Lucia Pizza Of Avenue X

"Like Amore (see above), this decades-old slice joint produces quality, straightforward pies. But Lucia is particularly great when you’re walking down Roosevelt Ave and need a quick snack. You won’t find any tables here, just a few stools and a counter you can lean against while you bite into some impeccably crispy crust and immediately burn your mouth on strands of mozzarella dripping with amber grease. " - carina finn koeppicus, kenny yang, neha talreja, bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick

"Lucia is a slice shop with deep roots in Brooklyn. The owner comes from the same dynasty behind Smiling Pizza and Papa Leone, and excellent sauce in a number of styles flows freely through their veins. If you’re only getting one slice here, make it the Caramelle Picantti, a mix of hot cherry peppers, pepperoni, and Mike’s Hot Honey. But there’s also the Papa Leone—a very good vodka slice that uses a '70s-era sauce recipe from the family’s old Manhattan beach spot—and the clam pie, which you can only get on Fridays. Settle down at a table with your pizza-loving friends, and order as much as you can eat. It’s worth the schlep from wherever you live. " - willa moore, bryan kim, neha talreja, kenny yang

"The Dish: Plain or Pepperoni Slice L’Industrie is marvelous, and Joe’s is an institution. But when you hear the term “classic New York slice,” it’s Lucia you should think of first. The narrow Flushing pizzeria has no tables, and it isn’t trying to impress anyone with artisanal toppings or a natural wine program. Choose from cheese or pepperoni, then enjoy your crisp and impeccably ordinary slice with cascading amber grease and molten strands of mozzarella that stick to your chin." - bryan kim, sonal shah, willa moore, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick, neha talreja

"If you want to eat at Lucia Pizza in Sheepshead Bay five days a week, that sounds like a fine idea, and we aren’t going to stop you. Just make sure that one of those days is Friday. That’s when you can try the clam pie, a weekly special made with chopped cherry stones, translucent cross-sections of garlic, and a white wine butter reduction. Like the rest of the pies at this retro-inspired slice joint, it has a thin, crisp, slightly chewy crust that’s puffy around the edges like a fresh-made zeppole. Squeeze a lemon wedge over the top, and enjoy. The slice with whipped ricotta and crumbled local Italian sausage is another box to check, and the spinach with bechamel is highly underrated. Lucia Pizza has a second location in Soho, that works great for an excellent and efficient lunch." - bryan kim, willa moore, kenny yang, carlo mantuano, molly fitzpatrick

"Lucia Pizza started in Sheepshead Bay in 2022, before expanding recently with a second location in Soho. Owner Salvatore Carlino, who grew up in the family pizza business, before going off on his own, is now trying something new. On April 4, he will open Lucia Alimentari, attached to the Soho slice shop, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. He’s beginning with Intelligentsia coffee, baked goods, a daily sandwich menu, and retail. The plan is to have rotating bakers, starting with Marisa Akemi Nakamura, an alum of the Smile, who will be in residence for the next three months. Once the wine and beer approval fully kick in, starting at 5:30 p.m. the space will transform into a bar, with a bottle list helmed by John Edward Burch, a somm at Restaurant Daniel. The nighttime menu might include personal pies or lardo, Grub Street reports. The space was designed by Safwat Riad, known for “setting the tone” at top nightlife spots throughout New York." - Emma Orlow