TLDR
Crowd-pleasing UWS Italian featuring standout 'hot hunny' pizzas, craveable pasta, and unique soft serve.
Instagram Posts References
The reviewer had a very positive experience at Parla Pizza, particularly enjoying the pasta dishes which were described as having classic flavors and being great. They also expressed a strong desire to return to try more of the pizzas and appetizers offered, and mentioned that the restaurant has a soft serve for $9. The post overall gives Parla Pizza a high rating of 8.6/10.
Parla is suggested as a frequently visited restaurant on the Upper West Side. The author specifically recommends ordering the 'hot hunny pizza,' 'broken ceasar,' and an Aperol spritz.
Details
A popular Upper West Side destination, this spot is celebrated for its inventive pizzas, pastas, and indulgent soft serve [1], [2]. While the menu receives widespread acclaim for bold, classic Italian flavors, some patrons have raised concerns regarding ownership affiliations [3]. The establishment often draws crowds, making the dining environment lively but potentially difficult for securing a table [3], [7].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on elevated Italian fare, with frequent praise for the 'hot hunny' pizza, square pizza, and the 'Burizza' [7], [10], [14]. Pasta dishes like the Mafaldine Alla Vodka and midnight pasta are highly regarded, while the fior di latte lunch sandwich is noted as a must-try [11], [14], [15]. Calabrian chili honey is a popular condiment recommendation for crusts and flatbreads [3].
Caveats
The restaurant is known to be loud and can be difficult to get a table in; additionally, some diners choose to boycott due to the owners' connection to the Sackler family [3], [7]. Takeout experiences have occasionally been described as inconsistent [14].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PARLA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Are Good Restaurant Recommendations Near
"A simple mention of the restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: What Are Good Restaurant Recommendations Near
"The user really likes this place for pizza and notes it is very close to the museum."
PositiveFrom post: Stuck In My Hotel For The Day What To Order In In
"Suggested as an Italian restaurant option."
NeutralFrom post: Anyone Have Any Chicken Cutlet Sandwich Recs Have
"Parla on the UWS has a lunch sandwich with fior di latte that 'slaps'."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user states that Parla is usually great but has had disappointing takeout experiences with undercooked or overcooked pizzas. They note that the kitchen struggles to keep up when busy."
NegativeFrom post: Parla
"This user enjoyed Parla on the few occasions they visited and commented on the storefront previously being vacant."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"In response to a comment praising Parla, this user states they will not give money to the Sackler family."
NegativeFrom post: Parla
"This user finds the midnight pasta at Parla to be really good."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user expresses love for Parla and asks for other pizza recommendations on the Upper West Side."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user finds Parla to be great, noting it can be loud and difficult to get a table, but their takeout is good. They specifically praise the Burizza."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user was pleasantly surprised by Parla, enjoying their square pizza and pasta."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user makes a dark humor comment relating Parla's pizza to the Sackler family and the opioid epidemic, joking about repeat customers."
NeutralFrom post: Parla
"This user states that Parla is a solid restaurant, but the service can be lacking and it gets crowded. They also mention that Parla is owned by the same people who own The Smith, and the CEO is part of the Sackler family, which is associated with the opioid epidemic. This information may lead some to boycott the restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Parla
"This user recommends the calabrian chili honey as a dip for crust or flatbread at Parla."
PositiveFrom post: Parla
"This user expresses positive sentiment towards Parla with a short, enthusiastic comment."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Mushroom Pizza In Manhattan
"For those seeking a mushroom pizza, Parla's 'full shroom' is suggested as an alternative."
PositiveFrom post: Best Quick Eats Near Lincoln Center Within 15 Min
"Parla is mentioned as a dining option."
Neutral