Long Island City may not be the birthplace of the best pizza in America, but when it comes to turning out some savory slices, LIC is second to none.

L'Inizio Pizzeria - LIC, NY

Open for only a few months, L'Inizio Pizzeria in LIC has already made its mark on the Vernon/Jackson and Hunter's Point neighborhood. Tom Blaze Lattanzio and his team are all about Qualita and Passione when it comes to making the perfect pizza. The word L'Inizio means the beginning, a starting point or origin. But you don't have to understand Italian to know that in Long Island City, your search for a mouth-watering, gourmet slice of pizza begins and ends at L'Inizio. They serve pizza Al Taglio, which translates to pizza by the cut or by the slice. These thin-crust slices are square in shape and are baked in a rectangular pan. Inspired by his Nonna's cooking, Tom Lattanzio, who has lived in Hunter's Point for over 30 years, wants to give you pizza that his grandma would be proud to put on the table.

L'Inizio's dough machine is actually imported from Italy. The mozzarella and ricotta cheeses are made fresh in their kitchen every day. In season, Tom and his chefs grow herbs and vegetables in the garden and whenever possible, organic ingredients are used. All natural ingredients are sourced locally or imported from Italy. Tom follows the centuries-old art of pizza making and believes that the secret to great pizza is in the preparation. He slow-ferments his dough for 60 hours at carefully monitored low temperatures. This unique fermentation process makes your slice (or square) easier to digest. The artful combination of passione, attention to detail, quality ingredients and authentic Italian ovens brings a unique flavor and texture to your pizza. The eco-design of the space is as pleasing to the servers as is the pizza. The entire wall opposite the long counter is done up in brick, creating a warm, home-style atmosphere. There is more than enough seating to go around for a couple on a date, or a family out for an evening of pizza and some quality time together.

The owner, Tom is a people person. L'Inizio is a place where you can easily make new friends with the people sitting at the table next to you.
One of their signature pizzas is The Nonna, a basic but delicious blend of homemade tomato sauce, Fior di Latte, grana Padana and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you are a meat lover, try the Polpetta, which is house-made meatballs, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, ricotta and a touch of E.V.O.O. Another must taste is the Pollo Nero, a healty and savory slice consisting of grilled organic chicken, organic baby arugula, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, balsamic glaze and E.V.O.O. The PA-TA-TA is, shall we say, a slightly different slice from what you might be used to. This gourmet square is topped with roasted yukon gold potatoes, pancetta, Fior di Latte, caramelized onions and rosemary.

What would a pizzeria be without an old-school selection of Rotoli (Rolls) and calzones to tempt your taste buds away from a slice, at least once in a while? L'Inizio does not disappoint when it comes to their sausage or chicken rolls. Calzones such as the Formaggio, Proscuitto and Soppressata are meals unto themselves.
By the way, L'Inizio is one of the few places that still respects the lost art of making rice balls. You will not be able to stop eating these delectable little spheres. The rice balls are a carefully crafted blend of Arborio risotto, mozzarella, fontina cheese, Pecorino Romano and chopped parsley.  

Location & Hours

47-23 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 361-1965
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12:00PM to 10:00PM
Mondays (Closed)

www.linizio.com

Testaccio Ristorante - LIC, NY

You already know just how good the authentic Roman cuisine and romantic atmosphere is at long-time LIC favorite Testaccio. One could say that when Carlo and Paolo Bordone opened Testaccio several years ago, they reinvented the restaurant scene in LIC. One taste of their Fettucine Alfredo, Penne with roasted eggplant, spaghetti Alla Carbonara or Lasagna with beef and bechamel sauce lets you know that master chefs are hard at work in the kitchen.
The next time you dine at TESTACCIO, tear yourself away from the Polenta with Parmesan and indulge in their pizza.

There are twelve delicious varieties to choose from. You can stick to the basics with a classic Margherita with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. Or, you may explore more adventurous, and very tasty options, such as the Bianca Al Tartufo (mozzarella with black truffles), Tonno E Cipolla (tomatoes, red onions and tuna), or go Con Acciughe (a pie covered with tomato, oregano and anchiovies).

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The Vegetali is one of their most popular pies and for a good reason. This pizza is topped with sundried tomatoes, creamy Ricotta cheese and roasted veggies.
 

While we are talking about great time and good food, don't forget that Testaccio offers Happy Hour, each and every night. They have a friendly crowd at the bar and the drinks are expertly mixed. Week days, you can get a free Roman Apperitivo from 4 until 8 PM. Mondays, buy one Mojito and get another free at the bar. On Tuesdays, it's the same deal for Sangria. What goes better with a Testaccio pizza than drinks and great conversation with friends?

Location & Hours

47-30 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 937-2900
www.testacciony.com
Hours: Sun-Thur 12PM-11PM
Fri-Sat 12PM-12AM
 

Manducati's Rustica - LIC, NY

Amidst the casual conversation and seductive aromas emanating from the kitchen at Manducati's Rustica, you will frequently hear the refrain "that is so good" as hungry customers dig into their meal. Comfortable and at ease in Manducati's magnificent dining room, you will never want to leave, always hoping that one more magical dish will appear upon your table. This popular LIC restaurant's slogan is, "It's time to come back home for dinner." When dining here, you get the feeling that you are dining at the home of family or close friends. The chef cooks for you with the same consideration and effort as though he was preparing a meal for his own family. There's a whole lot of love going on in the kitchen at Manducati's Rustica.

The kitchen excels at traditional fare like pasta and chicken entrees. The menu is varied, but it doesn't go all over the place. However, there will always be a special place in your heart (and tummy) for Manducati's fabulous pizza, with just the right amount of tomato sauce and cheese. The balance of ingredients on the pie is perfect.

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During lunch, Manducati's offers a sensational selection of hearty paninis. There's also a yummy twist to the tasty but conventional panini sandwich. All panini ingredient choices can be served on fresh-baked pizza bread. Having a sandwich filled with sausage and broccoli rabe, grilled chicken with vinegar peppers and scallions or eggplant parmigiana will definitely make your day.

Serena pizza is topped with mussels, marinara sauce, parsley and garlic. The Quatrro Stagione has a veritable bounty of mushrooms, artichokes and olives, dressed up with arugula and shaved parmesan. But whichever pie catches your fancy on the menu, Manducati's pizzas are 14 inches of unadulturated pleasure. When you are having a party or special event, you have the option of renting their brick pizza oven! It doesn't get any better than that. 
 
Location & Hours
46-35 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, NY 11101
Hours: Tues-Fri 11AM-10PM
Sat-Sun 12PM-11PM
Monday Closed
(718) 937-1312

www.manducatisrustica.com

Food Cellar & Co. - LIC, NY

When it comes to one-stop shopping for all your produce, meat, fish, poultry, grocery and artisinal cheese needs, Food Cellar and Co. is the brand name that stands for quality and convenience. A delicious pizza, however, may not be the first thought that comes to mind when making out your Food Cellar shopping list. Well, think again, because some really Primo Pizza is on the menu-board at the Food Cellar's eat-in cafe. As with every other department here, the pizza selection is varied and the ingredients are only the best, natural and organic.

There are 19 pies to choose from and they come in sizes of 12 or 16 inch. Opt for the larger pie, because you will love every bite and there won't be any left to take home. The Cellar's pizza kings are so creative, they offer styles of pizza that you just can't find at your average shop. The Scarmorza features smoked bacon, smoked mozarella, caramelized onions and tomato sauce. The zesty Arabiatta has pepperoni, hot peppers, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and drizzled pesto. At the Cellar, delicious can be healthy too. Check out their whole wheat pizza with roasted tomatoes, broccoli, black olives, mozzarella and tomato sauce, on whole wheat dough.
The Cellar's meatball pizza is a lighter pie than you would normally expect to find.

The meatballs are chicken, rather than beef, and a touch of salsa verde is added to the tomato sauce along with fresh mozzarella. For those times when you're too busy or just plain too tired to go to the Cellar, the pizza will come to you. Just give them a call and they'll do the rest. Delivery hours are 11:30 AM until 9:30 PM. Hey, it might make working late at the office a bit more tolerable, if you know that you've got a Food Cellar pizza waiting for pickup on the way home. Good things are worth waiting for.
 

Location & Hours

4-85 47 Road
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 606-9786
Open 7 Days from 8AM-10PM

www.foodcellarandco.com

Bella Via Restaurant and Brick Oven Pizza - LIC, NY

Close your eyes and you will think that you are in Rome. From their quaint sidewalk cafe and beautifully decorated interior to the mouth-watering food brought to your table by charming, attentive waiters, Bella Via is the most authentic Italian fine dining experience you can get in LIC. And when sharing an artisinal pizza with your date over a couple of glasses of wine is the start to a magical evening, Bella Via is your destination of choice.
The secret is in the baking. A coal-fired brick oven baked pizza delivers a light, crisp and chewy crust every time out. Bella Via is proud to do it "old-school." And you'll love the delicious difference. At Bella Via, they use clean burning coal, which allows the flavor of every ingredient on their pizza to shine. While the pizza dough rises inside the oven, your pie's toppings are never overcooked.

In Italian, Bella Via means beautiful street. The same could be said of the restaurants' entrees and pizza. They are culinary works of art. The house special margherita and marinara pies are prepared with San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are premium, meaty and make the finest pizza sauce. But if red sauce isn't your thing, you will adore Bella Via's white pizza options.

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The Bella consists of sausage, broccoli rabe and mozzarella. The Biancaneve is a blend of ham, Mozzarella and Parmigiano cheese. The Quattro Formagi is available in either red or white. Love to cheese it up from time to time? Then this pie, with layers of Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Fontina, is calling your name.

Every great pizza master also knows how to make a savory calzone. At Bella Via, the calzones Alla Napoletana are outstanding. They also have a collection of flat Focaccia breads that are stuffed with fresh Mozzarella and chopped tomatoes, Bresaola and arugula or Robiola cheese and brushed with truffle oil. No matter what dish you choose to savor at Bella Via, leave room for their excellent home-made desserts.

Location & Hours

47-46 Vernon Blvd
Long Island City, NY
(718) 361-7510
Hours: Mon-Thur 12PM-10PM
Fri-Sat 12PM-10:30PM
Sunday 3:00PM-10:00PM

www.bellavialic.com