SADLY, MELANI PIZZERIA IS NOW CLOSED.
At some point I realized there was no way I’d be able to visit every single pizzeria in the city – although others have tried. So I’ve been more selective with my pizza reviews focusing on places that could actual fit the bill for the best pizza in the city.
Places like Melani probably won’t win any awards so they have fallen off my radar. Except I needed something to eat quickly one day in the Lower East Side and I noticed Melani’s clean, well-designed M logo and before I knew it, I had a slice of their pizza in my face.
The interior, which hid blaring music and counter workers that don’t wear gloves, gives a different impression than the modern signage hinted at. I knew what I was getting myself into when I ordered a slice.
Somehow I lucked out in getting a slice right out of the gas oven. So thankfully it hadn’t been sitting there all day. Despite its freshness, there was no char on the bottom and the thin crust was not crunchy in any way.
No special ingredients, the usual processed pizza cheese. But it was a decent cheap pizza that is probably ten times more delicious late night after a few beers.
It’ll do in a pinch but Melani is not the best pizza in the city or even in the neighborhood. But that’s ok. And it’s also ok if I never try every pizza in the city.
Is Melani Pizzeria the best pizza in NY? Definitely not, but I never expected it to be. It’s just a typical greasy late night pizza shop in the Lower East Side. And it’s nice to have those around. 6 out of 10.
| MELANI PIZZA |
| 170 Rivington Street (between Clinton and Ridge Street), Lower East Side (212) 673-3450 |
| melanipizza.com |
