TLDR
Exceptional thin-crust, sourdough pizza from former fine-dining chefs; a highly sought-after, pie-only experience that demands advance planning.
Instagram Posts References
The user includes an image of the exterior of Ceres, a pizzeria, and a pizza box with the restaurant's logo. A sign in the window indicates that only whole pies are sold, not slices. This suggests the user may have purchased a whole pizza from this establishment.
Ceres is a highly anticipated pizzeria in New York City, founded by two former chefs from the globally recognized Three Michelin Starred restaurant, Eleven Madison Park. This establishment is currently considered the most hyped pizzeria in NYC, attracting considerable attention for its unique take on pizza. The pizzas are noted for having a distinctive flavor profile and a crispy, thin crust, though some feedback indicates they can be a bit dry. Given its popularity and the background of its founders, patrons are advised to arrive early to reserve their pies as they are known to sell out.
Ceres, a pizza spot in Nolita from EMP alums, is described as the current hottest pie in town, highly loved by the reviewer, though a wait should be expected.
Ceres.NYC is featured in the post for its cheese pizza, singled out as one of the most enjoyed dishes.
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.
Details
Renowned for its thin, cracker-crisp sourdough crust and innovative toppings, this establishment has become a major topic of debate among NYC pizza enthusiasts [1]. Originally a popular destination for individual slices, the restaurant now operates exclusively on a whole-pie model that often requires significant advance planning and long wait times [1], [2]. Despite polarizing opinions on value and accessibility, standout items like the nduja pie with burrata and balsamic continue to draw significant attention [1], [3].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on thin, crispy sourdough pizza, with the mushroom pie and the nduja pie featuring burrata and balsamic consistently highlighted as top recommendations [1], [2], [3]. Conversely, the cheese pie receives mixed reviews, with some diners finding it bland, insufficiently sauced, or overly dominated by parmesan [2], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The nduja pie with burrata and balsamic is a standout favorite, alongside the mushroom pie, which is frequently lauded for its exceptional flavor profile [1], [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •mushroom pie(11)
- •mushroom slice(8)
- •pizza(8)
- •cheese pie(7)
- •cheese pizza(6)
- •mushroom pizza(4)
- •burrata pie(3)
- •nduja pizza(3)
- •tomato pie(3)
Caveats
The restaurant does not serve pizza by the slice and requires customers to order and pay in person to secure a pickup time slot, which can sometimes result in waits of several hours [1], [2], [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CERES
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Which Restaurants Recently Exceeded Your
"This user considers Ceres Pizza on Mott Street the best pizza they have ever eaten, praising its elevated dough, fresh ingredients, and perfect balance, despite the cost and advance ordering requirement."
PositiveFrom post: Last Visit Before 1st Baby Lower Manhattan Or
"This commenter also recommends Ceres, acknowledging that some find its prices high but they enjoyed the Nduja pie and found the online reservation system for pickup to be efficient."
PositiveFrom post: Last Visit Before 1st Baby Lower Manhattan Or
"A commenter suggests Ceres for pizza, noting that reservations for a specific pie and time are required, though online booking is now an option. They highly recommend the Mushroom pie but found the regular pie to be just okay."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter stated that the answer to the most overrated/overpriced pizza is Ceres, noting that while it's quality, there's a limit to how elevated pizza can get, and their pie was overcooked."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter suggested buying a slice from someone who just bought a whole pie from Ceres for $5-$10, as a way to try it without the expense of a whole pie. They find the pizza good but not the best in NYC."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user claimed Ceres charges $40 for a plain cheese pie, making it potentially the most expensive in NYC, and that pies can cost up to $68. They also stated the prices have been this high for years."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter asserted that Ceres is 'definitely getting rich' from their prices, suggesting the business model relies on high margins and sticker shock, comparing it to a 'designer bag' rather than purely ingredient cost."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter enjoyed the nduja pie from Ceres, finding it surprisingly good despite the high price, and recommended it for those willing to splurge, noting the convenient online ordering."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter stated that a plain cheese pizza at Ceres cost $40 when they visited."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user commented that Ceres pizzas look dry, suggesting this aligns with a trend influenced by Dave Portnoy's preference for 'no flop' pizza."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter argued that Ceres Pizza is 'definitely cashing in,' citing Johnny's Pizza and Scarr's as examples of high-quality slice shops in the LES area charging less than Ceres for comparable pies. They believe Ceres' prices are out of sync with other premium pizza places."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"In response to the idea of Ceres 'cashing in,' this user speculated that the owners' high prices might genuinely reflect the significant costs of premium ingredients, labor, and equipment, questioning if this expenditure truly results in a noticeably better pizza."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user questioned Ceres' pricing, asking if a plain cheese pie at $30 was indeed overpriced, noting it seemed comparable to other high-end slice shops. They also mentioned a report of a $68 whole pie price."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user simply stated 'Ceres' in response to a question about overpriced pizza."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter suggested Ceres Pizza is cashing in on hype from its owners' background at 11 Madison Park and Dave Portnoy's review, rather than the intrinsic value of the pizza. They believe that without these factors, the prices wouldn't be justifiable."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user commented that Ceres pizzas are baked on screens, which they consider a sign of inexperience and a factor in not producing a great product."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user felt Ceres Pizza was emblematic of a larger issue in high-end pizza, where excessive focus on premium ingredients and 'science' doesn't necessarily yield a pie worth the high price or effort. They believe pizza is a 'solved' food and tire of the 'tech bro' approach."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This commenter acknowledged not having tried Ceres but felt the hype surrounding it was excessive."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user found Ceres to be very disappointing, stating it was no better than any regular slice shop."
NegativeFrom post: What Is The Most Overrated Or Overpriced Piece Of
"This user purchased the $68 pie from Ceres (totaling around $80 with tax and tip), finding it good but not worth the price."
Negative