Lombardi's Pizza Gennaro's Caffe
NileGuide Expert Says:
Seriously delicious pizza in a newly expanded space, though the bigger Lombardi's has definitely lost a little of its gritty charm from the old days. The pizza is still great, though—a contender for the best in the city.
User Rating:
Address:
32 Spring Street
New York City, NY 10012-4173
Phone:
1 212 941 7994
NileGuide Expert tip:
Reservations are not accepted.
Description:
Established in 1905, Lombardi's stakes its claim as America's oldest fully-functioning pizzeria. Its influence stretches into every corner of the New York pizza establishment, as Gennaro Lombardi taught pizza-making to the founders of several other New York pizza institutions: John Sasso of John's, Patsy Lancieri of Patsy's, and Anthony Pero of Totonno's. Today, the restaurant is often overcrowded with tourists and faithful waiting to sample the classic brick-oven pizza served with a huge selection of fresh toppings. Prepare for a wait on weekends, and dining in the backyard garden (weather permitting) is more pleasant than the crowded indoor area. In the heated battles over New York's best slice, Lombardi's has its passionate defenders, many of whom cite the pizza with fresh chopped clams as one of the more memorable options.
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