Lombardi's Pizza New York: The Birthplace of America's Favorite Dish

In the heart of Little Italy, Manhattan, stands a pizzeria that has been serving up some of the city's best slices since 1905. Lombardi's Pizza, the first pizzeria in the United States, is a must-visit destination for any pizza enthusiast or history buff. As the birthplace of America's favorite dish, Lombardi's has been satisfying the cravings of New Yorkers and visitors alike for over a century. In this article, we'll take a journey through the history of Lombardi's Pizza, exploring its origins, rise to fame, and what makes it still one of the best pizzerias in the city.

Located on Spring Street, Lombardi's has been a staple of the neighborhood for over 115 years. The pizzeria was founded by Gennaro Lombardi, an Italian immigrant who brought his family's traditional pizza-making techniques to America. Lombardi's early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to pizza-making, which included using fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a thin crust. This combination of ingredients and cooking methods helped to differentiate Lombardi's from other Italian restaurants in the city.

Over the years, Lombardi's has been recognized as a culinary landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. In 1995, the pizzeria was designated as a New York City landmark, solidifying its place in the city's history. Today, Lombardi's continues to serve up classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, which are made with the same love and care that Gennaro Lombardi brought to the table when he first opened his doors.

A Brief History of Pizza in America

Pizza was not always a popular dish in America. In fact, it wasn't until the early 20th century that pizza began to gain traction in the United States. Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making traditions with them when they came to America, but it wasn't until after World War II that pizza started to become a mainstream favorite.

Several factors contributed to the rise of pizza in America. One reason was the increasing availability of packaged pizza products, which made it possible for Americans to enjoy pizza at home. Another reason was the growing popularity of Italian-American cuisine, which emphasized bold flavors and hearty portions. Finally, the introduction of new toppings and cooking methods helped to differentiate American pizza from its Italian roots.

Lombardi's Menu: A Look at the Classic Pies

Lombardi's menu is simple, yet effective. The pizzeria offers a range of classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, each topped with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in a brick oven. Some of the most popular pies include:

• The Original: A classic margherita pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
• The Meatball: A hearty pie topped with Lombardi's famous meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
• The Sausage: A spicy pie topped with Italian sausage, onions, and bell peppers.

In addition to its classic pizzas, Lombardi's also offers a range of specialty pies, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The pizzeria is also known for its fresh breadsticks and salads, making it a great destination for a casual meal or snack.

Lombardi's Secret Sauce: A Family Recipe

One of the most iconic aspects of Lombardi's Pizza is its secret sauce, which is made with a family recipe that's been passed down for generations. The sauce is a key component of the pizzeria's classic margherita pizza, and it's also used as a topping for other pies.

The secret sauce is made with a combination of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. The ingredients are simmered together for hours to create a rich, tangy sauce that's perfect for topping pizzas or using as a dip.

Lombardi's secret sauce is a closely guarded secret, and the pizzeria only reveals a few details about its recipe. According to Lombardi's owner, Michael White, the sauce is made with a combination of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. "We use only the freshest ingredients and cook the sauce for hours to get that perfect flavor," White says.

A Look Inside Lombardi's: The Pizzeria's Charm

Visiting Lombardi's Pizza is a sensory experience that's sure to delight. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of sizzling pans. The pizzeria's interior is designed to evoke the classic Italian restaurants of the early 20th century, with vintage posters and antique furnishings adding to the charm.

The pizzeria's kitchen is a bustling hub of activity, with pizzaiolos (pizza makers) expertly tossing dough and adding toppings to the pies. The brick oven is the heart of the kitchen, where pizzas are cooked to perfection in just a few minutes.

Lombardi's Legacy: A Pizza Icon

Lombardi's Pizza has been a beloved institution in New York City for over 115 years. The pizzeria has been recognized as a culinary landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and it continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Lombardi's legacy extends beyond its own pizzerias, however. The pizzeria has inspired countless other restaurants and pizzerias across the city, and its influence can be seen in the modern pizza joints that have popped up in recent years.

In conclusion, Lombardi's Pizza is a true New York City icon. The pizzeria's rich history, delicious pizzas, and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves pizza. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just looking for a delicious meal, Lombardi's is sure to satisfy your cravings