Although I mention Di Fara in write-ups almost every week, I have never written a proper review of the place. There is only so much I can write. In fact, my review should really only be two words: Go there! I talk about pizza with a lot of people. Everyone has their thoughts on where the best New York pizza comes from, but I don't think that anyone who hasn't been to Di Fara should be able to engage in a legitimate discussion about New York City pizza. Sure Grimaldi's is good. And I basically live at Artichoke. But no other New York pizza place comes even close to my experiences at Di Fara.
Dom DeMarco has been running the place for 45 years and over the past decade he has become renowned around the world for the pizzas he makes. A pie will run you about $30, which I honestly consider a bargain given the quality and personal attention that each pie receives. DeMarco rolls the dough for every pizza and puts each ingredient on himself. Every pizza is treated equally. He never rushes and those in line are always surprisingly patient. Don't disturb the artist while he is at work. The place itself is no-frills - a couple of mismatched table and chairs, as well as a few refrigerators with drinks. There is nothing fancy about it. You'd imagine the place looked the same in the 1960s.
This week, I made my 5th trip to Di Fara. Each voyage out there has held a special place in my heart. I went on this particular trip with my friend Charles, who has lived in New York City for 27 years but had never been to Di Fara. We often talk about pizza, but it was time he gave Di Fara a try. We got half a plain pie and half a pie with Porcini mushrooms, peppers, and artichokes. Anyone trying Di Fara for the first time should make sure to try at least one plain slice. Each ingredient truly stands out. But the toppings are incredible as well. Just as fresh and tasty as every other part of the pie and the combination that we came up with hit the spot.
As my friend pointed out, the imperfection of the pizza is what makes it perfect. It's not completely round. Some parts of the crust are slightly more burnt than others. Some bites are saucier, some cheesier. But that's part of the experience. As no further commentary can do Di Fara justice, I will now direct you to the photos and videos below which I hope will inspire you to go there yourself. Right away!
Photos Of Di Fara
VIDEOS
My friend Charles tells us why Di Fara is so great
Dom DeMarco In Action
3 comments:
Growing up, DiFara was my local pizza place. I had my first slice there when I was 5 and just kept going back. I honestly don't know when Dom began to become reknown, I was rather surprised about a decade ago to read that DiFara was considered he best in the city. Not becuase the pizza wasn't terrific, but it's a little whole in the wall in central Brooklyn. This past summer, 40 years after my first slice, I visited DiFara's again, my first visit in about 15 years. There was Dom, older, greyer, but still making every pie by hand. I said hi, talked for a bit and thanked him. He spoiled me. After all this time, DiFara Pizza is the best, bar none.
Yes, DiFara has been my best slice in life so far. Maybe I should go there tomorrow...
it's an experience and rivals some of the great pizzas we had in Naples and Sicily. Yes, a hole in the wall, ridiculously long wait but oh so worth it. Been going for years now and it just keeps getting more crowded. And of course, not every time is perfection but still head and shoulders over the "nornal" slice these days.
Quality ingredients, care and expertise go into every pie.
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