Capizzi — Restaurant in New York

Capizzi: A Slice of Naples in the Heart of Manhattan

Nestled in the bustling streets of Manhattan, Capizzi is a hidden gem that transports you straight to the sun-soaked coast of Naples. This charming Italian eatery has quickly become my go-to spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza and a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like coming home.

A Pizza Paradise

The star of the show at Capizzi is undoubtedly their pizza. I had the pleasure of indulging in their arugula and prosciutto pizza, and it was nothing short of a revelation. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, with just the right amount of char from the wood-fired oven. The toppings were a testament to quality ingredients – the arugula was fresh and peppery, while the prosciutto melted in my mouth with its delicate saltiness. It's clear that Capizzi takes pride in sourcing top-notch, native Italian ingredients, and it shows in every bite.

Nonna's Living Room

What sets Capizzi apart from other NYC pizzerias is its utterly charming decor. Stepping inside feels like walking into the cozy living room of an Italian grandmother. The walls are adorned with vintage family photos, mismatched frames, and rustic knick-knacks that create a homey, lived-in feel. The wooden tables and chairs add to the rustic charm, making you feel as if you've been invited to a family dinner in Naples rather than dining out in New York City.

Service with a Smile

The wait staff at Capizzi deserve a special mention. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. Their attentiveness throughout the meal was impeccable, striking the perfect balance between being present and allowing diners to enjoy their meal undisturbed.

A Sweet Surprise

As if the experience wasn't already perfect, the staff at Capizzi went above and beyond by surprising me with a complimentary tiramisu for dessert. And let me tell you, it was hands down the best tiramisu I've ever had in my life. The espresso notes were top notch. This unexpected gesture of generosity left an indelible impression and ensured that Capizzi will remain a favorite in my NYC dining repertoire.

Final Thoughts

Capizzi is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that captures the essence of Italian hospitality and culinary tradition. From the mouthwatering pizzas to the cozy ambiance and exceptional service, every aspect of my visit was a delight. Whether you're a native New Yorker or a visitor to the city, Capizzi is a must-visit destination for anyone craving an authentic taste of Naples in the heart of Manhattan. Trust me, you won't be...

UPDATE: To add insult to injury, these clowns have allowed themselves to steal money from me! I just checked my credit card statement, and discovered the restaurant has decided to charge a higher tip amount than what I have given them. I guess they assumed most people don't check their credit card statements ... well I do! I'm therefore updating my rating of this establishment to 1 star. If it were just for the food, I'd rate this place 3.5 stars.

But the attitude of the staff was ... wow, that waiter must have been the world gaslighting champion.

We made a reservation and arrived at the restaurant at 7pm sharp. I told the waiter I have a reservation and ... the guy stared at me in disbelief, doubting my every word. Dunno what was so surprising, people often make reservations at restaurants, right?

The waiter acted like he was doing me a special favor, went back to the kitchen to double check, and said ... drumroll ... no reservation for you. He asked me how I made the reservation, I said over the phone. "Over the phone?", the guy asked, still in disbelief. I confirmed. I pulled out my phone to show him the call to the restaurant in the list of recent calls.

It gets better from here, trust me. He stared at my phone, and asked "You made a reservation 42 minutes ago?" Yeah, that's what my phone shows, and I trust it to measure the time correctly. And then the million dollar question came: "Really?" I was at a complete loss of words. Well yeah, I had a witness to this call. And the witness was with me.

At this point the waiter has succeeded in making me question my sanity (World Gaslighting Champion, remember?) He retreated back to the kitchen again ... and, surprise surprise, they suddenly found my reservation! A brief apology followed ... like a very brief one. The waiter asked us to wait outside (yes, in the cold February evening in New York), and promised to come outside and get us in within 5 minutes.

Five minutes passed ... Ten ... Fifteen ... After seventeen minutes a royal gesture comes, from the cozy warmth of the restaurant, waving us in. Like, thou shalt enter now.

The food was edible, not on par with the reviews, but ok. But thinking that we got the food with free entertainment included, maybe it wasn't a bad deal...

It's hard to say enough about a place that is so great. The pizza is fantastic, the atmosphere makes you feel like you're in a dining room in Italy. The service is attentive and helpful.

First the pizza, made in a wood fired brick oven, they only make a 12-in, it's enough for one person. It's pretty rare you go someplace to get pizza and the ingredients they use for the toppings are top of the line.... But that is the case here. The pepperoni is hand cut, it curls up on the edges and has wonderful flavor. The mushrooms are portobello but not too big and cut just right so they are noticeable on the pizza but correct texture. The crust is thin but still has texture, it's a bit crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Seriously one of the best pies I've had in memory. This is not $1 on the corner of New York Pizza, this is wellcrafted, balanced and fresh pizza. You also won't believe how fast it comes out, it literally takes less than 3 minutes to cook the pizza and it gets to your table in a few minutes more.

You probably think the same thing I do about tiramisu in the United States. I have a favorite, it's in Chicago and very traditional Italian. This is pretty close too. The mascarpone is a thick layer, the lady fingers have texture, and the coffee doesn't overwhelm yet is present. The whip cream is real and very lightly sweetened. They say they make it daily, from the flavor and the appearance, they definitely do. Don't miss adding this to your table.

I also thoroughly enjoyed a nice chilled bottle of sparkling Aqua Panna, and Motetti beer. Definitely from Italy.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is very comfortable I would say a bit Italian rustic, It doesn't try to be something it's not and is far from a modern blank slate.

The service was casual yet proper and made me feel like I'm a regular although it was my first time eating ( but not my last!)

With nothing short of thousands of dining options in Manhattan, this is a standout for sit down yet casual pizza. It would be a very worthwhile choice.

Go support Joe and the family, I don't think you'll be...