Vodka-Roni Pie

“Belucci’s pepperoni vodka slice looks nothing like any other vodka slice I’ve eaten in my lifetime. Rather than baking the pie with sauce, they pour it over the slice after it’s done — resulting in a stream of creamy, rich flavor as a topping instead of a base. It’s messy. It’s daring. And I thoroughly enjoyed gobbling it down right outside of this new-ish slice shop in Astoria on a sunny Friday afternoon. Impressively, the crispy pepperoni cups, fresh mozzarella, and crunchy pizza crust all held their own under all that liquid.”

- Nikko Duren, Staff Writer

Astoria’s newest slice shop is run by a dough master who used to make pizza at Rubirosa. So if you’re a fan of thin crust pies with crispy edges, Belucci’s should be a top priority pizza destination no matter where you live. Unlike Rubirosa, it’s just a tiny counter-service spot with more kitchen space than standing room, and if you only order one thing, make it the pepperoni vodka slice. Rather than baking the pie with vodka sauce, they pour it over the slice after it’s done — resulting in a stream of creamy, rich flavor as a topping instead of a base. It’s messy. It’s daring. And we thoroughly enjoyed it. Impressively, the crispy pepperoni cups, fresh mozzarella, and crunchy pizza crust all held their own under all that liquid.