Lombardi's — Restaurant in New York

First, know it's cash only (it's posted clearly on the outside, which definitely helps). Me and my fiancee walk in and it's pretty crowded. We're given a buzzer and told it'll be 15-20 minutes. We sit down by the bar on a little bench, no problem. We wait about 3 minutes and our buzzer goes off. Strange but pleasant surprise! So we're led to the back area that's a pretty small "hallway" and take our seats. Above us was an autograph from Jack Nicholson which was pretty awesome. Also, know their pizzas are margherita style - a more traditional pizza with small circular cuts of mozzarella cheese placed around the pizza, leaving quite a few bites with only sauce. I highly recommend this type of pizza to many people who haven't tried it!

So we wait a handful of minutes before we can place our order - and yes, it was a noticeably long wait for our waiter to show up. We get two drinks ($3 each, NO REFILLS) and a small plain 6-slice pizza ($22, a large was $25). Alcoholic beverages were mostly $9, some beers were $6 if I recall correctly. Drinks took awhile to arrive and the pizza might've been another 15-20 minutes. About standard for a busy restaurant.

The soda was a good (some places get the syrup messed up, so figured I'd mention it). The pizza was good. It had a strong basil smell from the small seasoning/garnish leaves (which I loved). The sauce was good and the amount of cheese on the pizza was perfect for a margherita pizza. The pizza was quite thin, the crust was very crispy, and the actual slice was slightly flimsy (to give you an idea of how they'll probably come). While the pizza was pretty good, I do have to admit I still prefer the margherita pizza at my local mall pizzeria. It was slightly disappointing to not have this blow out the very short list of margherita pizzas I've had. Anyways, we finished it quickly and cleared off the pizza holder. It was immediately picked up by a friendly staff member.

This, however, leads into the most frustrating part of the experience, after the meal was finished. Despite immediately seeing the empty tray/holder and taking it, we waited for easily 15+ minutes to get the check. While we waited, another customer walked up to a staff member and had to ask for her check (I could hear a slight frustration in her voice). I'm not kidding, about 10 minutes goes by and she walks back up and had to hand the money/check to them because they still weren't coming to her table. He asked her if she needed change and she said "No." As she turned around and passed our table, she let out a slightly exaggerated annoyed sigh. I don't blame her. Eventually we got the check and paid. For us two, with two drinks and a small pizza, it came to $36 total ($30 + $6 tip).

3/5 for me. Pizza was good but didn't blow me away. Stunning that they were so slow to clear tables when it was obviously busy. If you want a cool experience in the city eating at a historic location (said to be the first pizzeria in America I believe), it's worth a shot. If you're in the city and want to grab a quick slice, you'll probably be able to find some slices that give this pizza a run for the money for cheaper - and you'll probably be more full too. Cash only wasn't a problem for us but could be for others. Overall a decent experience. But waiting for staff to notice you after you're done eating is quite annoying to me. Especially after being fairly spoiled by Ziosks where you can swipe your card and leave immediately after your last bite...

A Nostalgic Culinary Journey at Lombardi's Pizza

As a restaurant critic who has savored countless culinary experiences, it is a rare occasion that I find myself nostalgically reflecting on a dining experience with such fondness and a tinge of melancholy. Lombardi's Pizza is not merely a restaurant; it's a capsule of cherished memories, exceptional flavors, and the warmth of good company.

I recall an evening that stands out in my memory with striking clarity, a night spent at Lombardi's with the most amazing people, amongst whom was someone who, for a time, was the greatest privilege life had ever bestowed upon me. She was a remarkable presence, one who truly rocked my world, and Lombardi's Pizza played a significant role in those moments of youthful joy and happiness.

The pizza at Lombardi's is nothing short of exquisite. Each bite was a blend of perfectly charred crust, the tang of authentic tomato sauce, and the richness of fresh mozzarella. But beyond the flavors, it was the ambiance of Lombardi's that augmented our experience. The bustling yet warm environment added an intangible quality to our meal, making it more than just a dinner but a memory etched in time.

As I reminisce about those days, there's a bittersweet feeling that accompanies the memory. Those times have passed, and the company once shared is no longer present, yet the moments spent at Lombardi's remain a treasured fragment of my past. I am immensely appreciative of the role this establishment played in creating such unforgettable experiences.

In summary, Lombardi's Pizza isn't just about the culinary delight; it's about the memories it helps create. To anyone seeking more than just a meal, but an experience to cherish, I wholeheartedly recommend Lombardi's. Here, you may not only savor the best pizza but perhaps, like me, create memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

With heartfelt gratitude and a touch of nostalgia, Arbel L Medina USMC...

We were not impressed with the pizza. I have dined here years before and remember it being better. It's cash only (why?) and the service was lackluster. The pizza was a disappointment. The sauce was lacking flavor and you almost had to saw through the crust with a knife. You can tell their cheese isn't of good quality. It's historic, but I would not return. There are many better options in the city. More about the restaurant: Lombardi’s is often credited as America’s first pizzeria, established in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi at 53½ Spring Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy. However, recent research suggests a more nuanced story. Gennaro, a Neapolitan immigrant who arrived in the U.S. in 1904, initially worked at a grocery store that sold "tomato pies" starting around 1897. These pies, inspired by Neapolitan flatbreads, were simple, featuring dough, tomatoes, and sometimes cheese, and were popular among local factory workers who bought them wrapped in paper for lunch. The grocery store’s pizza operation is said to have been sparked by Antonio Totonno Pero, a Naples-born employee, with Gennaro obtaining a business license in 1905 to formally operate as a pizzeria. The original Lombardi’s operated successfully through much of the 20th century, becoming a community hub for Italian immigrants and even attracting figures like tenor Enrico Caruso. However, by the 1980s, issues with the coal oven led to pizza being removed from the menu, and the restaurant closed entirely in 1984. In 1994, Gennaro Lombardi III, Gennaro’s grandson, and his friend John Brescio reopened Lombardi’s at 32 Spring Street, a block from the original site, due to structural issues with the original building caused by subway vibrations. The new location preserved the coal-fired oven tradition, and Brescio, who worked various roles at the pizzeria, maintained its...