Roberta’s pizza has become a resounding name in New York City’s vibrant dining scene, and its location on Moore Street in Brooklyn stands as a testament to its culinary prowess. Since opening its doors in 2008, Roberta’s has rapidly ascended to cult status, celebrated for its innovative approach to Italian-American pizza that consistently ranks among the nation’s best. This review delves into the experience at Roberta’s, exploring why this pizzeria at 261 Moore Street has captured the hearts and palates of New Yorkers and visitors alike.
A Brooklyn Culinary Phenomenon
Roberta’s isn’t just another pizza joint; it’s a destination. Its relatively short history is packed with accolades and fervent praise, establishing it as a modern icon in NYC’s rich culinary history. The restaurant’s non-traditional pizzas have garnered national attention, frequently appearing in top pizza lists across the United States. This is no small feat in a country with such a passionate and diverse pizza culture. Roberta’s success story is particularly compelling considering the owners reportedly came from outside the pizza industry, venturing to Italy to learn from the masters before bringing their vision to Brooklyn. This “outside the box” approach seems to be a key ingredient in their recipe for success, allowing for a fresh perspective and a willingness to experiment with flavors and techniques.
Image of Roberta’s Pizza take-out section on Moore Street in Brooklyn, NY, showcasing its casual and inviting atmosphere.
Diving into the Menu: Beyond the Hype at Roberta’s Moore Street
While Roberta’s offers a diverse menu, the star of the show is undoubtedly their Italian-American pizza. It’s important to note that this style differs significantly from Neapolitan pizza, focusing on different textures and flavor profiles. To truly experience Roberta’s, indulging in their signature pizzas is essential.
The Pizzas: Italian-American Excellence
The review sampled two standout pizzas: the “Babe: Pig in the city” and the “Lieutenant Dan.” Both pizzas highlight Roberta’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative topping combinations.
The “Babe: Pig in the city,” featuring cheddar, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, onion, and salsa verde, was praised for its harmonious blend of flavors and, most importantly, its exceptional crust. Roberta’s utilizes a blend of specialty flours and a meticulous dough-making process, resulting in a thin, chewy crust with a delightful crispness. The reviewer noted the perfect sauce-to-topping ratio and the overall “festive taste” of the pizza, awarding it a near-perfect 9/10. Even a notoriously picky eater was impressed, a testament to the consistent quality Roberta’s delivers.
Close-up shot of Roberta’s “Babe: Pig in the city” pizza, highlighting the wood-fired crust, fresh toppings, and melted cheese.
The “Lieutenant Dan pizza,” a more adventurous combination of marinated summer peppers, pork sausages, cheddar, basil, onion, chili pepper, and sesame, further showcased Roberta’s culinary creativity. While some might find the toppings unconventional, the reviewer emphasized the deliberate and complementary nature of each ingredient. The sesame seeds, for instance, were lauded for adding to the overall “festive mouthfeel.” This pizza also received a 9/10, praised for its superb crunch, chewy texture, and exciting flavors, solidifying Roberta’s mastery of thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. Both pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, imparting a unique smoky flavor and perfectly cooked crust. The pizzas are served on metal trays, maintaining their crispness.
Detailed view of the “Lieutenant Dan” pizza from Roberta’s, showcasing the variety of toppings including sausage, peppers, and sesame seeds on a thin crust.
Beyond Pizza: Exploring Other Dishes at Roberta’s
While pizza is the main draw, Roberta’s menu also includes other Italian-American dishes. The review briefly touched on two non-pizza items: the Torchietti pasta with topneck clams, and the Freshly grilled pork collar.
The Torchietti pasta dish, while ordered by a companion, was sampled and described as “too salty,” likely due to the clams, but still “pleasant enough,” receiving a 6/10. This reinforces the notion that Roberta’s primary strength lies in its pizzas.
Image of Torchietti pasta with topneck clams at Roberta’s, showing a generous portion of pasta with clams and herbs.
The Freshly grilled pork collar with cucumbers, spring onions, cabbage, and salsa verde, was more favorably reviewed at 7/10. The open-fire grilling imparted a desirable smoky flavor to both the pork and vegetables. The reviewer also noted the quality of the organic-feeling vegetables and the “superb taste and texture” of the salsa verde. While enjoyable, it was reiterated that pizza remains the main reason to visit Roberta’s.
Roberta’s Freshly grilled pork collar dish, presented with grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and salsa verde.
Ambiance and Service: The Roberta’s Experience
Beyond the food, Roberta’s offers a complete dining experience. The ambiance is described as “rough looking” from the outside, located in a “tough looking” area, yet inside, it’s “full of life, in a civilized way.” This contrast creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The service was highly praised, earning a 9/10 rating. The staff is described as “humble professionals who are passionate about their jobs and doing it really well,” contributing to a “no drama, no attitude” environment. This combination of excellent service and lively ambiance enhances the overall appeal of Roberta’s.
Final Verdict: Why Roberta’s on Moore Street Deserves the Praise
Roberta’s on Moore Street in Brooklyn has earned its reputation as a top pizza destination. The pizzas are technically outstanding, boasting divine taste and flawless crusts, deserving a 9/10 rating in the “American-Italian pizza” category. The restaurant excels in both food quality and service, creating a memorable dining experience. For anyone seeking exceptional Italian-American pizza in NYC, Roberta’s is a must-visit. It truly lives up to the hype, proving itself to be a culinary gem in Brooklyn.
Visiting Roberta’s: Location and Contact
Address: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11206
Phone: 718-417-1118
Website: http://robertaspizza.com/
Location Coordinates: 40.705089, -73.933574
Google Maps Link: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, USA
If you’re in Brooklyn or planning a visit, make sure Roberta’s on Moore Street is on your culinary itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.
