Restaurant Review: Lombardi’s – America’s First Pizzeria
In 1897 an Italian immigrant reinvented a Napoletana staple food into one of the worlds most eaten foods. New York City was the birth place of New York style pizza. During the year of 1905, Lombardi’s was licensed by the City of New York, becoming America’s First Pizzeria.
Over 100 years and still coveted as one of the Best Pizzeria’s in the United States. Highly regarded and rated as the Best of New York, a City of Pizzeria’s.

After 2 years of living in New York City, we finally made it down to Lombardi’s. And before we leave, we’re going to go back again! Anywhere in America that you live, I bet you’ve heard of Lombardi’s – in some form or another. Perhaps there’s a Lombardi’s imitation near you. But as the Ex & I can attest, there’s nothing like the original.
I’ve traditionally entertained the school of thought that there’s no such thing as a bad pizza – but I never considered what makes a really good pizza. Cholula Pizza is great, but if that’s great then Lombardi’s is gourmet.

We ordered a small original – six slices made with fresh mozzarella, a San Marzano tomato sauce and topped with Romano cheese and fresh basil. One small pizza is just enough to feed two people. You may think that 3 slices is a lot for lunch – but these are thin crust and not like your normal slice with all that added stuff. Plus, the sauce and cheese is so fresh, there’s no way you’ll be able to pass up that last slice.
And, shock of all shocks, this is one pizza I wouldn’t slather in hot sauce. There you have it – something I won’t eat hot sauce on!
Lombardi’s
32 Spring St
New York, NY 10012-4173
(212) 941-7994
Cross Street: Corner of Spring and Mott Street (the number 6 subway line is only a block away)
Damn that looks good! Thank goodness I have the new version of Microsoft Smell! Still waiting for Taste to come out…. 😉
No hot sauce? You feelin OK Nick?
Nick, you should have busted out the Frostbite!
That looks amazing! Bring a slice here next week!
Wow, they don’t make pizza that looks that good in Arizona for sure
Now Thats Italian From Naples!!
Lombardi’s is pretty good, except that it doesn’t hold up too well if you get it delivered. Personally, I prefer the Little Italy on 43th near 5th Ave. Traditional New York Slice. I disagree that NY slices are equal…there are lots of bad pies out there.
I had a good slice in Bedford. I couldn’t be more vague, could I? I just don’t remember where.
Could not resist, just ordered a large sausage and onion all for myself.