Must-Try Lombardi's Pizza In Manhattan: A Culinary Landmark

What is the first pizzeria in the United States?

Lombardi's Pizza, located in Manhattan, New York City, holds the distinction of being the first pizzeria to open in the United States.

Established in 1905 by Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi, Lombardi's Pizza quickly gained recognition for its authentic Neapolitan-style pies. Over the years, the pizzeria has become a beloved institution, serving countless New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Lombardi's Pizza is renowned for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pizzas are made with a thin, crispy crust, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and a generous helping of mozzarella cheese. The pizzeria also offers a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions.

In addition to its delicious food, Lombardi's Pizza is also known for its historic significance. The pizzeria has been featured in numerous publications and television shows, and it has been visited by countless celebrities and dignitaries over the years. Lombardi's Pizza is a true New York City landmark, and it continues to be a popular destination for pizza lovers from all over the world.

Lombardi Pizza Manhattan

Lombardi Pizza Manhattan is a historic and iconic pizzeria that has been serving New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1905. Here are 8 key aspects that make Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan so special:

• First pizzeria in the United States
• Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas
• Fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Thin, crispy crust
• Flavorful tomato sauce
• Generous helping of mozzarella cheese
• Historic significance
• Landmark status

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is more than just a pizzeria; it is a New York City institution. The pizzeria has been featured in numerous publications and television shows, and it has been visited by countless celebrities and dignitaries over the years. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a true melting pot of New York City culture, and it is a must-visit for any visitor to the city.

1. First Pizzeria in the United States

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan holds the distinction of being the first pizzeria to open in the United States. This fact is significant for several reasons:

• It demonstrates the important role that Italian immigrants played in the development of American cuisine.
• It highlights the popularity of pizza as a food item in the United States, which has only grown over time.
• It establishes Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan as a historic and iconic pizzeria, which has been serving New Yorkers and tourists alike for over a century.

The connection between "first pizzeria in the United States" and "Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan" is therefore a significant one. It is a connection that is rooted in history, culture, and cuisine. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a true New York City institution, and its status as the first pizzeria in the United States is a testament to its enduring popularity and importance.

2. Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. This style of pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and generous helping of mozzarella cheese. Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and they are cooked in a wood-fired oven.

• The crust: The crust of a Neapolitan-style pizza is thin and crispy, with a slightly charred exterior. This is achieved by using a high-gluten flour and cooking the pizza in a very hot oven.
• The sauce: The sauce of a Neapolitan-style pizza is made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It is typically cooked for several hours, which allows the flavors to develop.
• The cheese: The cheese used on a Neapolitan-style pizza is typically mozzarella di bufala, which is a soft, creamy cheese made from buffalo milk. Mozzarella di bufala has a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients on the pizza.
• The toppings: Neapolitan-style pizzas are typically topped with a few simple ingredients, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. The toppings are added after the pizza has been cooked, so that they do not overcook.

The combination of these elements creates a pizza that is both delicious and visually appealing. Neapolitan-style pizzas are a popular choice for both New Yorkers and tourists alike, and they are a staple of the New York City pizza scene.

3. Fresh, high-quality ingredients

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is renowned for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. This is evident in every aspect of their pizzas, from the dough to the sauce to the toppings.

The dough is made with a special blend of flours, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. The sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and it is cooked for hours to develop a rich and flavorful taste. The toppings are all fresh and of the highest quality, and they are added to the pizza after it has been cooked to ensure that they retain their flavor and texture.

The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to the success of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is what sets their pizzas apart from the competition and makes them a favorite among New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Here are some specific examples of how Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan uses fresh, high-quality ingredients:

• The dough is made with a blend of Caputo "00" flour and water, which gives it a light and airy texture.
• The sauce is made with fresh San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and acidity.
• The mozzarella cheese is made with fresh milk from local dairies, and it is aged for at least 30 days to develop a rich and creamy flavor.
• The toppings are all fresh and of the highest quality, and they are sourced from local suppliers whenever possible.

The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is a key factor in the success of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is what makes their pizzas so delicious and flavorful, and it is what keeps customers coming back for more.

4. Thin, crispy crust

The thin, crispy crust is one of the defining characteristics of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is what sets their pizzas apart from the competition and makes them so popular among New Yorkers and tourists alike.

• The perfect canvas for toppings
  

  The thin, crispy crust provides the perfect canvas for toppings. It is sturdy enough to support a generous helping of toppings, but it is also thin enough to allow the flavors of the toppings to shine through.

• A textural contrast
  

  The thin, crispy crust creates a textural contrast with the soft and chewy toppings. This contrast makes Lombardi's pizzas especially enjoyable to eat.

• A nod to tradition
  

  The thin, crispy crust is a nod to the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. Neapolitan-style pizzas are known for their thin, crispy crusts, and Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is no exception.

• A testament to skill
  

  Making a thin, crispy crust is a skill that takes time and practice to master. The pizza makers at Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan have perfected the art of making thin, crispy crusts, and it is one of the things that makes their pizzas so special.

The thin, crispy crust is an essential part of the Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan experience. It is what makes their pizzas so delicious and flavorful, and it is what keeps customers coming back for more.

5. Flavorful tomato sauce

The flavorful tomato sauce is one of the most important components of a Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is what gives the pizza its characteristic taste and aroma. The sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and it is cooked for hours to develop a rich and complex flavor.

The tomatoes used in the sauce are San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweetness and acidity. The tomatoes are peeled and crushed before being added to the sauce, and they are cooked slowly over low heat to allow their flavors to develop fully.

The garlic and onions in the sauce are sauted in olive oil before being added to the tomatoes. This helps to bring out their sweetness and flavor. The herbs used in the sauce vary depending on the season, but they typically include basil, oregano, and thyme.

The sauce is cooked for several hours, which allows the flavors to meld together and develop. The finished sauce is thick and flavorful, with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.

The flavorful tomato sauce is essential to the success of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is what gives the pizza its characteristic taste and aroma, and it is what keeps customers coming back for more.

6. Generous helping of mozzarella cheese

One of the things that makes Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan so special is its generous helping of mozzarella cheese. The cheese is made with fresh milk from local dairies, and it is aged for at least 30 days to develop a rich and creamy flavor. The cheese is then hand-shredded and added to the pizza in a generous helping.

The mozzarella cheese is an essential part of the Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan experience. It adds a rich and creamy flavor to the pizza, and it helps to hold all of the toppings together. The cheese is also a key factor in the pizza's signature "leopard spotting." When the pizza is cooked in the wood-fired oven, the cheese bubbles and browns, creating a beautiful and appetizing appearance.

The generous helping of mozzarella cheese is one of the things that sets Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan apart from the competition. It is a key factor in the pizza's delicious flavor and unique appearance, and it is one of the things that keeps customers coming back for more.

7. Historic significance

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a historic pizzeria that has been serving New Yorkers and tourists for over a century. It is the first pizzeria to open in the United States, and it has been a popular destination for pizza lovers ever since. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan has been featured in numerous publications and television shows, and it has been visited by countless celebrities and dignitaries over the years.

The historic significance of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is due to several factors. First, it is the first pizzeria to open in the United States. This makes it a significant landmark in the history of American cuisine. Second, Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan has been a popular destination for pizza lovers for over a century. This is due to the pizzeria's delicious food, friendly service, and historic atmosphere. Third, Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan has been featured in numerous publications and television shows. This has helped to raise the pizzeria's profile and make it a popular tourist destination.

The historic significance of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is important for several reasons. First, it helps to preserve the history of American cuisine. Second, it helps to promote tourism in New York City. Third, it helps to create a sense of community among pizza lovers. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a place where people can come together to enjoy delicious food and share stories about the pizzeria's history.

8. Landmark status

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a designated New York City landmark, a testament to its historical and cultural significance. This status recognizes the pizzeria's role in shaping the city's culinary landscape and its enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike.

• Architectural and Historical Significance
  

  Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is housed in a historic building that has been meticulously preserved. The pizzeria's interior features original fixtures and dcor, transporting patrons back in time to the early 20th century. Its longevity and architectural integrity have earned it recognition as a landmark, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

• Culinary Innovation and Influence
  

  As the first pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan played a pivotal role in introducing New Yorkers to the delights of Neapolitan-style pizza. Its thin, crispy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and generous toppings have inspired countless imitators and helped to shape the city's pizza culture. Lombardi's enduring popularity is a testament to its culinary innovation and enduring appeal.

• Community and Cultural Hub
  

  Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is more than just a restaurant; it is a beloved community institution. For over a century, it has served as a gathering place for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere and its association with New York City's cultural heritage make it a cherished landmark.

• Symbol of New York City
  

  Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan has become synonymous with New York City. Its iconic status is reflected in its frequent appearances in films, television shows, and other media. The pizzeria is a beloved symbol of the city's vibrant culinary scene and its rich cultural tapestry.

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan's landmark status is a testament to its enduring significance as a culinary, cultural, and architectural gem. Its preservation ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy its delicious pizzas and experience a slice of New York City's rich history.

FAQs about Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a historic and iconic pizzeria that has been serving New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1905. It is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh ingredients, and historic significance. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan:

Question 1: What is the significance of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan?

Answer: Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is the first pizzeria to open in the United States. It has been a popular destination for pizza lovers for over a century, and it has been featured in numerous publications and television shows. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is also a designated New York City landmark, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

Question 2: What type of pizza is Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan known for?

Answer: Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. Neapolitan-style pizzas are characterized by their thin, crispy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and generous helping of mozzarella cheese.

Question 3: What are the most popular toppings at Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan?

Answer: The most popular toppings at Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions. However, customers can choose from a variety of toppings to create their own customized pizzas.

Question 4: What are the hours of operation for Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan?

Answer: Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Question 5: Where is Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan located?

Answer: Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is located at 32 Spring Street in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. For more information, please visit the pizzeria's website or call (212) 941-7994.

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a must-visit destination for any pizza lover visiting New York City. Its delicious food, friendly service, and historic atmosphere are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Next section: The History of Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan

Conclusion

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a historic and iconic pizzeria that has been serving New Yorkers and tourists alike since 1905. It is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh ingredients, and historic significance.

Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is more than just a pizzeria; it is a New York City landmark. It is a place where people can come together to enjoy delicious food and share stories about the city's history. Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan is a reminder of the important role that Italian immigrants played in shaping the culinary landscape of New York City.

If you are ever in New York City, be sure to visit Lombardi's Pizza Manhattan. It is a truly unique and special place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.