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25th St (M, R)
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Review Dedication: Brooklyn's Finest CM! Peter D! After reading his review of Luigi's, the pizzeria sparked many thoughts of wanting to try their pizza. Without the Brooklyn CM's indirect suggestion, this review would not have happened.
There's a tall tale legend that the Mozzarella used at Luigi's is about 100 years old. Word has it, back in the days of immigrant voyages to and from native Italy (a time when luggage was not inspected), the grandfather of the legendary owner of Luigi's would bring back mozzarella from the mainland in mass quantities. The mozzarella that was brought back is apparently used in the pizza today.
Of course, I will not speculate as to whether this legend is true. For starters, I hope it isn't. Can anyone imagine consuming one week old mozzarella, let alone something that's a century old? Didn't think so...
A venture to Luigi's was not to confirm this legend, nor was it to dine at an establishment where the movie "Big Daddy" was filmed. So what was the reason for going to Luigi's? My mechanic is a block away from the Pizzeria and Yours Truly was in need of lunch. Yep... That's it. Alright, so Peter D had a little indirect push with this one. Aren't recommendations from friends the ones most noteworthy?
Arriving at Luigi's revealed a surprising site... NO LINE! This came as a shock as most patrons that have dined here before me warned of the 10 to 15 minute wait. Nevertheless, the petite surprise was welcoming. Good pizza that required no wait.
Walking into Luigi's provided a slight feeling of claustrophobia yet excitement. For starters, the front counter area is small. Luckily, the petite nature of the ordering counter allows for patrons to view the creation of each individual pizza by the owner, Giovanni. On this particular occasion, two renditions were available for purchase...
- Plain Slice - $2.25
- Fresh Mozzarella Slice - $2.75
Thus... I began to order one of each.
Seating in the back of the establishment was small and quaint. The section is available for approximately 10 people segmented into 2 tables of 4 and 2 tables of 2. Most patrons order slices made by Giovanni and eat standing in front of the establishment (a la... Artichoke Pizzeria in Manhattan). Nevertheless, the pizzeria was empty, and a table immediately behind the gas oven was available.
Plain Slice: Perfectly balanced in both texture and flavor! To start, the crust possessed a beautiful contrast between crunchiness and a soft doughy texture. There was no smokiness or excessive char stemming from the crust. What you do get is something that's remarkably flakey, but possessing an abundance of crispiness. The tomato sauce was full of flavor in both the structure and balance. A heavy robust detection of salt, pepper, and oregano were evident with each sampling. The processed mozzarella topping was the definitive statement for this slice. With its slight gooeyness and saltiness, the flavors of the mozzarella helped to further amplify the already hearty tomato sauce. Furthermore, the processed mozzarella had a subdued level of oil renderings that was by no means burdensome. The slight excess in oil provided the welcoming balance in flavor to bring all elements of the composition together. Simply put, one of the best plain slices one can consume.
Fresh Mozzarella Slice: Similar in application to the Plain Slice, the difference stems mainly from the Fresh Mozzarella topping and a slight drizzle of Herb Pesto. Contrary to the robust and hearty nature of the plain slice, the Fresh Mozzarella used in this application allowed for a slight contrast in flavors, stemming from the robust structure of the tomato sauce with that of the subtle sweetness of the fresh mozzarella. The contrasting flavors worked to create a welcomed disparity in flavors that made the slice more pungent in nature. Ultimately, the Fresh Mozzarella slice is finished only by the drizzle of Herb Pesto. The components of the pesto itself are speculative, but hints of basil, salt, and garlic were evident during taste detection. The pesto provided a much welcoming complex flavor stemming from the velvety / buttery texture of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil while supplying a powerful earthiness in the Basil used for the Pesto. Ultimately, the Fresh Mozzarella Slice is robust, complex, and full of flavor.
Leaving the restaurant after consumption revealed a line of about 15 people. Perhaps we arrived at the right time. Nevertheless, Giovanni's renderings are often worth the wait, more frequent than not.
Notes:
- Cash Only! $5.00 worth of Pizza doesn't need to be debited / charged
- Wait times, anywhere from 0 to 15 minutes
- Best combination? Plain & Fresh Mozzarella Slice.
- Most patrons visiting Giovanni's domain are locals. You won't find many out of towners / tourists here.
Contrary to popular opinion, I've got to say "meh".
After a week in South Africa, I was hungry for pizza so B. and I walked down to Luigi's since our apartment is 10 blocks away from their shop, which just qualifies us for being out of their delivery zone.
I'd read a blurb in Time Out New York in which a chef cited Luigi's mozzarella pie as the best pizza in the city. A bold statement, I thought, but close enough to walk over and see if I agree.
Before going, of course, I consulted former reviews and look at that, by and large Yelpers agree. This slice was apparently awesome. Sweet. We couldn't contain our excitement as we walked over.
We ordered a regular pie and sat down in the back to wait for it. I liked that while waiting, we were witness to the most perfectly classic Brooklyn pizzeria experience. Everyone here was a local, they were talking about the Yankees winning the world series and, even though they were all Mets fans, they all agreed that supporting the Phillies would have been a sin.
Then the pizza came out. With squares of melted fresh mozzarella on top of sauce and drizzled with pesto, we though, this looks pretty good.... and we took the first bite...
And honestly, it fell a little flat. I didn't think the sauce had a lot of flavor and actually, I thought it was a little bland. Yeah, I said it. I know I'm going against the grain here but... it was bland.
That didn't stop us from eating three slices each; please, we were hungry. And we'll each have a slice for breakfast this morning. But, while walking the ten blocks home, we both agreed that we're glad that we have Peppino's on our corner, and within delivery range, and Luigi's just out of reach. We feel we've been dealt the better hand.
Definitely better than your average Joe. A lot of my peeps name Luigi's as their favorite slice of pie...I don't know if I'd go that far, but there have been times I've had a hankerin' for their yummy goodness.
I've tried to go twice on a Sunday, but both times they were closed! I am pretty sure that Sunday is the official "eat-pizza-hung-over-because-you-forgot-to-eat-whi le-drunk-saturday-night-and-now-you-want-to-kill-y ourself-day." Someone needs to send Luigi a memo stat.
But really, get the pizza with mozzarella, sauce, and their fresh herbs on it (always forget the name)...a little birdie told me that Luigi actually grows the basil and other fresh garden herbs himself! How utterly charming is that?!
Very good pizza at a fair price. I prefer the cheese pie. No toppings required.
Great pizza. Great prices. Fast delivery. Friendly staff.
get the pizza "well done"
the guys practically jumps for joy and commends you for knowing how to order pizza.
just saying.
pizza is GOOOOOD. CHEAP. PERFECT. YUMMY....
Luigi's pizza smells so fantastic that I wasn't even hungry, and I was forced to stop and buy a slice. It was straight out of a cartoon; I was lifted off my feet and I involuntarily floated down the block, following the visible smell to the source.
Normally I am irritated by stuff that smells better than it tastes. Examples:
1. Those roasted nut stands that are everywhere in NYC.
2. Hot Pockets.
3. Amy's Breakfast Burritos.
But even though the taste of a fresh mozzarella slice is a step below it's aroma...Luigi's gets a pass, because the smell deserves six or seven stars.
I housed this slice in about six bites, and 25 seconds.
I so badly wanted to give this place 5 stars. The crust is amazing, the pizza is overall excellent. BUT, they used canned mushrooms!!!! This is the worst of pizza no no's, and they went there. If they had used fresh mushrooms instead I would easily give them 5 stars, but canned mushrooms? If the manager or owner of Luigi is reading this, please, for the love of pizza, use fresh mushrooms.
Est. 1973....And I've been coming back since. I've moved away to Florida but every few month's I have to make the trip back. My first stop has Always been Luigi's...I've seen this place go from father to son and it's by Far The Best I've ever had...from slice to pie, eggplant parm and the calzone's all made the old fashion way...You just don't get it any better....
Tried all the pies in the hood and none can hold a candle to Luigi's. This place was featured in "Big Daddy," which the large owner loves to talk about. Trust Adam Sandler- this is the creme de la creme of cheap and dirty NY slice shops.
Believe the hype- the fresh mozz pizza is the stuff dreams are made of.
Amazing pizza. I live down the street and i will be visiting this place very often. Also props to this place for being in big daddy.
The best hint that Luigi's is good (though not otherworldly) is the signage out front. Est. 1973. Without frou pretensions or anything fancier than grape soda in a wax paper cup.
Great crisp crust, fresh cheese, and a couple of 13 year old employees who get really excited by that Wayne Brady show where hapless contestants guess lyrics. So much better than the other gross pretenders on 5th, like Albanese. And you wouldn't know it at first blush unless you looked at the sign out front.
This is seriously good pizza. You need to have the Moz pizza which is simply delicious. You can't get this anywhere else.
This place is an institution in NYC. Yes even though it is in Brooklyn it is consider a gem and people in Manhattan bridge and tunnel it to get the fabulous slice of the NYC life.
Bring Cash the owner is old school and entertaining as well.
Also, It fun watching him berate young guys working in the joint.
To begin, I had no problem with having them deliver to me (I'm about 7 blocks away). So maybe it depends upon how busy they are.
I ordered a large fresh mozzarella pie. It got here in about 30 minutes. The delivery kid was probably about 15... so this is definitely a mom and pop type place.
Let's get to the good stuff: the pizza was GREAT! Lots of cheese with the delicious drizzle of oil with a hint of pesto. The total for the large was $17.50, and could feed about 3-4. My only complaint was that the crust was a bit hard.
But at this point, this is my favorite delivery option. I really want to go into the store and check it out after reading all the other reviews!
Good pizza and one of the old school pizza places from when Italians actually lived in this neighborhood (like, the 70s). Good place to grab a slice if you are in the neighborhood. The fresh mozarella is classic, but the sicilian slice and regular slices are delicious too.
Delicious.
I highly enjoy this pizza and I love the old New York atmosphere.
Luigi's is the closest pizza joint to my apartment. Unfortunately I don't visit it that often because their hours are horrible. I feel like they are never open! They open late during the day and close early.
But still, they make a delicious slice! There really isn't any room to sit at Luigi's so I usually take it to go. They have garlic knots too! Luigi's is my #2 best pizza in the slope.
this place has one of the best slices in the city.
yeah, it's up there with difara's sal and carmines, etc.
don't believe me?
I'll kick your ass!!!!
read more at
http://www.aramscarum....
Fresh mozzerella pizza is da bomb.
I'm IN LOVE with their fresh mozzerella slice (lightly drizzled with pesto.) I never want to move out of South Slope because i'd be too far away.
Another favorite when I lived in the neighborhood, Luigi's has the best white pizza.
i come here a few times a week usually. it is what it is, which is good and which is just what it is. i get a regular slice, and a fresh mozzarella slice.
nothing fancy. i usually have to get my drink at one of the neighboring locales.
dude is nice, but is pre-customer service-y.
I haven't had a better plain slice within a three mile radius. I should also mention that I am a native New Yorker (here I go again playing that dog-eared card...but let's face it, when you have been eat ting relevant pizza all your life, your palate becomes more attuned to the nuances of the slice). I also appreciate how prideful the owner is about his establishment. His micromanagement of the awkward, pimply pubescent boys who work with him (his children, perhaps?) is absurd and entertaining. "Take the lady's money, ring up the price of a slice, and give her the right change... Say 'thank you for your business!.. Louder!.. how's she supposed to hear you when you're mumblin like that?.. That's better, now she can hear you!.. Next time, give her the slice after you take the money and ring her up! Otherwise, she could run out the door with the slice without paying you a dime... No offense, lady.' " or "Go in the back fridge and get me some moozerell'. Sling it over your left shoulda cause it's heavy. Bring it back to me where I stand... Did I say to put it on the marble slab? What did I say!?!.. Use the head that God gave you! What, you got marbles collectin' dust in there?"
Best Sicilian slice in my 5th Avenue universe. Crust that's crunchy on the outside and fluffy underneath (above?) that. Greasy, tangy taste for the crust, too. Right proportions of cheese and sauce, and the sauce is spiced well. It's what I want from a Sicilian slice I grab on the go and what's been missing from my neighborhood life til I tried Luigi's. Regular slice is pretty good too--thin, crispy, good taste and just greasy enough.
A neighborhood institution. While most New York pizzerias cut costs and sacrifice the quality of their pie, Luigi's consistently delivers outstanding slices and pies. Fresh Mozzarella is a personal favorite, but they also have the best plain slice in the area.
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