Iconic Brooklyn pizza joint w/ celeb sightings & legendary lines. Famous for thin-crust pies & calzones. No reservations, BYOB w/ glasses. Prepare to wait!
This Brooklyn pizzeria has achieved legendary status, drawing crowds for its exceptional pizzas and calzones despite a no-reservation, walk-in policy. Expect a significant wait, as lines often form hours before opening, and be prepared to brave the elements, as the interior can get quite hot. Celebrities like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have been spotted here, adding to its exclusive appeal. While the pizza is widely praised, some diners find the calzone to be the true standout, with recommendations for both dishes, though opinions on the overall experience vary.
The pizza at Lucali is the main draw, described as thin-crust and highly praised by many, with some even considering it the best in NYC. The calzones also receive significant acclaim, with some preferring them over the pizza. Other dishes like meatballs and pasta have also received positive mentions. However, there are critiques regarding the amount of basil, the crust's texture, and the overall preparation, with some finding the pizza to be just 'good' or 'meh' and not worth the wait.
"The pizza at Lucali is widely acclaimed, with many considering it among the best. The calzones, particularly the garlic calzone, are also frequently highlighted as exceptional and perhaps even superior to the pizza by some diners. The meatballs have also received specific praise."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the pizza, often calling it the best. However, significant negatives include extremely long wait times, especially in hot weather, and some find the calzones or other dishes to be better than the pizza. Service experiences are mixed, with some noting rudeness.
Important Note
Lucali does not take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis, often resulting in extremely long wait times. The interior can be very hot, especially during warmer months, due to a lack of effective air conditioning and the heat from the ovens. Some patrons find the wait and the overall experience not worth the perceived quality of the pizza, and service can be inconsistent.
"This user is curious about what drinks are paired with calzones and later requests photos of stemware at Lucali."
Neutral"Responding to a comment about pairing wine with calzones, this user notes that bringing your own glass is not out of place at Lucali."
Positive"The commenter was unaware that Lucali permits patrons to bring their own glassware."
Positive"The user specified that phone orders are only for takeout and generally not during the restaurant's busiest periods."
Neutral"The user advises that for takeout, arriving around 4 PM when orders are taken should secure a reasonable time slot. Pickup involves paying in cash and collecting the order at the designated time. They also noted that phone orders were possible during COVID but are now difficult."
Neutral"The user commented that waiting in line for takeout is inconvenient."
Negative"The user found the process of waiting in line for takeout to be excessive."
Negative"The user noted that ordering takeout by phone can be difficult, sometimes requiring multiple calls."
Negative"The user expressed that Lucali is overrated for takeout."
Negative"The user typically calls in their takeout order right before opening and schedules a pickup for around 6:30 PM."
Neutral"The user recommended takeout as the easiest way to enjoy Lucali's pizza and suggested eating it in nearby Carroll Park."
Positive"The user stated that while Lucali's pizza is very good, the required wait and process for non-VIP customers is not worth it. They suggested F&F as an alternative with outstanding pizza and no inconvenient waiting ritual."
Negative"Regarding takeout, showing up 10 minutes before opening is likely fine, but there will be a wait. It's not guaranteed, but should work out."
Neutral"The user inquired if arriving 10 minutes before opening is sufficient for takeout, to which the response indicated it should be acceptable but might involve waiting."
Neutral"To get takeout from Lucali, join the general line, place your order, and you'll be given a time slot for pickup. Arriving when they open should ensure you get your order."
Neutral"Commenter expressed that the pizza at Lucali isn't even that good."
Negative"Commenter suggested Lucali in Brooklyn."
Neutral"Lucali is mentioned as a great option for potentially the best pizza in the city, or even better calzones, though lines are crazy."
Positive"The commenter mentioned that the garlic calzone at Lucali holds up better for takeout than the pizza."
Positive"This commenter suggested Lucali for its garlic pizza slice, noting that it's known for long lines but can be taken to go."
Positive
