Author: foodheavendotcom

A deliciously crispy, light fish taco with the perfect balance of cabbage and pico de gallo; the epitome of Southern California eating. We have chosen our top 5 fish tacos in the Los Angeles area…you’re not going to want to miss this.

5. Ricky’s Fish Tacos (Griffith Park)

Let’s start with a bit of controversy, shall we? Ricky’s Fish Tacos is considered one of the best fish tacos by Angelenos and while we agree it’s good, some might think it blasphemous to have Ricky’s at number 5. Situated as a food truck under a highway, Ricky’s serves up crispy, flaky and beautifully-seasoned fish. However, the tortillas and cabbage are a bit dry and often leave something to be desired. That being said, there is no doubt Ricky’s is a good fish taco that many consider to be the best in the city.

4. Tacos Baja (Whittier)

If someone tells you they’re from Whittier but have never heard of Tacos Baja, do not trust them. The consistently long lines at Tacos Baja are a confirmatory sign that these are the best fish tacos in east LA. The tartar and hot sauce combination compliment the beer-battered fish to perfection. These tacos boast both quantity (not only are they relatively large, on Wednesdays they only cost 99 cents!) and quality that will surely lure you back time and time again. They’re battered shrimp tacos and ceviche are certainly also worth a try.

3. Baja California Tacos (Culver City)

For the full-experience of what a classic Ensenada/Baja style fish taco tastes like, look no further than this no-frills taco shop. While occasionally inconsistent, on a good day, the fish tacos at Baja California are amongst the best in LA. Fresh beer-battered fish smothered in tartar sauce and pico should be eaten instantly so as to avoid a soggy taco. We repeat, this is not somewhere we advise getting delivery from (or any fish taco on this list for that matter).  The campechano also packs a full flavor profile and is the perfect accompaniment to your delicious fish tacos!

2. Venice Fish Tacos and Smoothies (Venice Beach)

Venice Beach is a place that truly offers something for everyone and gathers tourists and locals alike. It’s a fantastic place to people-watch and is home to some of the most of the best artists, skateboarders, vendors, basketball players and…fish tacos (?) in LA. While we doubt many people flock to Venice for the fish tacos, Venice Fish Tacos and Smoothies is home to one of the best fish tacos in LA. It’s cash only, located right near the basketball courts and if you didn’t know about it, you would probably walk right past it. This unassuming taco shop serves crispy, fresh fish tacos that are accompanied with their hot sauce in a seamless but perfect manner.
The pico to fish ratio is spot on and although this is number 2 on our list, this is by far the most fun place to eat a fish taco.

1. Ensenada’s Surf N Turf Grill (Lawndale)

Lawndale admittedly was not our first guess as to where the best fish taco in LA would be, but asks locals and newbies alike, the fish tacos at Ensenada’s Surf N Turf Grill are unbelievable. While there are multiple locations in Orange County and one by the airport, we believe that the Lawndale location is the best (although you certainly cannot go wrong at the other locations). The fish is crisped to golden perfection, the tartar and hot sauce are perfect and you can truly taste the freshness of the pico. Both the corn and flour tortillas (you can ask for either) taste homemade and freshly made and the shrimp tacos are also to die for. This classic Baja-style, mouthwatering fish taco offers just about everything one would look for in a fish taco and is our favorite in LA.

BBQ; is there any other food that embodies the United States? No introduction necessary, let’s jump right into the list.

10. Kreuz Market (Lockhart, TX)

One of the three BBQ spots in Lockhart that make up what is known simply as “The Pilgrimage” (the other two being Black’s and Smitty’s). Kreuz Market has been smoking BBQ for over 100 years. This old-school establishment, that has been led by pit master Roy Perez for 30 years, discourages BBQ sauce or forks and is the true embodiment of classic Central Texas BBQ. As such, the mouth-watering, melt-in-your-mouth brisket is the must-get item here, but don’t sleep on their original smoked or jalapeno cheese sausage. Just be sure to leave room for another BBQ spot in “The Pilgrimage” even higher on our list.

Photo Credit: Yelp user Joseph S.

9. Central BBQ (Memphis, TN)

“Smoke is Our Sauce” is the motto of what is well-known to be the best BBQ in Memphis. The superbly seasoned dry rub, 24 hour marinade and slow-smoking process make these ribs tender beyond belief. The flavor profile of these fall off the bone ribs make Central BBQ a must for anyone visiting Memphis. Get them dry, wet or half and half, but don’t skip on their original BBQ sauce, which despite their claim that “Smoke is Our Sauce,” is absolutely fantastic. Their slow-smoked pulled pork is no joke either, so oddly enough, don’t skip out on the pork BBQ nachos; just be sure to lather them in their delicious sauce!

8. Phil’s BBQ (San Diego, CA)

We see you rolling your eyes, but as evidenced by the usual hour-plus wait time, Phil’s is one of San Diego’s most prized possessions. While other places on our list usually have one or two items that they are iconic for, Phil’s is relatively well-rounded. Their ribs, BBQ Broham (pulled pork) sandwich, and El Toro (tri-tip) sandwich are all cooked flawlessly and are our favorites. All of these items go great with there ever-so famous sweet and tangy sauce. When you can put a sauce on literally every item that is served to enhance the flavor, you’ve found yourself a sauce that you have to buy and take home. If you’re in the San Diego area, it’d be a huge misteak not to go to Phil’s.

Photo credit: Yelp user Wiseley F.

7. Lockhart Smokehouse (Dallas, TX)

Dallas is lucky that Jill Bergus, with the help of her family ties to number 10 on our list (Kreuz Market), brought Central Texas style BBQ to North Texas. As such, Lockhart is renowned for their brisket and will serve you fatty or less fatty cuts based on your preference. The brisket at Lockhart Smokehouse has a beefier, smokier taste than places actually in Lockhart, Tx, but with the unique smoky flavor profile of the brisket here, we are not complaining. Be sure to also get the shoulder clod which is leaner and has a beefy flavor or even go for the same sausages that are served at Kreuz market. If you come to Lockhart on Wednesday, you’d be remised not to get the positively wonderful beef ribs. If you come on Thursday you had better get those burnt ends. It’s all about the beef at Lockhart and in true Central Texas style, there’s no need for sauce here. After getting your BBQ fill, head down the street to emporium pies to get the Lord of the Pies, the best pie we’ve ever tasted.

Photo credit: Yelp user J C.

6. The Original Black’s Barbeque (Lockhart, TX)

Opened in 1932, Black’s is our favorite BBQ spot on “The Pilgrimage” in Lockhart, Tx. The item of choice here is the giant (each 9 inches long, 2 inches deep and weighs about a pound) beef rib, an item that single-handedly elevates Black’s to BBQ stardom. The smoky outer bark compliments the juicy and amazingly tender interior marbling of the meat. The mouth-watering beef rib is quite fatty leading to a juicy and flavorful undertone to the rib. Some think it’s too fatty, but some also think that the earth is flat. On your stop to Lockhart, Tx, you must get the beef rib from Black’s, an establishment rooted in history and a place that is the reason that number three on our list exists.

Photo credit: Yelp user Simon L.

5. Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix, AZ)

Who knew that Arizona oak and pecan wood could smoke some of the best meats in the country? Well, apparently everyone in Arizona did, because although Little Miss BBQ doesn’t open until 11 am, patrons get there at 9 am to receive a ticket to ensure that they get the best that Little Miss BBQ has to offer. That best is the fatty brisket. It’s smoked to perfection, tender beyond belief and has a flavor profile that will leave you begging for more. The beef ribs have a similar flavor profile and tenderness as the fatty brisket with marbling that makes the Mona Lisa look juvenile. While the house BBQ sauce, sweet and tangy mustard and spicy BBQ sauce are all great in their own right, the meat alone really shines at Little Miss BBQ. Don’t leave without getting Bekke’s smoked pecan pie. Arizona, with a top five BBQ spot in the nation, you continue to surprise and amaze us.

Photo credit: Yelp user Richard H.

4. Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis, MO)

The best ribs we’ve ever tasted, but don’t take our word for it. Pappy’s has been named the best ribs in America for numerous years from numerous sources. These Memphis Style pork ribs are dry rubbed and smoked for 24 hours over sweet apple or cherry wood. The crisp outer coating bursts with smoky, seasoned to perfection flavor and the tender, fall off the bone interior make these ribs delectable. Do not even think of getting the half-rack, you will regret it, get the full rack of ribs. A pleasant surprise for us was the Sweet Baby Jane BBQ Sauce which complemented the ribs seamlessly. While their other meats are all good, the star here is the ribs and there was no doubt in our mind that Pappy’s had to be in the top five.

3. Scott’s Bar-B-Que (Hemingway, SC)

Pulled pork lovers rejoice, Rodney Scott brings you the best pulled pork in the nation from humble Hemingway, SC, a town with a population of just 411. While not easily accessible, this is a must-visit for any BBQ lover. They mop, quite literally, their whole hog in a vinegar, pepper-based sauce/marinade used in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina (not the classic mustard-based sauce the Carolinas are usually associated with) as it’s smoked. This is the same “sauce” that you can add to the pulled pork after you order it. The sandwich you get here is two slices of normal white bread with their pulled pork, and, quite frankly, that’s all you need. The moist, absolutely exquisite flavor profile of the pulled pork and the unique vinegar pepper sauce is truly heavenly. Ask for skins on your sandwich and/or meat for a unique boost in flavor. Rodney Scott has since opened a location in Charleston, but for the full, true experience, make the trip to Hemingway, you’ll be glad you did.

Photo credit: Yelp user Rhett B.

2. Terry Black’s (Austin, TX)

Yet another spot stemmed from Lockhart, Tx, Terry Black of The Original Black’s BBQ passed down his knowledge to Michael and Mark Black who opened one of the most underrated BBQ spots in the nation. We believe that Michael and Mark have taken their heritage to the next level with Terry Black’s, established only in 2014, while still maintaining that old school taste. The brisket and beef ribs here are to die for. This impeccable duo are the most tender, juicy meats with explosion of flavor due to the perfect fatty content. While the stars here are obvious, the jalapeno sausage, chopped beef and pork ribs are all fantastic. Grab your cafeteria tray, grab some sides (their deliciously creamy mac n cheese is some of the best in the country and the banana pudding is no joke) and head to the back where servers are waiting to serve you some of the best BBQ in the nation.

Photo credit: Yelp users Deanna T. and Kevin P.

1. Franklin Barbeque (Austin, TX)

Did you really think it would be anywhere else? Have you been living under a rock for the past 10 years? Did you doubt that Austin would have the best BBQ in the nation? The only way you answer yes to these questions is if you’ve never heard of Franklin Barbecue, the best BBQ in the United States and, therefore, the world. No discussion about Franklin starts without mention of the wait. Die-hard patrons regularly flock five hours before Franklin even opens to ensure that they are first (or at least first ten) in line. While getting to Franklin at 5 or 6 am seems ridiculous and tiresome, the wait is actually more of a tailgate. Yes, a tailgate for BBQ, imagine that. The friendly staff at Franklin’s gives out lawn chairs as well as umbrellas during the rain. Those who wait in line get along well as we are all light-hearted, crazy people who would wait in line for up to five hours for BBQ. This creates a jovial atmosphere that makes time fly by. Now, onto the meats. Being in Central Texas, it’s no surprise that James Beard Award Winner Aaron Franklin serves the best brisket in the nation. The meticulous preparation of their brisket is only outshined by the flavor profile of this perfectly fatty, perfectly moist, perfectly tender and perfectly seasoned cut of meat. This sacrosanct combination is what attracts people from all over the world to Franklin. While their pork ribs, sausage and pulled pork are expectedly also scrumptiously mouth-watering, the biggest surprise was their turkey which was smoky and juicy beyond belief. The melt in your mouth brisket at Franklin is truly unparalleled, but let’s be honest, you already knew that.

Photo credit: Yelp users Joseph S. and Hurjane V.

Congratulations! You have just landed in the best gastronomic city in the world. The bad news? You have such a plethora of options easily available that it can be quite overwhelming. Luckily for you we have broken down some of the must-haves while you’re in the city.

First and foremost, there are a few group of foods that you NEED to have while in NYC, types of food that New York inarguably does better than anywhere else: Pizza, Bagels, Desserts, Fine Dining, Cosmopolitan/International. Now let’s get started.

Day 1:

You’ve just landed and are hungry! Grab a classic NYC bagel to start your trip off right! If you’re in Manhattan we recommend Ess-a-Bagel (see our “Top 10 Bagels in NYC” https://thefoodheaven.com/2019/03/07/the-top-10-bagels-in-nyc/ ), but if you’ve flown into JFK you’re already near some of the best bagels in NYC, we recommend Baker’s Dozen Bagels in Kew Gardens.

Ess-a-Bagel with lox cream cheese

Photo credit: Yelp user Simogne C.

After getting to your extremely spacious hotel/AirBnb/corner of the street you’ve decided to stay in and you’ve settled down, go for a walk around this great city and build up an appetite! Whenever you’re ready for lunch, go to one of NYC’s famed food trucks. We recommend Uncle Gussy’s during the weekday (open from 10AM – 4PM), a friendly Greek food truck serving some of the best souvlaki, gyro and chicken at very cheap prices. We also recommend Royal Grill Halal Food in Midtown West, a classic halal food cart serving fresh Indian cuisine at extraordinarily cheap prices; don’t just take our word for it, this food cart won the 2018 Vendy Award for all food carts in NYC.

Uncle Gussy’s

Photo credit: Yelp user John Z.

Alright, alright, you’ve had bagels and street food. You’ve saved enough money for a nice, fancy meal tonight, treat yourself!

We recommend Marea, a two-star Michelin Restaurant that is actually relatively affordable if you order correctly. If you cannot get a reservation, promptly go to the bar when Marea opens at 5 and enjoy their full-service menu while sipping on some of the finest cocktails in the city.

Another slightly more affordable option is L’Artusi, yet another Italian gem with some of the best pastas and ricottas in the city (and therefore the world). You must make a reservation here well in advance.

If you’ve saved up and really want to splurge on the best dining in the city, we recommend Daniel. A two-star Michelin Restaurant that many agree is the best in the city. The price is roughly $200 a person, but believe it or not, this is fantastic value for the quality of service and food that you’ll get here.

Octopus and bone marrow fusilli from Marea

Photo credit: Yelp user Jasmine W.

Day 2:

We get it, you’re full, you had a lot to eat yesterday. Well, welcome to New York. Maybe skip breakfast today and have an early lunch/brunch. If you’re lucky and are in New York from Friday to Sunday go to Smorgasburg, an outdoor market closed during the winter, to sample a variety of some New York favorites. If you’re not up for Smorgasburg and just want some pizza already, head over to Prince Street pizza and get their world-famous square slice with pepperoni. Although this is more of a street style pizza, the flavor profile of the sauce, perfectly cooked dough as well as the fresh pepperonis make this one of New Yorkers’ favorite pizzas, as you’ll soon realize while waiting in their long line.

Prince Street Pizza

Photo credit: Yelp user Frank E. 

After having a hearty lunch, take a walk through central park to build up your appetite for our first dedicated dessert spot of the trip (finally). You have three amazing options (or feel free to go to both!): Levains on the Upper West Side, Two Little Red Hens and/or Wafels and Dinges. Levains serves up the most perfect chocoalate chip cookie, Two Little Red Hens serves a variety of amazing desserts, while Wafels and Dinges are famous for their Belgian waffles and speculoos. We’ve written about them extensively in our post: https://thefoodheaven.com/2019/03/14/the-best-desserts-in-nyc/

Dinner time! New York has some of the best Asian cuisines in America. We recommend Totto Ramen (Midtown West), Joes Shanghai for dumplings (Chinatown, a little touristy, but delicious and authentic nonetheless) or Thursday Kitchen (a Korean-American fusion, serving small dishes in a quant East Village setting).

Totto Ramen

Photo credit: Yelp user Philip T.

Day 3:

Last day in New York! Let’s make it great start to the day by going to Dominique Ansel Bakery and getting their famed cronut – a mix of a doughnut and croissant. Their flavors change every month, but their quality does not. They open at 8AM but you’ll want to get there slightly earlier than that to make sure that you get a cronut as they will sell out quite fast (you can also pre-order their cronut, skip the line and ensure you get one of these delectable morsels).

While you’re on the West side, head up to Chelsea Market – a sprawling market serving food, drink, clothes and knick-knacks. Visit Los Tacos No. 1 for the best tacos in the city (and even all of America, don’t believe us? Try it for yourself and be converted) and Los Mariscos for seafood tacos and ceviche. There are so many food vendors at Chelsea market that there truly is something for everyone: Cambodian sandwiches, doughnuts, freshly pulled noodles, pizza, chocolates, the list truly is endless.

Los Tacos No. 1

Photo credit: Yelp user Nam T.

There is no better or iconic way to end a trip to New York by getting the best pizza in the city. Lucali is a famed Brooklyn establishment with ridiculous, but warranted wait times. There are no reservations and they start taking names at around 5:45PM, but to guarantee that you’ll be eating the best pizza in NYC you have to get there at 4:45PM at least and even earlier if you want to dine before 9PM. The restaurant is BYOB so bring your favorite bottle of wine or a 6 pack of beer and enjoy the best of the best, no toppings needed. Don’t skip out on the calzone with an extra side of their unbelievable tomato sauce. What better way to end a trip in the best gastronomic city in the world. We’ll see you back soon.

Lucali

Photo credit: Yelp user Carlos E.

It’s no secret that New York is one of the culinary capitals of the world. With that responsibility comes a duty to have some of the best desserts in the world; here is our favorite 10 desserts in New York.

10. Magnolia Bakery

There is only one dessert you should get here, the famous banana pudding. With vanilla wafers, vanilla pudding and fresh bananas, what’s not to like? The blend of these ingredients creates a deliciously creamy, smooth flavor profile that is the ultimate coating after a great lunch, dinner or even breakfast as they open at 7:30AM. They have a small size for snacking or a large party size (serves 20) for those who want to really go to town. Their expansion to Chicago and Los Angeles proves just how popular this bakery is. Again, stick to the banana pudding as other items are good, but not great.

Photo credit: Yelp user Min C.

9. Veniero’s

On old-fashioned Italian bakery, Veniero’s has boasted a large variety of pastries, cakes and other sweets since 1894! However, older does not always equal better. Luckily for New Yoker’s Veniero’s serves some of the best cheesecake, lobster tails and cannolis in the city. While their cheesecake is often hit or miss, when it hits, boy oh boy does it hit. This amazingly creamy, velvety cheesecake has bursts of flavor that will make you wish you had gotten a bigger slice (and since they sell by weight, you can pick how big you would like your slice to be). Don’t stop there though, try some of their world-famous cannolis with a chocolate or normal shell and experience the cream cheese and ricotta blend of filling that defines what a cannoli should taste like. Don’t skip out on their lobster tails, a puffier pastry filled with filling similar to a cannoli, or their large variety of other pastries. Their dining area is emblematic of an old-time pastry shop and that greets you with warm, open arms.

Photo credit: Yelp user Karen N.

8. Ample Hills Creamery

On a hot summer day in NYC, there is nothing better to cool off with than ice cream from Ample Hills. Ample hills is renowned for the deliciously creamy nature of their ice cream and the huge variety of exquisite flavors (without going over the top) that they offer. We love the Snap, Mallow, Pop with a fluffy marshmallow base for the ice cream mixed with buttery rice krispie clusters and the Astoria shop’s Nectar of the Queens which is a honey cinnamon ice cream with galaktoboureko and baklava. The combinations are unique here, but Ample Hills does a fantastic job ensuring that the flavors of their combinations go well with one another to create the ultimate flavor. If you go to their factory in Red Hook, you can even propose a new flavor inspired by a backstory.

Photo credit: Yelp user Roman A.

7. Molly’s Cupcakes

With lusciously moist, soft and center-cream-filled cake, delectable creamy frosting, a variety of unique flavors, there is so much to love about Molly’s Cupcakes. With flavors like our recommended The Ron Bennington (chocolate cake, peanut butter filling, chocolate ganache, crushed butterscotch topping), Boston Cream (classic vanilla cake, delicate pastry cream filling, chocolate ganache), Cake Batter (vanilla confetti cake, raw cake batter, vanilla buttercream, festive sprinkles) and many others, you’ll want to get at least a dozen of these angelic cupcakes. The ambiance is reflective of how joyful their cupcakes are, there are swings and various games in this small West Village establishment, as if we needed more excuses to spend more time at Molly’s!

Photo credit: Yelp user Jessica N.

6. Aux Merveilleux De Fred

“Merveilleux” literally means “marvelous” and we certainly marvel at these perfectly flakey masterpieces originating in Paris. They are every bit as scrumptious as they are visually appealing and with flavors like the Incroyable (meringue, speculoos biscuit, whipped cream coasted with white chocolate) the classic Merveilleux (meringue, chocolate whipped cream coated with shavings of dark chocolate), the Magnifique (meringue, praline whipped cream coated with almond chips and caramelized hazelnuts) or a few others, there is something for every desserter’s palate. The incredibly light, wafery texture of the merveilleux make it a guiltless treat and the rich combinations of flavor in every bite reminds us why Paris is the one of the food capitals of the world (it’s no New York, though).

Photo credit: Yelp user Anna C.

5. Tres Leches Café

While the previous desserts on our list are fairly famous and well-known, Tres Leches Café is a hidden gem. Tres leches cake is a sponge cake made with three kinds of milk (good job all you “Spanish speaker”): evaporated milk, condensed milk and cream. While there are many variations and additions one can add to tres leches cake, Tres Leches Cafe serves it’s tres leches in the classic, no-frills style. This small, unassuming shop in East Harlem serves up the most moist, fresh, sumptuous tres leches cake in New York. The cake is drenched with a rich creamy taste without being soggy or overly sweet and every luscious bite is a bite of heaven. This friendly establishment will customize a full-size cake for any occasion.

Photo credit: Yelp user David T.

4. Lloyds Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is often controversial, there is a dichotomy amongst carrot cake lovers and those who are ambivalent about carrot cake (since there is no such thing as a cake hater). That being said, there is unanimity that Lloyds Carrot Cake is one of the best desserts in New York. The moist, spiced carrot cake with nuts and raisins is our favorite option here and while they have many varieties of other cakes (red velvet, chocolate, etc.), we strongly recommend the carrot cake with nuts and raisins (or if you’re allergic, carrot cake without nuts and raisins). Even those who don’t like nuts or raisins in their cake rave about this specific carrot cake as all the ingredients come together perfectly to create a moist, rich cake. The cream cheese frosting is loaded onto this cake and some argue that it’s the best part of this cake. Buy a full cake for a heavenly experience with the ultimate moisture and perfect amount of sweetness to the cream cheese frosting. It’s so affordable, that you’ll find yourself buying Lloyds for any excuse to celebrate.

Photo credit: Yelp user Heidi V.

3. Wafels & Dinges

Anyone who has been to New York is sure to have seen one of these iconic Belgian dessert trucks. They serve a Liege Wafel which is made with pearl sugar and dough which instantly caramelizes when it hits the wafel iron, leading to a wafel that one could eat by itself for dessert. While that would be a fantastic dessert on its own, we must remember the dinges (aka toppings) that seamlessly compliment this wafel. Our favorite dinges are the classic speculoos (a Belgian cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom-spiced shortbread cookie spread) the Belgian chocolate fudge, bananas and whipped cream, however with nine different dinges, the possibilities are numerous! They also have various classic creations with preselected dinges for those who can’t decide. The crisp and flavorful wafel in combination with the creamy, spice-based speculoos make this dessert delectably unique. Our favorite location is the brick & mortar location in the East Village, but there is something magical about getting a piping hot wafel and eating it in Central Park. Thank you, Belgium.

Photo credit: Yelp user Emily X.

2. Two Little Red Hens

This is without a doubt the best all-around bakery in New York; you could randomly pick any item on their menu and it will likely be the best you’ve ever tasted. That being said, there is one dessert option that you simply cannot leave here without trying and that is the Brooklyn Blackout cupcake (or full cake); stunningly moist chocolate cake with chocolate pudding filling topped with fudge frosting. This ambrosial experience has turned those who did not think they were “chocolate fans” into chocolate lovers. New Yorker’s infatuation with the cupcakes from Two Little Red Hens extends to their other amazing flavors like Marble (black and white cake with a swirl of chocolate fudge & Swiss vanilla buttercream), Boston Cream (chiffon cake, vanilla pastry cream, topped with a fudge & chocolate glace with chocolate shavings), Key Lime (chiffon cake, key lime cream filing with lime zest), PB Fudge Swirl (chocolate cake, PB buttercream filling topped with PB chocolate fudge swirl frosting) and many others. They also have miniature cupcakes for those who don’t want to splurge on one of their fairly large cupcakes. It is much more than a cupcake shop, their morning scones are some of the fluffiest, airy delightful pastries in NY, their cheesecake is one of the best this city has to offer, their cinnamon rolls are some of the best we’ve ever tasted and even their numerous pies are dangerously addicting. Two Little Red Hens is one of the (if not, THE) best bakeries in the country. The excellence of their desserts is only superseded by the friendliness and helpfulness of their staff. Hens, you are a true American Bakery and a true American Hero.

Photo credit: Yelp user Joy W. and Connie H.

Notable Mentions:

S & S Cheesecake (this would have been very high on our list, but a recent change in management/ownership has at times affected the quality and consistency)

Caprices By Sophie

Breads Bakery

Ladurée

Bibble and Sip

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Eileen’s Special Cheesecake

Junior’s Cheesecake

Stuffed Ice Cream

Petee’s Pie Company

1. Levain Bakery

What do Oprah, Taylor Swift, Neil Patrick Harris, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have in common? Correct, they are part of the millions of Levain fanatics. If I had a 4-hour layover in New York, Levain Bakery is a place I would absolutely HAVE to go. In New York, there is no better pizza in the world, the bagels are unparalleled and there is a myriad of uniquely cosmopolitan cuisines, but I would want to go to Levain Bakery, which serves a cookie that ruins all other cookies. Levain Bakery is a rite of passage for newcomers to New York; you cannot consider someone a New Yorker if they do not know about Levain. These 6-ounce behemoths come in four flavors (chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter cup and oatmeal raisin) and are $4 each, but we would gladly pay at least five times that much for this glorious cookie. So, what makes this cookie so good? The size of the cookie actually contributes to its taste, the large size of this cookie allows it to be superbly crisp on the outside, while still having that warm, gooey, slightly doughy center that is oh so comforting. The flavor profile of this cookie is off the charts, it is impeccably sweet, has just the right amount of sweetness and is cooked to absolute perfection. Our favorite is the chocolate chip walnut and we recommend getting at least one of these (as we have no doubt you will get more than one cookie). They also serve delicious scones, bread rolls, muffins, brioche bread and sticky buns, but make no mistake, the cookies are the star of New York. Warm, fresh, gooey, yet crisp, a perfect 10 out of 10, Levain truly makes the world’s greatest chocolate chip cookie and is a holy experience every visitor or resident of New York needs to have.

Photo credit: Yelp user Ty H. (@TastesWithTy) and Brandon F.

Ah yes, nothing gets a New Yorker’s morning off to a better start than a bagel; whether it be egg and cheese, a variety of cream cheeses or (for the purists) just a plain bagel with butter. The crispy exterior, yet fluffy insides make this quintessential breakfast item the perfect start to the day.

We have complied a list of the top bagels in NYC based on a combination of the crunchy yet chewy texture of the bagel itself, the cream cheese/other fillings and of course how fresh the bagel is.

10. Russ & Daughters

Let’s start this list out with an absolute classic; Russ and Daughters has dished up bagels, bialys, latkes and smoked fish since 1914. They have locations in the Lower East Side, in the Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side and in Navy Yard in Brooklyn. Now, although this iconic bagel shop may be high on every bagel seeker’s must-have list, the quality of their bagels themselves are “just” above average. However, where Russ & Daughters excels is the freshness of their fish, they will cut several hearty slices of a variety of salmon and slap on scallion or regular cream cheese right in front of you to create a mouth-watering lox bagel. Yes, the price might be a little hefty, but you better believe that it is worth every penny, just ask customers from the last 100+ years.

Photo Credit: Yelp user Tracy T.

9. Best Bagel & Coffee

When it comes to breakfast food within a block of Penn Station, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a high-quality, classic NYC institution. Best Bagel & Coffee certainly lives up to its name. Its location near Penn Station leads to long lines, but lines that move fairly quickly. Their egg and cheese (+/- sausage or bacon) on a variety of chewy, scrumptious bagels are some of the best in the city and is the perfect order at this bagel shop. Their savory breakfast bagel sandwiches are the perfect start, middle or even end to a day. Enjoy this classic on your commute out of Penn Station.

Photo Credit: Yelp user Stacie K.

8. Barney Greengrass

Much like Russ & Daughters, the bagels here are not anything to write home about, however the lox here is unparalleled which makes this Upper West Side Jewish deli worth a visit. While Barney Greengrass is “The Sturgeon King,” the melt-in-your-mouth salmon placed on a solid bagel with a hint of scallion or regular cream cheese is the ever-so-classic lox bagel that we New Yorker’s know and love. We recommend the Nova Scotia Salmon on your favorite bagel with plain cream cheese; the classic. While Barney Greengrass is not an ideal grab ‘n go venue, it is a great spot to sit down for breakfast or lunch and watch the Upper West Side go by.

Photo credit: Yelp user Sarah Y.

7. Tompkins Square Bagels

When you think of a classic bagel, I’m sure you think of a birthday cake flavored cream cheese on a French toast bagel. While Tompkins Square Bagels boasts a plethora of cream cheese flavors (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chipotle Avocado, Peanut Butter, Cucumber Dill to name a few), their spot at number seven is due to their hand rolled, kettle boiled, oven baked bagels. These crunchy yet chewy bagels are so heart-warming that you could even get a plain bagel with no toppings and be happy. For a sweet bagel with cream cheese, we recommend a cinnamon raisin bagel with Apple Cinnamon or Walnut Raisin cream cheese. You can also opt for a variety of their savory cream cheeses. No matter what you get here, be sure to get more than one bagel and be adventurous with your cream cheese selection.

Photo credit: Yelp user Lauren B.

6. H & H Midtown Bagels East

These bagels are “proofed, kettle boiled, bathed in cold water, and baked on burlap covered wood boards in our vintage revolving tray ovens…each step in our process is crucial to making the finest old world bagels.” With a description like that on the website, expectations are sky high and H & H lives up to these expectations and more. When ordering, be sure to ask “anything hot?” This is a phrase that should be branded in the vernacular of any bagel seeker. If any type of bagel is indeed hot out of the oven, get that bagel (despite your bagel type preference) and do not get it toasted. There is something spectacular about a fresh-out-the-oven bagel from H & H. All types of bagels and flavors of cream cheese are very solid here, our recommendation (as simple as it sounds to some) is to get your favorite combination!

Photo credit: Yelp user Jonathan C.

5. Absolute Bagels

This Upper West Side bagel shop has a religious following in and outside of the area for good reason. They churn out hundreds of hand-rolled, boiled and rotating oven-baked bagels a day and are even open on Christmas due to the high demand. Columbia students will know how deliciously crispy yet soft a hot-out-of-the-oven bagel can be. More so than most bagel shops, try to get there early to get a fresh bagel. Our favorites are the everything or yellow, buttery egg bagels with scallion or plain cream cheese or a variety of their sweet cream cheeses such as strawberry, blueberry or apple cinnamon on a plain, cinnamon raisin or pumpernickel bagel.

Photo credit: Yelp user Jenny W.

4. Ess-a-Bagel

When New Yorkers line up for over an hour for a bagel at the Midtown East (crowd-favorite) location, you better believe it’s worth every second. Ess-a-Bagel has been serving up some of the freshest bagels in the city for over 40 years. The delicate balance between a crunchy exterior and soft interior is close to perfection here and their variety of cream cheeses and sandwich options make it so that there is something for everyone. Pro tip, skip the long lines and go to the express line at the back of the store, they are constantly turning over fresh bagels in that line and you can get a bagel that has quite literally just come out of the oven. You can order a tub of cream cheese and spread it on your fresh-out-the-oven bagel yourself to maximize your ideal bagel to cream cheese ratio.

Photo credit: Yelp user JL C.

3. Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

“Every crunchy bite of our high-quality bagels leads you through a delicious journey into the chewy center.” Wow, this quote from their website has us hooked! Their location in Astoria (not in Brooklyn oddly) is by far our favorite, and despite the efficient way they move their long lines, their dedication to every customer speaks to the popularity of this establishment. They have quite large bagels that are chewy beyond belief without losing their crisp exterior. We love their apple cinnamon cream cheese, some the best sweet cream cheese we’ve had, but you honestly cannot go wrong with any cream cheese flavor or bagel type; the lox, the scallion, everything at Brooklyn Bagel lives up to the hype demonstrated by a 20 minute line at 11 AM on a Tuesday. Again, when New Yorkers line-up this long for bagels, listen to them.

Photo credit: Yelp user Lindsay H.

2. Utopia Bagels

To get to Utopia Bagels, you’ll have to venture far into Queens to the suburban neighborhood of Bay Terrace, but the journey is well-worth it. Utopia Bagels is an establishment that swears by the “old-fashioned way,” which is hand-rolled (not machine-rolled) placed in a refrigerator, and kettle boiled to perfection where the cook has a feel on the paddle for the perfectly boiled bagel. The bagel then goes into a rotating oven and flipped once to a crispy, brown perfection. It is unbelievable that these bagels alone cost $1 as I could eat these heavenly fluffy bagels by themselves with no cream cheeses, toppings or anything else no problem. Add the variety of cream cheeses here as well as the many sandwich options and you have a bite of heaven that you won’t want to end. We recommend getting some bagels to bring home, they even have gluten-free bagels.

Photo credit: Yelp user Alice N.

1. Baker’s Dozen Bagels

This Kew Gardens gem has it all; a variety of cream cheeses, a variety of types of bagels and a rotating oven that churns out the most mouth-watering bagels in NYC. The lines here can get up to 30 minutes on a busy day, which says a lot given that it is fairly isolated in Kew Gardens about a 45 minute subway ride out from Manhattan. Similar to Utopia Bagels, Baker’s Dozen is dedicated to the “old-fashioned” hand-rolled way of making bagels (we think we see a trend here). On an early cold winter morning, there truly is nothing better than a fresh-out-of-the-oven crisp, chewy, heavenly bagel with the perfect amount of cream cheese to warm your insides and set you off for your day. For a sweet bagel, the cinnamon raisin or plain bagel with cinnamon raisin cream cheese is the perfect treat. For a savory bagel, there are a variety of sandwiches, but you can’t go wrong with an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. Definitely get some bagels to bring home as you will not encounter this type of perfection in a bagel anywhere else.

Photo credit: Yelp user Marlena K.

Our top two bagel spots were very close in the rankings. Our top three are all in East Queens, perhaps Queens and Long Island aren’t lying when they say they have some of the best bagels in the country.

The highest achievement any restaurant in NYC can obtain is receive a Michelin Star.

Many of these Michelin Star restaurants come at a heavy price, but fortunately there is a way to experience cuisine that has earned a Michelin Star without having to break the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 most affordable Michelin Star rated restaurants in New York; they have earned the honor and privilege of earning one Michelin Star.

Casa Enrique

Ask me what my favorite restaurant in New York City is and I’ll tell you…that’s an unfair and ridiculous question. However, Casa Enrique certainly comes to mind as I ponder this unanswerable question. Not because it is in the fanciest place in New York (it’s located in Long Island City, welcome Amazon), not because it has the fanciest décor and certainly not because it is the most expensive. The atmosphere at Casa Enrique could not be more familial, it’s a Michelin Star restaurant that welcomes you with open arms. My favorites here are the extremely flavorful enchiladas in a verde tomatillo sauce, the mouth-watering rajas con crema (roasted chilies poblanos, onion, wrapped in a corn tortilla, tomatillo sauce, crema fresca, queso fresco and avocado) and of course the to-die-for, juicy, tender carne asada (a skirt steak marinated in tequila, roasted poblanos and beans). At $20-30 a plate, this restaurant serves up value and quality that simply cannot be beat. Don’t skip out on their tres leches cake!

Carne asada con rajas con crema and tres leches; photo credit: Yelp users Eric A. and Akira D.

Café China

A traditional Szechuan style restaurant “where the East is embracing the West for the first time.” One walk past Café China, and you won’t think twice about coming in…one smell of what they have to offer and you’ll be hooked. With classic dishes such as Ma Po Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Wonton Soup, and Steamed Soup Buns along with less traditional dishes such Spicy Diced Rabbit, Slow Braised Ribbonfish and Pickle Fish Stew, there truly is something for everybody at Café China. We recommend, the Dan Dan Noodles, the Pork Buns and the Spicy Cumin Lamb, but go on and be adventurous, your taste buds will thank you. Most dishes range from $12-22 so get multiple dishes, try new things and be astounded by the flavor profiles of some of the best Szechuan that New York City has to offer. They even deliver, yes a Michelin star meal delivered right to your apartment.

Photo credit: Yelp users Lucy Xue F. and Xinting Y.

Gotham Bar and Grill

Google Gotham Bar and Grill and you’ll come face to face with the dreaded four dollars sign. However, like many Michelin Star Restaurants, it serves a very affordable lunch, but unlike other Michelin Star Restaurants it’s lunch menu might be better than it’s dinner menu. One item in particular stands out on the lunch menu and is not even available at dinner time. The Gotham Burger is a classic style burger that comes with nothing but Plymouth cheddar and the slightest bit of aioli along with a side of pickled vegetables to cleanse your palate between bites and Kennebec potato French fries. This is what a pure burger looks like and at $22 it’s an absolute steal. If you’re looking for that classic “New York” feel (whatever that is), there is no better place to come than Gotham Bar and Grill. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES (especially if you’re a dark chocolate lover) leave without getting the Gotham Chocolate Cake which is served with salted almond ice cream and is regarded as one of the best desserts in New York.

Photo credit: Yelp users Alexander W. and Benz M.

Jeju Noodle Bar

Jeju Noodle Bar earned it’s first Michelin star in the 2019 edition. Like many first-time winners that came before it and will come after it, Jeju’s prices do not reflect their Michelin Star status. Jeju serves Ramyun (no, not a typo). Ramyun is the Korean equivalent of Japanese Ramen and “is a comfort dish enjoyed by Koreans of all social class and ages.” Chef Douglas Kim has worked at multiple prestigious Michelin Starred Restaurants in the business (Chef Ramsay’s Gordon Ramsay NYC, Nobu, Per Se, amongst many others), and we are so glad he opened up one of his own. Chef Kim breaks away from the traditional Korean cuisine, importing chilies from Italy and incorporating them into his Ramyun. Anytime you can get four different classic Ramyuns for less than $20, it’s a win, throw in the fact that you’re eating America’s only Michelin Star noodle restaurant and it feels like stealing. Opting for the fancier Wagyu Ramyun or Truffle Bibim Myun and you’ll be charged at $39 and $35, respectively, but trust New Yorkers, it is well-worth the price point. Start out with their famous chicken wings, throw in another appetizer or just jump straight to the noodles; we recommend adding a Sooran (poached) egg and if you’re up for it, adding uni…yes, uni.

Photo credit: Yelp users Go B. and Tom. Y

Oxomoco

Another newcomer to the Michelin Star 2019 edition, Oxomoco boasts amazing quality food at affordable prices in a tranquil, upscale setting. Oxomoco serves Mexican cuisine from areas all over Mexico. They serve a variety of tacos with amazing fresh tortillas; favorites are lamb barbacoa, arrachera flank steak and for vegetarians, the beet “chorizo.” They also serve some of the freshest and most delicious guacamole in the city and even serve burritos during brunch…that’s right a Michelin Star burrito. Most of their dishes area around $15-30, but nobody would blame you for getting the Carne Brava, a 32oz dry aged bone in ribeye, salsa roja, chimichurri, charred poblano, chorizo beans and cilantro, which costs a cool $99. Their mouth-watering Hambuerguesa Pambaza is a unique fusion of an American favorite with Michelin quality Mexican accompaniments, it is an 8oz dry aged beef with smoked onions, queso asado, salsa macha; add a fried egg for only $3. Greenpoint, Brooklyn has added another gem.

Chorizo burrito and Hambuerguesa Pambaza; photo credit Yelp users Emily B. and Megan C.

New York City. The Mecca of the pizza world (Sorry Chicago); the pizza in this city is unlike any other pizza you will try. While many judge pizza restaurants using a cheese slice as their gold-standard, we will compare the best pizzas at various locations throughout New York City. We will even compare different styles against each other; Neapolitan (wood-fired or gas-fired), Sicilian, the classic New York greasy slice to go.

Here are a few factors we consider when ranking our pizzas:

• The dough/crust: Too doughy? Too crispy? That perfect blend that creates a firm, yet flavorful base that you can truly only get in New York?
• The sauce: Is the sauce out of a can or can you really taste the homemade freshness and heart of a restaurant? The flavor profile of the sauce speaks wonders about a restaurant.
• The cheese/other toppings: The quality and freshness of the cheese can take a pizza to the next level and we’ll analyze how in our rankings.
• The consistency of the pizza: Is it burned or undercooked sometimes? Or does it always give you the same consistent flavor profile?

10. Ribaltas

As traditionally Neapolitan as it gets. Both restaurant owners Rosario Procino and Pasquale Cozzolino are from Naples and even host watch parties for Italian soccer and in particular for Napoli, a European force based in (you guessed it) Naples. Now to the pizza: the DOC has the most amazing buffalo mozzarella and basil to accompany their sauce and perfectly crispy base. It truly is freshness straight from Napoli that you can taste. Go with that special someone and get a heart-shaped pizza.

Photo credit: Yelp user Tasha C.

9. Motorino

This relatively small wood-fired restaurant in the East Village boasts some of the best dough/crust I’ve ever had. It really is the perfect blend of being light, chewy and crispy at the same time (seems impossible to possess all these qualities at once but try for yourself!). Go simple and get the Margherita or Soppressata Picante or be brave and go for the Brussels Sprout (you won’t regret it). The sauce and cheese are good, not great. Despite some consistency issues, Motorino earns the respectful number 9 position on our list.

Brussels Sprouts and Soppressata Picante Photo credit: Yelp user Alexa B.

8. Rubirosa

Rubirosa creates a homey, warm environment that is perfect for a cozy winter night. The classic tomato and mozzarella pie is as simple as it gets, but there is nothing simple about the flavor profile of this 50-year old family recipe. Their vodka and tye-dye (vodka plus pesto sauce to create the perfect Instagram pic) pizza are also popular favorites and are indeed also delicious. The crust is nothing to write home about, however the intensely flavorful sauce and cheese at Rubirosa truly make it a stand-out restaurant.

Half vodka, half classic. Photo credit: Yelp user Cara S.

7. Juliana’s

Juliana’s is names after the mother of master pizzaiolo Patsy Grimaldi, original founder of the legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria which is now under new management. While I could write an entire blog on the history of pizza, I will get straight to the pizza at Juliana’s. A classic Margherita pizza (plus or minus pepperoni) will take you to heaven. It truly has an almost flawless combination of chewy, yet crispy dough, homemade fresh sauce and the perfect amount of cheese. If Patsy Grimaldi is in the restaurant, rest assured you will get one of the best pizzas of your life. Unfortunately, the consistency at Juliana’s can be questionable, “dropping” it to a respectful number 7 on our list.

Photo credit: Paul T.

6. Totonno’s

Another restaurant drenched in history. Totonno’s has been making pizzas the same way since 1924 when Anthony (Totonno) Pero immigrated from Naples, became the first pizzaiolo and began to work for Lombardi in Spring Street in Manhattan. This family restaurant which is still run by Totonno’s two granddaughters has survived two major fires and Hurricane Sandy. Michael Gammone is the current pizzaiolo at Totonno’s and uses the same coal-fired oven from 1924. He says that a couple inches can make the difference between a burnt pizza and a perfectly cooked pizza. The pizza itself is to die for, the perfectly crispy crust, the fresh mozzarella and the tomato sauce that gushes like flavorful lava with every bite. If you’re ever in Coney Island, be absolutely sure to stop at Totonno’s; even if you’re not in Coney Island it is worth the trek! Get the margherita plain and take a trip through time to enjoy pizza how it’s supposed to be made.

Photo credit: Yelp user JohnnyPrimeC. C.

Honorable Mentions:

Before we divulge our top 5, here is a list of our honorable mentions in no particular order; those pizzas that would’ve made a top 20 list:

11. San Matteo (UES)
12. Keste (West Village)
13. Patsy’s (East Harlem)
14. Bleeker Street (West Village)
15. John’s (West Village)
16. Little Luzzos (UES, whole pies only)
17. Sottocasa (Cobble Hill)
18. Barboncino (Crown Heights)
19. Lucia (Flushing)
20. Grimaldi’s (DUMBO)

5. Pauli Gees

The cozy interior of this restaurant along with the delectable wood-fired pies churned out every night will make for a quite the dinner experience. Pauli himself regularly visits every table to strikes up a meaningful conversation with all his customers…if he really likes you, he’ll even give you free limoncello! The Delboy is our favorite and comes with fresh mozzarella, flavorful Italian tomatoes, the perfectly spicy Berkshire soppressata picante and fresh-shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Add Mike’s famous Hot Honey to the pizza and you have the ever popular Hellboy. If you haven’t tried honey on a pizza, Pauli Gee’s (or Roberta’s) is the place to do it, the honey perfectly complements the soppressata picante to create a unique sweet, yet spicy taste that when combined with the fresh mozzarella creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile. Although we highly recommend going to the original location to get a full pie, their newly opened slice shop is a fun atmosphere to hang out and grab some of the best slices Pauli has to offer.

The Delboy. Photo credit: Yelp user

4. Prince Street Pizza

This is the home of the best Sicilian slice on the planet. I regularly walk in, hold up anywhere between 2 and 5 fingers (depending on how many slices I want), pay and exit with my Sicilian slices without having said a single word. That is because the ONLY slice to get at Prince Street Pizza is the SoHo square, a Sicilian slice which comes with the most exquisitely flavored pepperoni with the perfect spicy, yet meaty flavor. The owner, Frank Morano, and his son, Dominic Morano, have mastered the consistency of the SoHo square, every time you will get a slice that has dough that is extremely fluffy, has spicy diavolo sauce that literally oozes flavor, the best pepperoni’s you’ve ever had in your life and cheese that serves as glue to bring it all together. The liquid that built up in the cups of pepperoni slices on top of the pizza is olive oil, NOT grease, so please don’t grab a napkin to soak up that extra flavor. Prince Street Pizza is not a fancy sit-down restaurant, but it is a place where you can expect to wait, be cramped, eat outside and experience what it truly means to be a New Yorker.

Photo credit: Yelp user Janice H.

3. Roberta’s

This hipster restaurant out in Bushwick (in Brooklyn) embodies a “new-school” attitude to wood-fired pizzas while still serving up all the classics. They boast unique combinations like their Beastmaster which brings together tomato, mozzarella, gorgonzola, pork sausage, onion, caper, jalapeno for a uniquely savory pie or the Bee Sting which has tomato, mozzarella, soppresassata, chili flake, chili oil, honey to create that perfect blend of spicy yet sweet that we also experienced at Pauli Gee’s. They are always coming out with new and unique pies; however, our favorite is the Famous Original which has tomato, mozzarella, caciocavallo (delicious stretched curd-cheese), parmigiano, oregano and chili. The Famous Original is the true embodiment of why New York pizza is the best pizza in the world. The combination of the perfect dough you can’t find anywhere else in the world (ok ok, maybe in Italy), the fresh tomato sauce and the cheese that is homemade every day at Roberta’s makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Roberta’s has recently opened up a location in Los Angeles, but don’t kid yourself LA, it is nowhere as near as good as the pizza heaven that is Roberta’s in Bushwick. They also have a location near Grand Central, however for the full experience and for the best flavors, venture out to Bushwick, you’ll be glad you did. While there is usually a long line, they have a take-out option, where you can eat in their garden or under a trendy, large tent that serves amazing beer.

Photo credit: Yelp user Asia C.

2. Di Fara’s

Di Fara’s not being number 1 is nothing short of blasphemous as their pizzas are nothing short of life-changing. Dom De Marco is the king of pizza, he emigrated from Caserta, Italy in 1965 and eventually settled in Midwood, Brooklyn. He’s been the inspiration for numerous pizzerias throughout the city and is the unquestionable king pizzaiolo in town. Customers do not even think twice about the $5 a slice or the $30 a pie price point, because the pizza is that good. Dom used to make every single pizza himself, however not even the king himself can beat father time, and he understandably must take breaks and allow his children (who do a fantastic job) to make pies. I could literally watch Dom make pies for hours a day, it’s clear he still has a mastery when making pizza. The first time I tried this family owned and operated institution 5 years ago, I didn’t think I would ever have a pizza that good again. I have come back time and time again to experience the magisterial flavors that are the tangy yet intensely flavorful tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, perfectly crispy dough topped off with fresh basil and drizzled with olive oil by the master himself. Words do not describe how monumentally life-altering the sauce at Di Fara’s is. We recommend the regular pie, but the classic pie (sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions) or even their square pie are solid options. So why is it number 2? The consistency at Di Fara’s has recently come into question. Consistency is one of the hardest things to master for a pizzaiolo. There are times where Di Fara serve pizzas that are slightly over or undercooked or just not quite as magical as it once was. Customers that wait 3 hours and get an overcooked pizza may be disgruntled, but the legend that is Di Fara’s pizza will always live in pizza folklore.

The king and his masterpiece. Photo credit: Yelp users Nic G. and Becky L.

1. Lucali

Ladies and gentlemen, the torch has officially been passed; Mark Iacono now owns the best pizzeria in New York (and therefore, the world). Although Mark humbly pronounces Dom De Marco the king of pizza (as evidenced by his latest Instagram post https://www.instagram.com/lucali_bk/?utm_source=ig_embe where he was honored to have Dom sign his shirt), we truly believe that Mark serves the best pizza in New York. Lucali patrons often line up well over an hour before this Carroll Gardens establishment opens to put their name down as there are no reservations. We went at 5:00 pm (an hour before it opens at 6:00 pm) and got a seating for two at 8:15pm. It is clearly no secret that Lucali serves some of the best pies in town and the simplicity of their menu (large or small pie, large or small calzone, choice of various toppings, side of sauce) along with its BYOB and cash only policy make it an extremely warm and family friendly atmosphere. We recommend the large pie as is (no toppings needed) with basil on it and a calzone (small or large) with a side of sauce. Their pie really is flawless. You can see the dough be transformed from a dough ball rolled into the immaculate base of the pie in front of your eyes. You can taste the freshness and profound flavors of the can’t miss sauce. You’ll drool over the perfectly melted and fresh mozzarella. Top it all off with some basil and, if you like, a bit of parmigiana you have a pie that consistently delivers time and time again. We never thought we’d say this, but do not skip on the calzone; the blend of fresh mozzarella, ricotta and parmigiano create an exquisitely creamy texture that in combination to the perfectly crispy and fluffy dough come together to create a flavor profile that you can’t miss on. Add some of their unparalleled tomato sauce and it really is game over. Lucali truly is perfection personified and will be for many years to come.

The master, Mark Iacono, and his creation. Photo credit: Yelp users Michelle G. and Alex W.

Welcome! My name is Rishi Trikha. I’m a medical doctor with a serious passion for everything food. You’ve come to the place for the best restaurant, cooking and other food-related recommendations. Browse around and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments!