Hilltown — Restaurant in Egremont

Thank goodness this place is in my life. From every ounce of love and detail that goes into the food, to the unlimited love and passion Chef Rafi pours into the operation... Hilltown should really be a template for more food service establishments in the area. If only more restaurant owners were as hospitable and passionate as Rafi and the incredible team. The first time I had Rafi's pizza was in 2020 at Katchkie Farm. Potato/Rosemary/Cheddar Pie + a Pear/Gorgonzola Pizza that completely rocked my world. And this is coming from someone who has spent their life in either New Jersey, New York City, or Italy. But Rafi's is so different. Each pie is vastly different than the last because of the CARE and LOVE and ATTENTION that goes into each one. I have now been eating Hilltown's Pizza for 5 years and they simply get better bite by bite. Now he's doing non-pizza menu items like Mozzarella Fritti (mozz sticks), Meatballs that would make a Brooklyn Nonna proud, and rotating seasonal desserts. It's really amazing. If you find yourself in the Berkshire area on a Thursday-Sunday, do yourself the best favor you've ever done for yourself and stop at the Egremont Barn for the Summer 2024 Hilltown Pop-up. And if you're a music lover, even better because there's a music venue right there with some fantastic local acts...

Hilltown Hot Pies pizzas are truly the best I have ever eaten, but more importantly, Hilltown Hot Pies is JOY! I first discovered Rafi and his pizzas back in the summer of 2020, when there wasn’t a lot to be excited about. He and his crew popped up at Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, and seriously made our summer!! The BEST pizzas in the most gorgeous setting, served by the nicest, hardest working people. Rafi remembered me and my family (by name!) when we came and would even bring onions from home (which weren’t on the menu at the time) just for my husbands pizza. 🥹🥰 We were in absolute heaven. Over the past four years we have looked forward to summer for many reasons, but enjoying Hilltown Hot Pies (on whatever the gorgeous venue is that year) has been one of the things we look forward to most. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rafi (and your fantastic crew!!). I have never experienced a dining experience that brings me quite so much joy. (And as far as describing the pizzas themselves, I think these photos speak for...

Wow. We started with a plate of crisp pickled fennel and smokey red pepper’s accompanied by chewy baked wedges of sourdough flat bread (could have made a meal of it alone ). The meatballs that came next were fluffy and perfectly sauced. More bread ?- yes please . We shared one of the special pies - a perfect pairing of perfectly seasoned sauce , stracciatella and fresh mozzarella with fragrant basil . Fire crisped edges, EVO dripping in the right spots. More napkins please .… No room for dessert, but the offerings on the neighboring table looked inviting so we will look forward to trying something sweet next time . I agree with others that it is noisy- a happy cacophony- and refreshing on a weeknight off season . Can’t wait to sit at the pizza bar located in front of the oven to watch the bevy of chefs spinning dough . Thank you for staying the course to bring your wonderful restaurant to South County -Brava...