Best Pizzerias in Briarwood

A friend who once lived in Milan (and now lives in Manhattan told me the best pizza in NYC is at San Matteo. I was born in the city and have lived more than half my life here. How I never ate at San Matteo until March 1st 2023 is anyone's guess. And what I thought was the best pizza in the city (Di Fara's in Brooklyn, which closed for good 2022) was replaced. The Vesuti was perfect. Crust, sauce, basil, cheese, ground sausage. Together, the pie was a textural and flavor dream. I ate nearly my weight (I'm a big girl) in it, insalata mista (which could use a few more castelvetrano olives), meatballs (which were a touch dry and still delicious, and what I know as arrancini, though they're called something else here. The music being played was awesome: classic R&B and pop, bringing the ideal vibe and rhythms. Opportunities for improvement are few. They include the brand/vineyard names of the wines on the list, or if the availability changes often, write them on the chalkboard. Right or wrong, people want to drink from the winemakers they know and no one is served by not sharing the full information. Also, if the guests request a specific order for the dishes they selected (i.e., salad, primi, and then pizza), that ought to be provided. If that isn't possible, tables need not only to be bigger so as to accommodate simultaneously so many plates, and guests need to be told dishes are not served as courses. What does NOT need to change (besides the food) is meeting the spectacular Carmela and Alfredo being your table's primary server. With a seemingly photographic memory, I've seen Alfredo manage a whole lot of customer traffic, orders, and hustle on a very busy night in a space where I only saw one free table once we were in conventional dinner hour (my first ever reservation was 5:00). San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina on 2nd Avenue and E. 81st. You need to dine here. You need to make it your go-to.

Legendary restaurants, top notch food, pizza, drinks, service

Amazing as always Mikey was great . Everything was great . Food ambiance etc.

We only have positive comments. We were quickly seated. The staff was very nice. The food is excellent. I had the chicken parm and the chicken was very good and tender. You can almost cut it with your fork. We were able to sit there and talk for a long time. Greatly appreciate that no one looked to rush us out. I highly recommend.

Food and service excellent..Been here many times and never dissapoints.