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Rome to Brooklyn Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Rome to Brooklyn Pizza
7.6
Chef Aurel bridges Brooklyn roots with Roman traditions through thick Sicilian squares and creative specialty pies. The grandma slice with pepperoni sags gloriously under its toppings, while panzerotti and focaccia sandwiches expand the Italian counter-service repertoire.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma Pepperoni Slice, Panzerotti, Quattro Stagioni Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Brooklyn-born chef fusing NYC and Roman pizza styles with creative toppings
Who should go: Adventurous slice seekers and panzerotti curious
When to visit: Open daily 11am-11pm for consistent availability
What to order: Grandma pepperoni, vodka slice, panzerotti
Insider tip: The bianco and vodka slices are sleeper hits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand St is tough - reviewers note it's 'not easy to find parking.' Take the L to Grand St or G to Metropolitan Ave
Dress code: Total come-as-you-are counter service - shorts and flip-flops fit right in
Noise level: Quiet and casual - Italian music playing in the background, easy to chat while you wait for your slice
Weekend wait: Typically no line - a hidden gem advantage. 5-10 min for slices, longer for whole pies or specialty orders
Weekday lunch: No wait - walk up to the counter and grab what's in the case
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple cheese pizzas, veggie grandma with zucchini and peppers, white pies, and focaccia options
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated marinara pizza with grilled zucchini, roasted peppers, kalamata olives and basil. Cauliflower crust also available in vegan-friendly plain option
Gluten-free options: Yes - cauliflower crust praised as 'best GF crust in the city' by reviewers. Available in margherita, grandma, and specialty styles. Pre-order recommended. Shared kitchen, not celiac-safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love pizza and hate pretense. It's a counter-service slice shop with limited seating - perfect for a casual 'let's grab a quick bite' vibe. There's outdoor seating and it's described as 'a cute spot for simple date night,' but this is slices on paper plates, not candlelit romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or really possible - it's counter service. Limited indoor seating and outdoor tables available first-come basis. Most people grab slices to go. The space is quaint and unassuming.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - reviewers mention hosting kids' birthday parties here. Simple pizza slices, no fuss environment, and the panzerotti (fried calzones) are a hit with children. Quick service means no restless waiting.
Best For
Better for: Finding Brooklyn's best gluten-free/cauliflower crust pizza without the artisanal pizza line. The panzerotti (Puglia-style fried calzones) are unique to the neighborhood, and the grandma slices with their gloriously sagging toppings compete with anywhere in Brooklyn. Great late-night option open until 11pm.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Italian dinner or Neapolitan-style thin crust. This is square Sicilian territory with creative toppings - if you're looking for a blistered 90-second pie or white tablecloth service, head elsewhere.
Rome to Brooklyn Pizza
8.6
A local favorite serving classic Neapolitan pizza with a Brooklyn twist, offering a perfect balance of crispy crust and fresh toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Classic Cheese Slice
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with a Brooklyn twist.
Who should go: Pizza lovers who crave classic, yet affordable options.
When to visit: Weekends for a lively crowd and fresh pizzas.
What to order: Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Classic Cheese Slice.
Insider tip: Try the daily special for unique topping combinations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be difficult during peak hours. Paid parking lots nearby.
Dress code: Casual, no dress code required. Feel free to wear jeans and a t-shirt.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but lively and fun atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated menu section with several veggie options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mostly customizable pizzas.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free pizzas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the cozy vibe and delicious pizza make it a great spot for a casual first date. The lively atmosphere also ensures it’s not too awkward if conversation stalls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s usually possible during weekday lunches, but weekends can get crowded. For weekends, it’s recommended to make a reservation to avoid long wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, this spot is great for families. They offer a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of pizza options that kids will enjoy.
Best For
Better for: This place excels in serving authentic, affordable Neapolitan pizza with a Brooklyn twist. The casual, fun vibe is perfect for a group gathering or a laid-back pizza night.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience or fine-dining pizza options, this may not be the best choice.
Rome to Brooklyn Pizza
8.1
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Rome to Brooklyn is a small Grand Street shop where a veteran pizza maker turns out Italian-leaning pies and slices with careful dough and toppings that go beyond basic cheese. Prices stay firmly in everyday range, making it a go-to for locals who want artisan-leaning pizza without boutique slice-shop pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita slice, Burrata vodka slice, Wild mushroom slice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Tight, chef-led shop where carefully made slices bridge classic New York and Italian panzerotti-style pies.
Who should go: Locals chasing careful dough and toppings on a budget.
When to visit: Weeknights around dinner for fresh pies without a long wait.
What to order: Margherita slice, burrata vodka slice, wild mushroom slice.
Insider tip: Check the counter for off-menu or seasonal slices; they often test new toppings in limited batches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Grand Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space with some bustle but easy conversation at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak slice rush, longer if you’re waiting on a full pie
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple cheese- and vegetable-forward slices typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — occasionally a red-sauce vegetable slice without cheese, but not guaranteed daily.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust and no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic sit-down — it’s quick, informal, and lets you focus on conversation without ceremony.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no reservation system and seating is extremely limited. Plan on standing, taking slices to go, or grabbing a quick counter spot if one opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like classic pizza flavors. The tight space and minimal seating make it less ideal for strollers or large families.
Best For
Better for: Carefully made, artisan-leaning slices at true everyday prices — a sweet spot between corner slice shops and trendier boutique pizza counters.
Skip if: You want formal dining, guaranteed seating, a full bar, or specialty diets like gluten-free or fully vegan options.