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La Trattoria Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
La Trattoria Pizza
7.6
A neighborhood institution delivering consistent NY-style pizza and Italian-American classics at honest prices. The Eggplant Rollatini Pizza is a local sleeper hit, and the kitchen stays open late for Midtown's night owls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggplant Rollatini Pizza, Garlic Knots, Chicken Parmigiana Hero
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Reliable neighborhood slice shop with late hours and fast delivery
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners and late-night pizza seekers
When to visit: Quick lunch or after-hours pizza craving
What to order: Eggplant rollatini pizza, fresh pasta specials, garlic knots
Insider tip: The fresh pasta rivals sit-down restaurants at half the price
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - typical Midtown East difficulty. No valet. Most customers grab slices to-go or use delivery apps (Seamless, Grubhub, Slice, DoorDash).
Dress code: Come as you are - this is a casual counter-service slice shop. Gym clothes, work suits, whatever.
Noise level: Quick-service environment - not designed for lingering conversations. Order at counter, grab a seat if available, eat and go.
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for slices; 15-20 min for full pies or pasta dishes
Weekday lunch: Midtown lunch rush can mean a short line, but turnover is fast - rarely more than 5 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options - veggie pizza, eggplant rollatini pizza, primavera pizza, garden pizza (spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, olives, tomatoes), cheese calzones, pasta with marinara/vodka sauce
Vegan options: Limited - can do cheese-less pizza with veggies, garden salad. Not a strong suit.
Gluten-free options: Some options available per menu - ask staff about specific accommodations. Not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - this is a grab-and-go slice shop with counter service and limited seating. Great for a casual post-date slice at 1am, but not a sit-down dinner spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken or needed. Small seating area operates first-come, first-served. Most customers take out or get delivery - this is a classic NYC slice joint.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - affordable slices, quick service, unfussy atmosphere. Kids can pick their own toppings. No high chairs but fine for older kids who can handle counter-height seating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings (open until 2am Fri-Sat), budget-conscious lunches, fast delivery to nearby offices and hotels. Fresh pasta at takeout prices that rivals sit-down spots. Consistent quality from a 6+ year neighborhood staple.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining experience, craft cocktails, or an Instagram-worthy setting. Not the spot for a special occasion - this is fuel, not theater.
La Trattoria Pizza
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A narrow, counter-service slice shop on Second Avenue, La Trattoria Pizza turns out classic New York pies, grandma slices, and basic pastas at family-friendly prices. Limited seating and quick service make it a practical stop for kids who just want pizza before or after a Midtown outing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma slice with crisp square crust, Neapolitan cheese or pepperoni slice, Eggplant Parmigiana or spaghetti with marinara
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A straightforward neighborhood slice shop where kids can grab pizza fast without fuss.
Who should go: Families needing quick, low-cost Italian near Midtown East hotels.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or early evening to snag one of the few seats.
What to order: Grandma slice, a classic cheese slice, eggplant Parm hero.
Insider tip: Order whole pies in advance for hotel-room family dinners at good value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on 2nd Avenue turn over quickly but can be scarce during peak commuter hours.
Dress code: No dress code—casual attire is completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a busy slice shop with steady foot traffic but still manageable for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Usually no significant wait; expect a 5–10 minute queue during peak slice rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except for brief lunchtime bursts.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—cheese slices, grandma slices, and several pasta dishes work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—cheese-free pizza can be made but dedicated vegan toppings are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—no gluten-free pizza crust and cross-contact is likely in such a compact prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not really—it's a narrow, counter-service slice shop with limited seating, better suited for quick meals than date ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; seating is first-come and limited, so off-peak hours improve your chance of finding a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for kids who just want pizza, though space is tight; best for quick stops rather than extended family meals.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive slices and simple pasta dishes for families who need a no-fuss meal in Midtown East.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Italian dinner, gluten-free options, or a comfortable space for longer conversations.
La Trattoria Pizza
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A narrow, counter-service spot turning out classic New York slices, Sicilian squares, and basic pastas at family-friendly prices. Limited table seating and steady foot traffic make it a practical stop for families who just want quick, satisfying pizza near Midtown offices and hotels.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Slice, Grandma Sicilian Slice, Baked Ziti
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A no-frills 2nd Avenue slice shop where big, flavorful slices stay affordable for families.
Who should go: Families needing fast, inexpensive pizza near Midtown offices.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or early evening to grab one of the few tables.
What to order: Cheese slice, grandma Sicilian slice, baked ziti.
Insider tip: If you’re with kids, split a Sicilian slice — it eats like a small pan pizza.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Avenue is limited; rely on nearby garages ($20–$30 range) if driving.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch and early evenings; still easy to hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal; expect a 5–10 minute wait for a table due to limited seating.
Weekday lunch: No wait for slices, though tables may turn over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — cheese slices, Sicilian squares, salads, and meat-free pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — vegan-friendly only if you order plain tomato-sauce pasta or cheese-less pizza.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza or pasta; options are very limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, no-frills slice date — it’s practical and quick, not atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations here. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited, so off-peak hours offer the best chance to sit.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — great for kids who want simple slices or pasta. Best for ages 4+ since space is tight and there’s no stroller parking or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable slices and quick-service meals that work for families on the move.
Skip if: You want a sit-down pizzeria with roomy seating, specialty pies, or gluten-free options.