After being dished some of the worst possible pizzas by a number of companies coming on campus for interviews, I vowed never to touch another slice of pizza again. I guess it takes a trip to Brooklyn to fix that.
So here goes - the list of the finest Brooklyn pizza I've had (in chronological order of discovery)
1. DiFara's: There simply can't be a better introduction to Brooklyn pizza than this. The train ride (Q train to Ave J) is long, and the wait at this small pizza joint can try anyone's patience - but believe me, it's entirely worth it! DeMarco runs a one old-man show at this old joint and dishes one excellent pizza pie after another 364 days a year (I've heard). Three types of cheese are imported from Italy every week to make the perfect toppings on a hand made dough and garden-grown and carefully picked tomatoes. There's magic in his hands. Every bite more delicious than the previous one ...
2. Fornino: The wood fired oven here bakes supreme pizza slices. Extremely accessible, I've found this place having the shortest wait. Nice decor, friendly waitresses coupled with yummy pizza will make your evening!
3. Grimaldi's: There's more to Grimaldi's than just pizza. The best way to make your evening is to get down at Brooklyn Bridge (4,5,6 trains) and walk across the magnificent bridge marveling at the sights of the city (and the Statue of Liberty far away). At the other end on the river bank lies pizza heaven called Grimaldi's. There's generally a wait of about 30 mins at this super-crowded joint, but pizza lover's don't mind that at all. The walk should've whetted your appetite enough for a whole pie! :)
4. Una Pizza Napoletana: Widely regarded as the best pizza in Manhattan, this place is every bit Manhattan-ish as compared to the above Brooklyn pizza joints. Expensive, sophisticated and highly pretentious (make sure you read their pamphlet to appreciate all their Italian ingredients), this is a good place to take someone special. The magic is in the salt. Really, shake the salt on your pizza. It's no ordinary salt, it's a special sea salt imported form Italy! Delicious pizza, completely fresh and made with no artificial ingredients whatsoever, you can eat as much as you want without getting the 'I am stuffed' feeling you normally associate with pizza.
5. Lombardi's: Very famous Little Italy pizza joint. Their margarita is to die for. Highly recommended!
6. Viva Herbal Pizza: This is a quirky pizza joint ... not only is it 100% vegetarian, it also has vegan pizza! It's a refreshing change and very healthy too!
Of course there are more to discover, but one thing's for certain - I'm a fan of pizza now! :)
Updates: Added 5 and 6 in Nov 07
