Totonno's — Restaurant in New York

I don't typically write reviews online but after this experience it was definitely warranted!

There are pictures on the walls of a woman in her last 40s / early 50s who looks tired but genuinely happy. The lines in her face reveal the many hours her hands were covered in flour and dough...today the sparkle in her eye has been replaced with frustration and discontent. It was in fact some of the best pizza I have ever eaten sullied by the WORST service I have ever encountered...and from what I suspect was one of the owners. Perhaps she was having a tough day BUT coming from a former waiter, you don't allow your personal life to interfere with the customer experience because this happens...you lose customers who then in turn write bad reviews online to future cusomters and warning them of their potential experience.

Upon entering the pizzeria, we were quickly escorted out with a gruff and commanding voice telling us to wait outside until we were allowed to come in. I understand that the purpose of this was to make sure the restaurant was clear of people to make it easier on the wait staff BUT there were no benches outside so for someone with a torn acl (my sister) this was incredibly irritating. The entire experience made us feel as if we were an inconvenience to this woman as she hurriedly tried to remove the pests that plagued her personal space. The employee wait staff and the chef were incredibly accommodating and kind when the boss wasn't around and seemed to understand the frustrated look in our eyes. When we asked for toppings that were on the menu she first said we couldn't have them and then actually told us that the pizza didn't need the toppings we wanted...which is fine if you feel that way...but if that's the case then kindly remove those items from the menu so people don't ask for them.

She was rude, disrespectful, and made the entire meal seem as if she was trying to get rid us as soon as possible, which I could at least understand if it was busy...but it wasn't busy at all. This restaurant may be famous and the pizza may be delicious but there are so many other places I could go for pizza just as good with MUCH BETTER service. Honestly, the only reason I ever want to go back to this place is to provide an interactive example to my future children of how people with poor...

One slice just isn't going to cut it.

Came here the day of the Mermaid Festival, boy was it packed.

Took at least 2 hours to get in here because they refused to do pizzas to go, so a line formed. The were probably afraid of pizza reselling, perhaps there was limited help, and they could generate more revenue via tips if customers dined in.

When we finally got in, we ordered 4 plain slices for each of us and waited approximately 20 minutes, but it was definitely worth the wait.

First off, the pizza is thin sliced, the cheese isn't evenly placed, but on the center and sprinkled. The cheese is not typical pizza cheese, it's a bit like ricotta, I'm not sure what it was, but it was good. The sauce isn't overflowing like some pizzas, which is a good thing, and it didn't take away from the taste of the cheese.

The service wasn't great, it was mediocre at best. I assume this was because of the line outside and the huge influx of people wanting to come in. Completely understandable, but even the water became self serve, which bothered me a bit because I honestly didn't see the waitress do anything. I'm sure they were tired, considering that it was near the end of the day and they were actually nearing closing time. Perhaps I'll get better service next time, definitely coming back for more of those slices of italian heaven.

Decor is definitely nice, very cluttered with historic pieces of pictures, histories, and news articles, making it look old fashion.

Experience overall was okay, pizzas were really well made and good, service could be a...

I doubt I will ever be back... The reason is in the end of my review. The place was packed when we visited it last Sunday, Aug 10. Like: 1) crust is thin; 2) sauce is tasty; 3) pizza chief bring your pizza personally. Not the best pizza I've ever had, but better then many others. Dislike: 1) expensive for the pie; 2) menu is short, very few toppings; 3) each topping is $2.50, but if you take half-pie pepperoni, half-pie pepper & onion - they charge you 2 toppings - $5, even if each topping covers half-pie only; 4) you eat from paper plates, 1 paper napkin for each person; 5) you must specifically request seasonings, red pepper and garlic powder, which, by my opinion, must be present on every table by default, considering the pizza price. HATE: waiting for our pizza to arrive I've noticed, that one of the waitresses, w/o washing her hands, helps pizza chief to cover pizza with cheese and toppings. All with her bare hands, right after cleaning tables from dirty dishes, wiping tables with wet towel, dealing with cash, etc. After done with pizza she just shaken her hands from cheese crumbs and went to servicing next visitors. And then back to covering pizza with cheese and toppings. Multiple times, with the same dirty hands. Cheese, toppings, shake hands, bring food, get cash, clean tables, back to pizza again. And then you eat that pizza with your friends....