I had never heard of this place when a friend and I wandered in for lunch, the other day.

But, my lord, what good pizza!!

The seasonal mushroom, taleggio and thyme pizza was absolutely chock full of flavor and featuring the thinnest crust known to man. And the crust still managed to maintain it’s crispiness. You can easily devour the entire thing and feel no guilt.

Well, maybe leave one piece behind, just for show.

The Artichoke Calzone was also a thing of beauty. It’s ENORMOUS, first of all. Second, it’s stuffed and covered in cheesy, artichokey goodness. Ordering this will guarantee a pound of leftovers (which reheat beautifully).

Even the Arugula and Endive salad was flavorful and nice accompaniment to the heavier dishes.

On top of that, the place is spacious, gorgeous (yet casual) and our server couldn’t have been friendlier. There weren’t many diners when we were there, which makes me worry for Florian’s future. The restaurant group manages 5 other NYC restaurants, so apparently they’re doing all right.

Regardless, I highly recommend this place for pretty much any occasion. Carb loading for an imaginary race? Check. Romantic Dinner? Check? Firing a horrible employee? Check…but make sure they order that insane looking lobster pizza (see below) so at least they’re given a final, decadent meal before you send them off to the unemployment line.

Just make sure they don’t stab you with the lobster shell.

225 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10003
b/t 19th St & 18th St
Gramercy, Flatiron
(212) 869-8800
floriannyc.com

arugula & endive 11
radicchio, cauliflower, goat cheese, pear, walnuts,
apple-tarragon dressing

artichoke calzone alla giudea 21

seasonal mushrooms, taleggio, thyme 19

lasagna ossobuco 23
whole lobster, zucchini, pomodoro 29