Yes, there’s lots and lots of pizza happening in New York all of a sudden. But cliché or not, bring it on—especially when it’s as masterful as Motorino’s. All you need to know: Thin, chewy-crusted, beautifully blistered pies with deliciously simple, not-trying-too-hard toppings like mozzarella di bufala, raw basil, tangy tomato, soppressata, or fresh chilies, all fired just long enough to come out of the oven bubbling-hot, melty, and glorious. More reasons to come here: It’s cheaper than Lucali (in Cobble Hill) and arguably just as fantastic. And although you’ll wait a bit at the door, you won’t wait nearly as long. When news broke that Una Pizza Napoletana in the East Village was closing, the only consolation was the announcement that a Motorino would open in its place (and did, in September 2009). No doubt this is even better news for Williamsburgers than it is for Manhattanites.
Motorino Brooklyn. 319 Graham Ave. at Devoe St., Williamsburg; (718) 599-8899. Motorino East Village. 349 E. 12 St. at between First and Second Aves., Manhattan; (212) 777-2644.
Prices/Features: CHP, VGT (See Welcome to Salmaland for key to letter abbreviations.)