local to NYC to take us to great NY pizza, so they took us here. It was busy when we arrived on a Friday night, but Sam fortunately called ahead, and we were seated after waiting 2 minutes. The place is cozy and warm and casual. We ordered three pizzas: the bufala (their margharita), the martha (I think?) with mushrooms added, and the arugola. All three were fantastic due to the fabulous crust, but the table favorite was easily the pizza with mushrooms and truffle (oh, maybe that was the Michele). We had 6 people in our party, and the place is really narrow, so if you have a group larger than 4 or 5 people, get really comfortable with your table, lol. I can't speak to how it is when you order takeout from here, but definitely eat in sometime to enjoy their pies fresh from the oven. :)
(5)Cat N.
Pizza at Luzzo's is great. But when I called to put in my order today, they quoted me a new - different (higher) price than at their website. Normally I do not quibble about two dollars, but this time I happened to have the exact change for my pizza, tax + delivery tip (the place is cash only and so is delivery). When I pointed out that the price on their own website is different, they said that the online menu is for a different location! Well, it its not, it has a little map next to the menu and the phone # of the 1st ave place. Not a nice way to treat someone that orders from your shop once a week, Luzzo's. Having something else tonight.
(2)Lu H.
Came here for a birthday dinner and the pizza was bangin. We had a range of vegetarians, carnivores, booze happy and non-drinkers -- everyone was happy. The most popular pizza was the 4 cheese topping. Even the non-vegetarians thought it was delicious. The much hailed arugula and proscuitto pizza was also delicious, but not as amazing as the 4 cheese. Olive and mushroom pizza was good too. Cheap wine, good meatballs & eggplant parm, mediocre calamari. I say skip the calamari - but someone inevitably wants to order it. Definitely go with the LARGER size. The personal sized pie is not much cheaper and not worth it. Go big or go home.
(5)Vishal S.
Most Definitely one of the best Pizza places in NYC. Am a regular at Luzzo's whenever I am in the city. Their red wine is good too! Love the perfectly done thin crust and the crispiness of the pie. Among our favorites are Napoletana, Calzone (as a pizza), Piccante. Service is A-OK and hence just the 4 stars.
(4)Clarissa M.
Have come here several times with family and friends. It's consistently good pizza. You really can't go wrong with any of the pizza dishes, but I'm partial to the one with mushrooms and the other with the truffle pâté. Oh and if you're sharing dessert, the Nutella pizza is crazy good.
(5)Frank B.
This place has not failed me again, I took my girlfriend and I into the city for her birthday and being the place that we enjoyed so much she decided that we should go back because of how good it was. Once we got in there we ordered to Heinekens and to start off we got the meatballs (which was not as good as I expected the meatballs were very tough and very small for 10$! We got 3 tiny meatballs for 10$! But I didn't expect much out of that)But these bread dipping sticks came with the meatballs and we dipped them into the sauce and the sauce was soooo good I tried to get the recipe from the guy but they didn't budge!:( so we obviously ordered the 16" bufala pizza which was amazing once again. I am speechless to describe the pizza but all I can say is that you have to go here and get the pizza because it. Is. Amazing. I recommended this place to everyone it just sucks that I don't live in the city anymore or I would make many more frequent stops here. 600th review!!! WOOO
(5)michael c.
Luzzo's....great restaurant so long as you have AMEX or cash. I took my 3 year old son there for dinner and as 3 year olds are wont to do he fell asleep at the table before I could get the check. I didn't have cash and the only card i had was a master card debit. They don't accept this and they demonstrated no willingness to work with me at all. Had to carry my son out the door in the heat & humidity to find an ATM leaving my bags behind. The hostess, while very gracious said simply that it was the owners choice. The waiter/manager says that there's a sign i should've seen well before sitting. Sorry...I've got a tiger by the tail with a 3 year old. Sorry i missed your placard. Good answer though to an upset patron. Well the owner might just regret his choice. I live in Stuyvesant Town which i would imagine is a great source of business for Luzzo's. Social media is a powerful tool and I intend to use it to inform would be patrons of the policy and my experience with it. I won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)Aubrey X.
how about a review not for pizza? even though, i'm salivating as i read everyone's description of the thin crust and fresh toppings, when i went to luzzo's with my bf, we were in the mood for pasta. even though luzzo's selection of pasta is way smaller than their selection of pies, we both ordered the paccheri al ragu napoletano. it looked super delish on paper. italian sausage, ribs, and meatballs? yes please! okay. so it's not exactly right to pluralize the meats included in the dish. it ended up being one sizeable chunk of each, but perfectly seasoned and tender, tasting divine with the thick homemade pasta and tomato sauce. each type of meat tasted different as well, it's nothing like the chef boyardee crap where your meatball and ravioli and lasagna all tastes the same - well of course this is a restaurant but i only have that canned stuff to use as reference : ) the rib was falling off the bone, sausage sweet and spicy, and meatball flavorful and hearty. we both loved our identical pastas identically as much, enough to have wanted to order another bowl of it each! the atmosphere here i feel is very suited for authentic italian family gatherings. when we were there, there were a huge group of an italian family and friends /very loudly/ celebrating a birthday in the back section of luzzo's. not complaining - i think it goes to show how cozy these patrons feel dining at luzzo's to regard it almost as a home given the volume of their party. good for them, i say!
(5)Michael L.
Based on the Delivery experience, the pizza was deeeee-lish. It did however come kind of warm. The crust was moist and softened up as a result. Nothing that a couple minutes in the oven couldnt solve. After a reheat in the oven, this pizza had transformed into something terrific. The crust was cripsy and fluffy, I also added tons of fresh basil on top. We ordered the Diavola which has spicy salami, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil. The salami at Di Fara's was better but overall ingredients were high quality. Just wish i didnt have to use my own fresh herbs to garnish the pie. Will def be on the list of great pizzas that are close to me. btw CASH ONLY for delivery. and i think CASH or AMEX if you dine in.
(4)Andy S.
I had a pizza with spicy salami and ricotta. Quite delicious. This is quite a big step above pizza you'll find in random pizza joints throughout the city.
(4)Roger A.
OK pizza. I like the restaurant ambiance but the food just average for NYC. Toppings were tasty but the thin crust was soggy in the middle. Everything just slid off when I picked up a slice. I think they put just too much cheese and sauce which weighs down the dough. Less is just sometimes more. Another problem I have is that they say they are authentic italian pizza....really? I have been to Italy and I don't think so.........
(3)Antoinette D.
I went here as a party of 7- had made a reservation first so we did not wait too long once we got there. Upon ordering our appetizer, one of my friends just wanted to clarify if there were any peanut or peanut oil products she should steer clear from. The waiter looked confused and couldn't understand that she had a severe allergy to peanuts. He initially just told her to avoid the fried foods- kind of a weird answer. He went to check with someone upon her request and came back still with the same answer, nothing more definite. Although that is a bit of a challenge and scare for someone with an allergy, the food did not disappoint. The food was great all around- we split 5 different pizzas and they were all delicious. I would definitely return but maybe call beforehand for a reservation and to make sure you know about the ingredients they cook with
(4)Abby R.
The best pizza ever! Decent sized restaurant (for manhattan) with an authentic Italian feel. I have never been to Italy, but I would imagine this is what their pizza tastes like. The pizzas are cooked in a coal oven, and the crust is thin and crispy without being too tough. Each bite is full of so many different delicious flavors. AMAZING.
(5)Babak A.
I thought the pizza here was good, but nothing spectacular. I like NO.28 on carmine in west village much more than here. I also got the rice balls which I though again were average.
(3)Matthew S.
Great pizza...some reviewers complained about sparse cheese...go to dominoes...higher quality ingredients in more tasteful proportions here. You will not be disappointed here. It is more italian style pizza than new york, regardless, it is wonderful.
(5)Mariam S.
By far the best pizza I've had on the island! Better than Motorino's - the mozzarella is less water-y. I may or may not have eaten half a pie on my own, though, so be warned.
(4)Helena H.
1 Pizza, 3 people = Happy Ending! Thin Crust Pizza, AWESOME!!!! a bit far from the transportation, but after eating this I will need a walk to burn it off. Is RIDICULOUSLY GOOD! (Margherita if you want to know what I had). If you don't believe me, GO and try it yourself! My favorite is: BUFALA (tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, basil) Plain and simple, Thin slices that everything is well balanced with the Bread, sauce and cheese. ARUGULA (with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmigiano, arugula) ... DOOOLING!
(5)Anuy L.
Meal was served super fast during busy hours. Staff is generally friendly but forgot a dish we ordered.
(4)Nanci S.
I've come here a few times. I was glad that I found this place through Yelp. There is nothing better than a pizza out of a coal oven. The service is very quick as well. The ambiance is relaxed and low-lighted. The pizza is a bit overpriced, but it's worth it. My favorite is the Salsiccia and Pizza Fritta! Just pure tasty. Oh and for dessert try the tiramisu. You can never go wrong with that. The only drawback was that this place only accepts American Express. So, if you don't have that -- bring cash.
(5)Priyanka P.
Mmmmmm.... Think thin, thin crust. So thin that it slides in your hand. The most amazing marinara you can eat and melted cheese (not too much, just enough). Thats Luzzo's for you. That's all I really eat at Luzzo's. I hear the pastas are great too but the pizza is divine. Especially the one with truffle pate. Even the bruschetta is delicious and the olive oil and tomatoes are so fresh, it melts in your mouth. I would definitely recommend this place especially with a group of friends and a good afternoon lunch.
(4)Jocy C.
Neopolitan style pizza at its best. Bf and I headed over to Luzzo's on a Saturday morning and ordered the following: 1) Carciofi Gratinati - Artichokes Gratin - this was a very interesting dish for appetizer. We ordered it purely for the fact that we like artichokes. It had a thin crispy layer of cheese on top. YUM. It didn't seem like a heavy dish at all despite the "gratin" in the name of the dish. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… 2) Bufala Pizza - tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, & basil (with EXTRA BASIL) - By far, our favorite pizza of any pizza places that we've ordered from. The crust came out piping hot and crispy. One bite had a nice layer of crunch on the dough. YUM. Eat fast though! The A/C in this place is so cold that the pie gets cold fast. When it does, the crust loses that nice crunch. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… 3) Pappardelle speck E porcini - homemade pasta with speck, porcini mushroom, & truffle oil - everything about this dish was just fantastic. Pasta was homemade tasting and the porcini mushrooms were just to die for! Nice aroma from the truffle oil as well. yelp.com/biz_photos/eVk4… Normally, I don't comment on the atmosphere... but the decor had a visual interest for me. What's up with the upside down chairs and tables? It was pretty neat! Service wise - very friendly. Writing this review has made my mouth water all over again. I'll have to head back to Luzzo's soon!
(5)Kelly R.
Every single thing was delicious, pizza was thin and crunchy, They accommodate large groups Great staff Meatballs and risotto balls were also spot on Arrive on time with your full party because it gets crowded.
(5)Nga C.
Yum Yum in my tum tum, especially when it comes to their pizza! I came here with a group (15 ppl) on a Friday night around 6:30pm and boy was the restaurant accommodating. Even if they lack hospitality, I still would have came back solely because of their pizza. The crust was amazingly thin but not too thin and it was chewy to the bite. Everything about it was just perfect. Personally, I think it is definitely one of New York's best and if you're a pizza connoisseur like me and you're mission in life is to check out all the joints in the city, then buddy, this place should really be your next pit stop!!
(5)Jerry F.
I love Luzzo's. We've been going for five years. I always give rave reviews. We went the other night and the pizza margarita was fabulous. I specifically asked for it hot and not soggy. The reason was that the one time before, it was. I am guessing the one bad time was an exception., Luzzo's is the best. But from now on, I'm asking for it hot and crisp.
(4)Bob R.
This is a review by a vegetarian The next time someone says that true italian pizza has a wet center I'm going to point them at this place and call them an idiot. In my far from comprehensive survey of Manhattan pizza, this is the best I've tried. Pricey at $17+tax for a 12" buffala (plain) pie but man is it near perfect. No half'n'half toppings Service pace and ambient music are Italian but it's all good. The Grimaldi's in Limelight is a better value but this is a nicer atmosphere and a small notch higher.
(5)Jenna K.
I loved Luzzo's! I came a few weeks back with Brittany A on a weeknight and we had no trouble getting a table around 8:15 (I've heard it gets crowded on weekends). I got there a little early & ordered a glass of wine at the bar. The bartender was friendly & offered me a glass from an even nicer bottle that he already had open, so that was exciting. Once we sat, we decided to split the 16'' pizza with mozzarella cheese, basil, and truffle oil. It was great & definitely a good amount of food for two people. The whole menu sounded so delicious though - I definitely need to get back to Luzzo's soon!
(4)Michelle B.
Went back a 2nd time, better than the first. Cant get enough of that sauce.
(5)Carlen M.
After hearing so much about this place from my fellow foodie friend, who happens to be an Italian from Staten Island, I was excited to finally try Luzzo's out! I knew if he raved about it, that it must be great! I went here on a Sunday night at 9:30, and it was still crowded! Because my dining partner and I, were not extremely hungry, we decided to go with a 12" pie, rather than the large 16" pie. Because of our mutual love for truffle oil, we decided to order the Tartufata, because it had tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, and basil. We originally were going to order a pie that had prosciutto, mushrooms, and truffle pate on it, but the waiter had advised us that it had no tomato sauce on it. We were both so happy for the warning, because we both love tomato sauce! While waiting for our pizza, we had gotten into talking to our fellow neighbors at the table next to us. They were old New Yorkers who had been living in the neighborhood since their college days. One of the men at the table assured us that Luzzo's is the best pizza in the neighborhood, and the only place he likes to go! Hearing this made us very excited for our pizza that was on its way to the table! Our pizza arrived at the table with such an aroma of truffle oil that I wanted to dive right in. As usual, I was so excited to jump into eating this image of perfection, that my dining partner had to remind me to take a picture! This pizza was soooo good! Words can't explain. There were actually a few moments of silence while eating between my dining partner and I, because we were so busy enjoying the flavor of the pizza. There was so much truffle oil on this pizza, that I was in heaven! Also, the pizza was cooked just perfectly. The dough was crispy and soft all at once! I definitely suggest checking out this pizza joint when you have a chance. Definitely not to be missed!
(5)Espen S.
Didn't try the pizza unfortunately, but had the bolognese. Really good and the portion size was very generous! Well worth $15 I'd say.
(4)Malinda G.
This place is great. From california and we were looking for authentic NY pizza. We found it here. They were just about to close but welcomed us in and recommended the best meal we had in NY. Highly recommend the walnut salad and the margherita pizza.
(5)Minto S.
Came back here on a quiet 4th of July. The place was practically empty so I got excited about getting extra love and attention to my pizza order. We ordered the basil, garlic pizza and it was one of the best pizza's I've ever had. Very simple and delicious. The first time I came here it was very busy so the pizza didnt taste as good.
(4)Matthew R.
Without hesitation, the BEST pie in the city. I'm in absolute lust with the Diavola. And try the gnocchi. It dissolves on your tongue. Always consistent. Always delicious. The real deal.
(5)Tiffany K.
Luzzo's, you are amazing. Great food, fun and vibrant environment, and did I say great food? I went to Luzzo's with some friends during my last NYC trip (this is my girlfriend's favorite pizza spot)- we had a party of 5 and waited about 30 minutes. While waiting, we hung out a the bar and had a few glasses of wine. For dinner, we ordered 3 pizzas and a bottle of wine. Every time I visit New York I have to have a plain and simple slice - Margherita or cheese, something simple. (opposite of California where it's all about toppings). The Margherita pizza here was amazing - delicious bread, marinara, and the cheese was scrumptious, fresh, and had great texture. When we first ordered 3 pizzas, I thought it would be too much. But after finishing the 3 pizzas quickly, I actually still wanted more. I'm so glad I tried this place out since my New York pizza resume only included Lombardi's before my trip to Luzzo's. YUM!
(5)Kurdy S.
You know how they say first impression counts? Wow, my first bite into this pizza was incredible! To me, this is how I prefer my pizza. The crust was thin and soft while kept a crispy texture. The red sauce was not too heavy and not too light, just enough to bring out the overall taste. The toppings such as the mozzarella and sausage tasted very fresh, perhaps imported directly from Italy? I will definitely say, I paid for the best here. Well worth it! Also would like to note that the text on the menu is Italian with English translation.
(5)Gary K.
They make an amazing Neopolitan style pizza... always something new to try there.
(4)Noy N.
Big disappointment. Luzzo's used to serve good pizza but not anymore. Now the crust is alway soggy and the service, specially the host, is rude.
(1)Andrew Z.
The best Napolitan style pizza I've found outside of Italy. I love their pies!! Highly recommended.
(5)H D.
The pizza, service, and drinks were wonderful! I would go back for sure all the time if I didn't freakin' live 2000+ miles away, sucks. Maybe I should move for this and many other cool places in East Village. Anyways, the tables are nice the place is set up like a funny dive artsy ambiance. Prices is super reasonable and it's nice enough for a date as long as she ain't a gold diggin' uptight high maintenance chick. Enjoy the food and forgive yourself on the calories, what's another 8 hours on a Stairmaster?
(5)Brian C.
Good pizza, despite the creepy waiter who was being a creeper and kept staring at my girl from a distance. Large groups welcome! Was here with a group of 14 which they were easily able to accommodate in their downstairs dining area (reservations for large parties recommended). I didn't have a choice of what pizza to order, but I had a white slice (which wasn't anything spectacular), a stuffed meat/mushroom slice (also nothing special), and an arugula/prosciutto slice (very good). Will be back to try again and order something of my choice!
(4)Ginny B.
Surprisingly good Neapolitan pizza. Great char on the crust and a well balanced sauce make it one of my new favorite pies. The place is a dive and other items on the menu, like the escarole soup, are hit or miss. But, definitely go share a pie and a bottle of Gragnano with a good friend or loved one if you are in that neighborhood.
(4)Ashwin M.
Great pizza and appetizers! I'd say Luzzo's is about on par with Patsy's in my book, probably slightly better. Piccante pizza was amazing, loved the globs of mozzarella, hot peppers and basil leaves. Amalfi salad was simple but had all the best ingredients - arugula, goat cheese and walnuts. Nice little vibe on a Sunday night with Italian tv station playing on the large lcd. Service was laid back, they let us sit and carry on with our conversation for a while before paying the bill. Felt like I was in Italy! Beware - was CASH ONLY despite Visa/MC sign in the front window. When we inquired, they said the registers were down and nothing they could do about it, but it would be fixed in a week or so. hmmm.
(4)Sasha B.
5-stars for pizza 3- stars for service
(4)Elizabeth L.
Loved the pizza here. Got the twelve inch speck for $20 and split it with my boyfriend. The crust was unbelievably good. Soft yet crispy with just the right amount of thickness and the mozzarella was fresh and well sized. Twelve inch was definitely not enough for the two of us though as we wanted more!
(5)Pun B.
Still the best thin crust pizza in Manhattan. Dough has a lot of gluten in it...very springy, with a delicious coal fired flavor. The Tortalana pizza was good, but wish they had cooked the zucchini beforehand. Excess liquid made it a bit soggy. It's not cheap (about $40/person with a glass of wine), but I appreciate that they use good ingredients like premium mozzarella that doesn't disintegrate into oil.
(4)Lisa R.
This place is great for these reasons: service (plus there's usually a less than 10 min wait), open late and solid Margherita Pizza. I've tried the pastas here too and they don't compare to their perfectly made Mozzarella di Bufula. Downside: cash only or Amex.
(4)Julie C.
Hands down the best pizza I've ever had so far! Tasty, extremely fresh toppings :) I would def. visit Luzzo's again when I visit NYC. Cons: Very Loud, chance of being seated literally right next to strangers due to small space.
(4)Leslie D.
I went to Luzzo's a week ago for a girl's night out with my cousin and her friends. Apparently this place is "famous around the world" but I'd never even heard of it once in all my life haha. Since we arrived a little early and our table wasn't ready yet for our 9:30 reservation, we hung out at the bar and had a glass of red wine. A Chianti, as I recall. No liver and fava beans though. It was so crowded in the small area around the bar that I felt like I was constantly doing the Crowded Shuffle Dance. We also saw a server (or bus boy?) drop a tray of glasses twice. Poor guy! Move out of the way! Finally our table was free and we were led through the crowded restaurant. We had a party of 8 women and we were sat in the downstairs basement which was meant to accommodate larger parties. I noticed immediately we were put in a room where everyone but us was celebrating a girl's birthday. It felt like we were crashing their party... oh well. The room was loud and lively and that's how we wanted it to be. I had technically already eaten but wanted something to snack on. The Carpaccio di Bresaola really caught my eye (who doesn't love practically raw meat) so I settled on that plus called dibs on a slice of pizza from the Bufala pie (basically a margarita) my cousin ordered for her and her friend. We ordered a few bottles of the special wine for the table as well so we all had a good buzz going on. My carpaccio was actually really, really good. Thinly sliced meat with a light lemon dressing, crisp arugula and fresh Parmesan slivers came together in perfect symphony to create a particularly delicious meal. I shared some with the girls at my table who also agreed that it was pretty darn good. I ate 2 slices of pizza (or was it 3? I lost count) from the Bufala pie. It was pretty good but a little flimsy for my liking. Still, it was pretty good and I enjoyed it along with my meat. The service was consistent and although I'm sure we drove our waiter nuts (who we all said reminded us of that guy on Grey's Anatomy with the blue eyes... Jackson is his name maybe?) with constant requests for plates, napkins, water refills etc. he was very patient with us and fast. Overall, I don't know if I would particularly go out of my way to come to Luzzo's but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. If I was in the area and had a craving for pizza and/or carpaccio, I would seek them out. I definitely prefer this place to John's on Bleecker or the other overhyped-but-really-aren't-that-great pizza joints.... you know it's true.
(4)Lolu D.
I think this is as good as it gets when it comes to pizza. I got the bufalo pie to share with a few friends. We also got the rice balls, good as well. highly recommend. Would return.
(5)Mar T.
Loved their pizza! The place is tight and expect a wait. Their wine is a bit overpriced given the neighborhood and ambiance. Small, crowded, with long wait, but their pizza makes it worth it, especially if you are in good company :)
(5)Gia V.
The thinnest, no sauce , no cheese, no taste square pizza I have ever had. I'm Italian - I come fro a restaurant family and this was truly a waste of time and money.
(1)Sumito A.
Get to the Chase: Pros: 1) The pizza here is delicious! It's just as expected and dare I say even comparable to the ones I had in Milan, Italy. The dough is soft and yet firm, the tomato sauce is just right (not too runny and not too little), the toppings were generous and well spread out, and the taste was clean, ungreasy, and satisfying. 2) The tiramisu was also pretty decent, not the best, but definitely worth a try. Rich and creamy with some decadent smoothness and the right balance of coffee to sugar. 3) Great place to bring a group of people! Loud, fun and good eats! The food also comes pretty quick, so you're not waiting forever to be served. 4) Price wasn't that bad either....2 bottles of red wine, 3 16" pizzas, 1 tiramisu, a few beers split amongst 8 people was about $32 tax and tip included. Ordered the Funghi (Mushroom pizza) and the Arugala (arugala, parmagiano, tomato sauce, proscuitto) Cons: 1) The place is small as hell, and if you want to have a table BE ON TIME and MAKE A RESERVATION! 2) Limoncello was terrible...overly sweet, artificial taste, and sour. The traditional dessert shot should be served complimentary like a lot of other Italian places I've been too and shouldn't have such an acrid artificial taste
(4)Jonathan R.
Was stuck in the bathroom the first 10 minutes of arriving, one of the funniest experiences of my life. I really enjoyed the pizza here, Please try the olive oil!
(4)Michelle W.
I wasn't quite as smitten with this place as I wanted to be. We got the arugula pizza and the veggie pizza. To be fair, it's hard to pull off a really good veggie pizza. The veggie pizza was a bit soggy. I really wanted the zuke on the pizza to be a bit more roasted and add more crunch to the pie, but sadly it didn't quite deliver. The arugula pizza was really good. We also got the speck and porcini pasta. I thought that they were a bit stingy on the porcini. Give me a a little bit more porcini on my pasta and I'd have loved this place (and maybe a different pie instead of the veggie pizza).
(3)Michael D.
TOTALLY AGREE jenny S. BEST THIN CRUST PIZZA IVE HAD IN MY LIFE. And don't be afraid of splitting the large with only two people.. the crust is thin enough so you wont get disgustingly full (unlike at artichoke). ALSO, get the original.. we got half original, half something else, but THERE WERE TOO MANY TOPPINGS on top that the pizza got soggy! And soggy thin crust = NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. So stick with the classics.. It's a little expensive for the amount of food you get, but its a damn good pie.
(4)Alexandra C.
Luzzo's- what happened? You were once my #1 pizza place in the city. Friend straight off the boat from Italy- you are her favorite place. The last pizza wasn't at all the same or even good. Sadly. :(
(2)Clara G.
This is my favorite pizza place in the neighborhood. The ingredients are fresh, and the crust is thin. Most importantly, when you are done eating your pizza your dish is not full of grease. If you go during the weekend, try to make a reservation.
(4)R Y.
Campana Pizza. Delicious! But why 4 stars you ask? Well, let me start from the beginning. The place accepts cash and american express card only so have one or the other when you enter! My friend and I came here earlier this week to try out their pizza. They all sound pretty delicious. Except the price seem a little high. Meh, but it's specialty pizza place so we overlook the price and decided to order the campana, paying $23 for the larger one. The place is quaint and has little booth like seats on one side of the restaurant. Also, on the table, they have extra virgin olive oil on the table. Yum. and a bonus for me because I love dipping my pizza crusts in it. As the pizza is presented in front of you, you can tell it's fresh and the smell is signaling your brain how delicious each bite will be. I loved the taste of the sauce and love the fresh basil. The downside was that pizza was soggy. I could not pick it up without the pizza wilting down and dragging the delicious sauce and cheese on the plate. I could have licked the plate for the sauce and the cheese but I thought it would be inappropriate in public - although I have done that a few times in places I deem worthy. Unfortunately, their sauce is good, but not lick your plate good. Again, the pizza was good and I didn't mind the soggy bottom, but that was only possible because the sauce was good. Still, it would have been nice to have a more sturdy pizza to munch on. Overall they are more like 3.5 stars, but I rounded it up since the sauce was good, ingredients were fresh, plenty of cheese and the extra virgin olive oil on the side. Would I go back? Hmm, maybe but still, don't know if it was worth $23. I still was able to munch on other things after splitting that pizza with one other friend.
(4)Nida K.
Luzzo's is definitely a gem in East Village. I've passed by Luzzo's day after day and never really thought to stop by. Finally, one day my friend and I were hungry and didn't feel like going too far, and we just decided to hit Luzzo's up. The restaurant is narrow and didn't seem very big. We got seated right away and looking over the menu, it was hard to pick what to order. The names of the dishes were in Italian and every item had a list of ingredients next to the name. Their menu was really extensive, making it hard for me to decide because everything sounded really good. Our server was nice and made some suggestions and I finally went with a pasta dish, Pappardelle Speck E Porcini, and a pizza, 4 Stagioni. Both were incredibly delicious and we ate until we couldn't anymore. We had some leftover pizza so we took that home, but we killed the pasta. The service was good and we had a really nice dinner not too far away from home. Luzzo's is a good neighborhood spot for locals and tourists alike. Even though I haven't been to many pizza places in NY, so far Luzzo's is one of my favorites.
(4)Christopher S.
Why are you still sitting there?....RUN to Luzzo's right now....seriously, it's probably open so just put your pants on and go. Order the spaghetti carbonara and thank God for what you are about to eat...it helps if you are sitting at the table right under the picture of St. Padre Pio, but no matter either way it will be a religious experience. I haven't had carbonara made the authentic way since it was taught to me by my Calabrian Aunt Yolanda. I would have given it 5 stars if they had just added more pepper (which I asked for and they kindly provided). Are you there yet? I hope you remembered to put your pants on before you left.
(4)Steve S.
Been here a few times so its time to share some suggestions. Some things to consider before chowing down are beer vs wine. I'm more of a beer and pizza guy so I went with the Peroni and Moretti but they have a wine list as well. Also, you may want to consider splashing a little of the table olive oil on some of your slice half way through. It may elevate the already excellent pizza to another level. A few highly recommended pizzas to try are the: Speck - Is an cured italian ham flavored with juniper berries and its made from the shoulder instead of from the leg like prosciutto. Its sliced thin and placed in strips on top of the pizza right before its served. I would try to eat a piece of the speck by itself before combining it with the pizza. Est - This has to be my favorite pizza at Luzzo's because the salami that liberally covers this pizza is really not that spicy and has a distinct nutty taste. Its like the pigs were only fed acorns or hazelnuts months before becoming sausage. Order it and you'll see what I mean. And you better make it a large. Campana - For those who enjoy bruschetta or crushed tomato sicilian slices, this is the pie for you. Brutta Ma Buona (Bad but Good) - The ricotta compliments the crumbled sausage well and the olives are not over powering nor do they cover the entire pie. Here are some notable ones to try as well: Calzone - very good, hearty and satisfying. Just make sure you specify if you want it served as a pizza or as a calzone. I'd have to say go with the pizza style on this one. Funghi - My guess is the mushrooms are cooked first before being added to the pizza moments before its done in oven. A decent pizza but not a highly recommend. Aglietta - For those garlic lovers. I enjoyed the sweetness of the garlic mixing with the tartness of the sauce. Ortolana - I swear I'm not putting this down here because it has vegetables on it. I just thought the zucchini while tasty was too soft and I guess I just prefer my eggplant to be fried when its on top of my pizza. I'm not sure if the moisture from the vegetables made the crust too soft but I think that may have happened with this slice.
(4)Sean H.
The real deal. Awesome space in the East Village busting out killer Neopolitan pizzas. The menu is quite extensive. They have reasonably priced wine and beer (Peroni) as well. We happen to sneak in on a Friday night and sit down right away (total luck), but the entire time we were there and eating there was a line of people out the door. I'd say prepare to wait a few minutes, but you might get lucky and sneak in. As an aspiring pizza chef myself, I was very excited to try a place such as Luzzo's I had heard great things about, and it did not disappoint. If you consider yourself a true pizza lover, go here. Greatness.
(5)D B.
Luzzos is a great dive bar pizza/italian kind of place...If you are looking for a romantic sit down dinner, than this is not the place...but if you want a chill dinner with a partner or some friends, its perfect! To start my boy and I shared the melon and prosciutto appetizer which was simple yet delicious! I had the Rigatoni with eggplant and ricotta (so yummy I almost ate the whole plate!) and my boy ordered a pizza with a spicy salami which was also very good! Overall good basic Italian pasta and amazing pizza!
(4)Tiffany S.
yummy pizza and pasta dishes! A bit pricey for what it is but the arugula pizza is delicious. They also make a really great nutella pizza but the amount of nutella they put on varies. Service is ok and pretty fast but definitely make a reservation if you plan on going Thursday-Sunday after 7pm.
(4)Michael M.
Loved the food here. The complete opposite of Artichoke Pizza- subtle yet flavorful. Nice selection of appetizers and pizzas. Didn't enjoy the blaring Italian rock music, but worth putting up with for the delicious food.
(4)Scott W.
This could very well be Manhattan's best pizza. Luzzo's opened in 2004, featuring a menu of traditional Neapolitan dishes but once you see the coal-fired oven at the far wall, you'll know what to order. Burning coal in your brick oven is a no-no on Manhattan unless your oven is granfathered in. Thankfully, Luzzo's occupies a space once belonging to a bakery so their oven is totally street legal. They import most of their ingredients from Naples, including "00" flour, the pizza purist's best friend. If you only eat pies that overflow with cheese, don't even waste a single delicious slice on your stubborn palate. Luzzo's lays a perfect layer of their sweet 'n fruity sauce (uncooked) onto the dough before distributing a symmetrical constellation of mozzarella di bufala. After just a few minutes in the oven (probably 120-250 seconds), the pie is pulled and fresh basil leaves are added. This "Bufala" pie is what most pizzerias refer to as "Margherita." If you think you've had all the pizza New York has to offer, think again. This new kid on the block belongs in the upper crust of NYC's pizza elite.
(5)Greg E.
i was pretty happy with lombardi's until i tried luzzo's. the pizza is freakin insanely good. i honestly don't know how pizza could be any better. it's basically heroin with cheese. the funghi and diavola are to die for. staff is very cool, helpful, and quick. im still reeling.
(5)kari p.
Great pizza. Great pappardelle con funghi. Great artichoke appetizer. Deafening music. Go! You won't find better pizza...and we've searched. But, ask them to turn the music down, (we did 4 times) and maybe, just maybe, they'll keep it at a healthier volume consistently and then everybody in the restaurant won't have to scream over it to have a conversation.
(4)Jason C.
For lovers of authentic neapolitan style pizza, Luzzo's will definitely put a smile on your face. If you are a fan of Chicago-style deep dish pizza or tons of cheese, this place is NOT FOR YOU, so if you fit in that category, stop reading now. You will be disappointed. Luzzo's serves exceptionally authentic neapolitan style pizza with mozzarella di buffalo that they import from Italy twice/week. Good luck finding that at most other pizza places in the city. I mentioned this to two of my Italian friends and they said good mozzarella di buffalo makes all the difference in the world. So good, they'll often eat it straight up. Moreover, the guy who recommended Luzzo's to me swore it was the best pizza he had in his life -- and he lives in Naples. That was reason enough for me to try it. They use a coal fired oven to make some of the most amazing thin crust. It's barely there yet has enough structure to hold light toppings, like marinara, small slices of mozzarella di buffalo and prosciutto. Each bite is very refreshing and doesn't get old. I love cheese as much as the next person, but I can't stand ridiculous amounts of cheese on a pizza that fills you up with volume and NOT with flavor. Luzzo's is all about flavor and quality ingredients that are authentic. All of this makes for a solid pizza experience in my books. To the naysayers: I've been to Grimaldi's, Patsy's and tons of others in the City. They are good in their own way, but they don't seem as authentic as Luzzo's. I used to live in Berkeley and had Cheeseboard Pizza and Zachary's - these are also great, but for different reasons not because they're authentic. Cheeseboard has unique recipes, like lemon rosemary -- fun to eat but seriously, not authentic neapolitan.
(5)Brooklyn A.
Bella pizza. Be prepared, you may be tempted to stab your dining companions with a fork for that last slice of perfectly cooked brick oven pizza. If you order the prosciutto as a topping, then watch out - it's every man, woman and bambino for themselves. It's that good.
(5)Charles K.
One of my TOP 5 pizza places in Brooklyn/NYC area. Thin & chewy crust, sweet sauce, and buffalo mozz cooked in brick oven flavor - altogether great and memorable pizza experience. Also, the ambience was pleasantly rustic and old-school feel, front room tables w/pew seatings. Priced just right.
(4)Joy C.
I guess I'm not into neopolitan style pizzas... and have been spoiled by Cheeseboard Pizza and Zachary's Pizza in Berkeley. We tried 3 pizzas, and they all were pretty much the same. Decent crunchy/chewy crust, but soggy on the bottom in the middle... bleh. We also got an order of gnocchi, which was pretty good. Chewy but it also melted in your mouth. Average and not mind-blowing.
(3)Melissa B.
The gnocchi is insane. Get the gnocchi.
(5)maret r.
you know it's some bomb pizza when everyone around you is an actual italian. so good...just go! get the diavola, too.
(5)J B.
What pizza should be. Is it DOC? who cares. Its amazingly good - better than any of the NY "famous" joints, including Grimaldi's (which is actually damn good). Not much more to say than that - go to Luzzos, eat great food.
(4)Nellie G.
Worst service in the world. I went last night with a friend of mine and after waiting a few minutes we were seated at a table that sort of stuck out into the middle of the back room by the kitchen, this meant that ever waiter had to pass by us in or out of the kitchen to and from any table. We sat there for 15 minutes without being given water or bread. No one came to take a drink order or ask if we had questions about the menu. There were two other tables that were seated after us, they had their appetizers before anyone even spoke to us! I finally had to physically take a waiter's arm to get his attention and sort of annoyingly pointed out we'd been sitting there for at least 10 min and no one had given us the time of day. He did NOT apologize and just smirked like I was the one being ridiculous. He took our order and ran off. We got our water and wine but not bread. Our appetizer came out and I had to stop another waiter to ask for bread. No one talked to us for at least half an hour. At this point it was almost a game, how long can we stay here and have them not acknowledge our existence? Finally maybe 40 min after our appetizer we got our pizza. At this point the two tables (a group of 4 and one of 5) who arrived after us were leaving. In the course of eating no one came to ask how it was, a third guy came over a refilled our water glasses but didn't speak. We were almost the last people in the restaurant until we finally had to flag down ANOTHER waiter to get our check. I tipped 10% and I think that was too much.
(2)A B.
This is top notch brick oven pizza. You won't be disappointed. Try the Nutella pizza for dessert. It's simple, yet delicious.
(4)Shlee S.
Definitely in the top 5 pizza I have had so far in NYC! Service a little slow but food made up for it.
(4)Kim D.
This is my favorite pizza in New York. The Bufala pizza is super delicious and heavenly. The atmosphere is very cosy and family. I haven't tried many other items on the menu simply because the Bufala is too hard to pass up!
(5)maddeline p.
This is great pizza, not greasy and very fresh--BUT i have to say that its overpriced-- i mean a 12' pie is $12-22. i think thats too much. anyway, dont order anything but the pizza-- the salads are tiny and also overpriced and really not worth it.
(4)Kim D.
The pizza is some of the best you'll find in New York. So good.
(5)Devon F.
The pizza was absolutely delicious... However it was cold :( we are only 4-6 blocks away so not too happy about that.
(4)T T.
LOOOOVE LUZZO'S!! I have been going to Luzzo's for the best pizza since my Italian friend brought me here years ago. In the past four years, I have been here numerous times for birthdays, going away parties and just for fun. It's especially great for out-of-town visitors. The staff is friendly and fun, the pizza fresh and delicious! My fave is the Buffala pizza with extra garlic...droooool
(4)Alicia V.
hand's down the most incredible pizza that I have ever had
(5)Daniel G.
Not that I'm a real pizza aficionado, but I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this place. And I'm glad I finally tried, cause their pizza was really tasty. Anyway, started off with the frutti di mare. This was pretty tasty, as well, but perhaps the portion was a little small. Though it didn't matter too much, as my friend and I, split two individual pies. We went with the Brutta Ma Buona and the Diavola. The Brutta came with the tomato sauce, buffalo mozz base and was topped with ricotta, sausage, olives and basil. This was really nice, I'm not usually an olives on pizza kinda guy but they didn't over do it. And the ricotta, much like the buffalo mozzarell was really top notch. And the Diavola was even better it came topped with the spicy salame and basil. The spicy salame was really good and again worked really well with the super creamy mozzarella. Great ingredients and a somewhat softer, yet charred crust made for a really enjoyable experience. I will be back!!!
(4)Michelle L.
This place has compelled me to write my first review on yelp and to thank everyone for their recommendation. This restaurant was the first on our long list of must-trys during our short visit to New York. In short, it was awesome. I was starving and should have checked out how the other tables were ordering; it was only later that I realized that yes, you should order your own pie (the smaller of the two sizes offered, I think) and share with your eating partners. We got the sausage mozzerella pie and it was divine, cheesy and oh-so-fresh. And service was great. So was their argula salad. YUM.
(5)Jeff B.
Excellent neapolitan pizza. I think one of the best pizzas in NYC. Taste is great, quality, and consistency always the same, reasonably priced, salads also excellent. You always know what you are going to get. I have been here dozens of times, and I have neglected to write a review for to long. I strongly recommend Luzzo's.
(5)Cyrus X.
My Italian rommate invited me to Luzzos where we met up with a group of his Italian friends and began to order pizza after pizza. What a treat! I am no pizza connoisseur, but I can honestly say that each bite of these pizzas was transcendental. I highly recommend the prosciutte/fungi and the pepperoni. This pizza is so tasty that you will want to eat 5 more slices even after you're full. The ambiance is cool and the waiter and hostess were Italian, which give it an authentic touch, and attentive. The pizza cooks appeared to be Mexican. From our table we could see the giant coal oven where these delectable round treats were cooked. If you want tasty, authentic Italian pizza in the East Village, then go to Luzzos. Me and the Italians recommend it. Manja
(4)Rob H.
Awesome pizza. Surprisingly good. I know the best of the best are in Brooklyn, but for Manhattan, other than Lombardi's, this is the best I've had. Very high quality ingredients. Has gotten better since it opened. Just go get and see for yourself!
(4)I Z.
Excellent pizza and hostess was great!
(4)C. D.
Pizza tartufata, eggplant parmigiana, delicious. The olive oil used is very food. Lovely people, kinda crowded but absolutely worth it. Delicious.
(5)allison m.
Delicious - having just moved to NYC I have been sorely disappointed by all the NY pizza hype and have had yet to find a decent place I'd go back to. This place was delicious, thin crust, just crisp enough - they have some grandfathered oven they use, which gives it the worthy flavor. The service was great and patient enough to let us drink a few before placing our order. The ambiance is casual and happy, kind of like a a hole in the wall Italian taverna, cozy and drenched with food and wine. And the pizza....very good, this is the stuff you crave. I was thoroughly impressed and will look forward to going back for another round in the next few months. For those that like hot, ask for the spicy olive oil with bread or bruschetta. As for pizza, we had the pepperoni - #14? I think - and the arugula and proscuitto - very fresh ingredients and just enough of everything...can't go wrong. I can't remember the cost, but it's nothing that'll rob your wallet.
(4)Dorothy W.
Admittedly, this is great pizza, but it's pretty pricey for what it is--we often end up paying almost $80 for dinner for two people. More importantly, be warned: twice we were charged a higher rate for our pies (they added an extra charge for toppings even though the toppings were included in the price on the menu), and when we disputed the charges the waiter/manager tried to fudge the charge but then ended up admitting we were right. So be sure to check your checks there!!
(2)Jim C.
heard a lot of hype about this place before I actually visited - the place that preceded it was not my favorite - I had a negative association with the joint for a long time. (A downside of living in the same neighborhood for my whole life) Truth be told, great. The room was PACKED when I got there with my wife, but we were attended to and seated promptly, and service was very attentive for a place so informal (they changed plates and silverware, checked on us consistently) Two pizzas, salad, wine, all together very good, very fresh. Great ingredients, good service, prompt seating. I would have liked a little more crispness in the crust, but I get the feeling from other reviewers that this is just their style.
(4)Eric A.
When there is a lot of Italian being spoken in the restaurant, that is a good sign! Very authentic, very tasty. Started with some good Montepulciano wine & a Moretti beer (on tap). Then, bruschetta with prosciutto & goat cheese, Caesar salad with big chunks of shaved Parmesan, & buffalo mozzarella with cherry tomatoes as starters. Finally, we shared a Diavolo pizza, thin crust, red sauce, & spicy pepperoni baked in their coal-fired oven. Awesome! Service was very good, very friendly, attentive & prompt, with lots of Italian accents. The atmosphere was very warm & intimate, & visually interesting. Definitely would recommend it.
(5)Bobby G.
No I don't get ricotta on my pizza, I save it for moms lasagna. Chicken and buffalo wing sauce toppings, ridiculous! Salad pizza no way, that's for girls......... But when i'm out roaming the east village, my stomach starts growling, and I know that means, it's time for the diavlola pizza at luzzo's"
(4)Zach W.
New York City, the "Big Pizza." But here's a little known fact - New York is actually made up of more than one borough, and most of the best pizza places aren't in Manhattan. So one time when I was being asked on national TV (this story isn't true) what I thought was the best pizza in Manhattan, I had to pause, sip my water, look directly at the camera (again, not true) and then say it: the answer is Luzzo's. I actually came here for lunch, which put it at a competitive disadvantage as most of my daily hunger comes at night after I've spent the day wrassling sharks and saving infants from traffic and whatnot. At dinner, the addition of justified hunger enhances my meals. At lunch, it's all on the food, and Luzzo's delivers. (I'm not really sure if they literally deliver, don't quote me). We got two pies, per usual. One of us probably even remembers what they were called, but she doesn't write the reviews for a living, ya know? So we got two pies: one had mushrooms and prosciutto, and the other had sausage and ricotta. That sausage and ricotta pizza holds its own with any other pizza I've ever had. The ricotta especially was magical, in the way that only cheese can be (you know exactly what I mean). Man, those were some good pizzas. Anyway I really, really want to come back and relive the memories, and more importantly the pizza. Also we watched Colombia play a World Cup game with some of the Colombian waiters who loved it, which, I don't know, probably earns bonus points.
(5)Lils Y.
I have tried Luzzo's twice now, once as take-out and the other time sitting down and both times I have enjoyed the pizza but not thoroughly impressed. I still prefer my Grimaldi's. Take-out is slow on the Sunday noon that I had ordered, but perhaps this was during peak hours. Both times I tried the Bufalo - the second time I added extra basil with pepperoni and for some reason there was so much juice (not oil.. what kind of juice was it?) on the pizza which sogged up the bottom layer of the pizza which I was not a fan of. The taste was good however. Interior is interesting with upside down furniture/pots/pans, service is decent, lighting very dim.
(3)Grace P.
Warm environment, efficient seating. Service was a little slow. Ordered the Bufala and Est. I would say the tomato sauce tasted a bit raw and definitely more acidic than I'm used to-- my main gripe. The crust was crisp but not quite as fresh and smoky as motorino's. Toppings were ok but were definitely on the traditional side as opposed to innovative (not saying they're out to be innovative though). All in all an average New York pizza experience. Many other options which are better in the area.
(3)Melinda C.
Rainy, rainy night. I'm in a hotel and don't want to venture out. What to do? Luzzo's and their delivery to the East Village to the rescue. I first tried Luzzo's about four years ago and loved it. I haven't had a chance to have it again until now, and it was just as delicious as I remember, even when delivered. I had the Bufala. It had a soft and chewy crust (but not too soft) and just the right amount of cheese. Yum! Luzzo's, you are my hero.
(4)Amy Y.
Great tasting ingredients, however, the pizza crust was thin to the point that it couldn't hold the pizza up so it was very soggy in the center. I had to pick the pizza up with a fork since it was falling apart. Aside from the sogginess in the center, it was very tasty.
(3)Samantha S.
The best meal I have had in New York. We ordered the Arugla and it reminded us of pizza from Antico in Atlanta. Perfectly cooked. And absolutely fairly priced for the quality and quantity of food. Thank you for a perfect dinner! P.S. Order the sangria
(5)Annie T.
It's great when a pizza place has great appetizers, a good wine list (shared 2 bottles of Riestling) and lastly can accommodate a large group of people . Luzzo's fits that bill. Our group of 10 were comfortably seated in the back on a weeknight. Enjoyed their fried calamari and Rucola salad with simple ingredient arugula, apples and shaved Parmesan cheese. The Tartufata pizza with the truffle oil is really awesome. The crust could be lighter and slimmer but I enjoyed it nonetheless.The other favorite at the table was the Salsiccia with sausage. Good service. Cash only
(4)Gaetano S.
Really a DELUSION! We are a group of post-doc from Italy. We started with parmigiana: it was good, but a so small helping! The same for the smallest potato croquette that I have never seen (Like a finger!) Pizza was not so nice. We tried and shared Bufala (that is not bufala cheese!), Brutta ma buona and Diavola. Ingredients were not the best. We also tried the 'Limoncello': a little glass with a WHITE (!) sweet liquid inside, with just a little bit of lemon juice inside. 8$ each. And, finally, the service is really bad, trust me. Maybe they get a big head!
(2)Christina P.
You can't tell me I ordered the wrong thing here because ordering two mediocre pizzas was enough. Don't get me wrong, the pizza has great crunchy crust but that's about it. All the pies that say with basil, don't expect ribbons of basil. Its literally one basil leaf for garnish. Not worth the hype and trip. P.S. their restrooms were out of service that day :/
(2)Jane R.
My friend recommended this place to me so we went for dinner. I made a reservation here and had to move it to the next day which they told me was fine. Go figure when I got there, the hostess tells me that they don't take reservations on Friday nights. Good thing it wasn't super packed. Once my friend arrived we sat. We ordered bruschette, a large arugula pizza and gnocchi alla sorrentina. We were both sick so no drinking - just sparking water for the table. Bruschette - the tomatoes on the brushette were really cold like right out of the freezer with a ton of olive oil on it, sprinkled with cheese. There were only 3 on the plate which was smaller than expected. Arugula pizza was my favorite! Nice and crispy with enough mozzarella and not too cheesy. Loved the prosciutto on it. Gnocchi had a TON of melted mozzarella on it. It was good probably too much cheese for me but my friend (who is Italian) absolutely loved it. It's a casual place to eat, kinda small and a bit dark inside but comfy without the air of superiority that sometimes rules restaurants. It's a bit pricey for what it is but still solid good, Italian food - and a must for pizza.
(4)Mark W.
Rolled up 12 deep to Luzzo's on a Friday night, luckily with a reservation. The first thing I noticed was how small this place is-it probably can't seat more than 50 people. Our group had to wait about 20 minutes, so I took the liberty of ordering myself a glass of wine at the bar, and learned my first lesson in that they only take AMEX. Good thing my New York friends told me to bring cash! Our group ended up getting sat in the way back, by the kitchen. The place was packed, and a little hot for my liking, but I'll attribute some of that to the amount of wine I had that night. Now the best part: the food. Started off with cheese stuffed ravioli and pasta marinara. Both were delicious. Next, our table ordered meatballs. The sauce...was out of this world. Like, I like sauce to begin with. But the sauce on the meatballs-I could eat that every day for the rest of my life. So good. After these, the pizzas came out. I believe (read: lots of wine intake by this point) we ordered a couple margarita pies. And they were very good. The crust was very thin, and delicious. The sauce was good, and though there wasn't too much cheese, I still enjoyed it. And then lastly, orders of croissants filled with nutella showed up. They were incredible. I was stuffed, but I kept eating them. Sooooooo good. Overall, this is a non-touristy place with great food. I thank my friends for bringing me here, and I'll definitely be back.
(4)Steve L.
This is THE best pizza in NYC. The fact that Luzzo's hasn't achieved the fame of a Lombardi's or Grimaldi's is its secret! They still care about the quality of the pizza they produce. I hesitate to write about this place because I am torn. If everyone discovers Luzzo's, they may fall into the curse of being successful. But at last, I've found so many good gems on Yelp that I want to pay it forward. Luzzo's is simply the best neopolitan pizza in manhattan. No lines and great pizza. The one down side is that they don't take Visa or Mastercard.
(5)Geoff C.
Authentic Italian pizza, not NY style. They don't serve slices, and they have awesome Italian servers. That is why you should go. It will save you a $1200 plane ticket. In terms of what we sampled I say the simpler the pizza the better, but servers are very helpful, and like to talk Serie A football.
(5)NotTelling P.
I didn't have the pizza - no carb diet. But the Italian meats were great. Was there for a party in the downstairs for a party. It way too crowded. I'll be back for the pizza once the diet is over.
(4)Zaman K.
3.5 stars We ordered the Diavola and the Aglietta. The flavors were really good but the crust was too thin to hold up any of the toppings and it was completely soggy in the center. The spicy sausage in the Diavola and the roasted garlic in the Aglietta gave each pizza it's distinguishing taste, but a crunchier crust would have gone a long way in turning this pizza from good to great. They also have chili oil to pour on your pizza. It's mild but tastes good. Pizzas aren't generally meant to be very spicy so that was fine. A couple of people in our group also wanted a salad and got the Sfiziosa per the waiter's recommendation. It came drenched in truffle oil but didn't taste fresh. It had four pieces of shrimp that were all overcooked and tough. Pizzas: 4/5 Salad:2/5 Ambience:3/5 Service: 3/5 Value:3.5/5
(3)Nick D.
I've been coming here for a few years now, and it still remains one of my favorite pizza joints around. I always start out with the Rucola salad. It's arugula with apples and shaved parmigiano cheese. It's so delicious and definitely is the best way to prepare for a delicious pizza. I've tried a bunch of these pizzas so I'm just going to review the one I had most recent. I was always curious with the square pies so I ordered the bufala square. It was amazing. This might be my new go-to selection. It seems so plain, but it's honestly perfection. Another all time favorite is their lemoncello dessert. It's honestly amazing and probably one of the best I've ever had. It's a mix of the lemoncello and layers of cream served in a champagne glass. I crave it all the time even when just having it. Go to Luzzo's. Get a pie. You're welcome.
(5)Josephine Z.
In the dark, always crowded, hole in the wall, I entered with very high expectations, but was not thoroughly impressed. We got the mozzarella, basil, and sausage pizza. Let me start off by saying that when it arrived, there was a single measly basil leaf in the center of the pie. ONE. That you can't even split because it's in the middle! Don't put basil in the description of the pie if you're just going to put one leaf! How disappointing! The pizza itself wasn't anything special. My friend got the bolognese fettuccine which was decent but too much on the salty side. It completely overpowered any sweetness of the sauce, or quality of the beef. Overall, Luzzos did not live up to its expectations, and I still find myself shaking my head at the memory of the singular basil leaf sitting gingerly in the middle of a pizza pie. How disappointing.
(2)Frances B.
I'm still dreaming and talking about this pizza. It is the best pizza I've had in the city so far (a side note I have exactly 1 gazillion places I need to try, I'm not an authority yet) and I can't remember the last time I was so happy after a meal. We shared the Aglietta, which is tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and roasted garlic. I mean a lot of roasted garlic. Our server recommended it and holy moly it was amazing. We are coming back for sure.
(5)Joy G.
A halfway-decent alternative to Motorino's. I will confess my undying bias for Motorino's chewy crust, the way all the toppings cling on to the dough despite making that New Yorker fold, the sparkling pizza wine, the perfect combination of toppings (Brussels sprouts and pancetta, the cherry stone clams), the generous spread of prosciutto across the entire pizza. So yes, I came here, expecting to be disappointed by anything else. And yes, I would gladly come back to try something else. Thumbs up: (A) The pizza came out lickety-split. I'm not kidding around when I say that seeing a pizza borne aloft by a waiter is one of life's little pleasures. Here, you can experience that 5 minutes after ordering. (B) Luzzo's has TWO variations of chili matter: dry chili flakes and chili oil. Thumbs down: (A) Kind of stingy with the prosciutto. It would be awesome if a $26 pizza could be draped with layers upon layers of prosciutto, but among the slices, I think we each got 2 pieces each. (B) Listen, a prosciutto/arugula pizza is a terrible thing to eat gracefully. You have to poke all the greenery inside and then mush everything into your mouth. You eat this in front of longtime friends only. But when I pulled apart that first slice, half of the toppings just slid off, like a massive tectonic plate detaching. I prefer all of the toppings in each bite, but this one I resorted to eating in layers: first arugula, then prosciutto, then cheese/sauce, then actual pizza dough. A heftier dough would have solved the problem. (C) Our first waiter was a bit curt. I barely managed to say that we needed a few more minutes before he spun off on his heel and marched off. NEXT TIME: the Brutta Ma Buona, the Diavola, anything with spicy salami
(3)Giacomo C.
Busy spot with interesting ambiance. I went for their famous thick square buffalo pizza, but they were out of it (already at 6:30pm). I can't hide I was disappointed. Bufala pizza (round): although it tasted good, the bottom of the pie was burned, while the top in the middle only partially cooked. Good flavors and fresh ingredients, though. Est pizza: I loved their spicy salami. The pizza as a whole was falling apart, but again the ingredients were flavorful.
(3)Andrew S.
I kind of want to apologize to the staff for our raucous behavior. This was my recommendation to have a group dinner as a friend was in town from LA, and we were wild. He came off the plan ready to party, and we started here. We scarfed down this pizza, and I remember us all exclaiming, "this pizza is amazing" over and over and over. La bufala La tartufata La diavola All superb, with excellent and composed service even amongst all of our raucous. Also very reasonably priced place to share a meal with friends, or go on a date. The ambiance is quite Italian as well and you can see all the good work and the ovens through the back of the restaurant which is nice. The bartender is a great guy too, and tolerated us very well. Grazie!
(4)XI X.
Great pizza with no wait. Tried to get a table at Motorino but there was a 40 min wait. Walked right down the corner to Luzzo's and got a table. Amazing feeling. I highly recommend the Michele pizza (the owner named it after himself). The spec pizza not so much. Overall a very light and delicious pizza. Well worth it. I will have to try Motorino on another trip.
(5)Trisa T.
AmEx or cash ONLY?! Never seen that before!! We tried the Pappardelle alla boscaiola (homemade pasta with cherry tomatoes, sausage and mushrooms) and the caprese salad - both were good, but not necessarily the best, especially for the price. Also wasn't blown away by the atmosphere or decor.
(3)Joy Y.
Pies here are very very similar to the ones I had at Naples. Crust is thin yet doughy. Fillings are simple yet fresh. I got the EST for the ricotta but wish there had been more basil. Next time I will try the bufala pizza. Service is good. PS a picture on here shows half and half but they no longer allow that.
(4)Michelle W.
Great authentic Italian restaurant with hearty portions and reasonable prices. Everyone has written about the pizza, but I'd also recommend getting the pasta! I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure it's made fresh on-site and uses the same great sauce as their pizzas.
(4)Arnold R.
Ordered the 16" Piccante pizza for $25 and a bottle of the sauvignon blanc for $38 for myself and a friend. Great service, super friendly waitress and busser. Very attentive and water glasses stayed full despite us chugging our water. When the pizza came, we didn't think it would be enough for the both us but we were very full and satisfied at the end of the meal. Was it a $25 pizza good? No, but I'll still likely come back. Lacking on the meat. Good value on the wine. Great for a pizza place in the East Village.
(4)Katie C.
This pizza is straight out of Italia! We were steered here from the rumors that Luzzo's has the best pizza in East Village, and were not disappointed!! We got the pizza diavola with fresh mozzarella di bufala, basil and spicy salami--delicious!! It is not inexpensive, but so worth the money! Head over to Luzzo's now!
(5)Dipesh P.
Great pizza in the city (possibly the best!). We stopped in based on a friends recommendation on a Saturday afternoon. I got a beer and my wife got a aperol spritzer. Her drink was good and the beer was cold. We ended up getting the trufalata (I think that was the name) which was the truffle pizza. We love truffle and this pizza did not disappoint! The crust was perfect. Very thin and light. Almost felt as if you could eat the whole pizza on your own! We shared a small and it was fine for us but we planned to nibble on different items at several places this afternoon. If you are making a meal of it I think a large would be just fine. The cheese was fresh mozzarella and the sauce was just right. They only took cash the day we were there. Apparently they normally take Amex as well but the system was down the day we were there. The service was prompt and we had a great time at Luzzos!
(5)Fancypants X.
3.5 stars The bufala pizza needed a bit of oomph. The crust was so soggy, & as the meal progressed, it quickly became cold & even soggier! Needed a touch more tomato sauce, though I don't know how that would've held up. And more than 2 sprigs of basil next time, please. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the generous globs of chewy mozzarella, the pizza pie as a whole was (literally) a flop. Thank goodness for the eggplant parmigiana appetizer we ordered, or else dinner would have been a giant disappointment. The layers of sauce & eggplant & cheese were bundled up nice & tight, & had a satisfyingly meaty texture. 4 stars. A dark, cozy pizza parlor that only accepts am ex or cash. Our meal came out to $31 before tip, so if you don't carry a Centurion card, fear not, Luzzo's won't break the bank! Side note: check out the cool upside down furniture on the ceiling.
(3)Stephen K.
This is maybe my favorite pizza place in NYC. I'd put it above all the classics - John's, Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Tottanos, Juliana's, DiFara's etc. Though I suppose technically this is Italian style, and not "NY style", if there's an important distinction here, for some reason this one stands out the most to me. I'm not really sure why, there's so many good choices but this places feels simpler and better than the rest. If you want to experience pizza in NYC, you can almost always get in here, it's cheap, and you can't go wrong.
(5)Devin S.
Luzzo's was fantastic! Everything was delicious and the wine was cheap and good. Service friendly, too. I even love the eclectic design; it's fun without being too distracting. My boyfriend and I shared a plate of grilled vegetables, a caprese, and the 16" bufala pizza. We were surprised when the vegetables arrived chilled, but it turned out to be a good thing because they were tasty that way! The pizza was a perfect mix of thin, gluteny crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Use your knife and fork for at least the first few bites (Italy style!), it will definitely make it easier to enjoy. I'd love to come back and try more pies! They only take Amex, so bring that or bring cash to pay!
(5)Laila D.
Some of the best pizza I have eaten in NYC. Brick coal oven (they dont make these anymore) gets the crust perfect...crispy bottom, not too thin, not burnt, and not chewy, nor undercooked (nor over cooked). Perfect thickness and fresh. Without a great crust you cannot have a great pizza. Excellent sauce and the bufalo cheese is homemade and fresh. Yummy!! The rice balls are very tasty too. Love the interior decor and excellent prompt service. Old school Italian feel.
(5)Jackie S.
After a failed attempt at going to a different restaurant in the area, the group I was with ended up at Luzzo's on a whim. The wait for a snowy Saturday night wasn't too bad (about 15min for four people), and given the weather circumstances in the city, the restaurant was packed to the point there was barely any room to stand. I loved the ambiance inside. It's small, intimate, rustic, and one of those places where you know you're going to have a good meal. I shared a Caesar salad which was pretty standard (it's hard to mess that up) and had the rigatoni alla Norma dish, pasta with eggplant and a dollop of ricotta cheese. It was good, though I would've been happier to see more eggplant. I also got to try the gnocchi which was ordered extra spicy and it was probably the winning dish. It was ooeygooey, creamy, cheesy, delicousness, not to mentioned packed quite the kick with the added spice. The wait staff is attentive and even though they're the type of waiters who memorize your order instead of write it down (always skeptical of that), they didn't mess it up. The prices are really good, and the pizza looked delicious as well. Luzzo's is a solid spot for a cheesy Italian craving when in the East Village.
(4)Latef X.
I used to think this place was the best pizza ever, but I went there recently and thought it was just okay. Their crust has gotten a little too soft now and it pretty floppy. It used to have a little more heft to it where it wasn't falling apart. It's still pretty good, but I think I prefer Motorino's dryer, bubbly crust now. Has better spring and chew to it. I also think it's stupid how they won't take the meat off half the pizza anymore. They say no half/half which I understand if you're getting 2 different types, but just asking them to keep the meat on one side isn't that big of a deal. And they used to be fine doing it. Not really sure what changed. Service during the day has always been good, but Friday night is the C-team. Always kind of hectic and slow. Amex or cash only.
(3)Babs S.
Yum, yum, yum. Delizioso!!! Love this place. The BEST pizza ever. The space is small and cozy and can get really crowded but it's worth the wait for the amazing tartufata and the diavolo pizzas. I'm always amazed that so many of my friends DON'T know about this place. I'm pretty sure the secret is out but if it's not, let's keep it that way!! I don't want the bad element to corrupt my place!!!!
(5)Joseph S.
My friend recommend their Prosciutto di Parma Bufala pizza as my first meal in NYC, it is thin crust and delicious. Highly recommend. CASH and AMEX only
(5)Jason H.
A pretty cramped little restaurant, but the service was very friendly and the pizza was pretty good - we had the diavolo with extra sausage and it was really good, and the classic cheese, also good. Both had nice, thin, crispy crusts. The appetizers were not nearly as good, sorry to say - fried calamari was a little soggy, and the rice balls were a little sad and lacking. So yeah, you should only come here for pizza, really.
(3)Neil C.
Definitely stands up to pizzerias I've had in Italy- Bufala was good and Tartufata that we added mushrooms too was outstanding. Fun decor / homey atmosphere.
(5)Laura H.
Love the pizza at this place! And I'm pretty picky about pizza, so I don't say that lightly. We had the Diavolo and I had to restrain myself from picking off all the sausage and eating it before the pizza. Also, the salad was pretty excellent (I just had the mixed one, and my husband had the one with arugula and artichoke hearts). Pretty interesting decor too (interesting in a good way). Have to say, wasn't too crazy about our server. I don't have especially high standards for how the servers should act -- they're there to bring me food and drink, not to be my friend or fawn on me -- but this guy was actively unfriendly. And the worst part: When he offered dessert, I said No thanks, just a check, please, and he actually, honest-to-God rolled his eyes. I still left a good tip because people shouldn't get paid less just because they're having a bad day, but I mean, come on. That's not cool. When I go back, I'll try not to sit in this guy's section if possible.
(4)Yan T.
Let's start with the positives: Luzzo's is pumping out some of the best Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza pies in New York. Now that we've established this, the only thing that really discolored our experience was the inefficient reservation system. I picked Luzzo for dinner on Sunday night because they're one of the few craft pizza places that take reservations. These were surprisingly easy to make over the phone, same day, and a breeze to change to a half hour later when I called back. We walked in at 7 (rez time) and not seated until about 7:25. We watched several other parties, some of whom looked like walk-ins, move in ahead of us while we stood in the cramped little foyer/bar area (whose seats were occupied). The hostess apologized and said there was nothing she could do--there were several parties lingering. And, in fairness, she immediately offered us 3 glasses of prosecco, on the house, which was a stand-up move. So the hostess is great. I take issue with Luzzo having a reservation system in the first place. I bet this happens more often than you would think, and creates false expectations. It's a popular place, so maybe moving to a no-rez policy would make everyone's lives easier. Once we were seated, all was good. A hip bearded waiter who sounded Italiano took care of us. We started with some marinated artichokes (OK but a little out-of-the-can tasting). The bottle of Pino Nero was light-bodied and smooth, going down easy: if you like something with more tannins, stick with the chiantis/Sangiovese. They also brought over some tasty bread, though no olive oil. There was much rejoicing when the pizza arrived (one of the orders was wrong, but quickly rectified). We had the mushroom pie, the bufala, and for me, the Michele (mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzarella, and truffle pate, sans tomato sauce). All amazing, and I had a few slices for lunch today. Prices are definitely lofty, even on the "small" 12" pies, but quality comes at a cost. So far I love everything Michele Luliano does with food. Luzzo's and Da Mikele are maybe the best pie factories in the city. Despite hiccups with the reservations, I ladle praise with pleasure.
(3)Nikki T.
very good pizza, I have #5. delicious. good tasty pizza. totally will return to this place.
(4)Tony T.
Good pizza in the LES and there are plenty of tables available at lunch time. The pizza is classic NY thin crust cooked in a coal oven. The crust was crunchy but not too dry and the bottom of the pizza had a nice consistency. There is even a picture of Martha Stewart at the restaurant.
(3)Alexandra K.
I'm about to say something that will tarnish my credibility as a New Yorker. I am not a fan of Italian food. I like the occasional pasta dish, but I'm not a pizza connoisseur; I have zero opinion on how to eat a proper New York slice. THAT ALL BEING SAID: Luzzo's is delicious. When I was told we were doing date night at Luzzo's, I was apprehensive because the menu looked like it was pizza-only. That could not have been further from the truth. Our friends ordered the Michelle pizza and the garlic pizza. We each ordered pasta, and I started with the lentil soup. I will say that I regretted not ordering the garlic pizza, because the fragrant scent of roasted garlic enveloped our table. My soup was incredible. Far better than an ordinary lentil soup, it was deep and flavorful - perfectly seasoned. My pasta (rigatoni alla norma) was equally as delectable. The tomato sauce was so richly flavored - the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The eggplant was warm and inviting, with the pillowy ricotta being the perfect bridge between the sauce, the pasta (perfectly cooked) and the eggplant. The cork fee was a little steep consider the service was a little slow - the only negative of this experience. Our total bill with tip, including cork fee for two bottles of wine, was $170. Not bad, considering the quality of the food.
(4)Gopal R.
I enjoy pizza period. Over the years I've made it a mission to find the best pizza places in the world. I've been very fortunate to eat at some really wonderful pizzerias all over the USA. On my last business trip to NYC, I discovered Luzzos. Easily one of the best pizzas I've eaten in my lifetime! I ordered the minestrone soup as an appetizer. The soup was just fantastic! Fresh and flavorful. They give you a tiny bucket with bread to go with the soup. I would advise folks to skip the bread as you want to experience the awesome pizza. I ordered the 16 inch tartufata - which was basically the bufala pizza with truffle oil on it. When the pizza came out I thought I would never be able to finish the whole pie. In 10-15 minutes the entire pie was gone! Nothing but 16 inches of deliciousness! The cheese, the sauce and the crust (with the right charring) was just unbelievable! I can't wait to go back and try a different pie. Make sure to sprinkle some spicy oil on your pizza. It takes an already awesome pie to a new level.
(4)Christy W.
AMAZING!!! I spent many months in Italy and this brought me right back to my days of indulging in 3 pizzas a day. The crust is crispy and flaky and the food comes out really fast (seriously..like 5 minutes for 2 pies). I had the La Diavola and it was so good - I can't wait to come back. Minus 1 star for price - $18 for a small pizza is a bit much but I'm willing to indulge when its this good.
(4)Patrick B.
What can I say, some of the best pizza I've ever had in NYC. We had the #19 and #20. Both were fantastic. The #19 was out of this world. Also had a truffle paste pasta that was amazing (subbed with spaghetti as the pasta). Arancini were solid but just OK. Service was friendly, prompt - in a word, excellent. I would go back to Luzzo's in a heartbeat.
(5)Sunny S.
So I had really high expectations of this place and a bunch of friends recommended it, included friends that I came here with. The pizza is good, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I can make the claim that it's the best pizza in NYC. I don't think I've ever found the "best pizza in NYC" for me yet. It's a pretty chill, laid-back, family-type atmosphere. The service is OK - not the best, but not the worst. Decent wine list - we got a bottle of Malbec. Appetizer - we ordered the Vegetali Alla Griglia (mixed grilled veggies with balsamic) and the Parmigiana Di Melanzane (eggplant parm). The grilled veggies were decent and the balsamic dressing was a nice touch. The eggplant parm was AMAZING. Probably one of the best eggplant parm's I've had in a long time. It was full of flavor and sauce, and I would honestly just be OK getting that as my meal (in a larger portion). Pizza - one of my friends was vegetarian so we split the Ortolana (mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, basil) and it was good. Some of the veggies were a bit undercooked and I understand that it's thin, but not technically thin crust, but the front of the pizza would completely fall apart when we would take a slice from the pie. It was a bit chewy and I think overall, the entire pizza was undercooked. I was really hoping for something a bit better so I hope it was just an off-night.
(3)Richel R.
I've been coming to Luzzo's for their one-of-a-kind, fresh, brick oven pizza for a few years now. It's always a treat to come here when my friend who's an ex-New Yorker is craving some excellent pizza. The crust is perfection, the sauce is a little sweet, and their cheese is as fresh as can be. I think they also have a cheese factory in the back because this cheese is just marvelous :) For $25 for the large Campana pie it's worth trying. You will be back I'm sure of it. If you're up for appetizer/salad, the olives are good as well as the amalfi (arugula with walnuts and goat cheese). I also highly suggest their tiramisu. One time I came for dinner and they were sold out of tiramisu! What a bummer! Since then I've come for lunch to avoid missing out on this dessert.
(5)Andrew V.
I came here by recommendation from my coworkers. After much debate, it was determined this was the must visit pizza place in the neighborhood. I sat at the bar after exploring the neighborhood and ordered a glass of Sangiovese and the EST pizza. I have to say this was honestly one of the best pizzas I have ever had. I will definitely be returning here every time I get a chance. Staff was friendly and the place seemed very clean.
(5)Lauren L.
We went fairly early on a Saturday night recently and got right in. Pizza was stellar, service was friendly, and bill was a good price. We got the Bufala (tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella, and basil) and the Michele (mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms, and truffle pate), both of which I highly recommend. As a note: They only accept cash and AmEx
(5)Roshni S.
We stopped in to get a quick bit. We got the bufula pizza. It was so thin and delicious. We didn't get anything else but the server was very attentive. I would stop by again for a quick bite. They only take American Express and cash so come prepared.
(4)Alexander S.
Delicious, unique authentic, such soft and delicate crust that melts in your mouth. It just feels right. Very snappy and efficient service, like Hilton hotel.
(5)Jenna H.
This was delicious pizza. However, the family who owns and manages this restaurant are incredibly rude and unreasonable people. I split a pizza with my boyfriend that had prosciutto, olives, artichokes and mushrooms on it. The pizza was not the best I've ever had but it was still good. My bag was on the back of my chair at the restaurant. I came in with over $100 in my wallet and I was pick pocketed. The bag was hanging close to my body so whoever pick pocketed me was clearly skilled. Shortly after leaving the restaurant, I realized the money was missing and went back to discuss with the owner. He was short, refused to hear me out, and was very rude. He immediately jumped to accusations and said it was not his fault. I asked if there were cameras in the restaurant but he cut me off. When he finally answered that there were no cameras, all I asked is that he speak to his workers and see if anyone saw anything but he refused to do so. Good pizza but bad people working here. Whether or not they were the ones that pick pocketed me, the way it was handled was upsetting and this is not someone that deserves business. Motorino, a few blocks away, is incredible and the waiters I interacted with were delightful.
(1)Jocelyn E.
The fried pizza changed me. It's so incredibly good! Their regular pizzas are equally incredible. Cute atmosphere, as well.
(5)Paul O.
It's a shame, as coming here for years. The quality of pizza is losing step, but it beat the service which carried an extra helping of attitude. The pizza was crisp on the crust, but soggy in the center. Drink prices are a little steep for what it is. Feels like going to the movies, and paying captive pricing for a soda vs. just a good pizza place--that it used to be. Lastly, the service. Years ago, a welcoming and attentive staff. Now, rarely checking on table. Unwilling to leave toppings off pizza. Just a non-pleasurable experience.
(2)Mike O.
Solid pizza contender in the city. Came here at 7pm on a Friday with the wife, and we were seated immediately. Unfortunately, that seat was right next to the bar, where all the servers aggregate to get drinks and chat between jobs. Makes you feel kind of pinned in. But the space isn't big. In fact, it's so small, they had to fit some of the furniture on the ceiling. You'll know what I mean when you get there. Look up. The pizza is solid. It's good. It's not the best NY has to offer, but it won't let you down. The center gets a little soggy cause the sauce is a little runny, which makes it tough to fold and eat, but you could consider this place to be a fork and knife sit down joint anyway. I have to admit, the medallions of mozzarella on the pizza looks kind of gross in all the Yelp reviews, which is part of why it has taken me so long to visit this place, but they don't taste bad at all. My wife and I had a sausage and basil pizza, and it was quite good. Crust was chewy. I don't imagine I'll ever be back here, but it is definitely a place every NY pizza lover should visit once.
(4)Eric J.
Been ordering from Luzzo's for a while now, but only recently dined in for the first time. I was not disappointed. Pizza was definitely less soggy and the ingredients tasted a little fresher than delivery, but don't let that dissuade you from ordering delivery. My favorites are the speck pizza and the broccoli rabe with sausage white pizza. I would not recommend the bruschetta, since it's only 3 small, meager slices of bread per order. But everything else was great, including the couple pasta dishes we ordered. The carbonara was creamy and delicious and the ravioli tasted fresh, firm, and tender. Heh. For about 7 people, we got 4 pizzas, which was more than enough food for everyone. It's not cheap pizza, but the quality of the ingredients is easily discerned from the textures and chewiness of the dough. Not sure what it was, but there were about 10 different big families here all at once. Lots of little kids running around, so if that's not your jam, might want to try some of the other pizza places nearby like Nicoletta and Motorino. Overall, you should definitely give Luzzo's a try. The pizza is consistently good, and even when you get delivery, you'll get about the same quality pie you would in the restaurant. Come with a bigger group, so you can order and try a bunch of different pizzas.
(4)Harry H.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THEIR PIZZA CART, BUT YELP TOOK ITS COMMON LIBERTY OF INCORRECTLY MERGING IT WITH THIS B&M SPOT IN THE EAST VILLAGE (AND NOT EVEN OVEST WHERE THE CART WAS) Dropped by on their 'opening day' to wait on a tiny line in front of their sister restaurant Ovest almost directly under the High Line for a free inaugural pie. Friendly staff, a lively community camaraderie, and a very impressive pie out of the 'world's smallest pizza cart'. It's fortunate there was no line since the oven (despite the quick cook time) is not conducive to the most efficient service. As of now their plan is to use the more general corporate Twitter to post locations twitter.com/PizzaByLuzzos
(4)Monica P.
This is one of the underrated gems. Coal oven pizza.. Honestly, this place deserves so much more ratings and recognition as much as Grimaldi & Lombardis ughhh! Food came out extremely quicker than I expected, which was such a surprise. Thought they rushed my food but IT WAS SO GOOD. I got the #5 arugula pizza except I added truffle pâté&basil which made it even more of an amazing perfect touch & combination to it; proscuitto, fresh tomato sauce; mozzarella; and all! Perfect balance of salty prosciutto, sweet fresh tomato, light truffle, with a mixture of yummy bitter arugula and cheesy mozzarella ughhh yumz. PLUS THE PAPPARDELLE SPECK e PORCINI!!! from the pasta itself; homemade(taste/texture/freshness) just how I like it.. With the right creaminess, mushroom flavor to it, and a good touch of some truffle oil-- simply delicious I tell ya!! A MUST GET PASTA HERE !!! Sure in weekends it'll get really busy and crowded... It's a nice pretty small Italian restaurant for the city, which will get unbearably hard to manage but regardless the food is great! They've won the pizza contest a few times and been voted best pasta before.
(5)Ben L.
So, with 636 reviews with 4 stars you would think that it would be a sure home run, right? Well, not by Ben standards. The place has a pretty decent seating area. They are cash and Amex only. The food: Brutta Ma Buona- tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives and basil. The pie was just OK for me. My number one pet peeve for any brick oven pizzeria is a soggy middle of the pie. I start my slice at the tip of the triangle and it was soggy and droopy, it did get a little better as you work your way down to the crust. It was a nice pie, but I thought the ricotta was grainy, the sausage crumbles were almost non existent, the crust had a nice crunch but was slightly dry and the tomato sauce seemed non existent. I've had better. yelp.com/user_local_phot… Can of soda- OK, I never mention soda in any of my reviews and it seems kinda silly really, but I had to make it a point here. It seems so absurd to charge $3 for a can of soda. I know, I know, city= high rent. Blah Blah Blah. It genuinely aggravated me that a can of coke was $3 bucks. So if I had a party of four, and we all had a can of soda, it would come out to $12 worth of canned soda??? Really? God forbid I got a second can... I think I would have been happier if they just charged me more for the pie, instead of the soda. And for the record, the three stars was just for the pizza and not the canned soda fiasco...
(3)Lily T.
what the heck happened to this place? I was expecting super delicious pizza based on all the great Yelp reviews! But it was terrible! We came on new year's eve and were seated right away. We ordered the ortolana pie which had eggplant, zucchini, basil, and mushroom The pizza arrived lukewarm, WET and SOGGY pizza is not suppose to be wet and soggy! and even the crust were hard to chew! and it had 2 pieces of this sad looking basil on there. and there was not enough cheese on the pie and the tomato sauce was below average. since the pizza was so WET, all the toppings just fell right off the pie! we also ordered the gnocchi which was chewy dough mixed in tomato sauce and some cheese on top. super bland, super disappointing. Service was slow and terrible as well Maybe it was because it was new year's eve and they were busy, or overworked or the chief had a bad day. But whatever it is, I will not be returning again, ever
(1)Jenny S.
STILL the BEST NEW YORK PIZZA after 2.5 years of living in Manhattan on a constant search for the best pizza! you just can't beat their thin crust fired up in a coal oven & because Luzzo's is underrated, i LOVE that i've never waited for a table my GO-TO pizzas since they are light and simple: ---bufula: i can always count on the crust being crisp & i love buffalo mozzarella ---arugula w/ prosciutto: basically the bufula w/ prosciutto & arugula on top! BUT last night we went out of the box & tried something new ---Michele: it's a bit heavier BUT really good too! so flavorful & if you love mushrooms, you'll love it! i thought the truffle oil would sog up the crust like it has in the past but the pizza was perfect.. maybe because we got the smaller 12 inch? ---bruschette: this appetizer comes w/ 3 pieces, i liked the olive oil infused bread! ---sangria: the pitcher is the way to go! Luzzo's is seriously the restaurant i will miss most when i move back to Cali
(5)Bruce W.
Very tasty sauce, good portion of speck, bread good, not super, but much better than 90% of pizza in NYC. Very similar to Motorino, but much more flavor and bigger portions of stuff on the pizza. Pricey, but good. Certainly will have again! It would be nice if some of these pizza places didn't have to pay such high rents, because spending $ 40-50 on pizza for 2 people ain't gonna happen often!
(4)Alfredo S.
Best pizza in NYC hands down. It is the authentic pizza from Naples. Guaranteed. Not sure about anything else on the menu. Just go with the pizza
(5)Alli R.
I've had good and bad experiences with this place, but recently it's been good which is why I am giving it a high rating. You just need to know what to order. Stick with the basics! Their tomato sauce is amazing! My favorite is the gnocchi with sauce and mozzarella and the bufala pizza. Pretty much the two best things you can get. The pizza crust is perfect and the gnocchi is homemade. Do not get the calamari, it's very rubbery. Also, if you go on a weekend be prepared to wait! Their delivery is great though, arrived quickly and still hot (in the dead of winter).
(4)Angela F. W.
Best thin sliced pizza I've EVER tasted! I stumbled upon this establishment since it was just right across the street from my friend's apartment in east village. One morning waking up with an empty stomach, I decided to give this pizza place a try. Little did I know I was about to taste the best pizza ever! Apparently, it is a local's favorite! For once, I felt like a New Yorker not a tourist. The restaurant has unique decors and nice ambience. My waiter was very attentive and friendly. We had a very nice conversation. He told me the owner is an italian immigrant and their pizza is true Neapolitan style. I order the 12'' marinara(?) pizza. Because the pizza is thin sliced, it is actually just right for one person. When I took the first bite, I was speechless (as I should be since my mouth was full, haha). It was just heavenly! The ingredients were so fresh and mouthwatering! The greatest pizza pie ever!!! Now forget about the long lines at lombardi's! Luzzo's is where the best pizza is at!!! Next time I am in NYC, I have to make damn sure that I go there again!!!
(5)Ritesh B.
We love this place! What a terrific menu with some simple yet delicious pizzas. In a neighborhood full of NYU beer bars and cocktail lounges, it's refreshing to start your night here with a fairly diverse crowd as well.
(4)Kathleen W.
Note: The previous meal my friends and I had was about 10 hours ago and we had a few drinks on empty stomachs. The hunger was very real. That being said I had some pretty friggen dee-licious pizza at Luzzo's during my NYC visit. We ordered two 12" pies and a salad to quell our hunger! The Michele is the pizza to get. When you combine prosciutto, fresh pulled mozzarella, and mushrooms, I can't even function. Even though it was a white pie (no tomato sauce), the combination is so savory and satisfying that I didn't even miss the tomato sauce. The Diavola was also a solid choice. Pretty straightforward pie with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, and basil. It balanced out the exciting Michele pie very well. Solid service, great food, muy satisfying.
(4)Gus K.
The best pizza in NYC period. Before you try the pizza please do your self a favor and try the eggplant parmigiana... Hallelujah Home made tomato sauce with melted cheese on a fresh eggplant that sends you straight to Italy. CALZONE : BOOM The best Calzone you will ever get in this planet. Signed and Signed. The secret? RICCOTA :-) Go enjoy and celebrate how beautiful life is. oh! Fransesco and Alina ( we needed to introduce ourselves after this spectacular meal) are not servers but amazing and friendly people that care for your pleasure as customers in Luzzo's See you guys soon :-)
(5)Livio D.
Luzzo has become my favorite pizza place in NYC. I would eat there every day. The pizza is fantastic. The sauce, the mozzarella, the toppings are all very fresh and super tasty. I even enjoyed the pizza ortolana (no meat, only veggies), which for me is some sort of blasphemy. Yes, the topping are that good. The crust though is just amazing. I would give this place 5 stars even if it served me the cooked dough, olive oil, and salt without any of the toppings. I also tried some of the appetizers and they are very good as well. Plus, I love the smokey smell inside the place and the decor.
(5)Jodie G.
My overall experience here was pretty good. I had the Caesar salad to start that was super good. It had fresh slices of Parmesan cheese on top. For dinner I had the Salsiccia E Broccoli pizza and added tomato sauce. The waitress was friendly about letting me change the pizza but maybe it made the crust a little soggy. I liked the sausage the most but there was too much for me to eat. The broccoli rabe did not stick that well to the pizza but it was tasty. They had a few TV's on Italian channels, and the restaurant had at least five kids in there so I think it is good for kids.
(4)David F.
Quiet old feel is the second thing I noticed walking into this restaurant, the first was the amazing smell of pizza! Awesome pie! Like seriously haven't had much pizza that is definitively better if any... Do it!
(4)Becky H.
Best pizza ever!!! The service was very good but the pizza was outstanding!!! This place was recommended to us we are on vacation from California so happy we came. The tiramisu was home made and delicious as well!! If you are coming to Mew York you must try this place!!
(5)EK B.
One of my all time favorite neighborhood joints! The pizza is consistently delicious and the service friendly and fast. We usually split the large Brutta Ma Buena (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, olives and basil) which is perfect for two hungry people. In addition to the high quality toppings, the crust is the perfect combination of crispy and chewy. A few notes, they are cash and AMEX only, have a private dining space in the basement, and make a mean sangria interestingly enough. Favorites: Any and all pizzas - go for the large, you will not be disappointed Meatballs
(5)Alyse H.
We were waiting in line for another pizza joint down the street when we noticed the "C" rating for health department cleanliness in the window. That place's lost business was Luzzo's gain in this situation. Luzzo's has a very cozy and Italian atmosphere. It looks very cave-like when you walk in. There is a small bar with only 5 seats with the backdrop of what looks like a pretty wide selection of wines on the wall. I ordered a very tasty sangria with big chunks of apple and my hubby got a Chianti that he enjoyed as well. We ordered the funghi pizza. We really enjoyed the fresh dollops of mozzarella and the perfect amount of sauce on the pizza.
(5)Lynn C.
By far the best Italian I have had in the tri-state area. This is my go to restaurant. Everyone I have brought here has been extremely impressed. Great service, cozy atmosphere, and authentic and flavorful Italian dishes. I highly recommend the tartufata pizza and gamberi pasta paired with a moretti!
(5)Zachary S.
This used to be my go to Pizza spot. Expensive but great pizza with a crunchy crust... They also have chili flake oil which is awesome on the pizza. That said, the last time I ordered from here I got a pizza with extra basil for pick up. When I got home, I realized the pizza had 3 pieces of basil on it. That's right 3 leaves! I called to let them know, and the response I got was "basil is a garnish" even though I ordered it as a topping for which I paid. They were so rude to me over the phone that I have no plan of ever returning. I will be taking my business elsewhere, and making my own chili flake oil, thank you very much.
(2)Alejandro G.
Wrong place sorry
(5)Kris V.
We ordered the Aglietta pizza which is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmigiano, roasted garlic, and basil. The pizza was especially tasty after escaping the cold weather outside. We finished the meal with an order of the Nutella Zeppole (italian doughnuts) which were also delicious. The service was excellent! My water was constantly refilled through our meal and the food arrived quickly. The restaurant was really busy and seating space is limited but we were able to get a booth within 10 minutes. While waiting for a table I set my scarf down on a chair to get a drink at the bar and it got stolen. :( To no fault of the restaurant of course but it really was a bummer.
(5)Rachael C.
I'm here ALL the time. My best friend put me on and we've made it our go to restaurant when we want to relax and catch up. It's a cozy little place with dim lighting and DELICIOUS pizza. We cannot stop ourselves from ordering a second pie most days. Everyone is super friendly with immaculate service. I don't know if you can tell but I LOVE THIS PLACE!
(5)Nikki A.
There is only one word my brother and I could muster out after our first bite of Luzzo's pizza: YUM! The pizza here is absolutely delicious, perfectly balanced between crispy and doughy, sweet and salty. We split a large pie with mozzarella, tomato sauce, basil, truffle pate and prosciutto. I am still salivating. The truffle flavor was just right--subtle, but excellent. We also shared the marinated artichoke app and a tiramisu for dessert. The place is small, but homey and is cash only. I highly recommend coming here for pizza. You won't be disappointed. Oh--they also deliver. YAY!
(5)Xavier S.
Luzzo's is amazing Italian restaurant and a not-so-hidden gem in the East Village. Best part near the end of the meal, I heard patrons in here speaking Italian to the staff saying that the food is "perfecto", and I take that meant perfect, so more kudos to the restaurant and the food served. Rewind, so we started out with the meatballs which were large and juicy. You get a trio of succulent meatballs. The sauce it was sitting in was sweet and too addictive that I sopped it up to the last drop with the bread served. Got the Bufala 16-inch pie to share with my wife. It's cut into 8 slices. This is the signature pie with buffalo mozzarella scattered all over the pie. There's also a 12-inch personal sized one, but we opted for the larger just to go all out. Pizza is so awesome. When you take a bite and land on the toppings, you're gonna do a happy dance in your seat. Love the coal fired pizza with the crispy thin crust. The end of the crust is spectacular. This is not your typical foldable NY slice but who's to say you can't eat it that way. Gets it in your belly faster. If you have a craving for pizza this is your spot but pies only. For a Wednesday night, place was full for dinner around 8pm but the wait was only 15 minutes. It doesn't hurt to call ahead to see what the wait time is before you trot over to 1st Avenue.
(4)Nala P.
Pizza was great, very thin with quality toppings. I would suggest making a reservation as it gets full quickly and is not that big. I am for sure a fan. Staff was good not stellar, not poor. Prices were reasonable. A good choice when there are so many bad pizzas around 14th street. Good for friends/ families solo or families. I would classify this tho as a family establishment. Apps of fried calamari, eggplant/ zucchini stacks/ potato croquettes were OK. Based on that i would not bother with the pasta. Go for the pizza.
(4)Carly P.
DO NOT waste your time or money on this dump! The food is not worth it at all!!! If you're thinking about delivery forget about it, they will not deliver within a 3.5 mile radius. The management is very rude and the service is awful.
(1)Corey C.
Very traditional Italian pizza joint. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and the pizza is easily some of the best in New York City. We split a 16-inch bufala mozzarella pizza - amazing pizza doesn't need lots of toppings. The crust was thin, crispy, and browned to perfection. The sauce and fresh mozzarella slices were mouthwatering. When our waiter brought out our pizza, I knew we wouldn't be taking any home! Come here with a date or with a group, they have nice seating for both! Note: cash or Amex only
(5)Cecilia Z.
After consuming only amazingly delicious Chinese food in China for an entire month this winter (not that I'm complaining), the first dinner I had back in the city had to be, naturally, pizza. And because I had Luzzo's on my radar for a while now, we decided to come here instead of our other usual pizza joints. We ordered the large 16 inch pizza, half and half, with bufala (regular margherita) on one side and salssicia (sausage) on the other. I think margherita is a good standard by which to judge any pizza place. In Luzzo's case, the red sauce was perfectly zippy without being overly sweet and had a nice consistency which I enjoyed. The mozzarella was a bit tough - chewier than I normally prefer - but the crust was phenomenal. Thin, chewy, with nicely charred crispy edges. The sausage on the second half of our pizza was just okay, kinda lacking in flavor compared to some other places in the city. I will definitely try the arugula pizza next time when I return, which initially called out to me on our first visit. What really surprised me, for the better, about my first experience here was the exceptional service. Our waiter was patient, friendly, and personable... which was certainly unexpected for an old-school pizza joint like this. Just FYI, Luzzo's is cash only, at least at the moment.
(4)Athena C.
Between my boyfriend and I, we ordered a large spicy salami with cheese pizza and the fried calamari as an appetizer. The pizza is crusty and chewy and the salami was flavorful. I just wish there was more salami! We didn't finish the pizza as the fried calamari came in such a big portion. The price here is pretty reasonable and we had a good time here.
(4)Tom S.
This was the first of five stops on a Manhattan pizza tour during my most recent NYC visit. Wouldn't you know, it turned out to be my favorite. Our group of six shared a bottle of wine and a few bottle of Peroni while we waited for our pizza. We enjoyed a simple Margherita pie, with great crispy crust, tasty fresh mozzerella and a thin marinara that just exploded with flavor. Simplicity in its finest form. We continued on to four more of New York's best pizza places, but for me, Luzzo's came out on top.
(5)Victor M.
The place is small and can be a bit loud - but the quality of the pizza and the service is excellent...! Loved the arugula and prosciutto pizza...
(5)danielle G.
Guuuuuggghhh the greatest pizza. I consider myself a pizza snob, this place, unbelievable. Get the calzone and the arugula and prosciutto pizza... Mmmm mmmm the sausage and broccoli rabe pie is good too!
(5)Melissa C.
Great crust, sauce was a little too sweet for my taste but overall a very yummy pizza!!
(3)Erin Z.
Luzzo's is absolutely wonderful! The best pizza not only here in America but even in comparison to pizza in Italy! The service, especially at this location, was warm, hospitable, and truly Italian. Grazie Mille per un pranzo meraviglioso!!!
(5)Ginn C.
This place is awesome, and I am extremely lucky to be living close enough to this place to have them deliver to me. I hope you're jealous. I am originally from the midwest, and therefore was never very fond of pizza. I associated pizza as "american food," and it was similar to the hot dog and philly cheese steak sandwiches you get while half-drunk 4 A.M. on a college night. I think of pizza similar to how I think of chinese food; a lot of places sell "chinese food," and it is not as chinese as most people think. (i.e. "Almond chicken.") So when I first moved here to NYC and heard that NYC was known for their pizza, I couldn't help but to think, "well shit, it better not be like that crappy, flavorless, 'Chicago deep-dish,' junk the midwest prides itself over..." I started trying all sorts of pizza places in the city. Some in Brooklyn, some in the Bronx, many on Manhattan. And after a while, I realized that my Michigan upbringing made me miss out on a lot in life. I have never had coal oven pizzas before, and it now currently a favorite item on my foodie list. Coal ovens create a perfect pie with a nice flaky and crispy crust, and thin as nature intended. You can really taste a difference! Apparently, only a few places have coal ovens in NYC (at least to my understanding) because of some sort of fire protection policy that prevents new coal oven places from opening up. Anyways... I have not yet tried their pasta menu, but Luzzo's uses the coal oven combined with fresh ingredients to create some of my favorite pizzas: Tartufata: tomato sauce, mozzarella truffle pate, and basil. Piazza 'Michele': mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms, truffle pate', basil, no tomato sauce. Can you tell that I love truffles? Ortolana: tomato sauce, mozzarella, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, basil. Some of my favorite vegetables. Quattro Formaggi: mozzarella, gorgonzola, provolone, parmesan, basil, no tomato sauce. The gorgozola adds a nice touch of blue to it, but is not too overwhelming. Luzzo's is a bit pricier for pizza but definitely worth it for the quality that only a handful of places can compete with. Note that they only sell whole pies, not by the slice. There is a lot of variety on the menu, the staff is typically very nice, and the service pretty good. I also like Luzzo's playful atmosphere and quirky decor. Upon entering you can notice a furniture set nailed up onto the ceiling.
(5)Li L.
Very very good pizza. My go to place to order out (if long wait) or dine in. The crust is damn good and they have spicy olive oil to drizzle on your pizzas!! I've had many of the flavors and honestly they're all good. just what your preference for toppings are. Pasta - i tried the carbonara. Definitely one of my favorites in NYC. No PEAS! Cash Only
(5)David F.
My favorite pizza in the city, have been there 50+ times. Prices have crept up in the last year but I still like it. We always get the #20 (garlic pizza) with mushrooms with other foods. Its similar to motorino, but I prefer the toppings here and there's more space. We used to get the olives, but they stopped serving the Sicilian olives. They pasta with shrimp is tasty but a bit oily. They used to have a seafood pacheri that was awesome.
(5)Grace C.
i LOVE pizza. I want to give this place a five, i REALLY do, but unfortunately, they disappointed me in their service. Restaurants are really about their overall performance. I hate hate hate it when someone tells me to relax. I had 8:30pm reservations for a large party, and we didn't get seated until after 9. I get it's a small place...and it wasn't a big deal, because they kept us informed, but seriously, what's the point of saying you take reservations if you don't follow through. This is when I kindly requested if they could place an order so by the time we sit, we could have our food, that's when he told me to relax. LUCKILY, the waiter was kind and made up for the rude person at the front. he knew we were waiting a while and was very cordial. we had the downstairs to ourselves and he even plugged in one of our ipods. Food: started with the rucola salad with arugula, apples & parmiagiono. for pizza we had the est (salame was too salty for my preference), the arugola & prosciotto one (AMAZING, MUST get!!!!) and the ortolona (awesome for veggie lovers like myself) Great place. definitely going back, and hoping no one tells me to relax so i can just enjoy my pizza.
(4)Sar P.
Luzzos has delicious pizza's whether it is on any of those top lists or not the tomato sauce has a tangy taste and the thin crust and mozzarella and basil make for a perfect lunch or evening - Yes (im a pizza whore)
(5)Nino R.
Enter 4 fairly hungry gentlemen skeptical of any 4-star rated pizzeria in NYC. They order a large Salsicca, a large Bufala, and an order of calamari. The calamari is ordered as an afterthought and is delivered to the table after both pies have been devoured. That first bite of the Salsicca was phenomenal. Good crust, better sauce, great cheese, fantastic sausage. Fresh basil garnished on top of the pie is a nice touch. I recommend you pull the basil leaves apart and spread it around your slice. It's a great flavor enhancer. The Bufala pizza is good, but not as inspired as the Salsicca. It's basically a red pie with chunks of mozzarella strategically placed atop the pie. Again, the pie is garnished with basil. Repeat recommendation here. The calamari was a fiasco. It wasn't fresh and seemed like it went straight from the freezer to the fryer. The breading looked too uniform, like it was pre-breaded. This threw all of us off. The pizzas were legit, but the calamari was diner quality, poor diner quality. On the flipside, the marinara used for dipping was decent. The pizza is where it's at...
(4)Irene H.
Friend craved pizza. I owed friend pizza. I've only had Luzzo's delivery and thought it deserved a proper visit. It was a steamy summer afternoon. We were welcomed with a cool blast of air conditioning within seconds of entering. The atmosphere was particularly boisterous, as Argentina and Mexico were battling each other in the World Cup. We had the Michele and Diavola. They complimented each other well. The Diavola was light, fresh, and yes, it does taste better than delivery. The Michele was nice and oozed more cheese than the Diavola since it lacked a tomato paste. I love mushrooms and any hints of truffle. My appetite has definitely shrunk. We had a third of each 12" pie leftover. The crust was slightly crispy, but no chewiness. Sidenote: They don't accept Amex.
(4)Christina M.
Full disclosure: I am inclined never to return to a restaurant where I had a bad experience. I got a pinkish burger at In & Out and I still haven't gotten anything there but fries since. I'll spare you the narrative and get right to the reason for the rating. We ordered the mushroom pizza. All of three basil leaves were more of a garnish than a topping. The chopped mushrooms looked promising, but the crust and pizza was downright burnt. 'You should be embarrassed to serve that' burnt. On top of that, the pizza was so bland all you could taste was burned crust. I gazed longingly at the pie next to ours being enjoyed by two Italians. Our pizza crust was clearly 5 shades darker than their golden brown pie. I tipped under what I normally would (13% versus 20%) and wrote "burned pizza." Admittedly this might have been a little passive aggressive. But I didn't expect an employee to come after me and say "That's how we cook the pizza. It's a coal fired oven." Oh no they didn't. We've had Grimaldi's, Patsy's, the original Totonno's, Abitino's, Gotham, Gino's, dozens of pizzerias and never complained of a charred pie. LUZZO'S SERVED A BURNED PIE! And I don't care to be lectured as I'm walking out that I cannot tell the difference. He said, well there's nothing I can do about it now. I replied, I haven't asked for anything, I am only giving you feedback. To recap, it was $23 for the pie, $12 for 2 Peronis, plus tax and tip came to $42. Luzzo's threw in the insulting lecture for free.
(1)Sean S.
Yes, it's definitely as good as people say. Brought my fam here, they were in town recently. They really loved it too. The sauce is really good, almost creamy somehow. I would say the pizza was five stars, really. We had the Bufalo, a 16" and 12" between the four of us. The layout is a long and thin place, so a little crowded. It is kind of divided up into a front and back room. Pretty stylish too, I would say a really perfect date spot as well... On the other hand we felt a bit rushed. Perhaps they were expecting a lot of people later, and tried to shuttle us out. We got there early hoping to miss the rush, and didn't have to wait long for a table. But after we ordered, my salad came in about 60 seconds, and the pizzas came before I was half done with my salad. And I'm not a slow eater. It was literally like 5 minutes. They kept bussing the table, and really were kind of on top of us. So I guess that got on my nerves a bit... The other weird thing was I couldn't get reception on my phone. Even out in front of the building, I could not send or receive text messages. Weird. Note to the non-stop texters, it might annoy you too!
(4)Lily C.
Awesome pizza! Came with a few friends and ordered the bufala and arugola. The sweetness and tartiness of the tomato sauce really came through on the bufala pizza. My favorite of the night has to be the arugola. Tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil... but stars has to be proscuitto and arugola. The bitterness and peppery flavor provided the perfect balance to the saltiness of the proscuitto. Plus, the pizza dough is made just the way I like it. Thin base with a crispy, but chewy crust. Quick tip: the back of the restaurant is extremely warm because of the brick oven... BUT, that's where you can enjoy the intoxicating aroma of all things pizzeria.
(4)Chantelle D.
Two words: Martha Stewart. She was here last night while we had dinner. If that isn't a glowing recommendation on how bad ass this pizza is, I just don't know what is.
(5)Nick M.
Meh would describe this place. I know a lot of people think this a great pizza place but I didn't find it charming. The food was ok, I've had better pizza, however, they didn't mess it up horribly so that was a plus. However, our wait service was horrible. We ordered more than one pizza and then were brought out two of the same kind. When we brought it to the waiters attention, before even touching a piece of it, that the pizza was wrong he proceeded to tell us that we were the ones who were wrong. Our cousin, twice removed, from our third uncle had told him we wanted our pizza's the exact same! Our waiter told us he never makes a mistake and was more than happy to argue with us in front of everyone and tell us how wrong we were, while telling us how he never makes a mistake. Honestly, go get a dollar slice, it'll be about as good and if they mess up your order you won't have to pay $25 for a pizza with 6 slices. They make a decent pizza, I'm just not sure it's 25 dollars worth. Someone said it before hand, they skimp on the cheese. Overall, I doubt I'll be back, there are better places in NYC for pizza.
(2)Jessica M.
The environment wasn't one I was used to: I'm still getting over them having a chair upside down on the ceiling. Nonetheless, the food was beyond delicious and I taste the authenticity in the Gnocchi and the Est pizza. I remember the Gnocchi better: soft, tasty, and rich cheese that was more than filling. The plate it's served on preserves the warmth and taste of the meal, and it's deceivingly small - I was so full by the time I finished. It's cash only, which may be inconvenient for some - especially if you're bringing a party of more than three people. A great spot in Alphabet City that should be visited more often
(5)Andre P.
I would kind of like to go into a very long explanation of my disbelief of how East Village has changed since the mid 90s when, as a teenager, I would walk around and drink brown paper bagged 40 ounces; yet here am I now eating Naples style pizza 15 years later. But I will not. I will tell you the pizza was very, very good. I've had pizza in Italy - in Naples no less! - and this was pretty close. I'm not a pizza snob, but I do search and appreciate fresh, Naples style pizza. The pizza will not disappoint. The atmosphere is fun. Young people - your typical crowd in that neighborhood. Lively, not fancy, not dirty; a fun Friday night for sure! As we were leaving a group of about 10 people had champagne glasses at the bar celebrating something. So the pizza is great, the atmosphere is fun - why the 4 stars? The wine was not on par. I was wondering if the Montepulciano was really a Montepulciano (your typical inexpensive Tuscan red that pairs perfect with these sorts of pizza). The wine-by-the-glass was the ugly boyfriend to the model girlfriend. I had an app that was microwaved - which is fine, hey I'm not a chef - but parts of the inside were cold. The service was very good. Your respectable professional New York waiters that remember everything. Fast too and well deserved the 20% tip. I'd go back!
(4)Bill S.
I was in the mood for a great pizza today and I had Luzzos bookmarked for a loooong time. I walk in today to an empty restaurant. This place has an old school vibe. It really reminds me of Johns Pizza in the village but without the writing on the booths and walls. I've been hearing about this pizza style from Naples so I order a small pizza with Anchovies and a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is my favorite pizza wine. Pizza comes out really quick and I noticed the dough is light and not too much charr for a coal oven pizza. One bite and I was hooked. Creamy dreamy fresh mozzarella with sweet sauce. Just spot on. "This" is the place if you want to impress out of towners looking for real NY Style pizza. If your on the West side, then it has to be Co. If you want to meet in the middle, Artichoke. Can you tell that I love NY Pizza? :)
(5)Nathan G.
I'm always on the lookout for the best slice. Over the years I keep going back to Luzzos. On my first visit about half of the patrons were speaking Italian. Generally a good sign, and it was. Highlights: ~ I've been here many times & it's always an awesome pie. ~ Eggplant parm is terrific. ~ Olive oil is also the best I've had outside Italy/Spain/Greece... ~ Nice homey & chill decor. ~ The staff are always very professional You might find a pie as good as Luzzos. I highly doubt you find a better one. Yes, it's small, it's NY. I don't wait as a general rule, but Luzzos is worth a wait.
(5)Ariel C.
Delicious bruschetta w goat cheese and spek. Also traditional pizza w buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomato sauce. Although nothing can compare to a genuine Naples pizza, this came close. The leftovers were delicious.
(4)Jo K.
Luzzo. You are super delicious. Your magherita pizza was good and I surprised my self by really enjoying my friends selection of another pizza pie that didn't have any tomato sauce on it. I was like "what?!" and then I was like "yum" then I was like "scarf scarf scarf."
(4)Erica P.
HORRIBLE. I can't even write a review on this place it's so bad. To the point - Lacking in everyway. Ceaser salad was a bunch of iceberg with 4 pieces of cheese and a few tasteless croutons. The dressing was super liquidy and sour. WTF? The spaghetti with mozzerella, tomatoes, and basil was superrr greasy, tasteless, sauceless, and the basil was MIA. It was gross, a total waste of $.
(1)Kat Z.
Don't know why this place is rated so high. Pizza is mediocre and overpriced. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE SERVICE. Definitely not coming back again.
(2)Roberto C.
Definitely an excellent Napoleatan pizza. While they do not have a wooden-fired oven, the coal one does the job pretty well. The pizza is thin and and a bit chewy - exactly as it should be! Toppings are truly Italians (I am 100% Italian) and they only use prime ingredients. Good selection of appetizers (great bruschette!) and pastas! Service is fast and courteous. The place is rather small yet full of character. Reserve in advance if you can as the spot tends to fill up quickly. Enjoy!
(5)Dan N.
I've been to the other famous pizzeras in town, but Luzzo's has been by far my favorite. I can't claim to be a pizza connoisseur. Their slices are fantastic, and the fried pizza is something I always get along with a classic pie. But I might think that of any place better than Papa John's. However, each time I've been here, the service has been superb, possibly the best I've ever had in this city. I came in on a packed evening and someone in our party bailed out, and they still accommodated us with respect and speed, and a great sense of humor and charm while taking our orders. Whenever someone visiting asks for a pizza place to go, I know they lean towards Lombardi's or the other famous names, but I always wholeheartedly recommend Luzzo as the place to go.
(5)Barb B.
I had to take my brother to a place that sounded amazing for his first New York pizza, and Luzzo's didn't disappoint either one of us. It is a super quaint and eclectic place, including a random chair suspended upside down from the ceiling. If you haven't noticed it, look up next time! Quite random. So I feel that Luzzo's dishes out a very nice Neapolitan style pie. The crust is soft yet thin which means I can power down more like four slices rather than my normal two. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Who knows. Probably bad, but I enjoyed it! I loved the cheese, oh it was good. We also enjoyed a lovely arugula salad, which was a little more sophisticated than I expected from a tiny joint with a chair on the ceiling. I honestly don't remember how much we spent but I felt like it was a very reasonable dinner. The only issue I had was that they tried to seat us at a two-top which was right next to another table when there was a perfectly nice booth available. There was a single diner at the table right by the one they wanted to seat us at and that just seemed like it would be weird. Like if it's another pair of people that's fine but if it's one person are you supposed to try to chat with them? I don't know! But they were super cool when I asked if we could have the booth instead. Cash and Amex only I believe which is something you should know!
(4)Ki G.
There are certain things I like about a pizza - density of the crust, the level of salt in the cheese (I want gooey, not salt lick) and the sauce. A pizza with a thin, uninspired sauce might as well just call itself a slice of bread and cheese and get on with it. The sauce on our Bufala pizza was prodigiously good. It was a little sweet, a little tart, flavored well and was full-bodied, not runny. The crust was a little too thin for my liking, but I'm a fan of the hefty NYC crust, what can I say. I liked the quick service, I liked the variety of toppings. The sides, well, they weren't all that great - stick with the pizza. I know this place is Chun's favorite, so this review is dedicated to him. I may not be a 5-star fan, but I did like it and I would come back. A-OK
(3)Daniele D.
Best pizzeria in Manhattan. Hands down. Go for the large, you won't regret it. There is probably not much to add. I like Pasquale, who, although clueless, proceeds to play princesses with my 3 year old. She was amused, he was amused. He tried to tell her is name. Pasquale, Pasqualino. No chance, I teach my daughter as much Italian as she allows me, but so far Pasquale did not make it into her vocabulary.
(5)Christine J. S.
Luzzo's is all around fantastic. It's simply and tastefully decorated, the service has been consistently wonderful, and the truffle pie is out of control. I dream about it. A nice place to go on a casual date. One of my favorite pizza spots in NYC. I used to live across the street and miss it terribly.
(5)Katheryn H.
Everytime I go to New York, I have to go to Luzzo's. HAVE TO. I get Ray's and other street pizza, but if you want authentic, brick-oven Italian pizza, this is the place to go. My boyf and I usually order the Ripieno and Diavola. Paper thin and crispy crust. Delicious sauce. Fresh mozzarella cheese (it's almost to die for). Mouth-watering salami/spicy pepperoni. Just everything on each pizza is fresh and divine. I honestly can finish a whole medium pizza myself. (: Service is also very friendly.
(5)Greg L.
I wouldn't call this place the best pizza in town but a good spot to get a thin crust pizza. Those are good and tasty (especially with toppings like pepperoni for instance). Service is ok, nothing much. Make sure you bring cash as it doesn't accept credit cards.
(3)Corinna L.
Came here around lunch time today after much anticipation. Overall, a very solid pizza place. What I loved: the crust! So thin and crispy (but not overly so)! Probably the best crush I've had, beating even some of the most delicious pizzas I've had in Italy. What I didn't quite enjoy: we had the Nepoletana, which is the margherita pizza with anchovies. The anchovies were REALLY salty (well, they are anchovies, after all), but it was somewhat overpowering. We also got the mixed salad, which wasn't anything to write home about. They only accept cash and AMEX.
(3)Chris T.
Sam Sifton's recent laudatory review ( dinersjournal.blogs.nyti… ) sent us on a journey to Motorino, which halted abruptly when we faced a 1.5-hour wait (apparently other NY Times readers had the same idea). Luckily for us Luzzo also serves delicious pizza right around the corner. On its face Luzzo differs from Motorino in several important ways: (1) it's much larger (Motorino seats half the people, perhaps); (2) Luzzo feels more casual (brighter lights, warmer ambience); and (3) it serves a broader variety of food, including numerous pasta entrees. This is nice if your party consists of both pizza lovers and those who don't share the love. We were seated immediately by gracious, though rushed, wait staff and the food arrived in a rapid sequence. The plain margherita (in my mind the standard by which NYC-style pizza should be measured) was quite good; it featured thin crust that was both chewy and crispy, rich and tangy tomato sauce, melted gobs of mozzarella di bufala, and basil leaves. It was not as good as Lucali (still my favorite), but at least as good as Grimaldi's. My only complaint is that the pie was not as steaming hot as I had hoped (though the pizza served to the party next to us looked like it was served at the ideal temperature -- hot enough that the cheese is still slightly bubbly). The tasty homemade pappardelle with mushrooms, sausage, and cherry tomatoes was served al dente and came in a large portion (enough for two people). We finished our meal with a generous serving of tiramisu (one order is enough for two) and an Americano -- both delicious. We'll try Motorino after the crowds have died down a bit (hopefully they will). Either way, Luzzo certainly holds its own against NYC's pizza elite.
(4)Sue K.
I was excited to try this place. Oh the hype. Though I pay attention to the ambiance and decor, I would like to be more surprised or pleased with the food. Afterall, when one goes out to eat, it is the food that he or she is after (though friends/company matter). Highlights and low-lights Bufalo pizza: the ratio of the sauce, cheese and basil was good - would have liked more basil. though not a huge herb person, i like to taste/smell basil on my pizza. For a fresh-out of the oven pie, the crust was not crunchy enough. It was a bit...chewy. Fried eggplant: they were fried eggplant sandwiches - there were mozz and speck in between two piece of eggplants. Good speck, not amazing or memorable. Overall, the experience was "ok" but not anything memorable. I went this past weekend and i can't really remember anything to write about...
(3)Kristina C.
Amazing delicious pizza perfection. The roasted garlic, salsiccia, mushrooms, and diavola have all been standouts but you can't ever go wrong with their basic bufala. It's a rustic spot, great for catching up with friends or a little casual date night. I've tried a few salads which were all fine and dandy, but the star is, was, and always will be the pizza.
(5)Katrina C.
This is still my favorite pizza place! A friend from Naples brought me here one rainy day (no doubt we were partially there to watch soccer). I get the mozz and basil with truffle oil. Hits the spot every time.
(5)Jobu B.
Cot damn that's some good ass pizza! Oh, WORD? Yes, WORD.
(5)Jennifer E.
This pizza tastes absolutely amazing. Seriously. Just a little tooooo thin for my taste (really, it's much thinner than anywhere else), but I'm not discounting that because it tastes freaking GOOD. A little pricey too.
(4)rene P.
The calamari is excellent here. The pizza is a nice thin crust. The sauce is usually good but this time I found it to watery and not enough tomato.
(3)I.E. C.
I had a family member from the neighborhood take me here. I wasn't sure quite what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how excellent the pizza was. We got the Funghi, Frusta Quartieri, and the Napoletana. The Funghi pizza was great and the Napoletana with the anchovies was quite tasty. Was not a fan of the Frusta Quartieri, as it just lacked much flavor. Being a bit of a pizza snob, yes this place is great! However is it the best in the world as so many claim? Definitely not. Also, considering the size of the pizze, I was a bit surprised by the price. But hey, it's Manhattan! Definitely will come back next time I'm in town.
(4)J B.
Pizza was AMAZING! The crust is absolutely delicious, even better when pair with their homemade chili oil.
(4)Matteo R.
Let me put things in perspective: I'm Italian, and I like pizza. Neapolitan pizza is "the" pizza. For all of you who ask about thin vs. thick crust pizza, let me tell you something: there is NO thick crust pizza! That "thing" is called focaccia if you're nice, and junk American food if you like to call things by their name. Like pizza with pineapple; WTF?!? That's not a pizza, that's an ABOMINATION! But I digress... Luzzo's is the best pizza I've had in Manhattan so far. Simple and good, light but rich in flavor; just the way pizza is supposed to be. This is a place for Italian expats at the last stage of homesickness. Last time I went there the music was BLASTING some of the worst Italian music you could ever hear (Raffaella Carra', Toto Cutugno, Ufo Robot, etc...), the kind of music that makes me feel embarrassed for being Italian. But, boy, their pizza is good...
(4)Matt H.
Some of the best pizza I've ever had. I love the Diavola. This pizza tastes so amazing fresh out of the oven. It will ruin you for pizza. I only wish I didn't have to cross the country to get it. I go every time I'm in NY and I'm never disappointed.
(5)Jose T.
Had dinner here with 7 of my buddies after throwing a good amount back at a pub. Great pizza! The arugula with ham was the best!
(5)Doug S.
The impetus for my first visit to Luzzo's was ritualistic carb-loading the night before the NYC Marathon. My group of 4 sampled the bruchette, the Bucatini Pesto E Gamberi (pasta with shrimp and pesto sauce), and the Campana and Speck pizzas. Everything was delicious and served promptly. On a Saturday night with no shortage of tourists in town for the race, we only waited 15-20 minutes for a table. The pizza here is no joke.
(5)Louis L.
agliata pizza!!!! and folded calzone!!!!! It gets crowded in there, and a little loud.
(5)Peter D.
Luzzo's is why I live here. OK, perhaps it's not the only reason, but places LIKE Luzzo's remind me of why I am so lucky to live in NYC.* Strolling down 1st Ave, I can duck into the unassuming little place on a whim. More often than not, I sit down immediately and order a pie. Each slice is as good as the best I've ever had anywhere else. Luzzo's is like a professional athlete; they make something that none of us can do look so easy. Effortless. The Bufala is always perfect, but sometimes I opt for a specialty pie. Perhaps the Brutta Ma Buona, a tomato mozzarella pie with sausage, ricotta, olives and basil. The pizza is as it should be; simple, quality ingredients, perfectly prepared. You want great pizza in Manhattan? Skip the line at Lombardi's and come here. _________ *Despite the insane cost of living, the MTA service cuts, the noise, that smell, the shameful recent performance of the Knicks and Mets, the fear of bedbugs, the humidity, people who insist on making Sex and the City comparisons, subway gropers and the damn NYU students.
(5)Kristine R.
Dear Luzzo's Establishment, I really wanted to come here and enjoy your pizza that yelp reviews have raved about. Well, one Friday evening a friend and I decided to come in and try this wonderful pizza. We waited about 15 mins or so for a table and once we were finally seated in the back by the wall, my friend had felt something jump on him. He proceeded to brush off whatever landed on him onto the table. While this was going on, I was looking at the menu and he then tells me "Wait!" and pushes my menu out of my way so I could see what landed on the table. Well, it was a COCKROACH. At this point, I jump out of my seat and leave. The bus boy comes and looks at the table looking like he's unsure what to do and as were walking out the hostess asks me, "why are you leaving?" I reply "there's a roach on our table." Anyway, needless to say I won't be back. -Kristine What a shame, I really wanted to try this place, but after seeing that and having it even jump on my friend - I'll never come back. I know I am the odd one out in these reviews, but hey if I could I'd give this place zero stars - a cockroach is disgusting.
(1)Chris J.
recommending the aglietta pie went here twice, once when crowded, once when empty. the pizza was better cooked when it was empty (a bit soggy when it was crowded). obviously that may not correlate though, could be total coincidence
(4)Brandon L.
Get here early if you don't want to wait for a table. I have to admit that I had some fun here, even though it was completely packed and the food was maybe only slightly above average. Pretty typical coal-oven baked pizza, soggy in the middle, as usual. On the other hand, the calamari was some of the best I've ever had. The decor is wacky and eclectic. Some of the waiters are gorgeous northern Italian boys with beautiful eyes... but I digress. On another night I might have hated it, but I didn't, and I would probably go back. I can't see myself going here often, but I would try it again. THEY ONLY ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS HERE.
(3)Isaac T.
Pizzas awesome, fried pizza could use more sauce but worth getting nonetheless
(4)Ray C.
Haven't been here in years. Still NY's best pizza. If anyone here disagrees, tell me which one and it better not be in ITALY. Bestest crust and best sauce and cheese toppings. Not watery like some pizzas i've seen. Excellent balance.
(5)Mark H.
This was pizza as I see it in my dreams, exactly how I love it, with delicious mozzarella, fresh sauce, very thin crust, great toppings (i.e. prosciutto, arugula, my favorites...). Perfection. Can't recommend it highly enough, but it seems with all these reviews, that I don't even have to. Had a delicious plate of olives (and I mean delicious, a generous portion, and in a spicy, tasty oil), very friendly waitress, good service, and 2 very nice bottles of wine (a Morellino di Scansano and a Nebbiolo). I would go back here in a heartbeat for an informal meal, and I would proudly bring anybody.
(5)Michelle H.
Gosh I really wanted to give this place 4 stars, but the service bumped this down a whole star (not even 1/2 a star). I was able to obtain a reservation here for a large party (12 people) on a Sat. night @ 7:30 with less than a week's notice. Hard to do in the big apple (at a good spot). We were seated fairly promptly and ordered shortly thereafter. Our food came out really fast. The pizza's were great, but I think the pastas might have been marginally better. If you go, try to get both to try. After our food came, our server(s) did not come by for at least 45 min. Our group was surprised they didn't try to kick us out as the line was out the door. We finally ordered dessert, and two out of the three (tiramisu and zeppole filled with nutella) came out fast. The nutella pizza didn't come out for another 45 min. We canceled the pizza, but they brought it out right as we were about to leave and comped it. That was the best dessert of the three. Def skip the zeppole. Overall, great place to dine b/c of the great prices and good, if you are NOT in a rush and don't mind subpar service.
(3)Anthony E.
A lot of pizza places in NYC. This is tops because the pizza is great (don't believe me, look at the pictures), the price is right (20 bucks for a pie big enough to split), and the wait isn't too bad. Bring a buddy and buy a couple brews; you'll have a great f*@king time.
(5)Justin L.
I gotta say, this is the best pizza I've had in Manhattan thus far. Went here with a few friends for dinner during the week, and while we were checking the menu for prices outside, some crazy lady came up to us and told me that it was the best pizza in the city. Tall order, but I already know the pizza looks delicious based on the pics of the pies on here so we went ahead with the plan. Contrary to the comments here, the service was fantastic, from the waitress to the food coming out fairly quickly, to not rushing us, even getting us lemon wedges for our waters when we didn't order drinks (and asking before they did). It didn't hurt that we are all Italian and the place wasn't even close to full, but regardless I appreciated it. They don't try to do anything special with the atmosphere which I liked, just lots of Italian stuff arranged on the walls and the ability to hear the people you're with talk. One of the main reasons I wanted to try this place was that it has one of the last coal ovens in the city (although they use a wood/coal blend to cook their pizza). We shared a 16" Bruta Ma Buona (mozz, sauce, basil, olives, sausage, ricotta), my friends got the fried calamari to share as well (one of them wasn't very hungry). The calamari was solid, I've had better but it was solid and thats not what we came for anyway. The pizza was simply delicious. It was Neapolitan in spirit, but not form for the most part. For one, the dough had the softness of an Italian pie with the charistic coal oven crispness of the same time. I was leery of the olives, but they worked very well with the creamy ricotta and tasty sausage. My only complaints were that the sauce wasn't as great as it could've been (although it help to balanced the other ingredients in this case), and the pie was a little limp. But the main concern for me was whether the flavor was there, and it definitely was. I will be back and we'll see if this holds up
(4)Nathan L.
Solid pizza spot in the East Village. This is a smallish place but we had no problems getting a table here. The pizza was good but the thin crust couldn't hold the weight of the sauce and toppings and it kind of fell over itself as I ate it and resorted to using a fork for a few bites. Still pretty tasty though. Its a cash only place which kind of sucks especially when you have to go out in 20 degree weather to go to the bank.
(3)Adam S.
This a cute little pizza joint in the East Village. Went with a buddy and had a nice meal. The waiting staff were very attentive, if a little quirky. Took numerous attempts to get our table to not wobble. The pizza are pretty huge. Which is good right? Perhaps too much of a tomato taste for my likely - that's to say it dominated the pizza slightly. The range of pizza are not super innovative but nor are they the run of the mill. If you want super innovative go to Motorino. If you want a more chilled vibe and affordability and size of pie. Come here.
(4)D. N.
Pizza is religion in New York, and this place may just be the St. Peter's Basilica of the you-can't-order-a-slice denomination. Absolutely fantastic.
(5)Robert L.
Well, never got to try the pizza. Went into the restaurant after a yoga class with my Google Offer ($20.00 worth of food), which enticed me and I asked if they did take out. Waitress answered Yes. I ordered a large combo pizza with pepperoni and anchovy, (number 2 and 9) my favorite which would be a special combination for them. Cost was not an issue. Went to pay in advance, and told them I would take the pizza home to eat. When I showed my Google Offer I was told CONTRARY to what is written on the offer (Not valid for delivery) that the deal does not go with take out. "Take out" is not "delivery" I responded. Then I said I would pay extra for the box but I did not care to eat in the restaurant. The reason is mine alone. The bartender was adamant and someone who also apparently worked there backed him up. I asked if they were good business folks they would honor the Google offer, and the offer did not exclude take out. Being as they were, I left after having cancelled the order with no pizza. I then went to the $.99/ slice pizza place in my neighborhood, got two plain slices and went to the local Associated and purchased a pepperoni ($2.99) and a can of anchovies ($1.99). I simply wanted a slice of pizza of anchovy and pepperoni, and I was willing to pay handsomely for it, so money was not the issue. I had my slice and another one in the fridge. And enough pepperoni and anchovy left over to add to another full pie. The stubbornness of the wait staff and bartender lost this potential customer for good and gets no favorable review from me. And Luzzo's pizza's seems way overpriced also. About price, which I originally did not care about: C'mon $18.00 for a small thin crust pizza? The combo pizza I wanted would have cost about $26.00. I had my pizza and ate it too! At home. For about $1.75 per slice. And it was very very good.
(1)Mark M.
Wanted to impress one of my closest friends who was in town visiting. Pizza was on the brain. Grimaldi's? No....don't want to wait in line. Yelp to the rescue to find Luzzos. What a find. Great service. Wonderful ambiance. Fun crowd. Not too loud. The tables are close - but not too close. And the food. The homemade buffalo mozzarella. Sweet baby jesus. And the prosciutto. Mary mother in heaven. And the pizza. To cover more bases, get two different small ones instead of one large. Decent wine list, too. I highly recommend this spot for a group, a date, or just with a friend!
(5)Richard W.
I forgot how big 'large' pizzas were in the states! I lucked out & stumbled upon this place after a search for pizza using the Yelp app - and got a seat instantly. 10 minutes later there was a queue completely filling up the bar area, so I timed my arrival perfectly! The pizza (large w' mushrooms) was enormous, and damn good. Possibly the best I've ever had. That good. The topping was fairly loose - not the congealed, baked-together mushrooms/peppers you get with a lot of pizzas - so slicing a chunk off and eating with hands was a bit perilous, but tasted all the better for it. Wine list is reasonably small & restrictive - I wanted a cab but they only served that in bottles, so I ended up getting a merlot. Which was decent, and came in a generously jumbo glass. The place is pretty compact, so maybe booking in advance would be the way to go - and despite the staff clearly being very busy with a full house, they were all lovely and attentive. I'm definitely going back next time I'm in NYC.
(5)Alex A.
Wow! I was looking for a some of NYC's best pizza on my recent trip to Manhattan (I'm from Los Angeles). The best ratings seemed to be coming from Brooklynn which was a shame because I didn't have time to make the trip. That said, Yelp delivered in a big way. (tourist side of Alex speaking) OK. So, the fact that this place is actually run by Italians who actually speak Italian, kiss each other on both cheeks, slap each other on the back and yell alot actually added to the experience for me...."cheesy" (in the bad sense) on my part, I know but for some odd reason I dug it. The problem for me was that I had the hardest time figuring out what I wanted. My gut told me to go simply but did I listen? Nooooooooo! I ordered the Ripieno (tomato, ricotta, mozzarella, mushrooms, spicy salami, ham and basil). The wife ordered Diavola (tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami). And risotto with a creamy, cheese sauce (sorry, I wasn't listening while we were ordering...to busy trying to figure out what I wanted) for the little one. Risotto? Kick ass! Diavola? To die for! Ripiieno? Killer....but too much going on there. The reality is that pizza a Luzzo's is made from just plain quality ingredients. Killer dough (just the right amount of crispyness) with the freshest ingredients (amazing mozza). How do I know the ingredients were fres? I COULD TASTE IT!! Really just amazing. It really takes something (relatively) simple, like the Diavola to truly appreciate it. In California, I usually order the pizza with everything under the sun. Luzzo's is pizza you just want to savor and enjoy. This was a late weekday lunch so we had pretty good (but not fantastic) service. Restroom (downstairs) was clean which is always a plus. We had a limoncello (lemon liqouer) for 'desert'. Not the best I've had but really very good...I can't think of another place that I know of (certainly none in LA) that would even think to offer as a desert item after a lunch like this. Overall, just a really good experience at Luzzo's. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(5)Heather S.
Not as good as it used to be. We used to treck down here for this pizza and ambience of italians once per month. Lately the pizza has fallen-off...and the wine list is terrible. I'll pay for good wine dammit, not this vinegar being sold under $30. Yuk.
(3)Steve K.
Ordered the pizza with sausage $18 for a pie. Overpriced and small, not a great value. Just ok. My wife loved it, but we both agreed $$$$$$$
(3)Jeremy A.
Luzzo, thank god for you. I went in for lunch and the service was real prompt and friendly. Its a very cool little italian restaurant with a very expansive menu that I hope to continue to explore. I got the Bufala pizza and it was seriously the best Neapolitan style pie I have ever had. Its a hole in the wall and easy to miss, I walked past it twice before I found it. If you're looking for the best, you can find it here. I cant wait to go back.
(5)Chris H.
Any fans of the original Iron Chef will instantly recognize this quote: "Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are" - Brillat-Savarin This mind set, when applied to Luzzo's, means that the fans of this place are pizza purists. This place is shamelessly old school, and laudably authentic. First of all, this is the closest American pie i've ever had to replicating the pies that I was able to sample in Naples (Trianon, Da Michelle, etc). While Americans may revel in stuffed crust, deep dish, or Hawaiian monstrosities, traditional Neapolitan pies emphasize a crispy char, skillfully plied dough, a perfect sauce, and good quality mozzarella cheese. Anything above and beyond this, save a sprig of basil, is excessive. I like to think that i've honed my pizza palate through my travels, as well as my keen interest in Jeff Varasano's point of view on the matter ( varasanos.com/PizzaRecip… ) and I can safely say that this is one of the best pies i've had in the states. The crust is crispy at first, but cracks under the slightest bit of pressure, allowing pliability for a proper fold. Each bite is at first crunchy, but then yields into a chewy and flavorful morsel. Pure pizza bliss. In addition to the fantastic pies, we tried the carciofi gratinati (breaded artichokes), which were nicely seasoned, adorned by a bed of fresh baby arugula, and simply dressed with lemon and good quality olive oil. Brillat-Savarin may not have approved of my pizza fanaticism (apparently the old guy dissuaded the excessive consumption of bread, according to Wikipedia), but other pizza purists will revel in the beautiful fresh pies at Luzzo's.
(5)Samson L.
I had to try some New York pizza while I was here for vacation so I decided to give this a shot because of all the reviews. When I went in there it was so empty. I expected this place to be packed. We ordered Arugala, Cal Zone, and EST. The pizza were quite thin and the toppings could not stay on my pizza at all. Not sure what was the cause of that. The EST in my opinion is my favorite pizza out of the 3 because it had plenty of meat. The bathroom is located downstairs which makes it quite scary but other than those flaws its quite good
(3)Emily M.
Been here twice now and I look forward to the next time. The pizza is SO INCREDIBLY GOOD! The mozzarella is heavenly. Great dough, great sauce....great pizza.
(4)Joe H.
The last time I was in New York I had a chance to visit Grimaldi's and thought it was pretty good. Well... this place is better in my opinion (I know... I may be roasted on a spit for that comment). Anyways, this place has the 3 things that make the perfect pizza: A thin crust that is crispy, chewy and thin. I ordered the Agugula (I'm kinda guessing on the spelling here) pizza. It had procuitto, mozzarella, arugula, grated parmesan, and tomato sauce. I think the combination of the butteriness of the arugula, the boldness of the parmesan and the saltiness of the procuitto was amazing. It worked out perfectly. My only gripe is that there was far too much arugula on the pizza and not enough mozzarella and procuitto. Another thing being that the slices were cut, but the procuitto wasn't cut all the way through, so it required some "creative" slice and meat dividing. The crust is amazing. It's crispy, thin and chewy all the way through. We destroyed a 12" pizza in less than 5 minutes between 2 of us. Is it the best I've had? Probably not, but it could hold up in a battle to the death in the best pizzas I've had. Weapon... Coal burning oven.
(4)James F.
During your meal there's that point when your server comes to check on you: "is everything all right sir?" At Luzzo's, the waitress took one look at the giddy grin on my sauce encrusted face and stated: "pretty good, huh?" Not really a question and more than a mild understatement. Simply fantastic pizza. The sauce is tangy and zesty which I personally prefer to a sweeter tomato sauce. I don't know the specific difference between buffalo mozzarella and regular but this cheese was delicious. A greedy part of me wished for more of this gooey stuff. The crust surprised me a bit. I was expecting a firm, almost toast like crust. This was a soft, but not soggy , crust. Tasty and not too doughy. Best, and less messy, to eat this pizza folded in half like a traditional slice. I wavered between 4 and 5 stars because of price. $18 for 12 inch pie with sausage seemed pricey at first, but it's not out of line with what other similar style pizzeria charge. Whether you can afford to go weekly, monthly or every few months you definitely need to go. It's worth it.
(5)Jin B.
the best margarita pizza in nyc! nothing comes close.
(5)Victor A.
Delicious Pizza. Very thin crust that was delicious and the sauce and toppings, olives, sausage and goat cheese were wonderful. Good atmosphere and friendly staff. No crowd when we were there on a Saturday afternoon so that was a bonus.
(4)Arielle C.
I completely agree with Anna G. I spent a bit of time in Italy - only 4 months - but I completely fell in love with it. Luzzos somehow let me relive it. Their pizza tartufata is out of control, and their tiramisu is like...a little piece of Italian heaven. Luzzo's is one of those neighborhood spots that just never disappoints. And when you become a regular there, you're family. One note: it is now cash only, so be prepared. But it's totally worth it.
(5)Are M.
I'm not the only one who wants pizza in a poorly air conditioned space on the hottest day of the year! The place is small but packed. Not so friendly hostess directed us to wait at the bar, where there was a very friendly bartender, thankfully. Rice balls were frozen in the middle but the pizza was why I was there and why I would go back. I'll overlook the generic appetizer mishap.
(4)Nicole R.
One of my closest friends is moving to Australia tomorrow, so one of our friends decided to get a group of us for dinner last Friday night at Luzzos. If you have not dined here, I did not understand how we were going to have 16 people eating dinner here at one time...it is a small crowded restaurant...ALWAYS. When we arrived, you could hardly get in the door. But then we were escorted down the steps to a private room in the basement. Other than the fact that there was another party down there, who eventually left, the space was perfect. We turned on the AC unit, put in our ipod and created our own party. Wine flowing, of course! The pizza and appetizers were great. They left us alone...did not rush us. We ended up closing the restaurant down past midnight and being asked to leave as the rest of the restaurant had already closed...understandable. 13+ bottles of wine later.....we stumbled out of the restaurant. Thanks for a GREAT sendoff for our friend!
(4)Dave B.
Went there for lunch there yesterday. Only time I was there. Had a large pie with my friend. I'd say that it was very good. Sauce is a bit tangy (I prefer sweet), but they definitely have a very nice crust, very unique. Crispy and fluffy and thin...not too many pizza shops can pull that off. Overall, very good. Also, had a tiramisu for dessert...was excellent. Definitely worth trying if you're into pizza.
(4)J R.
Came here almost by accident, and very glad we did. Terrific service and delicious pizza.
(4)Art K.
I've been to Luzzo's a few times and it keeps getting better! Clearly one of the best places in NYC for real Neapolitan pizza, but they do other dishes really well... Last night I had the eggplant parmesan, and it was really delicious and the portions are a good size. Also had the shrimp and squid in spicy light tomato sauce -- also very good... My favorite pizza so far is the mushroom. Great imported cheese and a light crispy crust! Luzzo's is an all around solid east village Italian restaurant with amazing pizza (that one MUST try), and the service isn't so bad either... I love this place --
(4)Venkatesh B.
I was invited here with friends tonight. The pizzas are brilliant as is the gnocchi. The ambiance was lively and overall great. Have a blast!
(5)Zack G.
I like it a lot, came here on one of what will be 50 pizza dates with my girlfriend. She thought the crust was a little soft and watery, can't say I disagree. That being said, it's delicious. The sauce is good, the bread is tasty though too soft, and the bufala is delcious. Clearly a place that puts it's time into pizza. Really not bad, not superlative, but pretty freaking good. Not a bad price, but also sorta a quick eat. Came here and then tried out butter lane. Pizza + Cupcakes, jealous?
(4)Lindsay W.
Magical crust. Thin as paper but not soggy and the "handle" of the pizza is thicker and pillowing with little crisp spots. Sauce was fresh and spot on balance between acid and sweet. We ordered the margarita and I really really appreciated the small mozzarella balls because you can easily get one in a bite and not have to choose between trying to tear the large piece to save some for another bite of just eating the whole piece leaving the slice now cheese less. I know it sounds goofy but it does make a difference. I ordered the arugula salad with sliced apples. The fresh lemony dressing was spot on and the apples helped balance the acid. I also had presseco which is always great with Italian food. My husbands salad was good as well (can't remember what it was) and both salads were generous in proportion. We did not order any other food but looking around made us wish we had tried to stuff in a pasta dish. The menus says most pastas are made fresh in house and they all looked so good. We are from out of state and had tried Lombardies Margarita which was great and I would rate as a 9 but I would rate this place 10 in the pizza department. So glad we found it..thanks other yelp reviewers! Drooling thinking about it.
(5)jamie s.
Luzzo's pizza is simply the best. Classic coal over pizza napoletana with a variety of toppings, prepared to perfection. I've been coming here for years and it never disappoints. Last night was no exception. I generally stick to 3 favorite pies: Tartufata - standard sauce, mozz, basil + truffle oil; Arugola - arugula, prosciutto, sauce, mozz; and Brutta Ma Buona - sauce, mozz, ricotta, sausage, basil (we hold the olives on this one). Two 16" + one 12" was the perfect quantity for my party of 5. Everything tasted fresh and delicious, and we left feeling perfectly full. So yeah, the pizza undoubtedly earns 5 stars. But I will make one small complaint: the wine list is a little challenging - not many "cheap" options, and a lot of strange varietals (even for me, and I'm in the business!). Luzzo's is definitely worth a go. I always recommend it as "the best pizza in NYC". I admit I have yet to try Motorino (around the corner and getting rave reviews) and a couple other crowd-pleasers, but I'm pretty confident Luzzo's still ranks at the tippy top!
(5)Charlece H.
Coming from a place where good Italian food is hard to come by (Texas), I was anxious to find a great place during our last visit. I'm happy to report that our dinner at Luzzo's was great. We showed up on a Friday night without reservations. We waited about 20 min at the bar (enough time for a glass of prosecco). I had a great (and reasonably priced) Siclilian wine. The table ordered pizza, taglatelli, meatballs, and a salad to share. It was plenty of food and I was so happy the food tasted so much like my last trip to Rome and Sicily two summers ago. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend it for a casual night out with great food.
(4)Michael L.
Went to Luzzo's last night and must say it is one of the best Neapolitan style pizza places in the city. Stopped off for a quick dinner ordered a bottle of Prosecco, some mozzarela di bufala and a Speck ham topped pizza. Crust is thin and delicious with a perfect char on the bottom and the ingredients are top notch. Very very close to the pizza I had while in Southern Italy and that's a good thing. The only drawbacks from what I can see are the place is fairly small and tight so I could imagine getting a table on weekends is fairly difficult. Otherwise Luzzo's has earned my praise.
(5)Eric K.
Only in the last year did I learn about Luzzo's but after a couple visits, I'm ready to declare it my favorite pizza place in Manhattan. And it's not just because of the pizza. At Luzzo's, I don't feel like I'm one of a few New Yorkers in a place overrun by tourists (sorry lombardi's). I go in and it feels more like a local's place. Luzzo's location in a nondescript part of 1st ave. in the east village contributes to that local feel, and the knickknacks all over the brick walls give the restaurant a personal touch. But the food is obviously Luzzo's most distinguishing feature. Unlike other pizza places, they actually start you out with a basket of tasty focaccia, with an accompanying bottle of olive oil for dipping. And then you look at the menu and realize that there is more than just pizza. They have fried calamari! It's a dish that my parents would always order when we'd go out for italian, and I still have an obsession with it. Pizza places generally don't have it on their menu but Luzzo's does, and their version is delicious: fat, thick squid rings and legs fried in a light batter that come out hot and not greasy. The calamari texture is perfectly tender, the batter crispy, and when dunked in marinara, it is truly classic. The fried calamari, as good as it is, still is overshadowed by the pizza. While initially, I was a little skeptical that Luzzo's largest pie was 16" and not the traditionally larger 18", my stomach didn't feel the difference in the end. My friends who were first-timers kept commenting on how good the underlying crust was: crispy, doughy, and chewy. While I did need to use fork and knife for the first couple bites of my first slice, the crust held up and I actually savored the end-crusts as their texture was more like a soft breadstick than a saltine cracker. I've tried the bufala (tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil) and the heavier, meatier pizzas like the ripieno (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, mushroom, salami, ham, basil), and all make you consider getting a second pie. Gobs of mozzarella dot the pizza, fresh and tangy sauce cover the rest of the surface area, and honestly whatever other toppings you get are simply icing on the cake. I really do hope that Luzzo's continues to maintain that local feel, and that everyone else keeps going to lombardi's, john's, and the other more recognizable pizza places. I don't want to share Luzzo's with anybody else, although i guess by writing this review, I just did. Dammit.
(5)Sara B.
The decor was cute, the service was attentive, and our food was generally well executed, but overall I found it to be no better or worse than the gazillions of other rustic Italian spots I've eaten at. Long story short, if I lived nearby, I'd go back....but I don't, so I probably won't. We started with the fried calamari, which included only the rings, looked like what you get at TGI Fridays, and didn't taste so fresh. We both ordered fresh pasta. My husband's bolognese was pretty standard. I found my papardelle with speck and mushrooms to be overly rich and a bit bland. It seems like pizza would've been the way to go.
(3)Jim U.
I absolutely love authentic Neapolitan style pizza. My visit to Da Michele in Napoli was one of my great culinary travel experiences, and it is the standard by which I judge all challengers. The simplicity of the pizza is seductive and enticing. With only crust, sauce, mozzarella di buffala, and basil, you do not have a lot to work with. There are many ways to get this wrong. So how did Luzzo's fare? Not so well. The first revealing clue was when we asked if we could have different toppings on the two sides of the pizza. We were told this was simply not possible, but we could order two smaller pizzas instead if we wanted to have different toppings. Translation: our pizzas are pre-made. The second revealing clue was when our pizza was served within a few minutes of ordering it. Translation: confirmation, the pizza isn't exactly made to order. Indeed, that fresh mozzarella, is not so fresh and has, in fact, been melted on the pie long before you stepped foot through the door. The sauce was not especially intricate or complex either. The crust was fine though. But my first bite revealed my true feelings -- disappointment. As a generic pizza, it is decent and certainly edible. I am not disdaining the pizza outright, rather, I just know that if real love and attention were given to the preparation process, a much better pizza could be had. I did enjoy the Menabrea Rosso, a beer I do not ordinarily see on the menu in Italian eateries. Ambience was okay. Our table was right next to the point of sale station, so there was plenty of activity right behind my back. There was some random furniture hanging upside down from the ceiling as well old Italian music on the radio. Aside from that, it felt like any pizza parlor. Overall, it's okay for pizza. I would recommend several toppings to help cover for the multitude of sins buried underneath. 3.5 stars
(3)Hayden-William C.
I did a fairly extensive search for well liked Pizza places on the east side before settling on Luzzo's for my birthday dinner. This is a small place with only one floor of seating and a private room downstairs. As such you should probably make a reservation in advance. I ordered the #10 pizza which had an assortment of toppings like ham, artichokes, olives, etc. I thought it was extremely good overall. All the ingredients (including the sauce and dough) tasted fresh/handmade which is hard to come by and the pizza wasn't overloaded with cheese, allowing you to better appreciate the variety of flavors. Several of my friends ordered pasta and their assessments ranged from excellent to very good, so there are options here if you don't want just pizza. The ambiance is a bit rustic and the staff was friendly, though at the end when we were getting our money together to pay, a manager came over and "encouraged" us to get up as he had a long line of waiting customers. That was somewhat tasteless as we were clearly working on paying. Then when we were done 2 minutes later, we couldn't find anyone to take our money (the manager was off in the corner socializing). Nevertheless, extremely good food here. Worth checking out.
(4)Jen A.
As an avid GQ reader, I decided to try the pizza's on this list: gq.com/food-travel/alan-… To sum up my warm sentiments on Luzzo's pizza, I will simply say that I enjoyed my experience (food, ambience, consistency, service, & wine) far more than any restaurant on GQ's "american pie" list. and yes, that includes great lake which is a wonderful byob spot.
(5)BubbaluArare G.
we've been searching for you... all these years luzzo's and you were right under our noses!!! we love the east village... but we strayed... got distracted by luke's and caraca's and big gay ice cream and and... we're so dumb... if you are looking for pizza that is NOT over-sauced (so many in manhattan are which just ruins the crust, not to mention, the taste for me) with the perfect crust that is light but has a chew and yet is crisp on the bottom with that signature smoked burnt bubbles that only coal ovens can create, i'll tell you-- this place is it. never mind all the buzz about keste... they do an even better red sauce and don't over-sauce either (they really get that right) but the crust is traditional neopolitan (so i've heard).. like a pita bread... soft, chewy and with a pull if that's your thing. as for angelo's they are not bad too but they tend to over-sauce and their crust is not consistent so you'll wind up with something flaccid and soggy in the middle on occasion; when they do get it right it can be pretty good, but like i said-- they usually get it wrong... as for john's it's well, fine... just OK, and lombardi's is hype... it's fine, but nothing near mind-blowing...in fact, their crust was a bit soggy as well the pies are a bit pricy at luzzo's but i don't mind paying if it's good stuff and the two times we went, we were always serviced well. the waiters are really friendly too and one even made recommendations and marked a take-out menu for us if we made it back. well, of course we did. we're not stoopid anymore. we ordered the speck and the martha. the speck has red sauce which i'm partial to but the martha (w/o red sauce) was pretty damn good too. i was happy that the each time we went, the crust was consistent! luzzo's you're a keeper.. please don't change!
(5)Jane P.
We got a pizza with tons of veggies on it (i forget the name) and it was so delicious. Very greasy also but wow. My roomie and I thoroughly enjoyed this with our coke. YUMMMM.
(4)Nidhi B.
The tartufata (basically a margherita with truffle oil drizzled on top) is divine. And we ordered in - I'd love to try it fresh in the restaurant. Definitely stopping by!
(4)Rich W.
There's just way too many positive feedback about this place for your not to try it out at least once. Then again since I've been somewhat of a regular here for the past year, I should be selfish and say stick to Lombardi's, John's or Grimaldi's. This way I won't have to wait long and it can somewhat be a under the radar establishment for pizza lovers like myself, then again it's too late the word is out! I have officially become a Neapolitan pizza snob thanks to Luzzo's. Aside from the pizza their other dishes at times feels like someone's nonna cooked it! Definitely try the ravioli and fried egg plant if you're not in the mood for the pizza.
(5)grampa g.
Good pizza, but super duper hot inside!! I'm sure it will be better when it's freezing outside... but until then...we couldn't wait to get outta there, maybe the air con was broken. Do not order the "Prosecco", it's not. Most entrees around $17. Stick to arugula salad and a pie. Overworked looking, but nice staff.
(2)Ro N.
Best Pizza in NY!!!! Every time anyone asks me for direction to nasty Lombardi's - I ALWAYS try to convince them to go here. I love their calamari and their own extra virgin olive oil! Not to mention their focaccia - YUMMY! So damn good! Bolognese is a must too!
(5)Charlotte G.
This HAS to be the best pizza in New York if not the United States. We went in late one night after dinner and a Broadway show just to sample a slice because I'd done a lot of NY pizza research on Yelp, and now we can't go to Manhattan without making a point of stopping at Luzzo's. On our first visit we ordered the 10' margarita-equivalent (just sauce, cheese and basil) to split because we only wanted one piece each (after all, we'd had dinner a few hours before and really weren't hungry) but literally within five minutes of the pizza reaching the table the whole thing was GONE. The crust is perfect - light, chewy, perfectly browned. The sauce is perfect - just acidic enough and just flavorful enough to balance the cheese, which is delectable and imported from Italy. I hate pizza overloaded with tomato paste and dripping oil from the cheese... This has none of that. Just simple, heavenly goodness. The ambiance is kind of hole-in-the-wall, but if you're choosing a restaurant based on decor you're probably not aiming for a pizza place anyway. Our service was fine - no complaints. Just don't miss the tiramisu for dessert - it's the best I've had outside of Italy.
(5)Elben S.
I came to this legendary place expecting a legendary pizza. And I got it. I ordered the bufala pizza, a pure, no-frills pizza. 90 seconds in the brick oven is what I hear. It was very close to perfect. Every ingredient glittered in my mouth, like a troupe of dancers. One of the best pizzas I've had all the years of my life.
(5)Janet P.
I love pizza, especially in NYC. California just doesn't compare (although a few places are close). I came here for a family dinner and immediately loved the scent of fresh pizza in the air. We ordered a plain pizza, a pepperoni pizza, and one with truffles (in the form of truffle oil I think). They were scrumptious. Not only were the pies bubbling hot when served, but the crust had that distinctive "crunch" when you bite into it. The sauce was flavorful and robust, the mozerella cheese nice and soft. I'm torn between this place and Lombardi's as being my favorite in NYC.
(5)Mike M.
Nice authentic Neapolitan pizza. This isn't my favorite pizza place, but that's mostly down to personal preferences (I like more cheese and less sauce on my pie), but this would be a great place if you like Neapolitan pizza. Not a great location (between a couple nail/spa places) or ambience, but not bad either.
(4)Art E.
Luzzo... you bring me back to my days of traveling Northern Italy as a young, naive, pizza-feining teenage boy. Your crust is delicate yet chewy, slightly crispy and burned, the perfect thickness indeed. You're like the Dove Girls of Pizza crusts... just right. I came here on a whim after someone in line at Ssam Bar suggested I try it since I only had 30 to spare for a quick bite. Sat down at the tiny bar, ordered a glass of Montepulciano for 7 bucks and ordered the spicy salami pie. 7 minutes later, I was in Pizza heaven. The mozzarella was fantastic, the sauce perfect, and the 'spicy salami' was real, wholesome, fatty, rich, spicy pork. Service was lovely and prompt. I'll sure be back again-- maybe the best pizza I've had in New York... and without the "designer" fuss you get with wait times at Motorino and Co.
(5)russell b.
Currently my favorite pizza spot in New York. Its not your traditional triangular New York slice, its authentic Italian pizza and its so, so good. I'm giving it 5 stars despite having had small issues with management, service, the temperature and space, etc. None of it matters when you bite into the tartufatta or buffala pizza and savor every bite. When I say a perfect crust, I mean a perfect crust. Bless you Luzzo's and thank you for delivering this delicious (and not overly expensive) meal.
(5)Jessica G.
Man o man. I am not usually a pizza girl, but this place has me coming back for more. I highly recommend the arugula and prosciutto pizza and meatball app. You won't regret it. Mushroom pizza missed home for me, but others enoyed. Now stop reading and go eat!
(4)Lauren L.
This place will turn you into a pizza maniac! It also has great pasta dishes. The service is usually quick at the restaurant and with delivery. I love the EST and Michele pizzas they are perfection. The past I love here is the Pappardelle Speck E Porcini. If you like fresh, high quality ingredients (porcini mushrooms and truffle oil) and authentic Napoletana Italian head here.
(5)Tara P.
I was so completely ecstatic with my entire experience at Luzzo's. Came here after a long day in the city and wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. After spending an entire semester abroad in Italy, I learned a lot about the culture and the traditions Italians have, such as having what is called "Aperitivo" which literally means "drink before a meal". So normally, you would have a drink/some appetizers and then go enjoy your entree. I have yet to have seen something like this anywhere in New York since getting to experience it all the time abroad. Upon arriving to Luzzo's, I saw what I've been hoping to see for almost a year. We got a bottle of Chianti, and Luzzo's had free food for everyone to enjoy. They had a buffet of rigatoni bolognese, Neapolitan style pizza, and many other small appetizers. The bartender, Kelly, was incredibly friendly and made good conversation. I felt like I was re-living my days in Italy, only with much more English to go around.
(5)Marina R.
Overall, I'm gonna give Luzzo's a solid 3.5 stars. I've upped it to a 4 for yelp's sake because at the end of the day, their famous pizza is where it's at.. I came here with my fiancé and a few friends to try some neapolitan style pizza. We ended up going with a #20 which is basically a thin crust margarita pizza with fresh cloves of garlic. This pizza was absolutely delicious... perfect balance of sauce, cheese and garlic. The thin crust was divine and had the perfect crunch. We also noticed "pizza fritta" on the menu, which is FRIED stuffed pizza. Obviously, even reading that line on my review gets you curious... don't lie to yourself. We decided to try it and can only say that the taste ultimately didn't remind us of "pizza" - it was more like a thin fried dough with different toppings that was overpowered by the ricotta it's stuffed with. It basically looked like a huge calzone but at the end of the day, we wouldn't order it again but were glad we tried it. Who wouldn't try fried pizza? Especially when you came in starving like us. A huge inconvenience was a nonworking bathroom during our visit, but I expect it'll get fixed soon enough. I'd return if the opportunity arose for good pizza... but wouldn't run back there either.
(4)Eva G.
Somewhere beneath the upside-down tables and chairs, a small person shared two 12" pizzas with a big person, and finished it all. The "Arugula" with tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmigiano, and arugula, and the "Salsiccia" with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, and basil were found to be top-notch Neapolitan slices. And the chili-infused olive oil they gave us was magical.
(4)Sara C.
Alright Luzzo's, The one that was awarded "best pizza in nyc" by all my friends. I may have had a few glasses of wine before dinner so I was chomping on the pizza like a mad woman. Bread + Wine is always a win win. Sooo why the 3 stars? Because I'd probably never return and go back to my 2 bros or 99 cent pizza parlors. This place was good, don't get me wrong. But pizzas are too perfect in nyc when you have 1k+ competitors! Sorry Luzzo's, yours just didn't make the cut. My main reason for the -2 stars was that the pizza crust was soggy... A nyc pizza rule nooooooooo noooooo! But who knows, maybe it was just the day I went. :( sadface.
(3)Evangelia K.
I adore Luzzo's. The best coal oven pizza in NYC. I love that they give you red pepper oil on the side. I drool just thinking about it. Even the pasta dishes are delicious. The appetizers, maybe not so much :) Really nice wine list. Servers were always very nice. Very reasonably priced. I've been there too many times to count and will go back again and again.
(5)Rachel F.
Went to this place once last year. Their pizza is really good and I love the place decoration. Nice pizza place to go.
(4)Henry C.
Classic Italian food that really hits the spot. Amazing, friendly service. Pizza crust was just right, crispy and chewy both -- with nice fior di latte. Gnocchi were quite good, but eggplant melanzane was just ok. Be sure to look up at the ceiling!
(4)Tracie S.
If you like pizza (who doesn't?), then this place is a must try. The pizza is hands down one of the best I've ever eaten. We went with a group of 5 people and started with a few apps (mussels, rice balls, bruschetta) that were just ehh. The mussels were pretty plain, rice balls not too flavorful, & bruschetta was well bruschetta. As for pizza, we got the calzone (open), arugula, and EST. They were all so delish that I can't pick a fav. Really can't go wrong with any of them. If you like to spice things up, ask for the hot/spicy olive oil. Sprinkle a little on your pizza or crust...you won't be disappointed. Service was good, food was great. My advice is skip the apps and go straight to the main event.
(4)Barbara T.
This is one of the best places in New York City. The waiters are so friendly and fast. The food is delicious. The taste is just like Italy
(5)Jason P.
Tasty, coal-oven-style, Napolitan pizza. Thin crust that is nicely burned. Tangy, sweet sauce. And while you eat, enjoy listening to the Italian pop radio.
(4)Anand M.
I have been searching for a perfect, standard, no frills, back to basics pizza for a while now; Luzzo's delivered. I was really worried, there is a little Luzzo's in UES that is terrible, with worse service. They both look the same from the outside, so I was ready for a big dissapointment - I was not excited for the meal. I had faith in yelp though, and walked in with only a little trepidation for my early lunch on a weekday (no wait). Inside feels like an italian pizzeria, and the olive oil on the table completes the look. However, it just tasted OK, i much prefered the pizza crust plain. I tried just one pizza but am confidant that the quality is the same throughout. The mushroom pizza had everything I wanted and everything was done so well. The crust was thin and crispy with a little chew(and soggy by the last peice), there was not too much cheese, there was plenty of tangy sauce. You can't go wrong with this pizza. Because of our time, the pizza came out almost immediately - I cant imagine the pizza taking more than 8 minutes in the coal oven (=high temperature cooking). I will be back often, it is only a few blocks from me and the pizza is so great they have definately earned me trying the whole menu (probably in one sitting)!
(5)Chelle N.
I had higher expectations for this place since the reviews were so good. I ordered the Arugula and Prosciutto Pizza based on the recommendations and I thought it was really mediocre. I suppose it was my bad for choosing a lighter pizza instead of something more decadent which was what I was actually craving. I ended up going to Lombardi's a few days after and was very satisfied (I need the cheese and sauce!!). The bruschetta was three pieces of bread with sliced tomatoes on top for $7 bucks. I feel like I could have made it myself to be honest. The one dish that i did LOVE LOVE LOVE at this place was this egg pasta they had. I can't remember the name (sorry!!) but it was at the bottom of the menu and it was really creamy and rich. It was a plain pasta with little pieces of pancetta in it but the sauce was so good! Now that I'm back in LA, I'm trying to find a restaurant around here that will have something similar because I don't think I'll be happy with any other pasta for a while! The pasta really saved the restaurant experience for me because everything else was just all rightttt. TIPS: - Restaurant gets really crowded so avoid peak hours! - Ask for a table along the wall or closer to the front because if you sit in the back, they'll seat you in tables two inches away from other parties and it's really...uh...awkward
(3)David J.
Goooooood, buuuuut, the place has Neapolitan pizza written all over the place yet within 5 minutes of walking in I see the chef stretching the dough over the palms of his hands, up in the air....not kneaded and pressed on the counter as per DOC protocol. Also, this pizza is made in a coal fired oven, not wood, so technically breaking the Neapolitan rules - at least as prescribed by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). Anyway, who cares, this was some darn good pizza. Not the best I've ever had, but up there in the top 5 for sure. The experience of Luzzo's adds to the happiness of the place. Lots of wood from tables, chairs, bar etc, to italian touches all over the place from the Italian music playing over the stereo, or the olive oil pourers attached the the wall, to the amazing tins of Partanna olive oil from Sicily on the tables (so so so fruity olive oil). Check this place out!
(4)Ivan S.
This is my favorite pizza in NYC. My friend from Italy lived here in NY for years and she introduced me to Luzzo's. They use buffalo mozzarella on their pies and the sauce is unbelievable. Every friend I have brought there considers it the best pizza they have ever tried.
(5)Elizabeth J.
Always loving pizza that comes from coal-burning ovens. Luzzo's is not to disappoint. Super thin and crisp, perfect sweet and tangy tomato sauce, just the right amount of cheese and toppings. Ahhh Hungry just thinking about this place. To Start We had: Bufala E Prosciutto mozzarella di bufala with prosciutto di parma : Awesome fresh cheese and tons of prosciutto! Salumi Misti mix of imported cold cuts: amazing selection of meats! great app for the whole table to share. Pizza: Pepperoni --yummy. Excellent spot to start out the night! Thanks for the great pizza and cold cuts. Make sure to make a reservation as it get Packed!
(4)Heather S.
We ate lunch here while visiting NYC. It was recommended to us by a bartender in San Francisco, and it ended up being right by our hotel. The pizza here was incredible - best pizza we have had in NYC so far, and we eat a LOT of pizza. The burratta and prosciutto was also very good. Even though we were stuffed, we got the tiramisu, which was a great decision because that was also delicious, so save room for dessert!!
(5)Jenn C.
I was last here a couple of years ago, I suppose, and was looking to have dinner with a friend. Although I found the restaurant, it was much different from when I was there last. The place used to feel warm and romantic, have real italian waiters, and generally was a nice place to go and have some great pizza. When I walked in, I was greeted promptly, but then sat under a huge TV screen blaring Italian music videos. The lighting was harsh too - I commented to my friend that it was like sitting in my own kitchen to eat pizza. Eventually they turned the music lower and the lighting down a tad, but by then we were almost done with our meal. The food was good - we had a margarita pizza, arancini and bruschetta. The bruscetta itself was tasty but it was served on hard as rocks slices of bread which detracted from it overall because one bite it and the bread crumbled like a taco upon first bite. The arancini were soft little pillows of rice and meat and were really yummy. Otherwise, service was accomodating and friendly.
(3)Deborah Z.
I love this restaurant! The pasta is homemade and delicious! The pizza is authentic New York pizza and also yummy!
(5)Judy C.
Pros: really good thin crust pizza with great toppings. The calamari was also tasty Cons: small space. I suggest going early to beat a weekend night rush..especially if you're a big group Slightly pricey but the portions are definitely meant for sharing with large groups
(4)Christine Y.
The food was good. We ordered calamari, a 12 inch pizza with zucchini and mushrooms , gnocchi and a pasta dish with speck. Everything tasted fresh and arrived promptly. I would've rated it 3 stars if the waiter didn't stomp his foot and looked uninterested when he took our order because he got impatient! This totally threw us off and made us order the wrong dish because we wanted to expedite the process (although it was delicious). Sorry but bad service really kills it for me!
(2)Jack S.
awesome pizza place! It's not very formal but very tasty. Reminds me of my trips to Naples and Amalfi. Definitely must go, if you like pizzas.
(5)Rachel K.
I recently came to Luzzo's with a friend for dinner since I heard it was the best pizza in East Village. My friend and I split the arugula pizza. It had arugula, prosciutto, mozzarella, and a light tomato sauce. My friend was recently in Italy and even she thought it was superb. The crust was thin, light, and crispy. Four stars because they don't take credit card. One suggestion I have is to get there on the earlier side. We arrived around 7:45 PM on Saturday and had no trouble getting seated but when we left, it was packed.
(4)Evan R.
Wow!!!! This place is the real deal. Our mushroom coal & wood fired oven pizza was so ridiculously good, I was shocked. We had a minestrone soup which was good. And an arugula salad with apples which was nice. I'm going to try and make it back before heading home to California. Service was nice and authentically Italian. Highly recommend this place
(5)Nidaa M.
It's been a while since I've had some decent brick oven pizza. Craving it for the past two weeks, I finally decided to yelp a location and meet up with a friend for lunch. So glad I decided on Luzzo's! When you first walk in, you notice that the restaurant is pretty narrow. It's relatively long, just not as wide as you would hope for. The environment was pretty quiet when we stopped in, so a plus on our end. It had an italian pizzeria type feel to it, very interesting if you ask me. As I sat down and skimmed through the menu, I suddenly became very indecisive. So many different pizzas to choose from, how could I just pick one?! After careful consideration, because food is a serious matter, I finally decided on the Diavola and my friend concurred. Intrigued by the ingredients and suddenly craving salami, this was definitely the way to go! Originally deciding on a 12", we were advised to order a 16". Glad we did but I felt that we should have ordered another one. IT WAS THAT GOOD! Although a 16" would be enough for a normal party of two, my friend and I consume food like there's no tomorrow. We're very well aware of our appetite, we can eat! The strong brick oven taste, the aroma of the basil, the taste of perfection from the mozzarella, tomato sauce, and spicy salami combination; what more could I ask for in a brick oven pizza? Just typing this review has me craving it all over again! The service was relatively decent, no complaints there. The only reason I'm knocking out a star from this review is because this place ONLY ACCEPTS AMERICAN EXPRESS. How is it that a restaurant only accepts American Express in NYC? I found it very weird, especially since their charge percentage happens to be the highest out of all major credit cards normally accepted. My friend ended up paying for our meal, but I promised to grab the next check. Sorry Luzzo's, but you actually let me down on that end. So what have we learned here, people? When coming to Luzzo's, make sure you have cash or an American Express on hand. Otherwise, I highly recommend and definitely plan to be back, very soon.
(4)Angela A.
Feel like traveling to Naples just for a night? Make it a point to go to Luzzo's for some 5-star Neapolitan specialties and most importantly, pizza! We had the eggplant parmigiana and speck bruschetta to start - both great choices. We had a decent size group so we split three various pizzas - one with speck, a second with spicy salami and a third with mozzarella di bufala! I don't venture to Luzzo's often enough but know it's one of the best pizza places in NYC!
(5)Andrew J.
There is something about a coal oven that produces the perfect crispy char on pizza crust. Another big plus is medallions of melted mozzarella, as opposed to the shredded supermarket variety. Luzzo's is an inviting, ever so slightly hip spot that definitely does thin crust pizza right!
(4)Jill L.
It's been awhile since I had some good pizza. I love brick oven thin crust - although it can get a little too chard it is still delicious. So silly me I ordered Cesar salad - classic but "boring" and it disappeared so quickly I was only able to get just a bite. I was so sad. It was fresh crunchy delicious and nothing was overpowering. We ordered the artichoke and arugula salads as well but there was something fresh and crisp and flavorful. I know, it's a pizza joint, but freshest tastiest salads I have ever had. Order some. We had the arugula pizza...thin, crunchy, delicious pizza and this is from a person who prefers other types of food over pizza.
(4)Andrew R.
Sourcing awesome pizza was one of my first aims when I moved to NYC, and this cosy little Italian in the East Village was the first place I visited twice - which speaks for itself. I've only been in on a Saturday and both times the place was reassuringly busy with a really diverse crowd looking for something authentically Italian. If you like your pizza Neapolitan style, then this is your pizza-joint. Fabulous balance in the base maintaining a light & crispy texture with rich toppings. Went for the Diavola both times and you'd struggle to get better Neapolitan-style pepperoni pizza this side of Southern Italy. Was a little disappointed with the arancini starter, they lacked the depth of flavour needed in risotto balls to turn them from starchy fillers to more-ish appetisers. But this place is all about the pizza - and I'll certainly be back for another some time soon.
(4)Kevin C.
Arancini (aka risotto balls) were so delicious. OMG, I could eat these little fried balls of goodness everyday. But really, you come here for the pizza and the pizza here is very good. We had sausage, basil, tomato, cheese. Simple ingredients. Just the way I like my pizza. The crust was SOOOOOO GOOD. AGHHHHH! I loved it. Overall the food here is great but the wait can be annoying. My paragraph rant: The wait was pretty long ~ 1hr at 830pm on a Friday. Now, I'm used to waiting and it's okay with me, but one of my pet peeves is when the host grossly underestimates the wait time. He told us 20 minutes and we ended up waiting at least 1 hr. Is it so much to ask that the host SET EXPECTATIONS properly? It's always better to undersell and over deliver. Nevertheless, I would come back to Luzzo's because the pizza is some of the best in NYC.
(4)Maelina F.
Bravissimo! This hidden treasure deserves MORE than five stars. I'll preface this by saying I'm a pizza snob. I know for a fact the best pizza around is in New Haven, CT. The only other pizza joint in NY I've tried was Grimaldi's (good, but not worth the 3-hour wait). Luzzo's, however, blew my mind. The crust is very thin, yet bubbly and succulent. And despite the fact that, like the New Haven joints, it's cooked in a coal oven, the cheese doesn't scorch the roof of your mouth! I tried the Margherita pie and something else with arugula. Both were outstanding. Before our pizzas, our party (about 18 of us) had a round of salads and various appetizers. The mussels were ridiculous. And I was also impressed they had arancini (a not-very-well-known Italian dish that basically consists of a ball of rice, fried, with meat and tomato sauce). Along with our pizzas, we ordered the gnocchi (PERFECT consistency) and the fettuccine with seafood. BTW, coal ovens are now banned. Luckily, they were grandfathered in. Keep that in mind and give this place a shot.
(5)Paula S.
Pizza was good. I guess I was expecting to be blown away based on the reviews. I'm a native NYC gal so I prefer regular mozzarella cheese as opposed to buffalo mozzarella. Service was fair. They served my friends pasta dish's ten minutes before the pizza. The atmosphere was good and the kitschy decor makes it a fun place to take children. I would return!
(4)Ruggy J.
Before my jaunt to New York, I had this idea in mind that I'd fuel my body on nothing but artisan pizza, molecular cocktails and Twinkies for the short time I was in the city. While I strangely ate more Twinkies in three days than I'd ever previously eaten in my entire life, noshing on New York style pie was something that seemed to escape my grasp. Lucky for me, the one real fling I had with hand tossed eats came by way of Luzzo's. I'm a pretty big fan of Naples inspired pie, but I've yet to have anything quite as enjoyable as the Pizzaiola with Mozzarella di Bufala, tomato sauce and basil from this particular pizza palace. I'm typically not the biggest eater, but I could have smashed an entire large pizza all by myself, and quite possibly, a second one to boot. The slightly sweet sauce coupled with mounds of fresh cheese and the freshest basil this side of Babylon made for quite the impression in my first dabble with real east coast fare. If the pizza itself wasn't good enough, they'll also deliver the goods straight to the door faster than you can say Amore! It's not the most inexpensive of its kind in the 'hood, but as the age old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Also, word on the street is that hardened criminal and household virtuoso Martha Stewart drives in all the way from her palatial estate in Connecticut to eat pizza at Luzzo's. Just sayin', that's pretty cool.
(5)Evan R.
I'm a huge devotee of John's on Bleecker, so when someone says "best pizza in NY" about anywhere else, I loudly scoff. But, I'm always open to pizza adultery. Went here last night for an old coworker reunion. It's cramped horizontally, but the restaurant goes pretty far back. There was a party of 25 women celebrating a birthday party right next to us. And by celebrating, I mean being loud, drunk Long Islanders. I could barely hear my friends tawk. For starters, we shared the Pappardelle Speck e Porcini and Spaghetti Gorgonzola e Rughetta. The pappardelle was a little sloppy but the taste was amazing. I'm not a huge mushroom person but the truffle was delicious. The spaghetti was a little boring but cooked perfectly al dente. For dinner, we shared these pizzas: - 5. Arugola - perfect amount of arugola and prosciutto..leafy without tasting like you're eating a salad pizza - 9. Diavola - good, but just tasted like any salami pizza - 18. Speck - this pie was placed right in front of me, and speck smells like my workout gloves the day before I throw them out. But man was it good (note to self: try eating gloves?) I was really impressed with all the pies...they were very thin at the front, but the crusts were just the right amount of doughy. For drinks, I had two of their Luzzonianas, which is a combination of limoncello and prosecco. Considering half of the group was Mormon, it was just the right amount of alcohol. Other than the absurd amount of noise, it was a great time. I would never go on a pizza journey to anywhere but John's, but this is definitely a keeper if I were in the neighborhood.
(4)Ivan M.
Contender for the best pizza in New York. Yes, it's that good. It's Italian style, but that's the best kind anyway. Yes, it's loud and tightly packed, but that's all forgotten once the pizza gets on the table.
(5)Sang B.
Delicious pizza! I've recently grown fond of pizza with that said I'm not a good judge of a good slice. My ideal pizza has great sauce, great cheese, and nice thin brick oven crust with a little dark spots and bubbles. With that said, this place was great! The classic margarita was delicious! Some of the toppings overwhelmed the flavor so wasn't so fond of some of them. But their spicy salami and ricotta was delicious! The ambiance was nice, the service was prompt. Really, nothing to complain about. Well.. it is all the way on the east side. :( CASH and AMEX only.
(4)Rajani M.
Neopolitan style pizza! Mmm, good. The incredibly thin crust with slightly burnt edges is deliciously good, as is the bufala mozzarella polka dotted on top. I was also impressed by the mushrooms on our Funghi pizza- they were lightly grilled chunks of mushrooms that had a great meaty texture and flavor. My favorite part of pizza is the sauce- and that's where Lazzo's did well. It's chunky, and has great blend of salty and sweet flavors that make every bite super tasty. A large is good for 2- it comes out looking like wayy too much- but each slice is light (and yummy) enough- that you'll keep eating, and won't walk away feeling like (too much of a) glutton. The space is really cute and homey too. The decor is old fashioned-kitcheny with pots and pans lining the walls, and if you look high enough, you'll see that the ceiling has it's own room feel to it with upside down chairs and tables. Quirky details, I like it. Well, it's cute enough for a casual date, or an easy night out with friends, just be wary of the kids eating there there (some of them scream!).
(4)e g.
Overrated. Food was cold and nothing special . Wine was nasty
(3)S. D.
Fantastic pizza, best in Manhattan that I have tried.
(5)Ken G.
Wow - I might have to say, the best authentic Italian-style pizza I've ever had in the US! This place managed to make some extremely thin dough...you barely know it's there. The paper-think dough allows for the full flavor from the marinara, tomatoes, mozzarella and other toppings to come through. We tried a couple of pizzas, which had Italian sausage and one with pepperoni and they both were amazingly good. I honestly couldn't believe that you can actually find such authentic Italian pizza. The service was fine and the décor is actually kind of cool - rustic Italian pizzeria. Love this place!
(5)Van-Ann B.
Nothing special. There are far better pizzerias in this town (see e.g., Otto Enoteca, Rubirosa, Lucali's, etc. etc.)
(3)Ujon C.
I think one of the best pizza place in NYC. Many italian people were watching soccer game when I was there, and with wonderful pizza and wine....I felt as if I am in Italy!
(5)Meghan M.
It takes a lot for me to actually say..."Hey, I feel like pizza!". In fact, you'll probably never hear me say that. Well, that may not be a fact for long after last night. We didn't have a reservation (they wouldn't take one for two over the phone) so just headed over. There was no wait around 8pm on a Saturday which was impressive. The ambiance is cozy and casual and there's a bar in case you do have to wait. On to the meal... We ordered a bottle of cab and a large arugula pie (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, proscuitto, parmesan, arugula). The wine was good and the pizza was outstanding. The bruschetta that our neighbor table ordered looked incredible and I'll definitely head back to try that out. While my date picked up the tab, I do think it was relatively pricey for pizza...maybe $25 for the pie but well worth it. My only complaint? The service. It was timely and sufficient but rather blase. In fact, it was downright unfriendly. In such a warm restaurant with such great, simple food, I'd expect a more welcoming vibe from the staff.
(4)James C.
Found this place through Yelp. We didn't want to stick with the usual Little Italy pizza joints that are so packed with tourists, so I decided to look for a place popular with New Yorkers. What I found was Luzzo's, and I'm very glad I did! We arrived on a busy evening without a reservation (a suggestion would be to make online reservations available as this would increase the foot-fall of international diners). We were greeted by a very friendly lady who told us she could squeeze us in but it might take a while. With the glowing Yelp reviews in mind, and having seen the fantastic looking pizzas being consumed by other diners, I was happy to wait. We took a seat at the bar and had a drink. The wait ended up being quite lengthy - a table was very slow in leaving after paying the bill - but our server kept us updated and we never felt ignored or forgotten about. When we eventually got to our table, we ordered a few dishes off the menu accompanied by a large pizza to split. I can't remember the name of the pizza but it had cheese and roasted garlic - amazing. I can honestly say that this was the best pizza I have ever eaten, anywhere, including Italy. The sauce really made it, and the base was fantastic. It was so fresh. We followed up with an order of tirumisu. This is my all time favourite desert and I have eaten it all over the world. Luzzo's make theirs on-site, so I was expecting something special. I wasn't disappointed. Maybe not quite as good as a backstreet Italian ristorante, but very close. All in all, I am very glad that I stumbled across this place and am thankful to Yelp and the other reviewers for recommending it to me. I'll be back!
(5)David W.
I think 3.5 stars is more appropriate for this spot. We went with the aruguIa pizza, and I thought for all of the hype this place got, the toppings and tomato sauce would be on par with all of the other spots I really like in NY, but they weren't. But where this place did succeed, is the crust. I think this place is definitely in the discussion for some of the best crust I've ever had, and I'll bump this place up to 4 stars because of that. To backtrack, we started with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Definitely great texture on the mozzarella, such a light texture that falls apart in your mouth. Also got a pasta dish, it was good, but nothing super memorable. We went on a Friday night at 930 or so, expect to wait around 30 minutes for a table. By 10pm though, it seemed like several tables were available.
(4)Holly C.
2 stars for the service. 4 stars for the food. 8:30 reservation for 8 people on a Friday night. Seated at 9:00. No acknowledgment from the staff until about 9:15. It took a very long time to even get water & bread, and we had to ask several times. Never asked how our food was or anything. Maybe it was because we were seated downstairs (which was the only area they could fit large parties) - out of sight, out of mind? The food itself was good. Fried calamari was decent, Their salad (I can't recall which one) was pretty good. Their margarita pizza was really good & their #6 piizza (mozz, tomato sauce, sausage, olives) was not as good, but still decent. Their pizza is extremely thin which I loved. Their house wine was rather bland & slightly sour. Not worth getting.
(3)L C.
you want quality Italian food? come to this restaurant. Old school Italian, Forza Napoli! making Italian dishes the way their supposed to be made with quality ingredients and simple recipes. Not overdone sauces and gravy...simple and delicious. The pizza deservedly ranks as one the best in the entire city...2 words.... Buon Appetito
(5)Kailyn G.
Went with a group of people while visiting over Memorial Day weekend. We were looking for Italian food, but being unable to get last minute reservations we found Luzzo's on Yelp. We started with appetizers - we got mozzarella and prosciutto and the sampling for fried things. Both were good, nothing too special though. For dinner, we got 3 pizzas and 1 pasta dish for 7 people. The pizzas are very thing crust, with sliced mozzarella (not shredded). We got one vegetarian pizza (Ortolana), one basic one (Bufala), and the Speck (this was after asking the table next to us what they got). While all were good the Speck was my favorite. I'm still not really sure what speck is, but it is some sort of meat. The pasta we got was Tagliatelle Bolognese - definitely a winner (even though they had to switch which kind of pasta they were using). The sauce was so good. Environment: good amount of space, but pretty busy. Interesting decor - with furniture on the ceiling. Service: Decent, but nothing special. A little bit slow with running our credit card and bill.
(4)Lynette B.
I agree, best pizza in the city. My favorite being the Tartufata. But what I seriously have dreams about is their pasta dish. Pappardelle Speck e Porcini is OUT OF THIS WORLD, PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH and I don't even like mushrooms all that much. Try it and then, like me, you'll probably be torn be between a pizza or that pasta the next time you go. Oh, Cash Only.
(5)Alice W.
Very delicious thin crust! The crust is also very soft and chewy, which I've seldom experienced - lot of thin crusts tend to have crispy, near burnt crust. The price is on the slightly more expensive side though with an average of $20 per 12" pizza.
(4)Francesco L.
Pizza is a 5 stars .. good service .. arancini very good ! Pasta with bolognese so so .. croquette not that good ... sfinci with nutella very good .. no bread service ... If you love pizza this is the place and forget about the rest :)
(3)Eric W.
Pizza was good. Crust was just the right chewy texture and the tomato and mozzarella were tasty. Wouldn't recommend the artichoke salad however.
(4)Ekaterina M.
Really amazing sauces which brings the food to 5 stars. We had the meatballs which are one of the best.
(5)Heather Z.
one of the best pizzas i've ever had in my entire life! I always get the tomato, mozzarella + truffle. BOMB!
(5)Brian C.
Oh man, this place was really good. The pizza was amazing. We had a big group, a few bottles of wine, and some delicious pizza. Tried probably 5 different pies, all were great. The next time I am this far east in the city, I am getting food here. period.
(5)pslice p.
Went once late, and came back within days. Excellent pizza.
(5)Julianne B.
I've been wanting to try Luzzo's for a while and finally stopped by on Saturday night. We were there on the early side (7pm) so there was no wait. We shared a 12 in pizza and a pasta. The pizza was really good. We opted for the one with spicy salami and it definitely did not dissapoint. The pasta, on the other hand, was an overly creamy mess. Carbonara is something I am generally weary of ordering since most restaurants tend to make it with cream. The menu said "parmesean and egg" so we decided to try it...bad idea. 4 stars for the pizza 2 for the pasta. Next time I'm sticking with pizza only!
(3)Madhuri I.
When I love a place enough to want to give it 5 stars, I struggle with it and somehow convince myself into lowering the rating because it was too loud, or too quiet, or the server once brought me the wrong dish, or the pillow cushion wasn't soft enough, or some other such lame reason. I'm such a nitpicker. I tried to do that a lot with Luzzo's. No matter which way I cut it though, I found myself here almost every week, and recommending it to everyone I knew. Luzzo's get the most important thing right, their pizza. Oh that tangy garlicky tomato sauce. Those fresh dots of mozzarella. That thin, thin crust, almost collapsing under the weight of the most minimal toppings. Those fresh basil leaves. There's no subtlety or gimmickry in the food here. Just clean and simple flavours, and amazing textures. Gimmickry there is in the decor though - It's a little bit like Italian Alice in Wonderland. open brick walls and a TV showing music videos. Upside down furniture on the ceiling and mirrors everywhere. It's just a lot of fun. Service is friendly and efficient. They'll keep your water glasses filled and your tummies full. I have a friend who said she doesn't dig Luzzo's because she doesn't like thin crusts, or charred edges, or what she described as the 'lack of cheese'. I'm just going to recommend the Chicago Deep Dish pizza to her then. For me though, I'll always have Luzzo's.
(5)Suzana U.
First let's talk about the food.. The pizza is great , thin crust and tomato sauce like it should taste (not sweet) and buffalo cheese great too. But when we got there we had to wait a bit to get anyone to say hi and let us know how long was the wait. About 30 min later we got sat and as soon as we ordered they brought our pizza. It was super fast and it was delicious. I would come back again.. Ny has a lot of pizza places but does not mean all of them are delicious. I also like Piola ( try Sao Paulo pizza with Catupiry cheese ) , patsy (my mom's favorite) and Posto pizza (2nd ave/18)
(4)Maria W.
I'll keep it simple. Pretty good pizza! BUT, not worth it at all!!! There are many other places with good crafted pizza to go to in NY. This place has no good energy, it is cramped (no space/place for your arms, legs, jackets), boring atmosphere, tasteless service that made us feel like we need to hurry. You know that situation when you are trying to get that last bite off of the plate and they show out of nowhere and take it away in front of your nose. And that was just after 25min since we got there. Then you scream back:" Pleeeease, I am not done...!" Then they give you one gigantic bottle of mineral water, after you needed only a GLASS! Overcharge that saaaaad bottle....And then for the end they charge you a freaking 22% of gratitude... For that service?.....Are you kidding me? We will never go back there, and I'll make sure non of my friends do as well!
(1)Joe C.
It's OK pizza, but it's hardly the fantastic religious experiencing pizza that others are clamering about. The pizza is sort of wet and floppy, which is actually the type of pizza I prefer. It's a New Haven thing. What I did not like is the sparsity of the cheese. What's up with that? Cheese is the most expensive ingredient for any pizza so many places cut costs by skimping on the cheese. Not cool, not cool at all, especially considering the pizza prices are somewhat high ($17 for a 12"). Also, the crust could been cooked a little bit more. More char please! Sorry, the coal oven might impress some New Yorkers, but I wasn't impressed. Maybe it's because I've been eating coal fired pizzas all my life. I've enjoyed better pizzas from some gas fired ovens. Also, what's up with the lighting inside the restaurant? If you go, bring a flashlight because it's somewhat dark inside. What I did like is that Luzzo's doesn't serve slices. No self respecting pizza maker should, if they're serious about their pizza.
(3)Izzy B.
the best of the best! pure italiano perfection!
(5)Annilia S.
Loved my meal from beginning to end! Went on a Saturday afternoon, wasn't so busy. After reading lots of reviews before coming I knew I had to try the Carbonara pasta dish but surprisingly it wasn't on the menu. I showed the waiter a pic and description from yelp and they were able to make it. The carbonara pasta was simple and amazing! Paired the meal which also included the spicy salami pizza with sangria. The sangria was very good and refreshing! Finished up the meal with some tiramisu which was also delicious. This place has great pizza combinations, I'd say try something new off their list, you won't be disappointed. The pizza is thin, with a perfectly crisp crust and the sauce itself is quite good. As a pizza lover I will definitely come back to try some of their other pasta/pizza dishes.
(4)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because this was the non-touristy pizza I was looking for! --- --- --- I was sick of waiting in hour-long lines with flocks of tourists, only to experience the inconsistency of Grimaldi's. So I asked the local NYC CM's where I should go to pretend I'm a local. They led me to Luzzo's, and it was a path of pure gold, Jerry. How does one place make cheese that tastes so much different (better) than any other pizza joint? Is the secret ingredient, crack? Would crack actually taste good? It's funny how the balls of cheese appear to be very few and far between, but when you actually bite into one, it's like a chorus of singing cheese angels in your mouth. I hope that makes sense. Go here. Skip Grimaldi's or any other tourist trap. I'll be back... and probably upgrading to a 5.
(4)Rohini P.
The best pizza in town!!! These are so good, flavourful and delicious... We were a party of 5 and our friends were coming over from Canada, so we wanted to take them to a great place and LUZZO'S it was!! We got 2 appetizers - Burrata and GUSTOSA salad. This is arugula, artichoke hearts and goat cheese in a balsamic dressing.. so fresh and so good! For the entrees, we got 3 pizza.. All of them were so fresh and flavourful. BUFALA which is the tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil FUNGHI - tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms and basil TARTUFATA with the tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, basil I loved this place and will be visiting it as often as I can! ;)
(5)David N.
It is a tough city for Pizzerias' but great for the pizza connoisseurs. Competition bread the best pizza. Luzzo's claim of best voted pizza is plastered all over the entrance beckoning people to come in to try when there is two other just around the corner. So of course we did! Always on the lookout for new pizza restaurants in the city but again will it win my heart over my favorite like a big pizzaaa pie, that's amore! The interior is quite simple like other Italian decor. A small bar up front with wood bench booths style seating. We were having an early supper to beat the Sunday dinner crowd on a cold night. The friendly hostess asked if we had reservations to a nearly empty restaurant. We thought that was a bit amusing. With that gotten out of the way we were promptly seated. As pizza goes many does it good, few does it great and fewer does it terrific I want to tell everyone to eat here. We ordered the large 4 Stagioni or Capricciosa. The pizza came out surprisingly quick! The coal oven pizza had a nice thin crust but slightly charred on the edge. The tomato sauce was slightly sweet, the buffalo mozzarella creamy and leaves of fresh basil with ham, mushrooms, olives and artichokes. As pizza goes Luzzo's does a good pie but it isn't amore. Luzzo's doesn't supplant my favorite but still a great choice in a crowded field all vying for a slice of the pie.
(3)Raksha M.
First time, I had the Margharita and thought it was great. Second time, I had the Tartufata and it was divine. The best pizza I've ever had in the city, I just ate there today and I want to go back tomorrow. They serve the pizzas really fast and the prices are decent. I usually split a large pie.
(5)Lisa I.
A friend, and I have enjoyed quite a few meals at Luzzo's . Today I happened to go with a friend who is a vegetarian. I am not a vegetarian. We wanted a particular pizza that did contain sausage, however when we asked if the sausage could only be put on half the pizza we were told "We don't do half here". We found it peculiar that something as simple as not putting meat on half of a pizza was not, by any means permitted. It wasn't a busy point in the day, our server didn't bother to even ask the cooks if no meat on half a pizza is possible. I wanted club soda, I was told I needed to order a whole liter. I couldn't simply have a glass of club soda. Which brings me to another stipulation the restaurant demands upon their customers, one can only pay using cash, or AMEX. The food is very good, but not being able to order what I want,and not being able to pay for the meal how I want makes the experience at Luzzo's fall short regardless how good the food is.
(3)Sam Y.
Ordered: Diavola - 16" Price: $31including tip ($25 without) Review: Impressed by the flavour. Not greasy, wholesome, and the dough was impressively crispy. Not one to miss if you are pizza fan. Artichoke fans - don't come here for a creamy type of pizza.
(4)Yuriy B.
This is a pizza centered review as our group didn't order anything else in the way of appetizers or salad. We did have dessert however and that will be touched upon. Man, I'm picky about pizza. Growing up in Brooklyn and with the presence of actual great pizza restaurants, I'll never have a slice from somewhere I haven't heard good things about. I'm used to the likes of DiFara's, Totonno's, Delmar's and Saraghina to name a few great spots from the other side of the bridge. I was thoroughly impressed by Luzzo's and am looking forward to trying something different there soon. We had a few pizzas on the table but the ones that I remember ordering myself were the Arugula and the Est. Est was heavenly with the tender ricotta forming a bubble in the perfect amount and frequency on the pie, with a thin perfectly baked crust. It did sag a bit from the moisture after a few minutes but the ingredients tasted so fresh and so great that it did not detract from the pizza. Arugula was a little more bizarre with the fresh arugula on the mix of hot tomato sauce, mozzarella and prosciutto but the bitterness of the greens added a dimension of flavor. Dessert was a last second decision and the homemade tiramisu did not disappoint but is certainly big enough for two to share. The zeppoli with nutella I tried from a friend was also delicious. Our waiter was pleasant and attentive and seating was prompt despite it being fairly busy but I didn't dig the bottle of Malbec we got being a twist-off cap. I know it's not a huge deal but wine's just not supposed to be in those kind of bottles unless they're bought at Walmart in rural Pennsylvania. Notwithstanding, 5 stars for Luzzo's is an easy deicision.
(5)Marielle T.
Ok selection of beer, I do like that there were a few Italian beers to choose from!! Price range is $$ lowest price pie was I think 18 & lowest pride beer 7. Standard drink pricing in ny Pizza came out spur fast!! It was awesome and turned out to be delicious! We got a 15 & 18 +mushrooms. Spicy salami was yum! There's also a downstairs where there is music played and where the bathrooms are located. Did not like that they only took Amex and cash.. Seriously? Ever heard of visa? Accepted worldwide?? Normally.. Decor was awesome! Alice in wonderland style furniture on the ceiling, musical instruments gathered on the wall, & an old school dim lit charm!
(4)Ryan C.
My brother who has been working for Italian motorcycle companies for the last 8 years, and spending many weeks working in Italy, knows what pizza should taste like. As soon as I came into town we headed out for true Italian pizza. So we arrive at Luzzo's and are greeted by Italians who do not speak much english. This is going to be good. I let my brother do the ordering and quickly we are served a margarita and diavolo pizzas. His comment is, when comparing this to pizza in Italy, the diavolo pizza is very close. It really changed my view on pizza with the salty, spicy, and oily aspect of the pizza. It was really amazing. What did I learn today? Words to not describe the satisfaction and joy of eating great pizza.
(5)Wendy Q.
I went a couple nights ago, craving hearty , gooey, cheesy comfort food on a frigid night of NY. And found this on Yelp. Most places pointed to Brooklyn or Queens, so this was our closest option. It did not disappoint. My bf and I shared the 16' Bufalo di Mozzerella. AND it literally came within 5 minutes. A+ Exceptional wood fired pizza , thin and piping hot. It was very simple, sauce, fresh mozz and a few leaves of basil. The sauce was definitely homemade, perfect saltiness and lots of cheese. SO GOOD. Perfect for two hungry people, and it cost 23 dollars. You get your bang for the buck. Would definitely go back again. The decor was a little dated, but felt a little dated. It was not packed at all as it was late on a cold Tuesday night. There was an upside down chair on the ceiling directly above my head. Cool, but kinda scary. And other upside down objects as well as wall decor. Service was very attentive, almost too much staff working.
(4)Food E.
Amazingly good pizza. Thin chewy crust, perfect amount of toppings (calzone pizza). Fried calamari appetizer was good. Service was okay, took a really really long time to get our pizza though..about 45 min from when we ordered.. Cash and Amex only as many have noted which is kind of annoying.
(4)Stephen M.
I think its the best pizza in NYC! And worth the trip from the UES. I have been hosting alumni dinners here about 3 times a year for the past two years and Luzzo's is a home run! Francesco is a fantastic host. A fast tip, when you order the #6 pizza (Salsiccia tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, basil), ask them to put some hot cherry peppers on the pie!
(5)Elle W.
The pizza is phenomenal. I loved the EST! I wouldn't recommend the non-pizza items. We ordered the arancini, calamari, and meatballs. All were mediocre. Plus you want to save room for the pizza!!
(4)Andrew E.
Excellent bufula mozzarella pie, but something about the sauce was definitely off to me. Thoroughly enjoyed everything else about it though, and the small pie was a perfect portion for two. I'd be happy to return and try a different pie with some toppings next time.
(4)Beau B.
The Pizza was incredibly delicious. Perfect texture, nicely cooked, just the right amount of browning of the crust, sauce was nicely balanced.... I could go on. We got the Aglietta... Roasted garlic definitely was a winner. Also great salad, simple but spot on to compliment the pizza. We also ordered for delivery and the food came hot and way sooner than we expected. Over all great experience. I can't wait to have another pizza night!
(5)Dude L.
All the raves about this place are correct. Great wood fired oven pizza. Crust is doughy with a great crunch. The service is friendly and efficient. We has the 4 cheese and added mushroom and sausage which took it over the top. The red pepper infused oil was wonderful to drizzle on (for me).
(5)Olena P.
It was GOOD!!!!!! LIL priecey but at least you get what you pay for.
(4)Ken S.
The BEST, and ONLY, decent pizza place I have found in the entire East Village. And I've lived in NYC for over 15 years. All the other pizza places in the East Village are disgusting, dry, stale pizza, nothing fresh, or $1 pizza joints everywhere, and don't even mention Articroke, i mean Artichoke, that slimy greasy pile of blubber mess that is not pizza, but a tourist trap for trendy NYU kids who don't know what decent pizza actually tastes like blowing $4-5 a slice of their parents' money. And forget thin crust like that place on 18th where you have to eat 2 entire pizzas, spend $40 and still feel hungry. Nope, this is the only pizza place south of 14th that makes a decent pizza pie.... Delicious, crispy crust that is crunchy on the edges, fluffy on the inside... Fresh toppings, not shriveled canned stuff like all the other places. DELICIOUS DELICIOUS!!! Only took 1 star off because 1) They somehow manage to always burn the crust on the edge a little in spots...but maybe that's part of the flavor...haha, 2) It is not cheap, so I'm still looking for ANY decent regular old Neapolitan pizza place in the EV, which does not seem to exist (all the decent regular places with $14-18 pies are in Gramercy or above for some reason); and 3) They don't take credit cards (oh please, Amex? I'm sorry, I meant real credit cards!). Obviously they're running a shady cash business off the books, which is the only reason they've managed to still stay in business while everything else has become a 7 Eleven...but c'mon, it's 2015, any business can get a free smartphone card reader and swipe credit cards for a small transaction fee...not taking credit cards is just shady! Still....the best pizza in Manhattan anywhere below 14th Street!!!
(4)Domenic K.
Pizza is good. Let's get that out of the way. Luzzo's pizza is incredible. Every aspect of it rules. The crust is deliciously bitable and full of nice crusty, bready flavor. The sauce....WOW. I don't know how the sauce is so good. It's sweet, slightly acidic, with the tomato punch. Honestly not sure if I've ever had sauce taste quite like this. Then there's the cheese. The Buffalo Mozzarella. It's so perfectly chewy and gooey and mooey. Like how a cow says "moo". I don't think I've ever had buffalo mozzarella before this, but it's truly out of this world. We also ordered the truffle oil pizza which was also great, but a bit different. The truffle oil aspect turns the pizza into a more hearty, wholesome feel rather than the Bufala's fresh feel. I'd say Luzzo's Bufala is the best Neapolitan pizza I've ever had. Please try it. 10/10
(5)Eric H.
One of my favorite pizzas in NYC! The ambience leaves something to be desiers but always a great pie and theres usually not a problem getting a table. Order the Tartufata pizza!! Its got truffle oil on it and is one of the best pizzas I've ever eaten anywhere.
(4)Dana J.
My son and I ate there yesterday. We went about 5pm on a Saturday (no wait). The service was great, our waiter was very helpful. They even gave us a mini tour of the kitchen/oven. We ordered the Bufala? (Don't know if I'm spelling that right) as well as the number 5 which is basically the Bufala with prosciutto. This simply put was the best pizza we ever had, it lived up to the hype, usually places like this don't but this was even better then I thought it could be. Highly recommended.
(5)Ks S.
THE BEST PIZZA and they Deliver!!!! Love this place.
(5)Mehreen S.
From the moment I picked up this pizza I knew it was love at first bite! I had the Bufala pie with extra chunks of bufala mozzarella. Mmm Mmm indeed! It was the perfect light crisp and the perfect balance between sauce and cheese. This pizza, so far, is the best pizza I have had to date. It is exactly what a pizza should taste like. Aside from the pizza, I'd have to say that the ambiance was interesting and oddly rustic. There are 2 large TVs in the restaurant that are playing Italian music videos and random decorations from the walls to the ceiling. The coal oven resides in the back behind a glass wall where a couple guys are pounding, twirling, tossing and slicing pies. Overall, the staff was pretty friendly, attentive and fast.
(5)Al J.
Near the top of the list when it comes to pizza in NYC. Thin, blistered crust (courtesy of a combo wood/coal oven), fresh (and slightly sweet) San Marzano sauce, creamy Mozzarella. Two things to note about the dough: it's rolled ultra-thin (still chewy and significant, but thin relative to competing spots) and has sugar mixed in (creating an almost imperceptible sweetness in taste). For those looking to fill out a meal with appetizers - the Bruschetta came quickly and was huge: topped by a mountain of chopped tomatoes. Uniformally impressed by the quality of the pies; even more impressed by Luzzo's ability to accept reservations for large groups on short notice.
(4)Sharad K.
This is the most authentic Neopolitan pizza available in New York. You will consistently find Italians eating here, speaking Italian, watching Italian soccer, and drinking Italian beer. Legit.
(5)Dumpy P.
why go to italy when luzzo's is 2 blocks away
(5)Randy S.
A bit on the pricey side but the food here is okay. Personally I thought the sauce was kind of bland and plain. But the crust on this pizza was absolutely perfect! It's a little strange because for most places I'd say the crust is hardest part to perfect but at Luzzo's the crust was perfect but something as simple as the sauce was totally flavorless!
(3)ng g.
It is absolutely amazing. We had been to Luzzos before about a couple of months back and we went there again for dinner. We ordered the campana...awesome..just tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes basil and cheese... it tasted wonderful... It has got this smoky flavour as it comes right out of a brick oven. Then came the even more amazing tiramisu... it just melts in your mouth.. you have to taste it to believe it... The decor is good. The inverted table and chair on the ceiling is interesting but a little scary... Good staff, i would say only good because we were a little dissapointed with the slow service. Last time we were served a basket of some excellent bread, but this time they dint :( Location wise: Located at a very happening place..union square..near to subway. Its a must go...
(5)JP E.
Pizza was pretty good. We got the prosciutto arugula and vegetable pizza (forgot the name) with the zuchinni, mushrooms, etc.. Both were very good and I housed a pizza and a half by myself. The staff friendly enough and recommended an excellent glass of wine to go acompany the pizza. I think its a little overpriced in my opinion. $19-$20 for the aforementioned 12' pizzas is overpriced. Place is small and crowded.
(3)Gee K.
First let me tell you how awesome the staff is. They let me come back and check out the coal/wood oven and all the tasty ingredients, which are for the most part imported from Italy. One of the first things you'll notice when you enter Luzzo's is the rustic look and feel. A patina covers all the decorations, lending a warm brown to the environment. Old fashion iron chandeliers flicker with electricity. Guests may choose booth style seating in front, or table family style in back. Sitting in back gives a good view of the oven, which fires coal and wood. It also puts you in the middle of the futbol cheering section. If you come during World Cup season everyone's eyes are sure to be glued to the TV, especially the staff. Be sure to order in. Thin crust pizza with fresh moz is always best fresh from the over. Recommended
(4)Joe H.
I ate there with my wife and three kids at the end of a long touristy day in New York. We were sent there by a friend in Maryland who knows the owners. We all had pizza except my wife who had the gnocchi. The four pizza'a we had were wonderful -- some of the best I had ever had -- and I am a pizza snob. The gnocchi were also among the best I have ever had. I would go back regularly if we lived in New York. The service was great. The only drawback was that they did not take Visa or MasterCard, and since I forgot my American Express, I had to pay with cash. It isn't cheap, but it is a pricy city and the food was, well, just about perfect!
(5)Mary F.
Okay, I don't think I can fully judge this place yet until I eat it fresh out of the oven and with cheese. My experience with this pizzeria was mediocre. It wasn't anything special and they don't accept American Express which sucks. Anyhow, the pizza I ordered, the Ortlana was normal. The crust was okay and the pizza was not that charred which was good. But it's not the best I ever had. I'll probably go back and update this review.
(3)G C.
Great pizza place. Came in on Good friday to get a table immediately. We ordered the fried calamari, mista green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and 3 smaller pizzas 12 inches each. The Funghi (mushroom), michele (prosciutto, mushroom, truffle pate, no tomato sauce), and the EST (mozzarella, ricotta, tomato sauce, and spicy salami). All were delicious works of art and relly fresh tasting. We asked for extra basil and grated cheese and they grated fresh parmigiano reggiano on each pizza. The tomato sauce was slightly sweet and the basil was so fresh. The mushrooms, prosicuttio, and salami were all top notch and nothing from a can at Luzzo's. One of the best pizzas I have had definitely. I love that you can basically order 1 pizza per person so you can sample a lot of pies. The slices are very thin and small so you can eat a lot and not feel extra full. I had around 6 slices total (which equates to about 3 real slices). The calamari was terrific also, Fresh out of the fryer, perfectly crispy, not chewy, and the tomato sauce with the lemon was great. Love Luzzo's and will go back without a shadow of a doubt.
(5)Sheanon C.
Just went there last night because could not goto Motorino (1hr wait!?) The pizza is good, crust was crispy and light. I liked the diavola which had a spicy pepperoni. It's a good option if you're in the area, there seemed to be decent turn over and not hard to find a seat. However it's a little cramped in there. We were a table for 2 and 2 other tables were on our inside which required that I stand up for the other couple to go in. The service was definitely lacking. Basically the guy seemed rushed and not really very mindful of when we were speaking. I give the service a 2 and pizza a 4.
(3)Maggie A.
Clearly I have pizza on the brain because after yesterday's Motorino post, I am practically jumping out of my seat to write about another superb Italian pie spot. Ladies and gentleman, I give you...Luzzo's! Luzzo's is where you want to go for friendly and efficient service, low key atmosphere and delicious authentic Italian food from the heart of Naples. Although the restaurant accommodates a number of tables, it is often difficult to find a seat (power through the wait or try delivery/takeaway). Forget the rest and let's get serious... go to Luzzo's for the food. The Gnocchi Sorentina is outstanding (think perfectly made homemade pasta with mozzarella, basil and a touch of creamy tomato sauce). However, I swear, fireworks will go off when you try the pizza! My favorite is the Arugola which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parm and a heaping bed of leafy arugola (obviously). All of their pizzas are made in a traditional coal oven and include layers of fresh ingredients true to the Napoletana style of cooking. Pies are around $20 for a 12" and $25 for a 16".
(4)Shu Han C.
Ordering is fast and easy; our pizzas arrived 10 minutes after we sat down. Their arugola pizza is hands down the best pizza we've ever tasted. How the hell do they manage to toss the dough so paper-thin, yet still manage to be crispy and hold all that mozzarella and toppings? And the fresh arugola is the icing on the cake - its slight bitterness brings out the flavor of the cheese and the delicacy of the proscuitto and crust. I dare say it's a loss to anyone who ever visits East Village and not hit up this restaurant.
(5)Chef Invisible T.
Restored Coal Oven, Italian Ingredients, Nice do-able decor, and the f'''n best Bufala Pizza I know. Perfectly executed and gets better each time I go. Only place in NYC I went to on two seperate occasions.I think we were meant for each other. Because the first time I gave up trying to find my pizza love, saw a sign hanging above my head that said pizza somethingorother, and I just entered to find out that I was in the right place.Like pizza magnetism. Nothing more to say except that $8.50 for tiramisu is a little cuckoo--it is good but it wasn't suspended in mid air by magic cocoa powder or anything like that. F''k this place should have a line out the door to 2nd Ave--I want to bring back the flavor and consistency of this za' to the ATL. Watch out Antico..haha Are you hiring? 4.56 stars Chef Invisible--Out
(5)Jason K.
Pizza was ok. Nothing special.
(3)Meri S.
I love everything about this place from the lively ambiance to the reasonable prices and, of course, to the amazing pizza. Delicious crispy crust, mouth watering sauce that is neither too salty nor too sweet, gooey cheese and perfectly melted toppings. This is one restaurant that helps NYC earn the reputation of having the best pizza in the U.S. I could eat more than my weight in their pizza and I think I probably did last night.
(5)Eve P.
I probably would have gone with a 3.5 to 4 if I'd been by myself, but 3 was the table consensus. The pizza is excellent - we tried two of the basics, the bufalo mozz one and another with mozz, roasted garlic, and another type of cheese. (They both looked almost identical.) It is super simple, but all of the pizza elements were delicious to me - though not quite as standout for my dining companions. The service was friendly enough, though the bartender was surprisingly inattentive to people wanting to order. This is also a nice, cute place to eat inside for dinner, which isn't always the case with pizza places.
(3)Jeremy S.
What do my mom, dad, sister, roommate #1, roommate #2, and two good friends have in common? Luzzo's is by far and away the most amazing pizza we've ever had. Forget the toppings - they just detract from the beautiful flavors of the sauce and mozzarella - get a 16" bufala for 2, and enjoy the one food you've been eating since you were 6 years old and can still be spectacularly surprised by. The meatballs and the house chianti aren't so bad either.
(5)H. N.
I decided to try Luzzo's after seeing high marks on Yelp, but I just do not understand how it has 4 stars. The place is so crammed, feels dusty, and the pizza tastes pretty average. For what they charge, I rather eat at Motorino or Posto.
(3)Hedge K.
the pizza is delicious, I'd skip the salads, the portions are really small and taste o.k. their new quadrata thin crust is super thin and crispy! so good- it takes a little longer but it is definitely worth the wait, the other pies came super fast
(4)Brian N.
Still the best pizza I have ever eaten in my entire life. When I get my urge to eat some pizza this is the only place than stands up to my MVP tastes. Best in New York, hands down.
(5)Justin G.
The pizza was quite good. I absolutely don't remember what we ordered, although I do know it was a large pie, two different halves, both good. And some glasses of Chianti I'm sure. The vibe was perfect for a dark and rainy Monday night. Our servers for whatever reason chose to ignore us. Could have been the night, although it wasn't that busy (and a Monday). A bunch of reviews of this place say the servers are nice/good, so hopefully an anomaly. Since it's in my hood I'm sure I'll be back and after which will update this action.
(3)Joshua D.
Great service! Our server was extremely attentive and friendly. I highly recommend the sausage and broccoli pizza. Delicious!
(5)Florencia a.
-Love the Pizza- My favorite is the simple Buffalo Mozzarella and light and flavorful sauce+ basil!! Service is fast and correct. Appetizers and desserts are very well executed. Definitely a favorite.
(5)Alex P.
Without a doubt my favorite pizza in the United States. After I moved back to New York from Rome, I though I would never truly enjoy pizza again. I was wrong. Everything about Luzzo's brought me back to my favorite pizzeria in Trastevere (Ivo's). Brick walls, real brick wood-fired oven, helpful Italian-speaking staff. The pizza is perfectly crisp, thin, and not over-dressed. The ingredients are fresh and combined perfectly. GO EAT THERE NOW! And remember to ask for the chili-oil. Not to be missed.
(5)Albert H.
The waitress, while sweet, doesn't know her menu. I sat in chesee. Generally would ding a joint for those problems... But, oh. Oh, Martha. Dear, dear delicious Martha. Perfectly crackly yet chewy crust topped with the most extraordinary buffala (or maybe just plain mozarealla), arugula, pate, and truffles. Every bite was to die for good. Please go, check it out. Actually, don't. I want to keep the lines short. Shhh!
(5)Marijke B.
Took my kids there on a Friday evening. They enjoyed the decor of eclectic items on the walls and even ceiling. I was in the mood for a nice fresh big salad. Instead, I received a wilted with brown spots endive, walnut and pear sloppy mess for $12! The boys' pizza was fairly good - sauce was nicely flavored, fair amount of mozzarella, and decent crust. $3 for a can of Sprite was a bit much... The service was average. It felt very touristy once more people arrived. I couldn't believe a tourist joint existed in an East Village pizza joint, but what do I know? Probably won't go back...
(2)Mark Y.
I always feel good pizza is hard to judge because everyone has their own personal taste. We went for pizza at Luzzo after looking through yelp. This place is located in the East village on 1st ave between 12 and 13. Its a small restaurant with a slight rustic feel. The pizza we ordered was a coal baked oven thin crust pizza. It was tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, olives and very little basil. The pizza was delicious but not the greatest. We also ordered an arugula salad with walnuts and goat cheese. I felt the salad was ok. The total came out to about 43 including tip for 2 of us. I would recommend this place because the pizza was good, but i felt the large pizza might be a little overpriced.
(4)M. C. M.
Awesome pizzas! Delicious. Apps and salads are average. Prices are great. Atmosphere is casual and cozy. Again, pizzas are top-tasty!
(4)Fabio P.
Luzzo has possibly one the best pizza in New York City! Fresh ingredients, excellent crust (probably one of the most important thing in pizza making) and wide selection. In addition to the usual wines and beers, one can find some interesting beers that are so typical in Italy (Moretti, FORST, Peroni, etc..) The decor is very unique. The place has definitely personality and some history (check the pics of various actors who --I assume--dined there). Not a big space but comfortable enough for a nice group of friends to stay. Staff was friendly and attentive. So, why only 4 stars? Pizza is definitely expensive; I understand that they are good but I think they went a little bit too far. No need to use buffalo mozzarella in every pizza they offer (Not even in Italy!). For what one pays, they should definitely use more topping In conclusion: must try it! The quest for 5 out of 5 pizza continues....
(4)Juston P.
Note: this is my follow-up review in which I downgrade Luzzo's from 5 stars to 3 stars. You know that scene in crime movies when the criminal finally scores the bit hit and he sits back, lights a cigar, and breathes a sigh of relief as he lounges on a pile of money? That's how I felt when I found Luzzo's. I sat back, lit a cigar, and lounged on a big pile of mozzarella. That was the good life. All good things must end. The main offender is the crust, arguably the most important part of a high-end pizza. Gone is the airy, pockmarked crust that felt simultaneously like chomping on a loaf of bread and eating a cloud. In its place is a hard, disgusting crust that you'd find at any St. Mark's pizza hole. The tangy sauce also seems to have taken a dive toward mediocrity. To their credit, the cheese is just as good as it always was. That's the only thing saving Luzzo's from 2 stars. And while I'm at it, they redecorated. Oh boy, they redecorated. Have you ever thought it would be a good idea to glue a chair to the ceiling? Or mix wagon wheels, columns, and sleek glass? Well if you have, then you'd love Luzzo's and you should never, ever, ever, ever decorate anything. For the rest of us, get ready for what is now The Ugliest Restaurant In New York. Luzzo's, you're out. I'm going to Keste.
(3)Paul G.
I don't often give 5-star reviews but hands down, THE best pizza in the city that is known for its pizza. Having recently been to Naples I can say without a doubt, the most authentic napoletana pizza you can get. I recommend the Brutta Ma Buona pizza which translates to "Ugly but good", heavy emphasis on the good part. The atmosphere is eclectic as well, with chairs, etc on the ceiling. Buonissimo!
(5)Jeff O.
My pizza was a bit limp. Kind of a delicate, wet slice. I dig the char crust and the cheese drippings are good turning to creamy, but damn if I don't like my NY slices. This is obviously no NY slice, and the sausage and pepperoni slice I had at Rays Pizza the night before and was strong and sweet and fluffy and better. It Was! I'd like to give it more of a shot, but the rule is that I review when I Get It or I don't plan on going back. I don't plan on going back barring an invitation. The review stands.
(3)Ricky L.
Delicious!! My fiance and I were walking around East Village and ducked in Luzzo's in hopes for some great pizza and pasta. We were not disappointed! There was a wait but since it was just the two of us we got right in. We started off with fried buffalo mozzarella and it was creamy and fantastic. Great tasking mozzarella with basil and ham deep fried. What is there not to like. For the main course I ordered the arugula pizza and she got the "Pappardelle Speck e Porcini" which was Homemade Pasta with Speck, Porcini Mushroom and Truffle Oil. First off the pizza was just like I remembered it when I was in Italy. Nice crispy thin crust with a delicious marinara sauce. The arugula, prosciutto, and shaved parmigiana was a peppery and creamy combo that makes me want to run over there right now. Now the pasta dish was outstanding, thin and wide homemade pasta with a creamy sauce that had the pungent yet amazing truffle oil smell and taste. Porcini mushrooms and Speck (ham) all throughout the pasta really made this dish unbelievable. Luzzo's was an incredible place. Amazing authentic Italian pizza and delicious homemade pasta dishes really make this place a must.
(5)J M.
I travel a lot, and when I hit a city I always look for gourmet pizza. This was not it. It's fine pizza, but the campana I ordered lacked the "pop" that would have me walk 20 blocks (which I did) to eat here again. 5 stars for me is mozza or olio in LA or zavino or barbozzo in Philly, for reference point.
(3)Michael D.
-- Case Notes of Dr Marvin Heifferman, Otolaryngologist -- The patient, Michael D., is a white male, approximately **years of age, appearing younger than his stated age, complaining of loss of hearing. The standard battery of tests was performed and revea
(2)Nina S.
I came here for dinner recently and was not very impressed with the pizza. When I read thin crust I thought back to Italy and this was certainly no where near the quality of the thin crust pizza I had in Italy. For pizza I had the 4 Stagioni and split the fried calamari appetizer. Not bad, just disappointing, especially considering the prices.
(2)Vince S.
Some of the best pizza I've had in a LONG time. I felt that it was fairly overpriced, but it was definitley some quality pizza. If margherita pizza tasted like that more often...I'd order it more often. No meat, no bullshit. Just tomato sauce, mozzarella, thin crust, and a bit of basil. Just the basics. Basic never tasted SO good. When we went it was empty, but apparently it's packed every other night of the week. Go, go, go!!!!
(5)André A.
Nice hidden gem! Generous toppings and delicious pie but stay away from the house sangria, totally tasteless.
(4)Stephanie T.
This takes pizza to a whole new level for me. I've tried lombardi's and grimaldis, but this is something different. Looking at these pictures does not do justice to its taste. It's super thin and just.... amazing. The thin crust gives you a kind of euphoria, so delicious. The mozzarella for some odd reason just kind of melts in your mouth. From a glance you would think it would be chewy, but it's not. I can't really describe the whole experience. Just go and concentrate on the taste and texture. You'll be amazed
(5)Liz C.
The most compelling takeaway from Luzzo's wasn't the superior flavor of the truffle-paste caulking a delightfully thin, melty-cheese pie, nor (interestingly) the unfinished quadrant of said pizza, but rather the disgraceful canyon of incongruity between the quality of the food and the quality of the service. I don't dole out single-star willy-nilly, especially on a service-basis, since it's so subject to change. But I don't feel an ounce of remorse in flaming this otherwise very nice establishment that kept us waiting conspicuously and unapologetically for over sixty minutes for two pizzas. We happened to be seated next to the check-out station; thus, our pieless-plight didn't go unnoticed. However, nobody, not even the alleged manager we parleyed with, could tell us why two appetizers caused our order such a delay. Our party of four watched the entire restaurant turn-over, and then some. No complimentary drinks or snacks during the wait? Boo! Forgoing respectable service just because you have a bunch of glowing Yelp reviews: gross. It's just pizza, people. I put my foot down; I shan't eat here again.
(1)Jason D.
Italian style pizza. These guys use awesome ingredients - fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, fresh dough. Get their bufala pizza and ask for it with arugula. Their marinated olives are awesome as well (although half the time they're out of them). Ambience is fairly basic and unremarkable. Can't really put it in words here. Luckily, the food makes up for things.
(4)Amanda B.
Another overrated pizza place. Luzzo's pizza is just alright. I find it to be somewhat bland. I usually like to order at least one margherita-style pizza since that sort of sets the bar. This one was umm, just OK. I recommend Gruppo, just a few blocks away.
(3)Eric N.
We ordered a Salsiccia and a Diavola pizza. They were decent, much better then you get at any standard late night pizza place, and priced well. We decided to try them because it said they accepted credit cards... though we found out not on delivery orders. Pros: * Inexpensive (relatively) * Fast delivery Cons: * Overall not as good as Gruppo or Posto (same basic area) * Credit cards not accepted for delivery orders
(3)Sean O.
I was searching for good Neapolitan pizza on YELP for my NY weekend trip and came across this place. It got really high reviews and i was really excited to try it out. It's very unassuming from the street and I almost passed it when looking for it. The hostess was dressed in some sort of pirate lady top (or maybe it's a traditional Italian thing...seemed more German?) which was funny. We were sat in the back, near the coal ovens and it was very hot in there! The chairs were really uncomfortable, too. Over all I'd say the atmosphere was just OK. The pizza came out very fast. The crust was really really good! 5 starts for the crust! The pizza sauce was pretty good, not amazing, but good. We got the spicy salami. I probably should have gotten the prosciutto as I usually do when I get authentic Neapolitan pizza (otherwise I get peperoni). The salami gave the pizza the strange taste of Cheetos. CHEETOS! Yuck, I don't want my pizza to taste like that. The pizza crust is so good here I would be willing to check it out again, but order a different kind of pizza. Just steer clear of the spicy salami.
(3)rupert e.
the pizza is fantastic,yuuuummmmmm!!!! the staff friendly. I recommend it! :)
(4)Brian H.
Between the thick Italian accents and the rustic, old world atmosphere, I had that rare experience where I felt transported to the country of gelato, chianti, and, well, you know, pizza. So expectations were high to taste authentic and fresh Neapolitan pizza. The menu was a bit more extensive than I had expected. In addition to the large selections of la pizza, there were le insalate, le paste, le panini, and le red wine. I ordered the Napoletana, which was basically a margherita with the addition of anchovies. The service was a little cold, but attentive. The pie arrived and it was quite beautiful. The tomato sauce was bright red and almost glowed. The orbs of mozzarella di bufala looked like gorgeous fluffy marshmallows. And the garnish of fresh basil in the middle seemed to put everything in balance. But how did it taste? I'm pleased to say that it tasted pretty good. For me, those beautiful cheese bulbs were the highlight. They were so fresh and flavorful. They alone were worth the rather steep price tag of $18 (for a 12-inch pie). I chose anchovies, so I blame nobody myself, but the saltiness from those little fishies was a bit overwhelming. But I was amazed that I couldn't stop eating it - even with all that anchovy saltiness. -eatthisny
(4)Anthony C.
Pizza was awesome! Moretti beer was awesome! Service was a bit slow and automatic gratuity was added; I prefer to tip according to the quality of service.
(4)YK C.
For those of us who live in UWS, this place is a bit of a trek, but it's well worth it! Luzzo does thin crust pizza and they are great at it. Between the five of us we had three large pizzas and two apps. All were delicious. It was a bit hot inside as we were seated net the back by the ovens, but the company and smell of fresh pizza was worth it!
(4)Alyssa S.
The food at Luzzo's is really good. The decor is cute, it's a little overpriced but the food makes it pretty worth it. They only accept Amex and cash. This place only gets two stars though because I went there for dinner last night and had a pretty bad experience. I was in a group of 7 (I know big groups can be annoying - but we were easy). The waiter was really rude. In the beginning, we didn't know what we wanted, and he asked if we'd been there before and we said yes, but asked how big the pizzas were (I had only previously ordered pasta). His response: "I just asked you if you'd been here before." So that was strike one. Then someone in my party ordered the smaller pizza and was brought the larger one. She said she ordered the smaller one and the waiter argued with her, telling her he was sure she didn't. Then he said, "OK, you can keep this one and I will only charge you for the smaller one." Then the girl in my party apologized and he got upset and changed his mind and took the pizza and they made her a smaller one. Then, the worst part of all, he overcharged us. We double and triple checked the bill (paid in cash) and he took about 20 minutes to bring change. We were supposed to get $6-7 in change and he brought only cents. We told him we thought we were supposed to get more change and he had this story all formulated, "actually, we were being friendly and gave you back 12 more cents than you were supposed to get." We were all fed up at that point and just left. Unfortunately, although the food is good and I'm sure this was a rare case as the other waiters all seemed friendly, I will not eat at Luzzo's again because of this rude waiter. Also, we had to ask for bread after our food came even though every other table received it when they sat down (not too important, but on top of everything else).
(2)Nick H.
Food was good but I was a bit bothered by the service as they were eager to have us on our way on a busy Friday night. I made the mistake of ordering a 12" small as opposed to a 18" large (the only other option available) and didn't notice that the difference was a mere $4. Not to mention that the small is overpriced at $20 a pie; unfortunately I didn't notice this until I got the bill. Had they not been in such a rush, I might have ordered otherwise. Next time I'll remember to order a large and arrive early before the crowd arrives. In general I prefer more moderately trafficked restaurants but this was for a special occasion.
(3)Hai T.
Went to NY for the very first time ever last Xmas with the wife. We met some friends here @ Luzzo's cuz we had to have some NY pizza. How can you not, being in NYC? All I can say about the NYC pizza and the pizzas @ Luzzo's? BEST FREAKING PIZZA of my life. I'm not sure if this is the same for most pizza joints in NY but this was my first time with it. I'm a big pizza fan. and have had it all over. The spicy oil that we drizzled on the pizza was incredible. Soooooo good. Wish I had it now while I'm here in Socal.
(5)Allan C.
Was here last Sunday at around 5:30 with my wife, brother in law and father in law. We split a salad (forget which one...) , octopus salad, and a large Funghi oie. Pizza was tasty! Great crust. Skip the octopus salad for sure, and probably skip any salad. Leave room for the pizzas - definitely the star of the menu. Definitely going back. Would certianly go here over Lombardi's / Grimaldi's, given the wait times there and the fact that, well, the pizza here is frankly better. (based on my limited sample size of course)
(5)Rahul G.
Pizza isn't just some tomato sauce and cheese on white bread that makes you fart. It's art. It's edible art. It's delicious edible art, and if I may, I think Luzzo's is Picasso's sidekick, who does all his best work and does not get credit for it. All the credit is taken by flashy Picasso (yes Grimaldi's and Lombardi's, I'm talking to you). Seriously, Luzzo's served me incredible pizza. It was simple. 16" pie. Tomato. Basil. Arugula. Mozzarella. It was simple, but beautiful. The crust was charred ever so slightly by the coal oven and had a fresh crunch to it and somehow the flavor of the pizza had infused itself in the crust. I usually start wasting the crust after my second slice, but I finished all five crusts at Luzzo's! Also, its worth noting that everyone here was Italian. The waiters, bartender, and patrons (except for me of course). May be it was just that night, but I felt like I was back in Florence. A special mention for the waiter who knew of Spritz! I've been craving one ever since I got back from Italy, but no one here has heard of it. This waiter knew it was a drink from Venice, and concurred with me that it was delicious, but did not have Aperol to make it for me. Now for the reason I gave this place four stars vs. five. The waiter had THE WORST MOUTH ODOUR EVER! I'm talking not brushed your teeth for 3 days and nibbled on a large piece of garlic and tons of asparagus. All he had to say was "what can I get you to drink?" and it just hit me like the Tsunami from 3 feet away. I feel bad, but I had to cringe slightly. Okay, a lot. I'll stop now. Please don't let the mustachio-clad waiter's MO deny you a scrumptious meal. p.s. I have nothing against Picasso. I'm not even sure if he had a side-kick, but I've read that he was kind of a dick in real life, so I just made up the side-kick reference for the sake of my lame metaphor.
(4)Scott P.
Ran in to have an early dinner and was pleasantly surprised at the food and service. The whole wait staff was very friendly. The antipasti and the homemade gnocchi was tastey . Someday will have to figure out what that giant wagon wheel is all about...
(4)Tyler C.
In terms of pizza quality, this place is up there. The crust is good, thin and crisp. The sauce is done well - tastes freshly made with a very clear, as opposed to tart tomato flavor. Cheese is fresh bufala mozzarella. Perhaps it could use a more liberal sprinkle of basil. Pie wise, it actually comes close in taste to my personal fave, Lucali but doesn't quite achieve that restaurant's perfect tomato/mozzarella ratio. It still is quite tasty, though, and I prefer it over Keste. The establishment, as noted, won't set records for service, but heck, this is a glorified pizza parlor so realistic expectations should be in order. I came on a non-peak night so things came out relatively quick for me. Downside is the prices are rising, whether due to demand or rising price of ingredients or whatnot....up to $17 for a personal (12") bufala pie, fancier ones are in the low $20's...
(4)Chris J.
I never really got on the "New York Pizza is so amazing" train. New York pizza is good, but it never blew me out of the water. Luzzo's did. If you're from out of state, and want to know why everyone raves about New York pizza, go here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)lesi w.
Good pizza in a convenient location. on 14st 1ave little hole in the wall with delicious pizza and long dinner lines. Lucky for me that it's located a few blocks from where I live. It's so convenient that I can't say it's too memorable but crispy New York style pizza.
(4)Meagan M.
One of the best thin crust pizzas I've had outside of Italy. Not too crispy, not too thin. The tomato and mozzarella pizza alone didn't amaze me, but with ricotta added to the recipe, perfection! A pie alone might be pricey, but split between friends is very doable. Next time my friends want pizza, I'll recommend Luzzo's
(5)Jackie B.
Honestly, the best pizza in the city!!!! Besides the food, the staff and service is amazing! Everyone is so happy and fun! Its also the BEST place to have a party as they have a great private room downstairs. We just had a 28 person birthday and it was one of the best parties we have ever had! You can bring your own music and just a have fabulous night of great food and wine with all of your friends. This is one of my favorite places in the city and I highly recommend it for any time your are in the mood for pizza or a good plate of pasta!
(5)Marcus S.
Best Neopolitan style pizza in NYC. Enough said.
(5)Ben R.
I love Pizza and been to many of them and I have come here with my family and friends about 6 times and every time it's amazing. It's always GREAT. ( Especially the square pizza) I don't think many know about it and yesterday I took out 2 pies along with Calzone. Also note that Calzone taste even better when it's reheated later. The best Pizza in NY for that matter anywhere.
(5)Semra K.
The food is DELICIOUS and the servers are nice, but the space is a bit cramped. I got seated next to the server's computer stand once and I kept getting knocked in the head. I would recommend checking it out, just watch out where you sit!
(4)Caroline L.
I'm on a mission to check out all of the best pizza places in the city. Boyfriend and I checked out Luzzo's on Sunday afternoon and we're so glad we did. We split a Bufala pie. The sauce was simple and delicious. The crust was soft and fluffy yet also crisp. The only thing I would've changed was a little more basil but other than that, it was a truly superb pizza. We'll definitely be going back. I'm already craving it!
(4)Ahu S.
I'm with Atif on this one. It took me several visits to realize that this is my favorite pizza in NYC. There are only 3 things you need to know about on the menu: 1. Appetizer - Fried Artichoke 2. Pizza - Arugula Pizza 3. Dessert - Tiramisu Just, go now. In fact, I would too if I could!
(5)Kealan C.
If I had to describe my ideal pizza, I'm pretty sure it would taste something like Luzzo's. The ingredients are fresh, the cheese to sauce ratio is on point, and the crust is perfectly chewy with a few obligatory crispy "burny bits". It's definitely some of the best pizza I've ever had. I had family in town who all wanted pizza, and this was a great place to take them as it's loud & bustling (gotta keep them comfortable in their natural environment) and not too expensive. No one was particularly starving, so the four of us shared a large and it was enough. I wasn't too impressed with the service - from the hostess to the waitress, everyone seemed to have a bit of an attitude. Our order came out incorrectly as well, but we ate it anyway and it was great enough for a four-star rating, despite the imperfections. I'll absolutely be making another visit there in the future.
(4)April W.
Amazing pizza!!!!! My sister and bro-in-law from N.C. LOVED this pizza! So much so that they don't ever want to have pizza down south again.
(5)Mark W.
This is the best pizza I've tried since moving to New York. Everyone raves about di Fara's, but in my opinion Luzzo's is much better and a lot closer to real pizza from Italy (Neapolitan style). Luzzo's pizza is thin, but not too thin. The crust is well done but not too crunchy. The ratio of sauce to cheese is near perfect, and the sauce is slightly sweet and tangy. Luzzo's pizza reminds me of the pizza I ate while traveling around Italy last summer. Try it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Gee L.
Incredible, indulging wood oven pizza. The cheese melts perfectly. The olive oil and the basil finish it off just right. The best pizza I've ever had was in Naples,Italy at a local pizza joint nestled along a shady alleyway. Luzzo's comes close (minus the shady alleyway). Staff was accommodating; never felt rushed even though they had several large parties at the door. The space is a bit narrow but that makes the atmosphere all the more "Italian" and family style like! Truly a pleasure dining here. I. will. be. back.
(4)Allison H.
I love Luzzo's for two reasons: 1. that they can accomodate a group of 10 with same day notice and 2. For perfectly charred pizza. Luzzo comes pretty close to greatness by using truffle oil on my favorite pizza but a star is lost due to everything else on the menu. I've tried a bunch of their pastas, and all are lackluster due to them being too stingy with quality ingredients. I will continue to eat their fried calamari eventhough i know there is better out there. Their house wine, especially the chianti is always a welcome addition to the meal.
(4)Linda C.
We came here due to all of the rave reviews on Yelp. I'm on the quest for the best Pizza in NYC and so this was on my list of "must do's". We arrived at about 6:30PM on a Wednesday night and were seated immediately. We started with Prosecco ($7/glass) and fried Calamari ($10). The calamari was huge, perfectly fried. We ordered the pizza tartufa (with truffle "pate"). It was tasty and had a nice thin crust, but the truffles didn't jump out at me. I think I would have preferred a pizza with mushrooms instead. We ordered the 16" pizza for two and we stuffed ourselves and still had 2 pieces left. I think a 12" would have been wiser especially since we walked down to Butter Lane for cupcakes afterward. The girl that took our drink order was a sweetie but our waiter (a guy) was a bit lacking. He was totally enamored with this cute girl at the other table (despite that she had a date) and went overboard grating cheese into her oil (for her bread) and forgetting to ask us how our meal was, whether we'd like pepper on anything, etc. By the time we left, the place was buzzing...still not packed, but pretty busy. We'd return if we were in the area again, but I'm not sure that this is the best Napoli pizza in the area. I'd definitely had better in California and in Italy. So the quest will continue.
(4)Xinyuan W.
really good pizza, very thin, and crust tastes like breadsticks
(4)J C.
Came here for lunch on a Wednesday (maybe) and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Upon entering, we were seated immediately by a very attentive waiter. Unfortunately, the place had some sort of stench like water damage or moist humidity. I couldn't place my finger on it, but it wasn't so bad that it ruined the meal or anything. We ordered the Tartufata and the Stagioni. I personally liked the Tartufata better, with a simple tomato sauce, mozzarella, truffle pate, and basil. But toppings on both were fresh and the crust of the pizza was amazing. We also ordered calamari. I liked that it was lightly battered, but it wasn't anything spectacular. Overall, very cute, cozy interior. The pizza was amazing, and I've heard their pastas are great too. Will definitely be back! Also, the entrance has a sign up saying it's cash only, but we were able to pay with Visa or Mastercard.
(4)Daniela A.
Very good pizza and loved the atmosphere in this place. I went for lunch on a Saturday... had a good amount of people - but felt very friendly, relaxed and comfortable. Italian TV was on - soccer...and I felt like I was at my grandmother's house. I love my nonna... I could have stayed here for hours and not felt like I was being rushed...a much different vibe from (blech) Keste... The pizza was very tastey - good sauce, toppings were fresh and the crust was very good... Also tried the meatballs which were pretty good as well. I have to get back there -- last time I went was several months ago...
(4)Phoenix F.
Needed to catch up with a friend who is smaller than me, yet packs away twice the amount of food. She chose Luzzo's and at first I squirmed because me no likey the East Village (although this area is still technically Gramercy/Union Square). Very warm employees greeted us. Very nice Nero D'avolo by the glass. We ordered the large with buffalo mozzarella, basil, and truffle oil. We also added on some prosciutto, for if you didn't know "I'm a meat-a-tarian" The pizza tasted like edible sex...it was delicious. By far the most flavorful pizza I have ever had.PERIOD. If you happen to be going through a dry spell and are hungry, this place is a two-fer.
(5)Jade L.
Love love love love love.. I loooove the pizza here. I couldn't really rave about one particular pizza place before I came here. Luzzo's has become my favorite pizza in NY. I know it's not considered a real 'neopolitan' pie because of the crust, but I find it just perfect. The combination of great ingredients and perfectly cooked crust (to me) makes my tummy happy. Service has been great both times I've been so far. Our water glasses were always filled and the waiters/waitresses have been attentive as well. Would I go back here? Hell yes!!! Count me in for a few slices any time!
(5)Lindsay B.
I was 9 days into my 11 day cleanse when the carb crave truly hit me. I was doing so well avoiding grilled cheese, toast, crackers and pita chips but the smell of Luzzo's pizza might as well been a giant flashing "you're f*cked" sign. Instead of slowly reintroducing carbs back into my diet I caved in and ate half a bufalo mozzerella pizza by myself. This place is pizza heaven. You won't find better anywhere else in Manhattan.
(5)Lisa K.
Let's face it, it's all in the crust. John and I devoured a medium pizza in about 3 minutes, crust and all. Pizza is so simple that it absolutely has to have great ingredients and Luzzo manages to nail every single component. I have really never tasted a crust so good that I may be willing to forgo the cheese all together. It's a great place to have pizza in the East Village and it won't be as touristy as all those other editor-baited pizza joints. I do have to say that the pizza is a little pricey. What can you say? Good ingredients don't come cheap these days...
(4)Jason L.
Came here multiple times already; good for 2 people as well as big groups (just make sure to call in advance). As already mentioned by others this place is A-MAZ-ING. Their pizza is the best pizza I ever had, I don't know any other place that serves better pizza.
(5)Robert M.
What can I say that already hasn't been said? This is probably one of the best za joints in NYC...if not the best. I can't say enough about their za. This place is going to make me take the time to downgrade every za joint I've rated in Atlanta. After moving out of NY, I guess I forgot just HOW much better it is. The crust: incredible....crisp, thin, nice char on the bottom without an overwhelming char taste, and the best flavor that lingers after each bite. The sauce: beautiful and fresh, with the right ratio of sauce cheese overall on the pie. Maybe could use a little more spice but very good. The cheese: Fresh bufala moz. Very nice. What else to say? I would say the only negative I can give here is that they were pretty wimpy with the basil. Come on....I know you can spare more than 4 teared pieces on the pie! One of the best....
(5)Grant C.
Best in town? You people need to get around more. Not the best pizza, not even in Manhattan, but it definitely ranks up there. I went with a basic mozzarella and basil. The toppings and the sauce were great, but the crust just didn't hold up its end of the deal. Nice and chewy along the edges, but too thin and soggy towards the interior. Overpriced, too. It's a fun place, though, rustic and wooden, very cozy and inviting on a dismal rainy night.
(4)The B T.
This place has a really cool and relaxing feel. We walked in on a rainy evening and the place was packed. We decided to wait at the packed bar and have a glass of wine from a poorly displayed choice of wines. The service is super quick we were seated in 15 minutes. The food was amazing we had the pasta Norma, arugula salad and the buffala pizza all of which were some of the best pizza pasta and salad we ever had. Other than a few loud guido types the place is great
(5)Jen G.
Forget motorino and vezzo, this was the best sit down pizza I've had in a while! The sangria we had at the bar wasn't anything special, but for $6 how could anyone really complain? The caesar salad was great and had plenty of delicious cheese (big plus in my book!!). The bufala pie was delish and had the perfect balance of sauce, cheese and crispy yet doughy crust. My only gripe is about the temp in the back room. We were there on one of the hottest, most humid days of the summer and being seated in the back room was a little uncomfortable. A couple of fans would make a huge difference but it won't stop me from coming back
(4)Joe S.
NOW THIS IS WHERE IT'S AT....true off the boat first & second generation Italian-italian/americans making old world true brick oven pizza within a family owned & operated beutifully rustic setting! brick oven is real for once & is set at the right temp by wood to get it OsoRIGHT! the cheese is mozzarella di bufala! the sauce is fresh basil'd! ....and finally the dough bubbles in all the right places! check, check...aaaand check! its all thier!
(5)Silvio D.
The pizza was delicious, and the friendly servers make this an enjoyable experience. Two people can easily polish off a 16" pie. I thought the pizza was unique because the dough and crust are nice and chewy, but the bottom is cooked all the way the through. The ingredients are all fresh - from the mozzarella to the sauce. I would highly recommend this place.
(4)Patrick C.
The pizza is freaking awesome....but you'd expect that when a small personal pie is $17.....and I wasn't even full when I was finished. Great sauce, very thin crust, perfectly put together w/ the right amount of basil. I really can't knock the pizza b/c it's awesome but I think it's terribly overpriced. It's def worth checking out though.
(3)chris J.
Pizza. Everybody loves pizza. Chicago deep dish, New York, Sicilian, thin crust, thick crust, the list goes on but at the top of this list is Luzzo's Napoli style pizza. The pizza here is other worldly. Diavola - yes it is devilishly delicious. Just the right amount of spice in the sauce and the peperoni is perfect. Procuitto with arugula - listen who said you can eat your greens with your pizza. Fantastic. This is the place we always bring friends who visit NYC for pizza. Great every single time
(4)cherry w.
It was okay, maybe I'm being a hard critic but it didn't blow me away. On my visit I did note the handful of Italian speakers at the restaurant. Real Italians at an Italian pizza restaurant? Must be a good sign! I prefer pizza that is thin and crispy everywhere- from first bite to the crust. We got a 16" pizza pie split into two different flavors. My first bite was disappointing. It didn't meet my crispy criteria. It was wet and sloppy but the closer I got the crust the crispier and airier it got. I also wish there was a bit more tomato sauce. I love tomato sauce. Besides the pizza, we also got an Arugula salad. Is it weird that I loved the salad way more than the pizza? It was tangy and tasty. I'll come back for the salad. :)
(3)Angie W.
Luzzo's is classic Neopolitan type pizza - very thin dough, just like I just had in Italy a few months ago. It was pretty crowded for a Sunday evening, and you would never have imagined the crowd inside if you saw it's typical small East Village Storefront. The typical place to pick up a quick slice, it's not. Service was prompt and they have alot of choices on their menu. Definitely check it out if you like Neopolitan pizza.
(4)Brian S.
I am convinced this is the most authentic and best tasting pizza outside of Naples. Luzzo's is all about the pizza, burnt just right , bubbly and crusty to the right amount, soft and crunchy, tangy tomato sauce and the melted mozzarella smelled great. We ordered the large Salsiccia which had the tomato, mazzarella, sausage and basil. The atmosphere is very pleasant, you get the sense of being in Italy and the waitstaff are nice.
(5)Eeeeestar T.
The Marinara pizza here is just amazing. I loved the superthin, chewy, and lightly crispy crust with just the perfect amount of sauce, basil, tomato, cheese and...anchovy. That's right -- those deliciously salty, pungent, melting anchovies were the perfect way to top off such a simply perfect slice. Do it right or don't do it at all! The ambience is unpretentiously rustic and the waiters no-nonsense...but add a glass or two of wine, and I think Luzzo's would be perfect for a casual date.
(5)i. p.
I don't really believe in knocking a restaurant for being expensive, but I probably won't be going back to this place unless I win the lottery. Okay, it's not that expensive, but wow, the bill at the end of the meal really hurt. That said, there's a lot to be said for this place: the space is cozy and incredibly charming, the staff are very nice and friendly, the food is very good, and it was a lovely experience overall. We got the Arugola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, shaved parmesan, Arugola and basil) -- a real winner -- and the Bufala (tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil). Both were very good. The crust was soft and crunchy in all the right places. One complaint -- the Bufala had like 3 pieces of basil on it. Maybe that's traditional, but in my view that's just garnish, not worthy of putting in the description of the pizza. I was expecting to be blown away by this place, especially after seeing the prices on the menu, but I just wasn't. If you have some money to spend and want a casual, lovely little place with good food, maybe for a date or something, Luzzo's might be the place for you. But if all you care about is pizza, go to Di Fara's.
(4)Kaka-Q S.
This place is not great. It's not even better than OK. It smelled disgusting when we walked in at 7:30 last night. Like they'd just mopped the floor with dirty water and no soap. There were no pizza or food smells - not even any coal oven smells, or cleaning chemical smells - two different people in my party commented about the stench as we sat down. We almost left because of it but decided to stay b/c of the Yelp reviews. The decor is cute and eclectic, and the bar in the front is inviting. The bathrooms (in the basement) are nasty and smell like rats (I've worked in the restaurant business long enough to know that odor anywhere). Our waitress was delightful. She was so sweet and friendly. But she took our order and then never came back. The pizzas came out literally four minutes after we placed our order, and they were cold when they arrived. Kind of confusing. Maybe they are pre-made, and not made to order, and just tossed into the oven? Not sure. But they were not hot. The pizza is INCREDIBLY overpriced. It was so-so. Nothing special at all - especially for New York. The sauce was not distinguishable in any way. Very bland, very typical. Toppings had no flavor. The crust was OK, and I did like the black-burned bottom from the coal oven (although it would have been better if it had been served hot - or even warm). The homemade bufula mozzarella was fine, but from the reviews I was expecting to be blown away - and I wasn't at all. The wine was also very, very overpriced - $32 for a crappy bottle that you can buy a few doors down for $13. Nobody offered us grated parmesan or fresh pepper, and we didn't recieve a bread basket (not even sure if they offer bread, but there was olive oil on the table). This place is probably fine if you're a student, but I would never recommend it. I'm very surprised that it got such great reviews.
(2)Jeffrey N.
The field of NYC pizza reviewing is so rife with contention that it's all but impossible to get any perspective. We're all a bit pizza nuts and get trapped in the polemical loop circling what constitutes "the best". Are we as strongly opinionated about any other food in this city? I suppose we feel in some strange way that NYC pizza belongs to us, or stems from us, or is us...a kind of food proxy; hence all the heated debate. Anyway, where does Luzzo's stand in the fray? I've eaten here several times and it has oscillated from very good (3 stars) to outstanding (5 stars) depending largely on whether the resident pizzaiolo is manning the ship. On their outstanding days, the pizza comes out of that blazing coal fired oven in 2 minutes flat. As you bite in the crust gives off a puff of steam (the rapid bake time traps the moisture). There is just a smattering of char on the base to add that subtle carbon twang. The sauce, the cheese, everything tastes so bright and articulate; it is just barely cooked and has yet to dissipate an ounce of intrinsic flavor. Utterly ethereal! If you wait more than 5 minutes, it is a soggy mess of disjointed flavors. More than any other dish, this hinges on timing for the pizza you start with bares little resemblance to that which you are ingesting at the meal's conclusion. As for the service, what can anyone say? It possesses that rare continental combination of aggressive and inattentive - polarities fostered in countries devoid of tipping.
(3)Jen L.
Yum Yum Yummmmmy. I'm not a pizza gal, but gosh-darn-it, ciò che è buono pizza! All hail bufala mozzarella. Love to hear Italian? Come listen to the staff chatter away. It's a nice little touch. Get some Italian beer, it goes down easy. It's borderline average, comfortable, and simple, and yet something about great pizza and beer in a small cozy space made it feel special.
(4)Antonella M.
Luzzo's is one of those places I hesitate writing about in fear of spreading the word even more; I mean already every night is a Saturday night.. From the outside, Luzzo's doesn't even standout, aside from the red awning nothing really jumps at you... the investigation of the hype begins... The minute I stepped inside, I was speechless, I loved everything about it, from the decor to the Napolitan (Italian dialect of the Naples region) sign on the wall. We were greeted by an all American boy who when we asked how long for a table seemed distressed, to his rescue out came a manager (maybe?), some super Italian man, goodlooking but even more so when he spoke with that heavy accent and flirty charm of most Napolitano men, he said 2 meenutes pulleasse. The all American host replied "you always say that though." But low and behold, one minute passed and we had a table in the back room. The front of the restaurant seems to be mostly booths while the back is filled with cozier tables for small AND large groups along with more authentic Napoli decor and art. A flat-screen plays an Italian network which plays all of Italy's greatest and latest hits which I had difficulty taking my eyes off of, which I suppose isn't the greatest thing to do on a date (than again not the worst). Let's get serious now, the food. The calamari are big, reminded me of eating onions rings, but still delicious. The rice-ball (arancini) are also worth trying if you like rice-balls with meat inside instead of plain old cheese and rice. Basically the appetizers are good, and if you are not on a budget, order away you will not be disappointed, but my advice on a date or some kind of budget would be to get a pasta and a pizza to share. Out of the pastas I tried the Spaghetti Carbonara - cooked perfectly, pasta tasted like it had just been made and rolled 5 minutes prior. It's a white sauce and the pancetta was super tasty. My favorite pizza has been the EST (mozzarella, ricotta, basil, Salome). The dough was perfect, it truly is the pizza of all pizzas, and the closest to the actual pizzas I've eaten in Napoli thousands of times through the years. Upon exiting, I couldn't help but notice a Papa John's pizzeria across the street; a person that enters there instead of Luzzo's should seek help immediately and avoid me at all costs...
(5)Brendan M.
There a lot of 5 Star pizza shops in town, and this is one of them. The crust is magnificent and the sauce delicious. Service is friendly and the atmosphere is fantastic. Not as giraffe friendly as some other places but I've been more cramped.
(5)Stephanie Y.
IT was aight. I've had better pizza, I've had cheap pizza together that makes this place 3 stars. Thin crust is good - the Arugula pizza was actually quite tasty but this place just didn't overall do it for me. The place was cute the service was great but I think there maybe better pizza out there in the world. Not a bad East Vill spot though.
(3)Victoria D.
Basically, not worth the price. I went with my roommate, she ordered lasagna and I had a pizza. The pizza was so thin that it fell apart and was soggy towards the center. It was WAY too expensive. Should have been about $6 less. She said her noodles and meat were dry, and they looked like they were. I am from Texas and I have had much better pizza there. However, they were really quite friendly, and had fast-service. Also-If you have credit card, be prepared to pay a random minumum of $18.
(3)Alanna D.
The house red wine somehow tasted like dish soap mixed with vinegar and the bruschetta was distinctly average. But the pizza? Oh, the pizza! I have had a delicious week in New York City, but the only thing that I will walk away craving will be the Campana pie from Luzzo's -- tomato sauce, mozzarella, shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes, basil. I could eat that pizza for the rest of my life.
(4)Philly B.
OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD. If I could give Luzzo's a one million-star Yelp rating, I would. Atmosphere is great, the staff are helpful and patient with indecisive patrons (such as myself), and -- most importantly -- they serve mouth-wateringly delicious pizza. I would say, overall, that it is the best I've had in New York. Which isn't to say that it's perfect, but taking taste and quality and presentation into consideration, it is a damn delicious pie. I agree with Grant C's review -- I wish the crust had held up just a little better toward the center -- but whatever. Minor detail, really, because everything else about it was so to-die-for. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this place before! Definitely try it out; you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend the Tartufata pizza. Mmmm.
(5)Cindy T.
It seems like every pizza joint in New York City claims to have the best pizza in the city. I've tried a lot of them with an open mind and have been unimpressed every time. So far, the only pizza that has made a good impression on me came from Luzzo's. I had the Bufala pizza, which is made with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The crust was perfectly thin. The ingredients were very fresh. The sauce, which I believe is the key element of a great pizza, was tasty. The atmosphere at Luzzo's is very comfortable and casual. The staff were very attentive.
(5)Allyson R.
After all the awesome reviews and living right down the street I went to Luzzo's wanting to love the place!!! BUT, when I went (party of 2, please), we had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated, when their were many tables open. The hostess was just standing there, not really doing anything. Then, when we were finally seated, NO ONE approached our table. no one brought water, no one brought menu's. Okay..... So we waited for about 12 minutes and then decided to leave. There was a hostess standing next to our table (it was the first table in the front), a waiter that kept walking past us, and a bartender right behind our table that were all not really doing much. For no one to come over and greet us, give us menu's, or take our orders was ridiculous. I'm not sure I even want to go back after this experience...
(1)Christopher I.
I've returned to Luzzo's time and time again when I've got a craving for great Italian pizza. Not great Italian appetizers, service, or dessert. Appetizers here are just ok, even the neapolitan specialty appetizer plate tastes like stuff that was just warmed up at the bar of an AutoGrill, not piping fresh fried gnocchi, croquettes or arancini. If you order this, you will be disappointed. And the servers, especially the suave dark-haired host (who's romancing a different single girl every time), have been rude and blase time and time again. But I don't come here for appetizers or great service. IT'S THE PIZZA. And not all the pizzas. Steer clear of the ones overloaded with toppings...stay simple. Mozzarella di bufala. That's why I'm not afraid to give this place five stars. With the tried and true--a simple margherita pizza, a Moretti and good company--you won't be disappointed.
(5)Namrata A.
I was really excited to go to this place after reading the fantastic reviews on Yelp. However, I was extremely disappointed with it. The place is small (most of the place was empty and we were squished in the corner even when the hostess knew we had baggage with us), the service was inattentive, and the prices were ridiculous for an OK pizza. $55 for tax, tip, one pie of pizza (regular) and two glasses of wine. That's outrageous. The pizza itself was $28! If I was paying $28 for pizza, I'd expect it to be delicious and swamped with toppings. Skip this place and save your money.
(1)Sergio S.
I have no frame of reference as far as New York pizza goes, but this is the best pizza I've ever had! My favorite was in Chicago, but I guess it's been debunked! We had the Martha, which is Mozzarella, truffle pate, prosciutto and basil. Delicious! The flavors were so perfect and the crust, so delicately thin. The place was cozy and so friendly. A perfect environment to enjoy the goodness of their Pizza!
(5)Nicole C.
SO I work at an Italian company, and all of the Italians come here for authentic Italian (Napoli) pizza. I've also been to Naples and agree with them wholeheartedly. The brutta ma buona (translates to: ugly but good) is my favorite one. They also have an amazing artichoke appetizer. Yes it is a small space, yes you might have to wait a bit for a table but it is so worth it. Everyone who works there is Italian too, so it's a great place to brush up on your skills! And yes, it is a bit expensive but they import their ingredients from Italy, wouldn't you rather have super fresh delicious ricotta or mozzarella cheese? Just go ahead and order a whole pie for yourself..
(5)Anne G.
Im a Luzzos-aholic. Some people loves Johns, some Joes. I've had both and always come back to my man(men? woman?) Luzzos. The first time I went, we knew it was legit because almost everyone there was speaking Italian. If Italians are coming to eat here, it must be okay we thought. Then we ate. And eat we did. Splitting two pies and an app among 5 people, we wiped it clean...and were still jealous of the pastas that our neighbors had order. I've been back multiple times since and I'm always impressed. When I went to Joe's, they were 60% crust, 40% sauce/cheese. While maybe I hit a bad day, Luzzo's seems about the hoopla of being the best pizza in town: they simply do them, putting some heart into each pie, pasta and app. It's the place I bring my outta town guests to and will cont to do so!
(5)Eric P.
Hands down one of THE place in New York for good pizza. The style is similar to Paty's in Chelsea, but the atmosphere was a lot more a romantic and cozy, and our waitress spoke Italian. On top of that, it's in the East Village, so I had an easy time finding a bar I liked afterward. I had the 4 Stagioni -- tomato, prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil and washed it down with a few glasses of Malbec. VERY good.
(5)Rose W.
Yummy pizza! I think this is definitely one of the better spots to eat pizza in the city. I had a simple pie with just tomato sauce and spots of mozzarella. I'm such a fan because the crust is amazingly thin. Didnt walk out of lunch feeling like a complete greaseball (which is nice) :-)
(5)ZO R.
I had the pleasure of going Luzzo's on this past saturday with a friend from Boston. Words could not express how I felt when I left. We really had a great time there. The staff was very nice and personable and the food was out of this world good. I had the Tartufata with the spicy oil. All I can say is that If I was in NYC everyday this place would be one of my main spots. I will be back!!!!
(5)Aaron H.
Memorable pizza. Perfect crust, slightly charred, crisp not chewy. Wonderful sauce to cheese to crust ratio. 5 stars. I've even liked the broccoli pizza they gave me by accident.
(5)Jordan G.
This is honestly, hands down the best Pizza I've ever had. I recommend the Bufala and Arugola Pizzas. Every time I'm in Manhattan I have to go here and bring new people to experience the dining. And I order at least those two varieties every time I bring people here and everyone agrees it is amazing.
(5)Chris S.
Great. Pizza was tasty, staff friendly and beer cold. Get the number 1but add Prosciutto to really top it off. I will definitely be back next time I'm in the city.
(4)Raul R.
We had the fresh pasta with mushrooms and sausage (not a lot of sausage) and very little red sauce to our surprise, but it was good, it was fresh and we shared it with the three of us. We had the large Bufala 16" pizza and it was really good. Simple tomato sauce, a good amount of cheese and the crust was light, just a little chewy and just a little crispy....Anne was in heaven and I was truly appreciating a Neapolitan style pizza. The ambiance was great. Casual, rustic decor, with non matching chairs and tables in the restaurant that had about 20 tables for 4 and small groups would be welcome here anytime although depending on the time you would likely have to wait. The service was attentive and the place was clean and we had fun peeking inside the bright yellow/orange light from the fire inside the oven when the chef would open it up to make sure the pizzas were cooking to perfection. We'll be back - the Calzone pizza is next on our agenda. Oh and in case you were keeping track, 1 guy two girls, one pasta, one large pizza...perfect. We all left full...and happy.
(4)Erika C.
Something changed markedly. This used to be my go-to pizza place, one of the best in Manhattan, the perfect place to take anyone from mom to friends from out of town. Not sure if they changed ovens, chefs, recipes, budgets, or what, but the crust has deteriorated - it's not nearly as moist and smoky - and the sauce has less zing. I wrote the first mediocre pie off as a fluke, but after multiple tries, I think this is, sadly, the new state of affairs. Shame.
(3)Eve T.
You know you are at the right pizza place when you hear the wait staff speak Italian. Between my husband and I, we devoured both a 16 inch and a 12 inch pizza in one sitting. We got the pizza with the truffle pate (Tartufata), and couldn't really taste the pate at all. The Diavola (one with hot salami) was so good and crispy, I'm salivating just thinking about it. The crust was much crispier on the 12 inch than the 16 inch, and it was just the right thickness. I wish they put more basil on their pizzas though rather than the garnished 3 leaves in the middle. The space is small, but the pizza came out fast and they were very accommodating to our 1 year-old son. I saw our neighboring table ask for spicy oil to put on their pizza, will have to try that next time.
(4)Michael S.
Legit Pizza. Equally as good as Lombardi's but different. Fresh Mozz, Prosciutto and Arugula pizza was awesome. light sauce and cheese, super thin chewy and crisp crust. DELICIOUS.
(5)K P.
I believe this is probably one of the best pizzas I've had in NY. The crust is very thin the outer crust is charred as others mentioned which is something I usually do not like but it was still flavorful and tender. The sauce is light, the mozzarella fresh, buffalo style "globs" for lack of a better description...pictures ppl have posted here are accurate. Service was very efficient - almost a little too quick but not in a bad, pushy way... Had the diavolo which wasn't spicy as described but the right combo of salami and cheese. Also had the goat cheese salad with pine nuts in lemon juice - that was very fresh, light & delicious. Liked that they had an Italian MTV-type program playing in the background, I don't know why, that's just me. The space is completely wood covered - cute. I think it could be a lot of fun if you came with a group of friends. I thought the people who worked there were polite. The tables are a little jammed together...so I'm sure if you went on the weekend you'll be practically sitting in your neighbor's lap - which might not be a bad thing...
(5)Chelle T.
THE BEST pizza in new york! In my opinion anyway.. I've been to most of the other reputable ones and this is my favorite. Perfect crunchy crust with still a little doughiness in the inside. To die for toppings. Silly waiters too.. the service is great. WAY better than grimaldi's. Ugh I hate those guys that work there. Anyways this place was so great it was the only place I wanted to go my last night in new york (aside from union square). Go there now!
(5)Min K.
I HATE HATE HATE to admit it, but it's better than Lombardi's. - Pizza: I'm perplexed about the crust. How does it get so crunchy and chewy? Perfectly burnt as well. Other places can't get it this soft and chewy. The ingredients were great as well. I recommend trying the spicy salami and sausage. Nothing bad or special to say about cheese and tomato sauce. - Salad: I like to fill myself with some fresh veggies before stuffing myself with grease. Salad selection here is not that special, but fresh and light. A bit pricey I have to say for the quantity. It's all about the pizza anyways...wasted my stomach with veggies.
(5)Brian R.
This is perhaps one of my all time favorite pizza joints. This is right up there with Lombardi's and Grimaldi's. The place is sort of a throw back to those really narrow, but long pizza joints you used to visit as a child in the city. The decor is made up of all these old pieces of Italian immigrant paraphernalia that makes you yearn for more simpler times of years gone past. I have sampled a number of the pizzas here and my three favorite are the Bufula, Napoletana and Salsiccia. All three are simply made with some of the freshest tomato sauce and mozzarella you will eat this side of Italy. For me, what makes an excellent New York style pizza is the thin, but chewy crust and the perfect amount of "charring" around the edges. I don't like my pizza drowning in sauce or using second rate grated mozzarella. Tables can be a bit tight at this place since they always try to pack as many people as they can with the limited seating they have. The seating also uses some really old furniture, I think I was sitting on an outdoor fold chair at one of my visits. I do not recommend to take the pizza home, because it should really be enjoyed fresh out of the oven as quickly as possible. For some reason the pizza gets cold quickly so eating it ASAP is a must. If you like authentic style pizza, Luzzo can't be beat.
(5)h h.
No better pizza in the whole city. There, I said it. My man and I love this shop. Our favorite Italian beers are on the table the second they see us come in, they're always nice, the pizza is ALWAYS exceptional, and if you ask, they'll even hide an iced cream cake for you to surprise your favorite someone on his birthday.
(5)Emi M.
Best gnocchi in the East Village (and it was delivery)!
(5)Brandon Z.
Congratulations, my friend, you have found it. The best. Perfect coal-oven crust, buffalo mozarella that melts in your mouth.
(5)Pria P.
Great pizza, friendly Italian service, cute space = enthusiastic 5 stars! Beautiful thin, slightly burnt (in a good way) crust. If there are 2 of you, go for the large pie- the small has 8 slices but will still leave you wanting more (it's that good). When choosing your pie, the simpler the better. The mozzarella/tomato pizza is delicious.
(5)Alan N.
just got back from luzzo's and unfortunately had to downgrade my two 5-star reviews down to 4 stars. simply because of the unfortunate service tonight. This time my bro and i took my sister in law after raving about their calzone. in my last review i discussed how great it was. so this time we ordered the same large calzone except in eggplant parm flavor. what we got was a small one. So we kindly said to the waitress that we had ordered the large one. We then were surprised with the following excuses: 1. we only make one size (there are two sizes explicitly written on the menu) 2. we have never made any other size though (showed the waitress picture of the last large one on my camera phone) 3. ok, but it's not in the system so we can't make a large one (this excuse was worst of all) after that convo, she said i'll bring the manager over and you can talk with him. 5 mins later she returns (without the manager) and says, ok, so you don't want this? like, what just happened there??!!. so we say, no we want the large one remember, we'll speak to the manager like you recommended. manager comes over and says he'll make us the large one and was pretty rude about it. we get it and we were unattended to for pretty much the rest of the night. very sad to downgrade Luzzo's since i have been telling everyone i know on facebook and twitter that luzzo's makes the best pizza i've ever had - including all in manhattan, brooklyn, and new haven. really upsetting too that after 2 visits of great service we got them on an off day.
(4)Rich G.
The bufala was as good as some of the more well-known names (Lombardi's, etc) if not better.
(4)Lorenzo V.
Incredibly good pizza! One of the best in the city. Can be a little noisy.
(4)Elijah C.
Really good Italian pies are served here. The service was nothing to write home about, but the pizza was very authentic and tasty. 4 stars.
(4)zhi z.
this use to be my defacto pizzeria, but i've had enough. While pizza was in general really good, everything else about this place was horrible. The last few times i went the pasta was not fully cooked(still white and stiff). Basil was unwashed(sand), cold meat, and the service was horrible. meaning no water refills, snotty management, and deceptive promises to fix mentioned bad dishes. they even at one point argue back saying pasta was meant to be white in the center or that the sand was charcoal from the oven. overall never going back again, see ya loozer!
(1)Rubie R.
I was surprised at how thin the crust was. And yet, still soggy. *sigh* Service was friendly, though.
(3)Cybil S.
I can't add much to what everyone here (who knows good pizza) has said. The pizza is perfection, true NYC style with thin, crisp crust, excellent sauce, daubs of fresh motz, and basil. Mushroom was my fav, but we had 2 others that were nice too. With 5 at a table we had 3 large pies and not a slice was left, so be sure to order enough!
(5)Jon Michael A.
I was introduced to Luzzo's by Scott's Pizza Tours (which I totally recommend! scottspizzatours.com ). There is just nothing else like this pizza out there. I like Grimaldi and Lombardi's and Fornino, but I think this is really my favorite of them. It's pizza prepared to some incognizable Italian standards where the tomatoes have to be grown in the ashes of Mount Vesuvius. Yeah. The sauce is perfect, the cheese perfect, the crust perfect... You just can't leave a single crumb behind. When I moved away from New York, this is where I had my goodbye dinner. I needed to be able to savor the memory of pizza while I was away in lands far from the influence of those who understand how to make a good pie. That memory slowly slipped to dream, to myth, to legend. And one day I returned and I found that not only were my memories not an exaggeration, but an understatement.
(5)Donna D.
You know you're going to get authentic Italian food from a restaurant that has a photo of Padre Pio in the corner. I've yet to try the pizza (I will do next time) as both times I've been in the restaurant, it was because I was craving their amazing gnocchi. I always order it with the mozarella cold and on the side. The pasta itself is obviously homemade. Not dry and starchy, but instead moist and almost meaty. Because I don't have the chef bake it with the mozarella on the top, the pasta absorbs the thick and sweet sauce perfectly in every bite. Fantastic wine selection, and quaint atmosphere. I particularly like the shovel adorned with the witch painting that hangs from one of the back walls. I was also surprised at how cool the place is as well. Normally restaurants with large brick ovens in the middle of them are stuffy and hot regardless of how high the air conditioning is turned up. Not Luzzo's though! It's always comfortable, and inviting. I'm DYING to try the pizza next!
(5)Lindsay D.
Ya know, I'm just not feeling it. Maybe it was the fact that my roommate and I ordered delivery. Maybe we didn't order the right thing. Maybe the delivery guy got lost and that's why my pizza was ice cold. Maybe the chick on the other end of the phone was having a bad day. ...and maybe this place is just an over-hyped, too thin pizza for major dinero. Whatever the case may be, I will never eat here again.
(1)Sarah M.
I'm not a big pizza person, but I could eat this every day. We had the one with cherry tomatoes and basil. By far the best pizza I've had in my life. The crust was a great crispy thinness, and I liked how the cheese was just spotted around the pie instead of covering the whole thing. They only thing I would have enjoyed more was if there were a couple more sprigs of basil on it instead of one. I would request that next time. On the pricey side-it was almost $30 for one pizza, but totally worth it.
(5)Amy W.
SO GOOD. Authentic, classic brick oven pizza. This place gets crowded, so make a reservation. The owner also walks around, very friendly. I just had the classic pizza, split it with some friends. It really has that super thin crust, brick oven taste. You could easily eat 3 slices from the large pie - I love food, but I'm a pretty small portions kind of girl. So when I say I can eat 3 slices, believe it. Delicious. The dessert was just okay, but go for the pizza!
(5)Joan H.
Just had to note - SPARKLING RED!!! WOW. Few places serve it, but yes, you can find that here. *heart*
(5)Jonathan S.
New to the neighborhood, I was excited to check this place out after reading all the good reviews so I stopped on my way home for a pizza. I got the Bufala... 12''. Walked home (I live a block away). Looked good... but was soggy. I know steam builds up and yeah, but this was a little much. It hadn't been five minutes. The edges of the pie were crispy but that's it. The crust was so so, the cheese good, sauce... so so. I wasn't really impressed. It was okay overall. But when you factor in $17... plus tip, lets say $1... it's take out after all... and you're almost at $20 for a personal pizza. I don't think so. Will I be back? Maybe one more time, eat in. I have a hard time believing that many people don't know what they're talking about. hrm. But really... there are too many good to great pizza places within a six block radius. BTW I'm from Naples. =)
(2)Jennifer C.
This place is awesome! If you are ever in NY or a NY resident you should check it out!!!
(5)Max K.
I got there when the place opened for lunch and there was almost no one there. We ate the "aglietta", which had sauce, mozzarella, roasted garlic chunks and maybe some shaved parm. The pizza was excellent. The crust was one of the lightest I've tasted. I ate 4 good sized slices and didn't weigh in my stomach. Their dough must be very well fermented. It is on the expensive side for pizza, but from my experience it was worth it.
(5)Angela L.
easily one of my favorite pizza joints in the city, very fresh simple ingredients, chewy and thin. their pastas are also great for sharing, we had the rigatoni with eggplant and ricotta, it was perfectly coated with just the right amount of tomato sauce, cheesy and chunks of eggplant. only tidbit - the wait can get long and the servers can get annoying trying to rush you out.
(4)Daisy P.
The rustic Italian decor made the atmosphere feel authentic. The thin crust pizza is the best I've have in a long time. You don't feel stuffed at the end of it all, but are still completely satisfied. The spaghetti carbonara is one of the best dishes at Luzzo's.
(5)Foodie P.
I was in NYC last week and searched YELP for a new pizza place. I have to say thanks to all yelpers for your honest feedback cause that place was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! My Best Friend lives out there and it was her first time there too. I believe that will be her new pizza spot. We got lucky and the manager there treated us like Queens and the servers were very sweet. But the Pizza was one of the best I've had, and I'm from Chicago so I'm bias when it comes to pizza. Luzzo's pizza and salads are definitely authentic, flavorful, and fresh!
(5)Lisa B.
The best and keep coming back for more -- very consistent.
(5)Tim M.
The pizza, we got the Buffala... which is a traditional Margherita, was AMAZING. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was very comparable to Grimaldi's for me... which is my favorite NYC pizza as of yet. However, it was $21 for the same size as a Grimaldi's so there is no way I will go back. $7 more is not worth it for me. The service was quite fast, borderline creepy because they came out of nowhere to refill your water and clear your table. However they weren't very personable. The Mista ensalate was delicious too!
(4)Matt S.
I was really in the mood for pizza last night, and happened upon the glowing Yelp reviews for Luzzo's. I am happy to say that Yelp did not lead me astray. The pizza (we got the standard Bufala) was nothing short of exceptional. Hands down, you must try it. As for the rest of the meal... We got a Caesar Salad, and Insalata Riccia to start. The Caesar salad showed that someone at this place really cares. Two thick slices of Parmigiana-Reggiano Cheese, perfect dressing to lettuce ratio, and amazing miniature homeade croutons. While small, it was one of the best Caesar salads I have had in the city. The Insalata Riccia on the other hand had some SERIOUS issues. Explained as a salad with goat cheese, pine nuts, and "lemon dressing" it is better described as a sour punch in the kisser. The salad was literally drenched in pure lemon juice. Not lemon dressing, mind you, but mouth puckering, pure lemon juice. Unless you really have a thing for lemon, stay away from this one. We also tried the Mozzarella Imbottita appetizer. It is described as fried bufala mozzarela stuffed with mushrooms and ham. At $10, the size of the appetizer was underwhelming. It had very little ham and questionably existent mushroom. It was tasty, but I would not get it again. The Pizza alone was enough to give this place 5 stars. Alas, as some other Yelpers have caught onto, the service at this place is just a little off. Our waiter asked us 3 times if we wanted drinks, each time with us kindly replying no. The bus boy would come by our table every 3 minutes like clock work, stare at our unchanged table, and then walk away. This happened literally non-stop throughout the entire meal. He wasn't unfriendly at all, but it was a little unsettling. Next, there was this guy who appeared to be either a host, manager, or grifter who stood around the bar and literally would not stop moving, even when he was in standing in place. It was not "keeping busy" movement mind you, but more like the "someone poured red bull in his coffee, then transported him back in time to when he was three years old" kind of movement. At one point he started throwing bottle caps across the bar, while dancing and giggling. Maybe there's something in the water? Either way, the food makes this place worth it. But I warn you: Keep a thick skin when you go to Luzzo's. No really. In case you get hit by a bottle cap.
(4)Victor T.
When it comes to restaurants, I believe in two simple rules: 1) Dining at the restaurant is ALWAYS better than delivery. 2) When you do not like the food from somewhere that receives a lot of praise, maybe you did not order one of their best options. I ordered a quattro formaggi pizza for delivery at Luzzo's. Although the crust is thin like every actual good pizza, it was completely soft. The four cheese were not well distributed on the surface of the pizza and the cheese actually felt like rubber in my mouth. There was not even smell of tomato sauce. After a couple of pieces, I tried to put the pizza on my electric "churrasqueira" to make it taste a bit better and it sort of worked. But it was far from what I expected after reading the reviews here. I will try this place again in the future, but I will eat there and go for a more popular flavor. Utill then this place will rank very low on my list.
(2)Ethan H.
I'm not sure if I'm a fan of the decor; its bordering between either kitschy or trying to heard to be rustic/authentic. Something about it just doesn't click. My friends and I started off in a tiny cramped booth up front but moved to a table that freed up in back. They have a decent selection of wines and pretty knowledgeable staff. I went for the beers though, which go a small step beyond the usual peroni's offered at italian joints. Pizza was pretty good too, though quickly got unmanageably soggy in the center. We had the Ripiieno which was good but didn't work as well as it did on paper. The definite winner was the Martha, actually an excellent pizza, you can taste the truffle pate through each bite. I will mention that we spotted a pretty bad ass cock roach hanging out on the wall. Told the host who quietly smashed it and sent it off.
(3)DayDay D.
I visited Luzzo's with my family and wow, was it busy. We waited for a couple minutes and kept shuffling our bodies around so others can get by. Anywho, we ordered the Mista Salad, good for 4 and a large mozzarella/ tomato/basil pizza..soooo yummy.. to top it off a few Peroni's..
(4)Kevin E.
By far, the BEST pizza place in New York! The buffala mozzarella they put on the pizza is divine. The artichoke appetizer my lady chose is delicious as well. The portions are just right. It is a little pricey (just a tad more than Lombardi's) but well worth the price. It can get crowded at times, but hey! if Martha Stewart loves the pizza here, then it's gotta be worth it, right? And it is.
(5)Phil C.
Got the sausage pizza... Was 20 bucks for a 12 inch pizza that will fill only one person... Two-thirds of the pizza was nothing but burnt crust with a tiny smattering of tomato paste... Rest of pizza was a few dollops of mozzerella and ONE basil leaf. Overhyped at its worst.
(2)James E.
I love the pizza here. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. I've had the pizza and a few of the pasta entrees and was very pleased. This is a place that I'll return to again and again (its in my neighborhood). The only bad part to this place is the acoustics. It can be quite loud at times. They need acoustic tiles.
(4)C M.
Despite it's distant location (1st Ave in the LES), I would gladly venture to this restaurant for the fresh dough and fresh Mozzarella found in each pie. The varietal selections offered by Luzzo's can appease any pizza fan. What make's Luzzo's special is their ability to harness balance between all elements in each slice of Pizza. As with the Margherita, the balance of Buffalo Mozzerella, Dough Crust, Basic Tomato Sauce, and Basil all combine to make a perfect pie.
(5)Anastasia L.
Pizzas and espressos were great as many others have noted and the service friendly and prompt. However, the place smelled like a moldy basement and its walls and decor were dingy and in dire need of a redo. Ordering take out of their pizza would be a great idea.
(3)julia r.
few frills, flavorful pie on the double. the arugula/prosciutto was off the hook. the customer service was off and on.
(4)Natasha U.
What a disappointment. I had such high expectations based on reviews and based on the fact that my boyfriend was saying that he heard this is the best Neapolitan style pizza in the city, I was really looking forward to sinking my teeth into this pizza that I skipped lunch! Okay so we arrived and were seated right away. The ambiance was classic Italian style, rustically decorated. Cute place. My first point of contention, we love pizza but we have different tastes in toppings. I love my pizza loaded with toppings and he has simpler taste and prefers to keep it simple so he can get the essence of the sauce and crust. Okay so he wanted the Bufala and I wanted the Quattra Stagioni. So we asked if we could get half and half and the waiter said no. Ahhh this is how they make money. Because they encourage you to order the 12 inch pizzas instead of the 16 inch by saying you can't do half and half on the 16inch. Blah..I cannot eat that by myself so I just said, okay, we'll just do the 16 inch Bufala especially since Jim said, that you don't need a bunch of toppings if the pizza is truly good Neapolitan style. Fine fine...okay so within literally five minutes, our pizza arrives. Piping hot and calling my name....I sink my teeth into it and..expecting fireworks...I experience pure.....disappointment :( What the hell? This pizza wasn't BAD it just was unremarkable. Sauce was decent as was the crust it was just too plain and the mozzarella wasn't the best quality either. I have tasted way better. In the end, I ended up taking two pieces home for lunch the next day and I had to dress it up with my own toppings. It greatly improved the pizza, I have to say. Maybe I wasn't wowed by this place because of the type of pizza we ordered, but either way, I won't be going back. There's just too many good pizza options in this city for that.
(2)kahee y.
saturday night dinner, 8:00pm, twosome it was one of those "pizza and diet coke" nights, so we headed over to luzzo's. we waited about 10 minutes to get seated, 10 minutes is never a problem. to start: Fried Calamari - hey, it was a "pizza & diet coke" night.. why not go all the way with the fattiness. standard calamari, nom nom nom mains: Bufala - we ordered a large between the 2 of us; like i said, it was a "pizza & diet coke" night. the pizza came out pipen hot and the first bite was mighty tasty. the crust was excellent, i couldnt get enough of it. tomato sauce tasted fresh and light. only down side to the pizza was that the mozzarella was a tad salty for me. it definitely helped that we had diet cokes to wash down the saltiness. drinks: diet cokes served in cans, no fountain this is great place for big groups because they have the space and take reservations. i know this because as we were waiting, i see my friend and as i was talking to her, 15 of her friends emerged from the back of the restaurant. I was informed they all had an excellent dinner as well. would i go back - gladly, for our next "pizza & diet coke" night
(4)Theresa T.
We were in a large group (13) and they were able to accommodate us even when half the group ran a little late. All the pizzas we tried were good, fresh, and they even had hot tea for my cold. I'd love to go back!
(4)Michael N.
Pretty good pizza but not too filling. We ordered a large between 3 people and left still a little hungry so we stopped for falafel on the way home. I'd recommended it but nothing that really stands out.
(3)Jay S.
Better than lombardis or any of the touristy destinations for pizza. Hands down my favorite coal oven pizza in NYC. Not overly cheesy, delicious sauce, delectable crust. Not greasy at all. Highly recommend
(5)Jennifer E.
AMAZING pizza. This tops any pizza restaurant I've been to recently (including Motorino and Pizzeria Mozza in LA). The pizza was extremely thin and oh so flavorful. All of the ingredients were extremely fresh. The two pizzas we tried were the Diavola (spicy salami) and the Tartufata (truffle, pâté, basil). We devoured both, crust included. The crust was hands down the best crust I've ever eaten. We also ordered the Cesar salad to start (very satisfying) and a bottle of the house red (which paired perfectly with our meal). The staff was attentive and our water glasses never went empty. I will be returning to this place to try more of their pizzas. Fantastic.
(5)Megan C.
Yet another stellar night at Luzzo's. Place was jammin packed and soooo worth the 30 minute wait, went with the prosciutto, truffle pate, and basil pizza and it was TO DIE FOR. We really loved this pizza. This makes 4 different pies of theirs I've tried and all delicious. Had an excellent meal and awesome service. I can't say enough good about this place.
(5)Christine P.
I really don't understand the reviews about the pizza being soggy. I thought it was perfect and delicious!! I visited Luzzo's for the first time last week. The place was really cute, small and cozy, and the smell that greets you on the way in... wow! It got my mouth watering :) I went straight for the pizza. I didn't come to Luzzo's for pasta or appetizers. Give me the pizza!! I opted for a pizza with eggplant and mushrooms. It was crispy, delicious, fresh, and wonderful. If you are a pizza person... go to Luzzo's!
(4)Tony D.
best tomato sauce in the city. fra diavola is a must! My top three in the city: Luzzo's, Paulie Gees and Keste.
(5)Malerie B.
Luzzos is a very special place for my husband and me. When we first moved to NYC, that was our first restaurant we went to. Thankfully for us, it was an amazing experience! The food is so good! We have gone back so many times. I have gotten the gnocchi which is to die for, and last time we went, I tried the lasagna. They are both very delicious! My husband always gets the pizza. It is so good too! The service is pretty good, and the restaurant atmosphere is so relaxing! Brick walls inside with cool decor on the walls. A wonderful spot for a date! As long as we live here, we will continue to go there and indulge in the amazing food!
(5)Tina P.
Luzzo's pizza is so INCREDIBLE that there have been days that I got into my car and drove into Manhattan JUST to buy a pie and bring it home! The sauce, the cheese, the crust in one word is described as PERFECT!
(5)Steve C.
I had dinner here with a friend last night. It looked like a cool place, busy, nice enough people but there it ended. Warning. I didn't have pizza and neither did my buddy so it may well be amazing for that. My starter (buffalo + tomato salad) was a little thin, and arrived within about 2 minutes of ordering. Within another 2 minutes my main course arrived and the waitress apologised that things were just flying out. My bolognese pasta was a bit flaccid and didn't take up the plate. When I finished the starter I put the main course plate on top of the empty starter plate and started eating that. Then the waitress just whisked out the plate as I was eating without saying anything. The wine was acidic. I noticed a couple at one table just leave without ordering and a table in front of us having issues with the service. I asked for a spoon for my pasta and was brought a tea spoon which I found a bit clueless. It seemed the whole thing was set up to get us in and out as quickly as possible. Again, maybe pizza is excellent here, but we had a terrible experience and I hope they improve.
(1)Lauren V.
Good food but way over priced so if you are looking to be economical this is not the place for you
(3)SM P.
Casual environment, friendly waitstaff (although they were kind of slow with a few requests) and was able to accommodate a large group pretty easily. The fried calamari was my favorite dish of the night. It was crispy and salty, decent even breading and not too oily. The marinara sauce was OK and was kind of sweet. I came here to try the pizza, which I've read was pretty amazing. Sadly, I can't 100% agree. I ordered 3 types of pies: Bufala, Arugola, and Diavola. The Arugola was the best with its light and fresh taste. The Bufala and Diavola tasted good but the problem for all 3 pies was the soggy bread. It definitely took away from the experience. The pies are definitely better than your average NYC pizza but I'm not running back here anytime soon.
(2)Neha S.
Wow this was delicious! Ordered the small margherita for take out, and when I got there - they actually made me a large and only charged me for a small since I was a first time customer. But it was totally worth it - absolutely delicious!! This is definitely one of my faves in the neighborhood! Taking out one star because they are on the pricey side - 18.50 for a small.
(4)Caterina M.
Luzzo's is a great place to go and have pizza - not really worth ordering other items. The waiters are very authentic and funny and the pizza is good. I would say 3.5 stars, fourif they can make it less soggy in the middle! Yes, another place that does that sometimes...
(3)Rebecca K.
Delicious Delicious Delicious pizza! I will definitely frequent this place. The crust is absolutely delicious. It is light and cooked perfectly. The sauce is also delicious and flavorful. I went with a friend and we shared the Buffala (based on reading reviews) and we devoured our food rather quickly it was so delicious. The chili oil is also amazing to dip in if you like spicey food. We went on the later side on a weeknight so there wasn't much of a wait and they didn't rush us out. This was a plus! Only downside is that the ambiance is rather rushed/quick in general so don't go here for a leisurely meal. The plus is that your food comes out very quickly if you're hungry! I would also recommend drinking their Chianti - a good spicyness that goes well with the pizza.
(4)Michael L.
Gloriously thin pizza made with quality ingredients. Delicious.
(5)Philip S.
I am giving this place 3 stars, but the pizza itself is 4 stars. The ingredients taste fresh and by all means should be enjoyed with each bite. The crust was crunchy and the sauce was tangy. Two other negatives were that the pizza was pricey even by Manhattan standards and that the servers were incredibly snobby. Sure we're college kids, but that doesn't mean I like or expect rude service. Plus, we had a reservation and still had to wait 20 minutes.
(3)Ed W.
This is a top-notch pie. I was debating between four and five stars, but I realized I would just be nitpicking. The cheese is phenomenal, the sauce is delicious, and the crust very nice. The price, @ 22 for our eight-slice Neapolitan (anchovie and basil) is very reasonable, at least compared to that pretentious dude at Una Pizza Napoletana. Personally, I preferred this pizza to the now-defunct UPN. Still, Luzzo's is not quite a perfect pie in my mind, but so what, it's damn good. My only other nitpicks would be with the atmosphere - I prefer a place like L'asso to this crowded loud establishment with no beer on tap, but who cares about those nitpicks, you come for the pie.
(5)Hungry D.
Can't say enough about this place. The food is truly outstanding and the service is great. Cozy too.
(5)Nicole M.
I am about to make a bold statement here... best pizza in NY?
(5)Belle M.
One thing I heart about the lower east side was the countless number of restaurants in walking distance from our hotel including Luzzos. It was a rainy evening last week but we braved the rainy in search of the quintessential NY Pizza. It was well worth thewind chill, the rain and the puddles to get to Luzzo's. We devoured a large mozarella and basil pizza with a whole bottle of Syrah from Sonoma (corkage $15). It was perfection.
(5)Erin C.
the best eat-in pizza in the east village! everything is very fresh and Im a huge fan of their carbonara too!
(5)Judy L.
Must be the cheese and crust. The flavor just lingers... sigh. Plan a wait of 30 min at minimum. The anchovies on the pizza just give that perfect savory touch. Fresh arugula on pizza!
(5)Keivan M.
I loved almost everything in NYC but this place. To be honest, I am not a fan of "real" Italian pizza as it is so thin but I had them here in Chicago and they were good anyway I just don't prefer them. But $28 for a pizza that can be hardly shared between two men is a lot and there is not much topping anyway. The bread is delicious, so the Mozzarella cheese but that's about it. If the price was something reasonable I would give it another star BUT the worst part was the waitress. We went there with a large group and we sat at 2 different tables (and 2 separate bills). My friend wanted fried calamari but he ordered another calamari by mistake and when we told her she said ok that's fine and brought us the fried one. Our friends at the other table ordered anchovies and they did not like it so they ASKED if it is possible to change it and we said we will change one of ours with them but she nicely said "No, I will take care of it!" and she brought them another one and TOOK the half finished pizza away! So we finished eating although most of use were still hungry and then we paid the bill with a 20% tip as we thought she was nice but on the way out that b**** was giving us attitude and did not respond to our thanks and byes! wondering what happened we realized that she actually billed them for two pizzas!!! and as they refused to pay she was angry (no need to say that it is not even her business to get angry! she is just a waitress!) and then she was even mean to us who were stupid enough to pay for both calamaris even though she took it off the table "UNTOUCHED!" I will never ever go back to that place!
(1)Brice D.
Luzzo's has some amazing pizza. There is almost no need to say anything else. The dough is tasty and thin. The mozzarella fresh and served in the Italian style. The sauce simple but perfect as an element to the pizza rather than a mask to hide imperfections in other ingredients. Though I didn't have any of it, my friends loved the ripiieno (?) meat pizza. By far, the only trouble with Luzzo's pizza is making sure that you don't lose your toppings when you grab your slice.
(5)Chloe S.
I think this is one of the most authentic pizza experiences in New York. I'm not sure if they are "neopolitan style" - but they are definitely authentic italian. One way you know that is by ordering the Margarita, where they pull no punches because the anchovies are already IN the sauce, which is the way it should be, melted intrinsic to the pizza, not just greasy little filets added on that people can Pick Off. By the way, no cheese on the plain pizza; that's just the way it's done traditionally. I really adore Una Pizza Napoletana around the corner too, but there is is like uber-zen napoletana style at uber prices. The staff was very friendly; I got the feeling it was family run - we didn't sit down; we live in the neighborhood and heard about this place from a Roman woman we know, so came in while walking the dog to get some pizzas to go. They speak Italian there (my husband is Napoletano) and the vibe is warm and rustic. I have to say though, eating pizza there is better as a dinner experience than a takeout - between $15 and $24 per 16" pie. I guess we always get two for variety, but there is definitely plenty o' leftover pizza for days, though unlike their americanied counterparts, genuine coal oven, less cheesy pizzas are not as good hours later relative to fresh.
(5)Melanie L.
Get the square pizza. It's amazing!
(5)Nic B.
This is the best pizza in Manhattan.
(5)Ariana G.
I was really excited to go to Luzzo's for dinner with my boyfriend, I read the reviews and everything. It was packed when we got there, good sign, right?? Wrong!!! I guess no one understands what makes a good pizza or Italian place.. for many reasons... Firstly, We had to wait a few minutes to be seated, so we sat at the bar and ordered some wine. Waiting a few minutes wasn't the problem. The problem was that out of all the wine they had on their "wine list", only 10% of them did they actually have on hand. The wine wasn't anything special, and we were a little disappointed for an Italian place.. they are the ones that know wine after all. We were then seated in the back, looked nice and romantic, but was so loud we couldn't even hear ourselves think, let alone, hear one another. So we moved back to the bar and ate there. The salad we ordered was decent, but who can really mess up a green salad... The pizza we got was disgusting!!!! It said on the menu that it came with roasted garlic, basil and we added olives. If we didn't add the olives the pizza would have been uneatable. There was only 3 pieces of basil and 4 pieces of garlic on the whole 18" pizza. And to top it all off it tasted like they had cooked it with chlorine. I'm not the type to complain, but the whole experience was unpleasant. The only part I liked about it was the salad, which I could have easily put together at home. The $2.50 a slice pizza around the corner is 110% better than this expensive stuff. Don't go!! Save your money and your stomach!!
(2)Joseph F.
GREAT pizza one of the best in the city for sure !
(4)sunita s.
Luzzo is where the Italians go for pizza in NYC, or so my Italian friends tell me. Their pizzas really are the best Italian pizzas in NY from whatever I've tried. Do not leave without trying the nutella pizza.. (okay now I've made myself hungry). The only downside is that you have to wait ages to get a table...sigh.
(5)Lawrence W.
This is where I take out of town guests who want to try real New York pizza.
(5)Jennifer C.
This pizza was fantastic! We came to Luzzo's as part of Scott's Pizza Tours (also awesome; if you're in NYC, google the tour, it's a lot of fun) and this was by far the best pizza place we visited. We have since sent all of our friends here. You have to try it!
(5)Steve H.
Amazing thin-crust pizza with great sauce. My eating partner and I ordered the calimari as an appetizer; the portion was larger than I expected--and I'm a big guy that likes to eat... a lot. We also had the buffala (sp?) pizza and it was just as good as anything I've had in New Haven, CT (which is pretty well known for its pizza). The beer list features all Italian beers (note: the one that begins with a "P" tastes like Heineken, which I hate but that's just me. The next one down the list is a bit darker and not bad but not great). All in all, not a bad little place and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced and casual place to grab some authentic Italian pizza.
(3)Brian F.
Good, but not great pizza. Went there on a Friday based on the number of yelp reviews and I found the pizza tasty, but not really worthy of all the praise. There are so many other great pizza places around town (Gruppo, Lombardi's, John's, Patsy's), so unless you are right on that block and/or looking to mix things up from your usual pizza joints, it's not really a "must eat at" place. On the plus side, they do have excellent & fast service, fairly good & inexpensive house wine ($6 for red or white) and the furniture nailed up on the ceiling is a nice touch.
(3)Christina G.
This is the best pizza I ever had! The crust is excellent. I have been dreaming about the pizza with the truffle on it since I finished me last slice! The salads were also very good.
(5)Spaghetti B.
Unfortunately Luzzo lost much of the quality he was known for - the last 2 times I've been there I've been disappointed by the poor quality of the pizza and it seem that the owners are cashing in on their past fame. I wish they could regain their original dedication and passion and bring their pizza back to one of NYC's finest.
(2)Mike B.
Note: this is a sit-down restaurant and does NOT serve by the slice. I wish a previous reviewer would have noted this before I ventured over there last week. I went today with a friend and we ordered the bufalo pizza and gnocchi. Their red sauce is really great and has a light flavor. The bufalo pizza was simple, with a thin crisp crust, light sauce, a few slices of delicious mozzarella and some basil leaves. Really a perfect pie. I think it is better than both Una Pizza and Lombardi's. Definitely one of the best pizzerias in the area, and would put up there as one of the best slices in the city. The interior can be described as "cozy". There are wooden benches and booths and the assorted antiques and photos line the walls. Service was as bit slow, but the quality of the pies and pasta are well worth the wait. A bit pricey for a pizzeria but less costly than Una Pizza. Definitely one of my fav pizzas in the city.
(5)Joe S.
This is some of the best pizza I've ever had- try the one with sausage, olives and ricotta, or the the one with spicy salami- delicious beyond words. The gnocchi is also tremendously tasty.
(5)lynn b.
It's not bad, it's really very good. But, if I was going to get gourmet pizza again, I'd get gruppos. I like the pizza better (not so greasy, thinner crust) and I like the empolyees better---nicer delivery person, MUCH nicer person taking orders.
(4)Lex s.
food is amazing. get the Insalata Riccia, frisee salad with pine nuts and baked goat's cheese in lemon dressing!
(5)David L.
Thoroughly enjoyed my meal last night. All the dishes: Baked clams, Spaghetti Carbonara, Bufala Pizza were exceptional. I was going to give it 4 stars because the ambience and service were both a bit off .. perhaps because the place was very Italian (not to be confused with italian-american) the service was lackadaisical and it seemed like most the staff was off-the boat-- also no music for much of the meal and lights too bright cheapened the experience a little-- but once i tried their amazing Tiramisu, I had to give it 5. Looking forward to going back to this neighborhood place.
(5)Ana T.
The Euro is insanely high.... met an Italian guy visiting from Milan. This is where he took me for our first meeting (outside the bar of course LoL) -- anyway, it's about as authentic as you can get. Everyone spoke Italian and my new friend recommended everything. We had the arugula pizza, eggplant appetizer, cheese and sauccison dish, dry cake dessert that tasted like amaretto - everything was PERFETTO! Service was friendly, staff was memorable. It's a little pricey but definitely a treat if you're craving a dining experience. Side note: a casual place to take a new date or catch up with an old friend.
(5)Amy D.
We went for the pizza, lucked out on trying the eggplant parmesan. My husband took one bite and said, "You're gonna like it." He was wrong. I LOVED it. I don't ever order eggplant parmesan b/c it's usually over-breaded and just tastes deep fried. But we went with the waitress' recommendation, since she gave it without hesitation. It was layered thin slices of eggplant, well seasoned, just the right amount of mozzarella, and served in a pool of yummy tomato sauce. We ordered the "Martha" 12-inch pizza, another of Francesca's recommendations, and it was also quite yummy. Something unique about the pizza - it had truffle paste. I now understand why people flip over truffles. It adds a great layer of flavor. This is definitely a place worth putting on a regular rotation.
(5)Reshma B.
I had a pretty pleasant birthday dinner here last night. I was excited to try what some call "the best pizza in New York". While I wouldn't agree with them (New York has so many pizza options, I'm thinking I can find better) but it was pretty good pizza. We entered during prime time on Saturday around 8pm and were seated right away despite a pretty long line at the front. We assumed that those were larger groups waiting for bigger tables, so our table for 2 request was taken care of pretty quickly. It was pretty muggy and hot in the restaurant, we're thinking the A/C hadn't kicked in yet on an unseasonably warm May night. The waiter was very friendly and helpful. We ordered some wine and then asked for his advice on which pizza we should order. While I've heard lots of good things about the truffle pizza topping, I was a bit disappointed that all of the pizzas with truffles did not come with tomato sauce (which is one thing I require on my pizza). We ended up choosing the Arugula pizza on the waiter's suggestion. The 12" size was large enough for both of us and easy on our wallets too. The arugula was a bit excessive but I guess that's the point. The crust was not too thick and not too thin and just the right firmness. There was just the right amount of sauce and cheese and the prosciutto was tasty. The atmosphere was good for small or large groups alike. I highly recommend Luzzo's!
(4)Stephanie W.
I am so lucky to live around the corner from this East Village gem. The pizza here is amazing - especially if you happen to stop by on a night when Michele is in the kitchen! The thin yet chewy crust, the light sauce and the fresh cheese are a treat for the tongue and taste buds :-) Definitely worth the wait for a table at dinner time.
(5)Kristin W.
You know this place is legit when all the diners are speaking Italian. The pizza was great! The service was a bit slow but very friendly. I am going back to try the pasta...
(4)Jason H.
i heart luzzo's. pizza is amazing, calamari was so-so. cozy wood tables and staff is very welcoming.
(4)Mike M.
Perfect crust!!!! Went back the next day for more.
(4)Ashley E.
incredible pizza, probably the best thin crust i've had in my life. even my friend who travels to italy twice a year says this is the best pizza she's ever had. i've ordered the plain and mushroom pizzas, as well as various calzones...all insanely good. and the staff is friendly and attentive.
(5)Caroline F.
As much as I love a slice of crappy american-style pizza at 4am, sometimes I just want something a bit more authentic. The thin crust pizzas here are a tasty treat. I love the pizza ai funghi (mushroom). The mushrooms are a world away from the garbagey canned ones you get at most by-the-slice places. The pizzas come with regular fresh mozarella or the pricier mozzarella di bufala. I've always been to cheap to spring for the mozarella di bufala but i'm sure it's worth it.
(4)Grace L.
one word: FOCCACIA pasta was a bit salty all around but the foccacia is really yummy. Pizza is pretty good but nothing to write home about.
(4)Ursula M.
yummy pizza! very crowded when i went but the staff was super nice and the food was delicious. the one criticism i have is that the entranceway was completely blocked up with people and since it was freezing outside we all wanted to stay in there. we were seated fairly quickly though. we split three different kinds of pizza and a couple appetizers and they were all very tasty and on the lighter side - in a good way, nothing was heavy and even though i had a few pieces, i was not stuffed and uncomfortable like i might have been elsewhere. i think we had the luzzo, the argola and another one that i cant remember. all very good!
(4)Daniel C.
The Margherita is a thin crust with a winning combination mild marinara and smooth mozzarella. This is the kind of pie you get sitting down with some wine, not beer.
(4)Robert L.
Excellent Neopolitan style pizza from an old fashioned hot coal oven. Tender, thin crust, great sauce, fresh mozzarella. Had the "Bufalo": mozzarella, basil and sauce. This was probably the best NYC/Naples style pizza I have ever had. Better than John's in the West Village, Totonno's and Grimaldi's in Brooklyn, I haven't tried Una Pizza Napoletana yet. Calamari appetizer special was good. Tiramisu and coffee for dessert was much better than expected at a pizzeria. Easier to get to than Patsy's. I'll be back.
(4)David L.
cute spot and has a warm cozey feel. the thin crust pizzas are great. tried some arugula, meatball, and plain tomato and cheese. also some white sauce pasta which was delicious but the portion is teenie weenie. the meatball pizza was on the money. tasted homemade and very tastey. place gets pretty packed (we went on a saturday) so make reservations ahead cause there was a good rip of people waiting.
(4)Richard H.
After watching Man Yoo win 1 nill over at Nevada Smiths my best friend suggested we go to Una Pizza Napoletana for lunch. One of his coworkers told him that their pizza was the closest you could get to being in Italy. To our dismay Una Pizza was closed when we got there. Saturday at 1PM and you're closed what gives? Well what started out badly, ended quite well as we passed Luzzos and decided to walk in. My best friend is Italian and has been there many times. Needless to say this pizza was going to have to be very good to impress and boy did it . The mozzarella and the sauce were extremely fresh and tasty. In a matter of two seconds the 21 inch pizza we ordered was gone. Turns out the owner of Luzzos is a "paisan" of my buddys from a small town outside of Naples. After some small chit chat with the owner we left to enjoy the rest of what was an incredible day in New York. I will definately return for a pasta dinner and some wine. Luzzos, a great neighborhood gem in the East Village.
(4)sara h.
yummy ny style pizza; our top two pizza places in nyc: luzzo's and keste; better than grimaldi's, lombardi's, etc.
(5)Mimi V.
We had reservations for 9 for Thurs night. Night out was in honor of an ex-New Yorker who used to love coming to Luzzo's and was visiting from overseas. Restaurant was packed and 100 degrees inside. When we checked in, the host looked at us like we were crazy - and with good reason, as no big tables looked ready to leave any time soon. We got seated in the back room, but as evident by the look we got from the host, the table was really only for 8...we managed to squeeze in, nonetheless. Service was very poor - my husband's pasta never came, even after reminding the waiter twice; the pizzas took awhile to come out, too, and judging by the droopiness of the first slice, we think the pan was sitting around for awhile before it was served to us. Overall, the food IS good, but sadly, the guest of honor declared that that was her last visit and as for us Luzzo's newbies, well, for better service, we'll stick to John's and Grimaldi's, thanks....
(2)Sammy C.
Ridiculously good! Get the sausage pizza (I think it was 3rd from the top). Actually, order 2 - so you don't have to share w/ your date. Yes, it is that good! The gnocchi was pretty darn good too, but definitely on the heavier side. I'd rather eat 2 pizzas than 1 gnocchi. My recommendation is to choose any pizza, but don't share with anyone. After the first slice - you want to savor every square inch of the pizza to yourself. I felt like Joey on that Friends episode, "Joey doesn't share food!" After eating at Luzzo's, you'll become a Joey too!
(5)Wendy C.
I got a little testy, When I had a soggy pizza crust from Kesté, It was my first experience with a Neapolitan. Disliking it made me feel less of a gastronomopolitan. From here I learn the difference between a NY style & a Neapolitan: NY - Crispy, cracker thin crust Neapolitan - Soft, spongy, slightly burnt crust Neapolitan style pizza...Love it or hate it, I gave it at least 2 tries before I can fairly rate it. Luzzo is my second attempt. The experience left me feeling very content. Good to know great tasting Neapolitan pizza does exist. The crust here is perfectly charred and chewy with a slight crisp. The center is soft and dangled lightly, The taste of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, & olive oil balance nicely. I am happy to report the crust is not soggy, If it were, I'd feel very groggy.
(4)Scott R.
Great, rustic Italian restaurant and coal-oven pizzeria. Nice for a low-key lunch. Gets more packed for dinner. The pizza is the best I've had to date in the East Village (sorry Lil Frankie's...haven't tried Una Pizza Napoletana). The star is the bufala mozzarella. REALLY good - much more depth to the flavor than the 'fresh mozzarella' you'll get at some pizzerias in town. The crust is very thin and could use a little more crispness (it doesn't hold up particularly well to being eaten with one's hands) but that's a real mild complaint. The tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes (if you get them as a topping) taste nice and fresh but don't dare to compete with the bufala mozzarella which appears in 1-2 globs on each slice. Worth checking out...
(5)Chatsphotogpilot C.
Luzzo's: Carpaccio Braseola, Pizza Martha and Pizza Bufala are amazing. The tiramisu is good but the portion size is huge. Every time I visit Luzzo's, I come out satisfied. Luzzo's does not accept Amex. Only MC/Visa.
(5)Elyse L.
just like your high school friend with benefits - this one's a sure thing. fantastic pies each and every time. thin crust but not crispy. just dough-y enough. the margherita is perfection. reservations? sure. big group? no problem. their staff will take care of you. all of the taste but none of the hype - that's Luzzo's, tried and true.
(5)F C.
great crust., razor thin, crispy and chewy..... good sauce, slight tang... could use more cheese but i guess that crust is too thin... chili oil on table is huge.. should be standard everwhere
(3)Paolo C.
Was thinking of lombardis, read some unfavorable reviews, passed up grimaldis in coney to eat Russian food in Brighton beach, ended up finding this place on yelp, went in about 3:30 and the place was empty, perfect, ordered two pies for some to take home, spicy salami (basically pepperoni) and roasted garlic. My wife doesn't eat pizza and she ate four slices! Best I've ever had anywhere, avoid the hype of the tourist traps and give this place a try, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Johnny D.
A Luzzo's Delivery review - The Calzone (a menu item): This closed-pizza has great natural flavors.The ingridients mixes well together and all seems to be of high quality. My only hopes is that the calzone (and their pizzas) comes with a bit more topping. At $24 per each16 inch "thin" pizza, it should. Eat the calzone warm and enclosed as much as possilble. Delivery: Usually comes within 15min - which is faster than average delivery.
(4)Christina C.
My favorite pizza in New York City. The bufala pizza is to die for. Creamy, fresh mozzarella circles and sweet sauce. Mmmm! I've been to Italy and this pizza is pretty close.
(5)Robin M.
Stopped in on one rainy afternoon - so lucky we did! Excellent, quality pizza. Left us full and very satisfied.
(4)Chris K.
Expensive for a pizza joint ($25 for a large pizza). But quality ingredients and local atmosphere together with the experience of a coal cooked pizza, make this a worthwhile stop for a East Village experience. Check out the daily specials as these are sure to please. Staff and service was friendly and efficient.
(4)Brannon H.
Not as good as the last time I went, but still pretty good. A friend of mine from Naples introduced me to Luzzo's several years ago and it was great. I recently learned though that the owner has opened a few others pizza spots and takes no part in the kitchen work anymore. The pizza's are good and because they are thin, you can try a lot without getting filled up. Although I didn't try it, the truffle oil piza comes highly recommended by my friend. The pizza's are all between $18-25 for a 12 inch and you can easily have three of them between four average eatinng adults. They'll get you on the wine though. We had the house red and it was $30 per bottle. It was probably more like $8 wine from the grocery store. Maybe call ahead and see if you can bring your own.
(3)David L.
Some really good thin crust pizza. Easy to down a whole bunch of slices. Only down side is that it's not very easy on the wallet.
(4)Mr F.
As close to pizza from Naples as you're going to get. Amazing pizza and the pastas and antipasti are very underrated.
(5)Scott H.
Really, really good NYC style pizza but probably not the best in Manhattan. Also, it gets pretty over crowded over dinner time. Would easily go again though!
(4)Tracy P.
The pizza here is amazing. I love pizza, but I have never had anything close to this. It was the perfect blend of sweet, tangy and salty. I had the basic sm pie and almost ate the whole thing. One thing I hate about pizza shops is the generic decor.....blah! Not here you step off the steets of new york into a cozy restaurant. Well done! It is a little pricey so be prepared, but keep in mind every good in life has a price. Try it you will love it!!!!!!!
(5)Tina S.
I had my birthday dinner here and the staff did an amazing job accommodating my party of 10. I don't think anyone ever had to ask for more wine or water, and all the food orders were brought out promptly, correct, and tasty.
(4)Jacquelyn S.
came here for a low-key birthday dinner and it was great! i loved the rustic, quirky feel of the place.. a table and chair nailed on the ceiling? a burlap flap on the wall tempting you to check out 'the ugliest thing on earth" hidden underneath? haha weird little touches like that made me like it instantly. the place was pretty full for a monday night, with large groups in the back. we got the lone round table in the corner by the kitchen, and the only bad thing about it was the stifling heat!! i know we were next to the kitchen, but whew.. a little ventilation or fan would've been nice. for seven of us, we ordered the perfect amount of food: bruschetta, arugula salad w/goat cheese, bufala 16" pie, brutta ma buona (sausage, olives, & ricotta) 16" pie, and spaghetti alla vongole. the pizzas were super thin and flat, and the sauce was juicy and a bit runny... doesn't sound impressive, but they were deeeelicious!! the kind of slice you almost slurp up. YUM. the crust was soft with a chewy bite, gone in two seconds! they have a pretty extensive menu, and include alot of pizzas that don't use tomato sauce. i thought the wine list was on the expensive side (mostly $32+) for such a casual spot, but i will definitely be back...
(4)John O.
I can't add too much to what's been said by others. The pizza is exceptional and the price point is wonderful. In addition to the pizzas (our group had three), we got the fried calamari and eggplant parmesan as appies. The calamari was tender (not rubbery) and the eggplant parm melted in the mouth. The red they suggested went well with the pizza; full-bodied and complementary. If you're in the neighbourhood, this is a must. *Especially* if you aren't a NYC-area native. This is what pizza should and does taste like. -j
(4)Catherine S.
Tastes just like the pizza I would eat when I lived in Florence.... Alabama. They really know their pizza down there. Seriously, though, their crust tastes as close to the pizza crust in italy as i've ever come across, and it's all about the crust.
(5)Elizabeth C.
A slice of heaven! Reminds me of the pizza I had on my honeymoon this summer in southern Italy!
(5)Dylan P.
Luzzo's makes the best Neopolitan pizza I have ever had. Their ingredients and freshness is simply world-class. Their venue is cozy and intimate. This place is great for dates, family, and group event. Their wine list and menu unlike other pizza places is dynamic. This is a must stop if you are in the East Village.
(5)Eleanor M.
Pizza: very tasty, could be crispier Salad: nope Wine selection: decent Service: yikes
(3)Prachi B.
Very yummy food, i had the Tartufata Pizza, which was absolutely delicious. Portion sizes are quite large so its good to have someone to share with or plenty for left overs the day after. I wil definitely be going again!
(4)Gina P.
Great pizza!!! I have been to Italy and Naples and this comes damn close to the original. The wine here is not that great, so the 5 star rating is a testament to the pizza.
(5)Kristin B.
Pizza - bland crust, sauce looked/tasted like what came w/ the old pizza kit in a box from the '70s. Expensive for semi-edible cardboard. Restroom was locked & waitstaff ignored my request for them to open it. $10 artichoke app was very tasty but very small for the price.
(1)Casey P.
Though it is not the cheapest pizza in my area it is the one I always choose for take out. The ingredients are fresh and great quality and the crust is perfect.The plain with buffalo mozzarella is amazing, but my new favorite is the number 3 on the menu which includes cherry tomatoes and parm, it really adds extra flavor. I have tried a few of their non-pizza menu items too, and they do not disappoint either.
(4)Rochelle D.
The pizza here really is delicious. We live up the street and usually get it delivered. I've only been into the restaurant once but had a solid experience there. Service was a little slow but no big deal. Seems like a good place to take kids for lunch or early dinner.
(4)Alberto B.
amazing food! service depends on waiter or waitress, but typically is impeccable. only downsize, they are cash only! so load up before you go!
(5)Audrey L.
How do you fuck up meatballs? Somehow Luzzo's does - they taste like industrial grade meatballs that have been languishing in the freezer since the mid-80s. $9 for FOUR TINY meatballs that were TASTELESS, DRY and TERRIBLE. The first bottle of wine we ordered was heat damaged and probably didn't start off anywhere near passable anyway. Btw this is their house red. The waitress was happy to replace it though and apologized. Uptick. Pizza came. Bigger uptick. If you want good pizza, Luzzo's is the place. However, why settle for good when you can have excellent? The second bottle of wine we ordered, the Montepulciano, was marginally better, but also stored in an environment way too hot for wine because it was warm. Euch. That's the sound I made when i took a sip. Downtick. Then came the ninja-like busboys. The line going down just plummeted off the graph and raced towards the earth's core. Normally good service is not noticing when fresh cutlery is brought to you or when dishes are replaced. They were skilled in these arts, however their game was taking things that were still needed. Napkin tucked under my friend's forearm? Gone. Water glass while I was signing the bill with my pen since none was provided, even though two of us used credit cards? Gone. Wine bottle with 1/3 still left? Almost. My friends and I took turns to go to the bathroom while the others manned the table to make sure that nothing else was taken on a premature trip to the dishwasher or trashcan. The pizza is three stars, but the service drags it down over a star, and the wine - why even bother serving it if you're just going to leave it out to spoil in the summer humidity? I am so surprised that this place has this many reviews and still has a high rating. The website doesn't even work. This is one of those places that will cause me to wake up in the middle of the night and remember something else that was bad that should be written here. Please don't discount this review because it is one of the few downers. Even if the pizza makers are in the groove, you will have neither the water to wash it down nor the napkin to wipe the crust crumbs off your lips.
(1)Deann G.
Cute, quaint, and cozy, Luzzo's was a welcome haven from a long cold day walking the streets of NYC. We arrived around 7:45 on a Friday night, and luckily we had reservations because the place was packed! The food was great - delicious thin crust pizza with fresh and generous ingredients. The calamari and bruschetta were also tasty! My only complaint was that the service was so speedy and efficient that it felt a little like we were being rushed out. We were in and out in just under an hour. Overall, I'd highly recommend if you're in the mood for a good slice of pizza.
(4)Ezra H.
OK after eating at Luzzo's about 150 times i have to say that the tartufatta pizza is my favorite pizza on earth! Crisp, ultra thin, lightly charred crust, light tomato sauce has great balance, perfect amount of bufalo mozz and the truffle oil is subtle and just makes the pizza perfect. Caveat: the other pizzas (with meats and veggies) are also delish but nothing compare to the tartufatta. Service is always genial and mellow and the ambiance is nice and relaxed. Go already!
(5)Sergio F.
The brick oven pizza is great any style just the way it should taste like u were in italy....
(4)Chris L.
The pizza here is good but I will never eat here again. I saw a cockroach about 2.5 inches long climbing up the wall and it eventually landed in the food on the people sitting next to me. The restaurant comped their meal but were not very apologetic at all. That surprised me more than the cockroach.
(1)Ann L.
Had the Ripieno pizza, which has a variety of meats (since the bf refuses to go cheese only). Liked the different types of mozzarella, and the fresh basil. It resembled DiFara's style - thin crust, different type of mozzarella, basil, but I have to say I preferred DiFara's. Service was okay, the waiter kept forgetting about us since we were sort of shoved into a corner, but at least the pizza and bread weren't bad.
(3)Jen L.
This is NOT the best pizza place in NYC, which is what I heard. It's good, but not the best. The crust was not crispy enough and was a little too thick. I don't like pizzas that don't have a lot of cheese. We had the margarita one and another one with proscuitto. The service is great, friendly and cordial. But, for the price, I wouldn't go back. I didn't hate it, but didn't love it. There are just way too many other better places to go for pizza (Totonnos, Arturos, Grimaldis, Patsys, etc)
(3)lauren M.
I was extremely disappointed by Luzzo's Pizza. I had seen this restaurant before and was always curious, as the decor was really cute and figured the food would be decent. If your palate is as unsophisticated as the waitstaff, then your crude and bland appetite will be satiated. It does not even deserve a mention in the New York Pizza Category. The people who work there are less than friendly at best, and even worse, their food was nearly inedible. We ordered fried calamari as our appetizer and the square margherita pizza. The fried calamari was comparable to fried rubber bands, and after one or two bites, I could not bare to take another. The margherita pizza was very bland. The only thing memorable about the pizza, was the disappointment to my taste buds, as it was not nearly as delicious as I had hoped. I had major food regret after eating there and wish we had gone to a better and super delicious pizza spot in the neighborhood, like Gruppo or even Domino's would have been better! Names like Totonno's and Di Fara's are heavy weight names that are in a different class and what I consider to be REAL NEW YORK PIZZA! This pizza does not even come close. Sorry....
(1)S A.
One of the best pizza's I've had in NYC yet. I've tried Grimaldi's and I didn't understand all the hype. So far Luzzo's has come as close as you can get to pizza perfection. We tried the Funghi and the Bufala and both had a wonderful thin crust and the toppings were very fresh. According to people, Luzzo's has authentic Italian pizza, and since I've yet to try pizza from Italy, Luzzo's will have to do.
(5)Stephanie Q.
Delicious. 2 girls- one large pizza. We polished off the whole thing and could. not. move. The crust isn't too thick, isn't to thin, its perfect. The cheese is urghhh so delicious. So is the sauce. It wasn't too crowded on a Sunday night but it was definitely not empty. Come here or else you are missing out!
(5)Monica C.
Our son and his fiancé treated us to some yummy authentic Italian pizza while visiting in New York City!! An awesome way to end an awesome day!!
(5)