PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

When comparing the top pizzerias in New York, you rarely hear La Pizza Fresca Ristorante mentioned. And that's a mistake. Those who have sampled the genuine Neapolitan pizza (one of only two New York pizzerias certified for authenticity by the Italian organization, Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana) swear by La Pizza Fresca's quality. To achieve certification there are a number of qualifications; wood burning oven, San Marzano tomatoes, bufala mozzarella, hand-pressed dough, and all the ingredients must be cooked with the pizza in the oven. The result is a pizza as good (almost) as you might find in Naples and as good as just about any other in New York. You can have your pizza many different ways, including the delicious Quattro formaggi, a combination of four cheeses and a hint of pancetta (Italian bacon); but for the unadulterated Neapolitan flavor, try the simple, tomato, bufala mozzarella, and basil pie. There are also a number of pastas and Italian entrees offered, but what, really, is the point when the pizza here is so good? Also impressive is La Pizza Fresca's 800-plus wine list. The restaurant is comfortable and cozy with low-lighting, exposed brick, and the constant glow from the pizza oven.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's New York City 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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