When someone asks me where to go for that old school, NYC Pizzeria vibe, I always suggest the same two places.

John’s in the West Village and Lombardi’s in Nolita (north of Little Italy).

There’s something to be said about a place that smells like it “took a bath” in pizza. When a restaurant is too new, too clean, you don’t get that pizza parlor smell. That smell is vital. It’s half of the experience!

However, the opposite is true with sushi restaurants.

Lombardi’s, opened in 1905, is credited with being the first pizzeria in the USA.

While I think I might like the actual pizza at John’s just a smidgen more, the ambiance at Lombardi’s is a bit nicer. John’s is more divey, punk rock and Lombardi’s is more like old grandpa. Both are great, depending what you’re in the mood for.

Here’s what you need to order at Lombardi’s. Sasuage, Mushrooms and Ricotta. There is no finer trifecta. Ricotta on pizza needs to be obligatory, it’s just heavenly.

32 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Mulberry St & Mott St
Nolita
(212) 941-7994
firstpizza.com

Sausage, mushroom and ricotta pizza