TLDR
Legendary cash-only pizzeria famed for brick-oven thin-crust pies and calzones. Iconic, romantic vibe that demands hours-long waits or strategic planning.
Instagram Posts References
The segment shows a chef preparing pizza dough, then a close-up of a bubbling, pepperoni and basil topped pizza with a significant cheese pull, emphasizing its fresh ingredients and classic, artisanal look. It suggests a high-quality, delicious pizza.
Ranked as the #9 best restaurant in Brooklyn according to over 100 million ratings on Beli.
Lucali is included in the selection of the top 15 best pizza spots in NYC, recognized for its exceptional thin-crust pizzas.
The post features a positive experience at Lucali, highlighting a "yummy" pepperoni pizza adorned with fresh basil. The restaurant is portrayed as an ideal spot to share a delicious meal with friends, emphasizing good food and enjoyable company within the New York City summer experience.
Lucali is a legendary cash-only pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, famous for its exceptionally thin-crust, brick-oven pizzas and calzones. Lines form hours before opening, making it one of the most desired and hardest-to-get tables for pizza in NYC.
Details
A legendary Carroll Gardens institution, this pizzeria is renowned for its brick-oven pies and calzones [1]. Despite having no reservation system, it draws massive crowds and celebrity clientele, often requiring guests to wait hours for a table [1], [2], [3]. The atmosphere is charmingly nostalgic, featuring candles and classic rock music, making it a staple of the New York dining scene [1]. While many consider it home to the city's best pizza, the intense demand and long wait times have led to a polarizing reputation regarding the overall experience [1], [4].
Food Overview
The menu is limited to pizza and calzones, with the latter frequently highlighted as an exceptional, must-order dish [1], [3], [4]. While the pizza receives high praise for its crust and sauce, some diners describe it as only solid or 'pretty good' rather than exceptional [1], [2], [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"The calzone is widely celebrated as the standout item on the menu, often ranked as even better than the signature pizza [1], [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •pizza(16)
- •calzone(11)
- •pizza with basil(9)
- •pizza crust(6)
- •crust(4)
- •garlic calzone(2)
- •calzones(2)
- •sauce(2)
- •pies with basil(2)
- •calzones with basil(2)
Caveats
Be prepared for significant logistical challenges, including an arduous wait in line or difficulty securing a table, which many suggest is not worthwhile for those with tight schedules or children [1], [2], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LUCALI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Ceres Question Best Choice And Ordering Process
"The commenter includes Lucali in their top three pizza spots."
PositiveFrom post: Ceres Question Best Choice And Ordering Process
"The commenter mentions getting lucky with a short wait time on a Monday."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restaurant To Try To Get Into This Weekend
"Suggested as a dining destination."
NeutralFrom post: Lucky Charlies In Bushwick Perhaps The Best Pizza
"User considers this restaurant to be better than Lucky Charlie's."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter listed the calzone from Lucali as a reason to visit."
PositiveFrom post: These Nyc Tables Are Impossible To Get Except
"This commenter agrees that Lucali is just 'fine' and would only eat there if there were no line, finding the exclusivity obnoxious."
NeutralFrom post: These Nyc Tables Are Impossible To Get Except
"This commenter believes Lucali is overrated and that there are numerous other places that are equally or better without the pretension."
NegativeFrom post: These Nyc Tables Are Impossible To Get Except
"This commenter calls out Lucali as an example of a place with a line for pizza that costs $40, implying it's not worth the hassle."
NegativeFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"Lucali is a pizza place worth the wait, though it's a significant trek from Times Square and reservations may not be possible."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"The user is asking for tips on weekday waits for places like Lucali, considering they will be visiting with children."
NeutralFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"This commenter questions the practicality of a tourist with children traveling to Carroll Gardens to wait for Lucali, suggesting it may not be an efficient choice given the logistical challenges."
NegativeFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"Lucali for pizza is considered worth it by this commenter."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter strongly disagreed with the positive reception of Lucali, stating they do not like its dough, finding it bland."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter refuses to go to Lucali, viewing it as a place for Brooklyn transplants to 'be seen' rather than for its pizza quality."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user stated that Lucali is not worth the time, considering its value among the worst in the city due to its line system."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user found Lucali to be good but not as great as the hype suggested, and not worth the effort of their in-person line system."
NegativeFrom post: Byob And Byoglass Restaurants In The City
"This user is curious about what drinks are paired with calzones and later requests photos of stemware at Lucali."
NeutralFrom post: Byob And Byoglass Restaurants In The City
"Responding to a comment about pairing wine with calzones, this user notes that bringing your own glass is not out of place at Lucali."
PositiveFrom post: Byob And Byoglass Restaurants In The City
"The commenter was unaware that Lucali permits patrons to bring their own glassware."
PositiveFrom post: How Does Takeout Work At Lucali
"The user specified that phone orders are only for takeout and generally not during the restaurant's busiest periods."
Neutral