Lombardi's, Little Italy, Manhattan
Lombardi's Margherita Pizza, originally uploaded by Aaron Landry.
My trip to New York wouldn't be complete without a stop at Lombardi's, which lays claim to the first pizzeria in the United States. There's a plaque on their corner on Spring and Mott Streets that indicates as such but the original Lombardi's was a block away and opened in 1897 as a grocery store. They started selling "tomato pies" in 1905.
Although their location looks small, there's a back room for dining and they have seating in the basement, where the walls are essentially a huge wine rack. Many of the tables have the stereotypical red and white checkered table cloths but atypically the staff seating people were equipped with two-way radios and headsets. My waitress, Sofia was friendly and prompt. I ordered the Margherita -- their classic. It arrived quickly with fresh sauce, cheese thrown down in dabs and fresh basil sprinkled around. Very well balanced. The crust is thin but the edges are thick and a bit doughy. Suited to be eaten with a fork and knife but can also be eaten by holding it like a stereotypical New York slice: Your thumb and middle finger on the bottom and your pointer finger pushing down in the middle. However you eat it, I wouldn't mind having another one right now. I wondered how close this is to the pizza served here 100 years ago. Either way, it's good and it's a little slice of history. Also note: just like it was 100 years ago, Lombardi's only accept cash. Lombardi's32 Spring St
New York, NY 10012-4173
212-941-7994
