NYCReview
Lombardi's
The self-proclaimed "first pizzeria in America," Lombardi's has long been at the top of the list for tourists looking for a taste of real New York City pizza. Rightfully so, as this Neapolitan style coal oven pizza is top-rate. Unfortunately, to get a taste you'll have to wait in line behind the gaggles of people being dropped off by the double-decker bus load. The room is Little Italy meets The Olive Garden, and the staff in front sport headsets, which must help keep the place from falling into chaos ... that or it makes the guys eating with their Bluetooth earpiece in feel a little more at home. Either way, it's worth making the trip and waiting it out every once in a while. A word to the wise, don't sleep on the clam pizza. And make sure you don't get any sauce on your foam Statue of Liberty crown.
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Food Rundown
Genarro's Original Pizza
In our opinion, the true test of a New York City pizzeria is its margherita. Lombardi's standard pizza is very good, with a mild and well balanced tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The char on the crust is perfect.
White Pizza
No red sauce, just mozzarella, romano, and ricotta cheese, along with herbs and garlic infused olive oil. A decent pie, but we like us some red sauce. This is a solid move if you are with a big group and are ordering more than two or three pies. Make this the third or fourth on the list.
Clam Pizza
Only a few places in New York City have a clam pizza on the menu. It was invented in New Haven, CT and Lombardi's now has one of their own. No sauce, no mozzarella cheese - just clams, olive oil, garlic, a little romano cheese, and delicious coal oven crust.
