PIZZA in New York: Luigi’s Pizza

When I talk to people about Luigi’s, I’m never sure what neighborhood to put it in. Some people call this slightly deserted little block (except for a few Italian bakeries) Windsor Terrace, others call it South (Park) Slope, and I’ve even read some that say it’s Sunset Park.  I don’t know where the hell I was, but it’s not too hard to find.

The owner, Giovanni, was the first thing I fell in love with.  He was incredibly personable and showed a real passion for his work – and for food, in general.  He kept bragging about all the weight he lost and how frustrated he is to not be able to eat as much pizza.  He also offered me a free taste of his Momma’s slice (similar to a grandma slice) and I think he lived vicariously through me since he kept saying how he can’t eat too much of it anymore.  Lately, you can find him on a social media video from time to time. He’s become as much a part of the destination as the pizza.

I ordered the one slice I kept hearing all about: the fresh mozzarella.  It looked similar to a traditional margherita, but instead of basil, they add a little herb oil (very similar to pesto) that is made with herbs grown in Giovanni’s father’s (the original owner of Luigi’s) garden in Staten Island.  In fact, all the ingredients are incredibly fresh and of the utmost quality.  And he uses different tomato sauces for different pies.  Now, that’s intelligent pizza making.

The flavors of this slice were close to perfection.  It was perfectly balanced with the right amount of creamy cheese and flavorful tomato sauce.  The herb oil brought out all the flavors and added a nice herbaceousness.  The crust was thin and crispy and charred beautifully.

I learned later that Adam Sandler filmed a scene from Big Daddy at Luigi’s.  And I can understand why – the pizza is delicious and the pizzaiolo is friendly, entertaining, and takes his pizza seriously.