Now, I consider myself a pizzaiolo. I have a pizza oven, I’m obsessed with pizza, I’m a New Yorker – what else is there to say?
So when I tell you one of my all time favorite spots is right here in Brooklyn, you need to check it out. I’m not the only one who thinks so too.
With over 2,000 reviews on Yelp, consisting of all five star reviews – the critics have spoken. Additionally, a certain superstar *ahem Beyonce ahem* has said this joint is her favorite pizza spot.
I mean, c’mon, I’m sold!
Bearer of Brooklyn Pizza
Lucali is located 575 Henry Street in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn. The regular hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 5:45 to 11 PM.
Due to COVID-19, they have altered their schedule to 1-8PM, on varying days. We suggest calling them to confirm.
Getting in has never been easy though. Prior to COVID-19, you couldn’t get a reservation at Lucali. They don’t offer them.
What you had to do is wait in line before they open and put your name on a list. My boyfriend waited in brisk February temperatures from 3:30 to 5:45 on Valentine’s Day two years ago to get us on that list.
It’s true love. The love we have for Lucali.
Now, they’re offering pick up and outdoor seating. And finally, they’re allowing you to call for reservations everyday starting at 2PM.
So you’re in luck.
Backstory On Brooklyn Pizza Obsession
Mark Iacono, self-made pizzalo, opened up Lucali in 2006. Prior to opening, he had never made pizzas.
Iacono professes that, “his goal starting out at Lucali was to replicate the pizza he loved as a kid.” Now Lucali is one of the best pizza locales in the city, maybe even the world.
He grew up in Carroll Gardens prior to it becoming the gentrified escape it is now. Lucali has the same feeling.
It feels like a piece of the past, a homey slice of what was. A south-Brooklyn gem that you need to wait in line for.
What Are We Eating?
The menu is sparse, only because Lucali knows what you need. At Lucali, slices don’t exist. You go big or you go home.
The only pizza offering is a large pie for twenty four dollars, and toppings are three dollars a pop. They have pepperoni, shallot, onion, hot pepper, sweet pepper, and mushroom.
Garlic and basil is complimentary – so get it, cause when in Rome. Or rather, when in Brooklyn.
Additionally, you can get a side of sauce for five dollars to go with your meal. Now a side of sauce might sauce weird, BUT GET IT!
The homemade red sauce is cooked for hours. They make their meatballs in it and we suggest using it to dip your crust, your calzone, or anything else you want in it. It’s sweet and savory, garnished with basil.
The calzone is another delectable offering, with either the option of a small or a large. It is the best calzone you will ever have.
The small goes for twelve dollars and the large goes for twenty two dollars. Dip it into the red sauce, and viola! You have perfection.
The restaurant offers water but it is BYOB. Which honestly, I love. Pick up a pack of beer or a bottle of wine and you have the most iconic date night.
If You Don’t Know, Now Ya Know…
Lucali is home to many celebrity sightings. From Beyonce and Jay-Z, to Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.
It’s so popular because the hype is real. The food is amazing, the location is beautiful, and it’s BYOB.
Everyone is in search of a memorable dining experience that features good food and company. Lucali has all the ingredients for you to have the best and most delicious memories.
If famous people can’t convince you, listen to what the locals are saying. Andy in Brooklyn said, “The big star here is the crust. There is a bit of char and it’s perfectly crispy.”
Dasha in Manhattan exclaimed that, “Every pizza lover needs to come here.”
You heard it here first folks, the pizza is divine.
