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    Balera

    5.0 (9 reviews)

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    BALERA ATMOSPHERE

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    Pamela A.

    My first time at Balera and WOW!! I felt completely transported to Italy the moment I walked in. The staff was incredibly hospitable and welcoming. We started at the bar with wine and appetizers, and the focaccia alone was worth the trip. The sommelier's wine suggestions were spot on and absolutely delicious. We moved on to pizza, pasta, and salad and I have to say, the eggplant pizza was a revelation. Never tried it before and now I'm obsessed. Every bite was insane in the best way. Already planning my return visit. Well done, Balera team! 10/10

    Jennifer H.

    It's rare to dine at a place where everything really is a 10/10. My friend and I sat at the bar and each ordered 2-3 drinks, margarita with pepperoni (it's not on the menu but they put it on for us which was so nice), seafood pasta, squash appetizer, and a string bean salad, then ended with a tiramisu. Every food item was delicious, the bartender was so attentive with our drinks - he made sure I liked the wine I was ordering before I committed, there was outdoor seating and a really nice indoor dining area past the bar as well. I'd love to go back and try other menu items!

    Calamari
    Matt L.

    Fun ambiance. Trendy vibe. Great people. Servers were very attentive amidst it being the opening night. Food was good. Really enjoyed the pizza.

    Menu showing the mozzarella in "carrozza" menu item
    Chad L.

    Went on their second night open and despite being completely booked (the server mentioned they had over 250 covers that night), the service was friendly and warm and the food was ABSOLUTELY HITTING. This is the sort of place where you comment to your dining partner on how good the olives are. The mozzarella thing (think a mozzarella stick but it's triangular and has sage and anchovies inside) is destined to go viral, and deservedly so. The zdory Bloody Mary was surprisingly noteworthy, it was like a drinkable delicious marinara.

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    3 months ago

    Balera is just great. The staff, food and overall experience was outstanding. I'm so happy to have a place like this on the neighborhood.

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    L'industrie Pizzeria

    L'industrie Pizzeria

    4.6
    (1.8k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    L'Industrie is easily one of the best pizzas I have ever had in the world--and trust me, I've eaten…read morepizza all over, including L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Napoli, Italy. It is definitely the best pizza in the US; I say this even after visiting Frank Pepe and Sally's in New Haven, and it's honestly not even close. On our last day before heading back to SF, we ordered a massive whole pie: half burrata, half pepperoni. It nailed the classic NYC slice with a thin, crisp crust and the perfect balance of cheese and sauce. It was so good that my daughter finished her burrata half over three separate sittings: at the shop, on the plane, and once she got home. The pie just kept calling to her! Be prepared for long lines, but it is worth it (and the Brooklyn location definitely has shorter lines than the Manhattan spots). It's not really a sit-down place, so you just have to grab a spot at the bar-top tables if you can find room. The service was good and fast. The cashier who took our order was amazing--absolutely love her--though she did forget to hand us our chocolate Bombolone. L'Industrie is a premier New York institution and busy for a reason: it is top-quality pizza!

    3.5 truly. We went…read morein here randomly after seeing maybe 4 people in line (never saw that in the Manhattan locations). We got a Tartufo slice and the gelato with olive oil and sea salt seasoning. Firstly, to all the people working there - kudos! They were doing a great job in managing the crowds with a tight space in insane heat - all that with a smile. Onto the food - I honestly preferred the gelato over the pizza. The pizza wasn't bad - but it wasn't great either. The gelato was perfect for a hot summer day -- the watermelon seasonal option was ideal for a hot summer day. Is the hype and price worth it? Personally, not entirely.

    Photos
    Olive Oil Cake | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin
    Olive Oil Cake | Instagram: GaoGirlsGrubbin
    Gelato al pistacchio
    Gelato al pistacchio
    Cantaloupe sorbet mixed with pistachio gelato and topped with olive oil drizzle

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    Cantaloupe sorbet mixed with pistachio gelato and topped with olive oil drizzle
    Di Fara Pizza

    Di Fara Pizza

    4.0
    (4.2k reviews)
    6.5 mi
    $$

    Di Fara Pizza is a renowned pizzeria located at 1424 Avenue J in the Midwood neighborhood of…read moreBrooklyn, New York City. Situated at the corner of East 15th Street and Avenue J, the establishment was owned and managed by Domenico DeMarco (1936-2022), but now his family continues that legacy. Food critics and bloggers frequently rank it among the top pizzerias in New York City. Di Fara has received numerous accolades, including being named the "Best pizza in New York" by publications such as New York and Serious Eats. The New York Times described the restaurant as "one of the most acclaimed and sought-after pizza shops in New York City." In 2011, Zagat ranked it as the top pizza restaurant in the city, and in 2013, Frommer's called its pizza "the Best Hand-Made Pizza in New York City." Chef Anthony Bourdain also expressed admiration for the restaurant's pizza. I had long hoped to visit Di Fara, so I decided to make a trip from Connecticut. Upon entering, my son and I observed that it was quite busy. There is also a window for ordering, but we chose to go inside to order our food to experience the atmosphere fully. We each ordered a freshly prepared Sicilian slice. Unlike some places, there was no pre-made pizza on display. Each slice is made to order, and it takes about twenty-five minutes to prepare. When we received our pizza, it was notably greasy. The Sicilian slices resembled a full meal, topped with garlic and pepperoni. The garlic was quite prominent and flavorful, adding a nice punch which I liked. The pepperoni was crispy, and the undercarriage had a nice crunch, though it was also quite oily. In my personal opinion, it wasn't the best slice I've ever tasted. However, I understand that when the owner, Dom, was alive, the pizza was considered exceptional by many. I would rate it around 3.5 stars, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience pizza from one of New York's most iconic establishments.

    Wow. This is a review of Di Fara frozen pizza from Target. More specifically, Di Fara frozen pizza…read morefrom the Target Store in Richfield, Minnesota location. I tried looking up this pizza from Target Richfield for a review, but it sent me to the NYC location, so forgive me if this review is in the wrong thread. Anyway, wow. I've been to New York City and ate at the original Joe's Pizza. What an epic slice of pizza. Now back home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the great white north of snow that never ends, I finally tried the frozen Di Fara pepperoni pizza from Target no less. Sorry Joe's, but this is on par with your pizza (if it was frozen). Dave Portnoy was right with his high review. This pizza is very good. The thick cut pepperoni, great basil, and the crisp chewy crust was excellent for a frozen pizza. Nice under carriage as well. I cooked the pizza at 480 degrees in an electric pizza oven for 10 minutes, and the result was very good. I added a drizzle of hot honey, and it was spectacular (okay, I also added some fresh picked jalapeños as well). The pizza was hot and melted in the center, and the crust was very crisp, but still had some chew. Wow. This was the best frozen pizza I have had. Bar none. New York, you spoiled me when it came to pizza. Now I can get a taste of New York at home. Great job! I may or may not eat the last 3 pieces currently sitting in the fridge before bed.

    Photos
    Super fun, if slightly tight dining room.
    Super fun, if slightly tight dining room.
    Crispy handles firm to soft edges
    Crispy handles firm to soft edges
    Di Fara Special Pie- 8 slices, sausage, peppers, mushrooms and onion. $35 or so. Tasty crust. A bit salty for toppings as expected

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    Di Fara Special Pie- 8 slices, sausage, peppers, mushrooms and onion. $35 or so. Tasty crust. A bit salty for toppings as expected
    Ace's Pizza

    Ace's Pizza

    4.7
    (276 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I am a huge fan of Ace's Pizza. There aren't many Detroit style pizza shops in NYC but Ace's is one…read moreof my go-to's. I think this is what Detroit pizza should taste like (haven't been to MI) but it's one of my favorite types of pizza besides classic NY or Sicilian. They have a variety of flavors and various sizes including personal to large. The prices are reasonable and portions are filling. I went on a busy Friday night for take out and the host was great. She got me set up and ready within 10 minutes. The shop was busy at 11pm to closing and everyone looked like they were having a good time. It's a bar pizza shop in the heart of Williamsburg. Accepts cash, card and Applepay. Open late! Indoor seating and takeout available. I think outdoor seating is available as well.

    Aces Pizza hits that rare sweet spot,great vibes, banger food, and genuinely attentive staff. Big…read moreshout out to Gilian for getting my party sat quickly despite how busy it was. It has become my go-to whether I'm fueling up before a night out or attempting to resurrect myself the day after. The food comes out quick and consistently punches above its weight,easily some of the best in its class. The staff are super friendly and nail that perfect balance between attentive and laid-back, which fits right in with the spot's chill 90s vibe. And do yourself a favor, order the root beer. It comes in a frozen mug and is probably the most uplifting thing you'll ever put in your mouth. Fair warning:,the place gets packed, If you can make a reservation.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Cheese (Medium)
    Cheese (Medium)
    Pepperoni / Hot Burrata

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    Pepperoni / Hot Burrata
    Patsy's Pizzeria

    Patsy's Pizzeria

    4.3
    (700 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Grew up in New York, but have been in Texas for 50 years. With very few exceptions, Italian food in…read moreTexas is not particularly /ut B/ /hen I/ /tic I/, is overpriced, and fails miserably when compared to Northeast Italian food. So, eating at this restaurant before the Bruce Springsteen concert, the other night was a thrill. Ate with lifelong friends. We shared several appetizers, including meatballs, a margarita, pizza, bake clams, and spicy shrimp. All were delicious. I had a seafood pasta with squid ink that was memorable. Lots of seafood and the pasta was fantastic! Nice bottle of wine at a reasonable price. Good service. Frankly, I think the prices were cheaper than what I pay in Austin area, and the food and venue were authentic and much better than in Texas!

    Patsy's Pizzeria delivers where it matters most: the food. I stopped in with a party of three…read morearound 430pm. The Margherita pizza was perfect. Fresh mozzarella, a nicely thin crisped crust, sweet tomato sauce, and fresh basil makes this simple pizza taste great. The fried calamari also impressed. It tasted notably fresh--light, clean, and not overly chewy like pre-frozen versions can sometimes be. While I can't say for certain, it had that just-prepared quality that makes a difference. The Caprese salad was a great way to start the meal, with fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, and a balsamic drizzle was a nice light start. The atmosphere leans old-school Italian, which adds to the charm and character. Service was fine--nothing remarkable, but no major issues either. That said, my overall rating takes a big hit solely for the restaurants ridiculous tipping policy choices rather than the food itself. The automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill was frustrating. The menu does indicate that 18%, will automatically apply, or will be 20% for parties of six or more. We were only three people, so it felt inconsistent and unnecessary. On top of that, the added cost for credit card usage didn't help. I don't mind tipping for good service! In fact, I tip well--but I prefer having the choice and I'm old school so it's the principle of the matter. Being forced into it, takes away from an otherwise enjoyable meal. Bottom line: the food is strong and worth trying, but the billing practices leave a bad taste. If those were adjusted, this could easily be a higher-rated experience.

    Photos
    Patsy's Pizzeria
    Original Pizza
    Original Pizza
    Patsy's Pizzeria

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    Balera - italian - Updated July 2026

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