Roberta’s – Brooklyn, NY

Roberta’s is about as close as one can get to the perfect blend of New York and Portland. Its interior is eclectic: graffiti, paintings, and wooden tables fill one space, while the covered outdoor area is dominated by a tiki bar. It’s not the place you’d expect to find excellent Neapolitan-style pizza.

The immense personality of the space is matched by the people who work there. Each person looks like they’d feel equally at home at a punk rock concert or Woodstock—albeit the New York version. Brash and to the point, they may not be the softest conversationalists, but they know how to put in the effort when it counts.

And where it counts is the pizza—specifically, the dough. Roberta’s has perfected it: the ideal char, the perfect chew. The toppings follow suit, with well-sourced pepperoni and homemade mozzarella leading the charge. The pizza is classic enough, exceptionally executed, and distinctly New York. Dare I say Roberta’s is a contender for the best Neapolitan pizza in the city?

Best Bite: My personal inclination points towards the bee sting.