A sourdough pizza spot from EMP alums, known for its thin, crispy crust and premium toppings.
Bryan Kim reviews Ceres Pizza, a NYC spot famous for its thin and chewy slices, and notes that the 'nduja pie with burrata and balsamic is worth the hassle.
This pizza spot, co-founded by two former Eleven Madison Park chefs, is generating significant buzz in NYC for its unique, thin sourdough crust. While some find the pizza to be a bit dry or too crispy, many praise its high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings. Be prepared for long waits and a pie-only policy, as this place has become a destination for pizza enthusiasts.
Ceres offers pizzas with a distinctively thin, crispy sourdough crust, often described as having a cracker-like texture. Popular toppings include mushrooms with crème fraîche, and 'nduja with burrata. While the quality of ingredients is generally lauded, some find the pizza can be dry or lack sufficient sauce. The restaurant has transitioned to selling only whole pies, which contributes to the significant wait times and planning required for a visit.
"The mushroom pizza with crème fraîche and onion is frequently highlighted as a standout. The 'nduja pizza with burrata and balsamic is also recommended, despite its higher price point. The tomato pie is also mentioned positively."
Customers are divided, with many praising the unique pizza and high-quality ingredients, while others criticize the high prices, long waits, and perceived dryness or excessive crispiness of the crust.
Important Note
Ceres now exclusively sells whole pies, and there are often significant wait times due to its popularity. The pizza is also on the pricier side.
"This commenter stated that Ceres has the best tomato slice, also mentioning Chrissy's as excellent."
Positive"In response to a mention of Ceres, this commenter questioned if their tomato pie includes pecorino cheese."
Neutral"This user listed Ceres alongside Fini and Una Pizza Napoletana for tomato slices."
Positive"This commenter praised Ceres' tomato pie, suggesting to ask for it without the finishing dressing. They also mentioned F&F as a good Brooklyn option."
Positive"This user preferred Christy's pizza over Ceres, noting they received their pie in hand within 25 minutes and found it to be very good."
Positive"This user felt that while Ceres pizza is good, other places like Joe's or L'Industrie offer great pizza without taking up as much visitor time. They questioned if someone not deep into NYC pizza would appreciate the nuances."
Neutral"This user recommended Christy's pizza in Greenpoint, stating it's worth the hype and has a manageable line of 30-45 minutes on weekends."
Positive"This user stated that waiting in line or reserving pizza in NYC is antithetical to the experience and suggested visitors should not waste time on it."
Negative"This user was disappointed that Ceres does not offer chili flakes, citing a negative experience when asking for them and being told 'we don't do that here.'"
Negative"This user reacted negatively to the idea of paying $60 for a pizza and expressed disapproval of eating somewhere endorsed by Dave Portnoy."
Negative"This user stated that Ceres is a two-person operation using high-end ingredients, explaining the long wait times and higher prices. They believe Portnoy's endorsement was accurate and that the pizza is worth the hype and cost."
Positive"This user defended Ceres, stating Portnoy's endorsement made them money and that their pizza is excellent. They also highlighted the high-end ingredients and TLC given to each pie by the two-person operation."
Positive"This user questioned if endorsing Dave Portnoy compromises a brand and if other pizza shops compromise theirs by making pizza to order."
Negative"This user explained that Ceres is a small operation with two people making pizzas, using high-end ingredients and not compromising their brand by selling slices or taking shortcuts."
Neutral"This user suggested that visitors could plan their day around ordering from Ceres during lunch for a dinner pickup, but acknowledged it wouldn't be their first choice."
Neutral"This user praised Cello's as one of the best slice joints in NYC, convenient for a quick grab-and-go experience anytime."
Positive"This user noted that L'Industrie's pizza style is different from Ceres, comparing it more to New Jersey pizza and Ralph's in Nutley."
Neutral"This user advises against waiting for any pizza, implying that no pizza is worth the extreme wait."
Negative"This user stated that you get in line early, pick a time slot, and that the pizza is pretty good but not worth the hassle. They also recommend Cello's or Lucia for a better experience with no hassle."
Neutral"This user found Ceres pizza to be very good but not worth the hassle, recommending Cello's or Lucia as alternatives with no hassle and better pizza."
Neutral
