Lombardi's Pizza

This is where pizza in America was born. That alone should be worth the trip to Lombardi's. Forget that it's not a loaded deep dish Chicago style or even what you grew up with around the corner for this is where all those variations spawned from. This is wafer thin crust New York pizza at its finest, charred crust at the bottom at the bottom and all. That charred crust is thanks to a coal fired oven that's been "grandfathered" to only a few pizzerias in the NYC area too.

Lombardi's is on the edge of an ever shrinking area of Manhattan known as Little Italy. Don't be surprised though if the line outside when you arrive is around the corner. Lombardi's does a good business despite the area's decline and much of that is due to the locals too. Be prepared for a wait if you choose to arrive at peak hours. And be forewarned, Lombardi's doesn't accept any credit cards. An ATM is available inside the restaurant for those caught out on this little fact but it still puts the burden on the customer in this electronic age where surprisingly they maintain a website but not ease of payment for their visitors. But if that doesn't bother you, prepare to experience New York City pizza at its finest.

My boyfriend said it was the best pizza he had ever had (but I've been to Italy so I could not claim the same). Still, it was really good, and a fun experience. Worth the wait. Cross the street to Rice to Riches for dessert.