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Motorino Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Motorino Pizza
8.0
Chef Mathieu Palombino's acclaimed Neapolitan pizzeria features wood-fired pies in an airy space near the Williamsburg Bridge. The brussels sprouts pizza originated here, and the careful attention to quality ingredients distinguishes each charred, blistered pie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brussels Sprouts Pizza, Margherita DOC, Soppressata Piccante
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: The original brussels sprouts pizza and authentic Neapolitan technique since 2006
Who should go: Neapolitan purists and outdoor diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch for $16 prix-fixe with salad and pizza
What to order: Brussels sprouts pizza, soppressata, roasted peppers
Insider tip: Family-style prix-fixe includes unlimited pizza for groups of 6+
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and side streets; located on pedestrian plaza near Williamsburg Bridge makes access easy but parking competitive evenings
Dress code: Casual - laid-back neighborhood pizzeria vibe; jeans and sneakers fine
Noise level: Moderate - music can get loud but layout keeps it manageable; good for conversation at most tables
Weekend wait: 20-40 min without reservation; book via Resy for guaranteed seating
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk right in for the $20 prix fixe
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including margherita, stracciatella, cremini mushroom (can omit sausage), and marinara pizzas plus salads
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan pizzas: La Vegana (tomato, Blackbird plant sausage, broccoli rabe) and Vegan Cremini with NUMU vegan mozzarella
Gluten-free options: No - traditional Neapolitan dough only; no GF crust available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - candlelit ambiance, airy space with open wood-fired oven view, and affordable all-$40 bottle wine list make it romantic without being stuffy. Reviews specifically praise it for dates and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties under 6. Larger groups should book via Resy or email info@motorinopizza.com. Weekend dinners can have waits; weekday lunch walks right in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - Yelp marks it 'Good for kids' and Time Out recommends for families. Simple margherita appeals to picky eaters. The weekday lunch prix fixe ($20 for salad + pizza) is particularly family-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan technique with 72-hour fermented dough; the original brussels sprouts pizza you've seen copied everywhere; serious vegan options with dedicated plant-based pies; value-driven group dining with unlimited pizza prix fixe
Skip if: You need gluten-free pizza (no GF crust available); you want NY-style slices (this is whole-pie Neapolitan only); you hate charred crusts with leopard spotting
Motorino Pizza
8.3
Motorino’s Williamsburg location turns out blistered, Neapolitan-style pies from a wood-burning oven, with a menu that balances classics like margherita with more adventurous toppings. The relaxed dining room, highchairs, and fair prices for shareable pies make it a natural choice for families looking to sit down together rather than just grab slices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Spicy soppressata or salami pizza, Brussels sprouts pizza with pancetta
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with toppings that appeal to both kids and adults.
Who should go: Families wanting a relaxed sit-down pizza night.
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush and trivia nights.
What to order: Margherita, soppressata pie, and a seasonal special to share.
Insider tip: Order a couple of large pies for the table and ask for kid-friendly slice cutting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be very tight after 6pm on weekends, rideshare is often easier.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood attire, jeans, sneakers, and kid-friendly outfits are all standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively – easy to talk at your table, but the room stays energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian pies, salads, and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize a few pizzas with no cheese and vegetable toppings.
Gluten-free options: Limited – gluten-free crust may be available at times, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for casual first dates where sharing pizza keeps things relaxed and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend nights usually mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – highchairs are available, pies are easy for kids to eat, and the atmosphere welcomes families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Neapolitan pizza nights with families or groups who want full service and wood-fired pies.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast grab-and-go slices or a quiet, intimate dining experience.
Motorino Pizza
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Motorino’s Williamsburg outpost serves Neapolitan-style pies from a wood-burning oven in a full-service dining room that works for both family pizza nights and low-key celebrations. The menu layers in antipasti, salads, and a family-style prix fixe, so tables can turn a simple pizza outing into a full Italian dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts pizza, Soppressata piccante pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pies with a family-style menu option in a proper dining room.
Who should go: Families wanting sit-down pizza with appetizers and wine.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekend dinners to avoid long waits.
What to order: Margherita, Brussels sprouts pie, soppressata piccante with a shared salad.
Insider tip: Consider the family-style prix fixe if you’re a larger group that wants to sample several pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable before 6pm but tight during dinner hours. Rideshare is often easier on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners dress slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but expect energetic room buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation, sometimes longer for groups.
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 min typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie pizzas, salads, and antipasti make this very vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — vegan diners can build a pie without cheese and lean on salads, but dedicated vegan options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust availability varies and cross-contamination is possible due to the pizza-focused kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the wood-fired pizza, candlelit tables, and buzzy but not overwhelming energy make it casual enough to relax while still feeling like a proper date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends and prime dinner hours are risky without a reservation, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely — Neapolitan pies are approachable for kids, highchairs are available, and the full-service setup works well for families with toddlers through teens.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down Neapolitan pizza nights with full-service pacing, shared appetizers, and group-friendly tables.
Skip if: If you want ultra-fast slices, ultra-quiet dining, or strictly vegan/gluten-free pizza.