Lucali - Brooklyn

Had to come to experience what some say is the best pizza in NYC. Arrived at 430p, short line. Managed to get one of the last reservations later that night at 10pm. Arrived around 950p to check in. Was seated around 1015p or so since the last party was dragging their feet a bit. Remember to BYOB. The server told us there were no meat toppings on Fridays cause of Lent so FYI. We got a pie with shallots and mushrooms. The pizza is more traditional brick oven. Reminded us of pizzas in Italy. The crust is chewy and the ends are cracker crisp. Plenty of cheese and we’re cheese enthusiasts. I did think the pie was lacking some salt, but we usually get pepperoni and that brings the salt. Overall a very good pizza. It’s right up there but the best I’ve ever had? I can’t determine that till I get to come back and have a proper pie with pepperoni.

Was in New York for a few days, so I decided to eat at a number of pizzerie to see which was the best. Lucali was, by far, the best. In fact, it’s the best pizza I’ve eaten in America. It’s difficult to get a spot since they don’t do reservations, and you have to show up before opening to get a spot, sometimes hours later in the evening. I had to wait two hours for take-out, but it was worth the wait. The pizza was light, the dough had some good flavor development (not nearly as much as Italian pizza, but good), and the cheese was tasty. What put it over the top for me was the basil. It’s added a freshness that I’d never experienced before since Italian pizza always utilizes basil cooked with the pizza. Really enjoyed the pizza immensely.

The pizzas were amazing, were worth the wait, and live up to the reputation. We got there 2 hours before opening to get seated early. The servers were super efficient and set the pace perfectly. They brought out each item quickly, a min after we finished the first pizza the second one was fresh out of the oven sitting on our table.

God-tier pizza. Even better calzone. Do yourself a favor and try the calzone if you go here. We got here around 3:15pm and the line was around the corner. It doubled in size by 4pm when they started taking names (walk-up reservations essentially). I recommend definitely getting here before 3:40 to put your name down. Our table of 6 got a slot for 7:15pm. They say this Brooklyn pizza shop is the best in NYC and I agree. The owner Is also a super friendly guy. Cash-only and BYOB are honestly a plus (bring any drink you want).

It’s a top 3 pizza joint for sure. Went back for the first time in nearly two years and disappointed that I haven’t been back sooner. It’s truly a life-changing pizza. Got in line around 4:15 on a Saturday, put name in at 4:40, and returned for dinner at 9. I’d probably get there 20 minutes earlier next time to try and get an 8 PM though. Met some good people in line which is expected at a place where people truly come for the food experience. Now for the food, truly spectacular as always. You have to get a pizza and a calzone no matter what. Both are top notch and in a league of their own. I’ll put Lucali up there with Di Fara and Sally’s (New Haven) as the top of class. Which is my favorite? Why choose when I can just enjoy all of them.