Sottocasa Pizzeria Harlem — Restaurant in New York

I had really high expectations for this restaurant, given a friend’s recommendation as the best pizza in town and the impressive Google rating. Unfortunately, our experience fell far short of what we anticipated.

First, the wine service was disappointing. Our glass of Chianti came already served and they didn’t even show us the bottle or poured it in front of us. It was served in a regular water glass and wine is meant to be served at a specific temperature, and a proper tall glass prevents your fingers from altering that. To make matters worse, the wine itself tasted terrible, was warm and was far from resembling a true Chianti.

As for the pizzas, both were underwhelming. Both were supposed to include basil, but it was nearly impossible to find, and when we did, it was baked into the pizza—a clear rookie mistake. Basil should be added fresh after the pizza is done to retain its flavor.

The prosciutto crudo pizza was the biggest letdown. The prosciutto was thick and tough, glued to the cheese, making it a chore to chew. Prosciutto should be thinly sliced and delicate, but this was the opposite.

Overall, we left the restaurant sad and disappointed by a meal that failed to live up to...

If I could give Sottocasa six stars, I would—and then I’d fold each star like a Neapolitan slice and eat it.

This place is unreal. The crust? A crispy-chewy miracle sent straight from the carb gods. The sauce? Tangy, fresh, and clearly made with tomatoes that lived fulfilling, sun-soaked lives. The cheese? So melty and magical it should probably have its own Netflix special.

I ordered the margherita thinking I was being “classic,” but this pizza came out with the confidence of Beyoncé at a halftime show. Perfectly blistered crust, mozzarella that tasted like it had been sung into existence by Italian opera singers, and basil that actually tasted like basil (you’d be surprised how often that doesn’t happen).

Also, shoutout to the staff, who are charming, fast, and clearly powered by pizza-based joy.

Final thoughts: If you’re in Harlem and not eating at Sottocasa, are you even living? Go. Eat. Then immediately text someone a photo of your slice like you’re sending a birth announcement.

Sottocasa: Come for the pizza. Stay because you can’t physically move from...

I rarely review restaurants, as I’m rarely impressed by the food I eat in restaurants. Sottocasa deserves to be known by all foodies out there, so I really hope after reading this you settle on Sottocasa.

All my friends (even the difficult ones) and I were all pleasantly impressed by the wood fired pizza. I personally had the Reginella pizza with a Rughetta salad, and I melted down after every single bite. From the dough to the mozzarella, every single ingredient exploded with flavor. There is no doubt the chefs uses the best ingredients they can find in New York! My feelings while eating are just indescribable! The last time I felt this while eating a pizza, I was visiting my family in Napoli.

This is a must-try little gem! The atmosphere feels warm and cozy from the moment you walk down the stairs. The staff is welcoming and very friendly. They also have an impressive selection of imported Italian beers. The Nazionale was delicious!

Please go; you won’t regret the trip to...