A pizza that will make even the most discerning housewife crack a smile
While Mr P and I were in New York, we had the pleasure of trying pizza at three different places. The second restaurant we got our pizza on at was Lombardi’s. Lots of people say that this is the best pizza in New York (and hence, the world). It is certainly one of the oldest! Actually, it IS the oldest! It is the very first pizzeria to grace America. Lombardi’s has been going strong for over 100 years. I was sooooo looking forward to this meal.
Lombardi’s is a fun and casual restaurant with red and white checked table cloths and brick walls. It’s just what you imagine it should be. This is the kind of place where you don’t feel to embarrassed about discreetly unbuttoning the top button of your jeans from extreme bloat (not that I do that daaaaaahlings, I have special “eating clothes” that I wear for my big piggy meals in order to avoid that kind of thing). Although they don’t accept reservations, Mr P and I did not wait long for our table, and service was prompt.
Normally, when I’m out, I always order a diet coke or water. My philosophy is that I don’t like to waste calories on drinks, I save that for real food. I am normally never tempted by any fancy drinks or exotic juices–they just don’t hold much interest for me, but this was different. I really wanted to try their Italian soda. I saw a picture of it on flickr.com and since then, I knew I had to have it. Daaaahlings, seriously, this drink alone is worth coming to Lombardi’s for. It was amazing. It is now my second favourite drink in the world (first being the banana lassi at Tayyab’s in London). I ordered the raspberry Italian soda. It looked completely fabulous, but upon first sip, I didn’t like it. It tasted almost medicinal. Slowly, however, it REALLY started to grow on me. Soon some of that delicious and heavy whipped cream started to mingle with the soda a bit and it became positively dreamy. Once I finished it you could hear me trying to slurp up any little remaining nectar amongst the ice cubes. You know that annoying sound that makes, right? Oh, I really am the worst dinner companion. Poor Mr. P… but actually, Mr P was really feeling that Italian soda too. They also have vanilla by the way, and for the purpose of research, I am happy to tell you that it is also just as excellent! Oh yes, I am horrible.
Okay, I know it’s a big picture, but something this wonderful demands it. She is a beauty, no?
For starters Mr P and I ordered the bread sticks with marinara dipping sauce. Yuck! Don’t order those. They tasted like old hot dog buns or something. Save the belly space for your pizzas daaaaaahlings– isn’t it cool that I tell you this stuff? This way, at least when your thighs expand, it will be for the good stuff (please feel free to make a donation for this oh-so-valuable service my lovelies).
And now, it’s time for the main even: the pizza. Luckily, in NY, unlike in the UK, you can order half of one pizza and half of another. I love that. Mr P and I ordered half of a regular margarita pizza and half of a white pizza. Behold…
You know what? It really was the best pizza I ever had– it left that pizza I had at Otto in the dust. So how is it different? Well, for one thing it is much bigger. I love these big pizzas. I’m not sure, but I think in Italy, the authentic pizzas are smaller, personal pizzas. But I am an American. I like big stuff. And I love this pizza in all it’s big-butt inducing glory. The crust was nicer than the one at Otto, being more crispy, crackly and wheaty-smelling. I have to admit though, I much preferred the white pizza to the much more demure regular pizza. While the regular pizza was without a doubt superb with its fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of basil, it was the raunchy cheese feast side that really stole the show for me. If you love cheese, this is Heaven my dears. The white pizza consists of mozzarella, tons of ricotta (yes!), Romano cheese, herbs, and garlic infused olive oil. Who needs sauce??!? This half was incredibly, to use a Nigella Lawson term,”unctuous” and dense. Pure. Cheesy. Fatty. Indulgence. In fact, this is a pizza so decadent and scandalous, that it is almost adulterous! Yes, really! You can’t eat this if you are a salad girl, this pizza might kill you. Luckily for me, I’m not.
Unfortunately, Lombardi’s does not sell by the slice. You gotta buy the whole hog. If you live in NY, please leave your name and number so we can go on a pizza date if I’m ever there on my own (otherwise that whole hog is gonna be me). Because I can tell you one thing: I most definitely WILL come back here. Next time it’s going to be ALL white pizza and an Italian soda. God, I love New York.
Score for Lombardi’s Pizza: 9/10 (but if I just had the white pizza and the soda, it would have been a 10!)
Oh, my! Daaaaaaaahling HH! What you’re prepared to do for research is beyond words! btw is there a Nobel prize for … in depth-Pizza research?! Priceless!
Hugs & *Kisses*
LOLA:)
PS We’re all now intrigued about those “eating” clothes! Might we, your devoted readers, ger a tiny peek sometime?!
Oh I’m so jealous *.* …how I wish I can try 3 types of pizza too!
Sounds like Mr. P is such a tolerant man…..that soda drink with that creamy swirl looks just as mysterious and as Mona Lisa.
Oh wow..sounds like you’re having a wonderful time in NYC! Lombardi’s does have great pizza, but you also have to try John’s Pizzeria in Times Square! Always get a slice when I’m there..major yum!
Ooooo… You lucky lady! I’m so jealous. You make the drinks sounded so lucious and the pizzas absolutely speechless. Btw, did you finish the drinks before the food came in? hehe…. More to come! Enjoy your day, daaahling.
Cheers, kristy
Wow does that pizza look terrific. I’m with you….the white pizza sounds like the way to go. Thanks for a wonderful review. If I ever get the chance to go to Lombardi’s I will be sure to wear my “eating clothes” – LOL! Glad to hear you’re having such a great time.
An awesome pizza for sure!
I’ve been to Lombardi’s. My friends and I noticed a family of tourists and speculated where they were from. So, I went and asked. I love NY.
You’ve out done yourself. I’ve never been to Lombardi’s, but you can bet next trip I’ll be making a stop. Can’t wait to hear more . . .
I have never been to Lombardi’s but for certain it is on my bucket list! I love that you two ordered my two favorite pizzas on the same pizza. Bravo, looks like it was worth every minute. Have fun in NY!!
Oh my God. I’ve been trying to find a pizza like that down here for months.
Ooooh…I think I’m in love with that Italian raspberry soda! And I’ll meet you at Lombardi’s if you’re willing to do another half/half split (I’m not a white pizza girl, I need my marinara sauce!)
Oh my, my! I’m glad you shared this — it looks AMAZING! Hubby and I are planning a trip back to NYC in January and we’re on the hunt for the best pizza in New York! We’ll absolutely have to check it out! The Italian soda looks pretty fantastic too! XO
YAY, I am so happy to hear such a wonderful review about a local restaurant!! ( well local in the sense that I am only 1 hour away) And I am even happier you and Mr. P are having a delicious time here. I think I’m going in later this week, maybe I’ll get pizza
xx
I’m all about the insanely delicious white pizza! And the soda is a such a treat! I’ve had them before but it’s been way too long. Is it bad that I have a special pair of pants too?
super jealous of you right now, butt inducing glory oh you kill me…lol
sweetlife
Okay, honestly, HH…you ARE already having the perfect vacation. You said you wanted to eat oodles and oodles of fatty food in NY…and you are! I can’t guarantee that the weight will stay the same…but god you’re eating WELL and you SHOULD enjoy every single lick and bite!
Go big or go home…definitely. I am going to need to try this place out now that you said it was the best pizza you ever had…That is a very bold statement HH! I will hold you to it!
That. looks. so. good. Worth every dimple!
John’s Pizzeria is great, too! Also, for dessert Serendipity is a must!
Wow, half and half pizza that is way to go…it sure looks very yummie!
The pizza reminds me so much of NYC – big, bold and totally in your face – and I just love it!
A dozen years ago, we did a movie with a pizza kitchen scene that we recreated on a stage. We imported Lombardi’s pizza makers to tutor
Jason Lee on the fine points of the art (they said he was a natural). With dozens of Lombardi’s pizzas on the set there was little lunch eaten… even cold they are just too good and the guys from the place were real troupers. I am so glad you liked it… Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn (right at the water with a view of Manhattan to die for) is a child of Lombardis… maybe next time (if they settle their landlord troubles!!!). I would be happy to share a pie on your next visit!!!
Oh Darling, I want to go to NY with you…I promise I’m not a salad girl and wil be a good little piggy
That soda looks divine!
That sounds fantastic. I need to get to New York right away. I can tell from the photo, the crust must have been amazing.
Maybe that is why I gave this a miss when I was in NY – cos they don’t sell by the slice. I am the kind who can’t decide which flavor to get and by the slice is best for me so I can be indecision and order different varieties by the slice :O
That pizza is making me drool. I’m not kidding. It looks insanely good. I might be able to eat the whole thing. Although, I would be sorry.
Dahling HH – I am appalled to have missed 4 of your posts! Forgive the girl, eh? Secondly I can’t believe you are in my favorite city!!!! And we are on the same continent….sigh…..I wish we could have met
The white pizza is my all time fave but forgive me for saying this but I think that Chris Bianco’s (Pizzeria Bianco) in Phoenix AZ wlll always be my PIZZA MECCA
Next trip maybe???
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Oh I forgot to say – You really must go eat at LUPA – our fave restaurant (infact we have been known to intentionally stop over at Kennedy just to be able to eat herel) Yah we are crazy that way!!!
Ciao, Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Killing me softly with this post (and pie)
xx
That pie is a beaut! Yeah, the one bad thing about Otto is that they don’t have a pizza oven per se. So they do it on the flat-top. It’s quite good, but just not the same as one charred in the monstrous high heat of a true pizza oven.
Me. Want. Pizza!!!! I have heard of Lombardi’s from several of my friend’s who live there. They recommend it always.
Oh HH take me with you next time! You’re hitting all the best places!
That soda looks delicious. However, to find the perfect pizza, you must come to Chicago!! Hope you are having a lovely time.
Best,
Bonnie
Now I’m so confused. All this time I thought you were a Brit. That white pizza does sound over the top delicious. I may have to plan a trip to NY.
I think we should have a sundae and pizza party!
Oh baby, I wanna bite! It looks just fabulously yummy! The soda looks quite interesting too. I too order water savin’ the calories for the main coursed but I think I might cotton to that soda!
)
Thanks for sharin’ your pizza with us sweetie!
God bless ya and have a glorious day!!!!
Hello Sweet Friend!
I have actually had pizza at Lombardi’s and you described everything perfectly. I got a kick out of your special eating clothes…unfortunately, mine have turned into my everday clothes…that darn Italian’s cooking is making my backside expand by the day…sigh!
I have missed you so…thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me, I completely adore you!
Big hugs,
Karyn
You’re starting to sound perfectly primed for writing your mini-tour guide of NYCity’s best eats…starting with pizza ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Oh yum on that pizza, makes me want to have a slice….if I didn’t live all they way out here!
God I love New York too and I’m so jealous that you’re there enjoying the City, and enjoying this pizza plus the Italian soda! haha!
Have fun though.. ENJOY!
Oooh I missed your trip to NY! Gotta read that other post. Yum I love pizza and ate lots of it in Florida. But that drink… yum! And very elegant! Raspberry fizzy with…whipped cream? You naughty girl!
OMG! That pizza looks absolutely stunning! You’re so lucky to go to New York for pizza!
Yum!! Love the Italian soda – like you, I always order diet Coke to save the calories for other things. And the white pizza sounds amazing – very jealous.
Waw!! that pizza looks so good & inviting too!
MMMMMM,..I also loved the 1st picture: hahaha!
oh wow! that white pizza looks heavenly!
Wow that sounds good. I have to admit that I really really like American pizza much better than the pizza we have here in Australia as a general rule. Oh and that soda, that is definitely my kinda drink. Yes normally I am just a water girl but that raspberry soda would surely tempt me.
How very very lucky we are to have you to tell us this stuff.
Lombardi’s has just made it to my NY foodie trip & let me tell you I have so many places to visit while there
And, thanks for the tip on wearing Aaahhh, appropriate clothing while pigging out …., I mean…., researching. Am loving your blog BTW.
I’ll also have to go to this place for the white pizza. I’m not typically enticed by creamy soda, but your description has me changing my mind.
Good to know. We were there – but only on the outside. It opened later, and we didn’t have time… next time, I will take your advice. White pizza and Italian Soda. It looks great. I don’t need any addition to my butt, but, hey – you only live once.
Valerie