Coal Oven Pizza
"Coal oven pizza is a sit-down, destination meal cooked in 100-year-old anthracite coal ovens at 900°F (480°C), creating a charred, crispy, smoky crust in under 3 minutes. This is a 'whole pie' experience, not a slice—you sit down, wait in line, and order an entire pizza. The crust bubbles and chars ('leoparding'), and the center stays chewy. It's a social event requiring planning and patience."
Logistics
Moderate
Vibe
Iconic, charred
Duration
1-2 hours
Best For
Dinner
The Backstory
Coal ovens arrived with Italian immigrants in the early 1900s. Lombardi's (1905) claims to be America's first pizzeria. Coal was phased out citywide in the 1960s due to Clean Air Act regulations, but a few historic ovens were grandfathered in. The ovens are 100+ years old and irreplaceable.
Local Secret
"Make reservations or arrive before opening to avoid 2-hour waits. Coal oven pizzerias don't do slices—you're ordering a full pie. The charred spots (leoparding) are desirable, not burnt. Iconic spots are in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Don't ask for extra toppings—simplicity is the point (margherita or white pie)."