12 April 13-19, 2023 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | music | cafe | culture | Night+Day | News | letters | coNteNts | miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | Sliced to Perfection Grab a slice at the ten best pizza spots in Miami. BY NICOLE DANNA M iami might not have a cele- brated regional style of pizza that rivals New York or Chi- cago, but the Magic City holds its own when it comes to pro- ducing palate-pleasing pies. With a crisp golden crust, an even layer of homemade sauce, melted cheese dripping off the sides, and the freshest toppings, pizza is one of humanity’s greatest gifts to itself. Just as this democratic food has changed our diet over the years, so has the local pizza landscape shifted. Newcomers to Miami have amassed a following through their innovative creations, while established joints endeavor to maintain their reign with no-fail recipes. Bottom line: You can find a pie that fits you no matter what you fancy. Below, listed alphabetically, are Miami’s ten best slice spots. Andiamo Pizza 5600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-762-5751 andiamopizzamiami.com Don’t let the fact that this pizza joint was once a tire shop distract you. The focus at Andiamo is on the pie: more than 30 gourmet brick-oven pizzas. Take in the view of bustling Biscayne Boulevard as you dine alfresco on a breezy patio and enjoy favorites such as the “New Yorker,” made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, Parmesan, extra- virgin olive oil, and fresh basil, or the “Godfather,” a meat lover’s dream topped with sausage, pepperoni, meatballs, and mushrooms. The “Sunday Pie” is also worth a try for its seamless blend of sweet, spicy, and meaty flavors courtesy of tomato sauce, pepperoncini, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil. Frankie’s Pizza 9118 Bird Rd., Miami 305-221-0221 frankiespizzaonline.com Frankie’s has been in business since 1955 and remains a classic, no-fuss, mom-and-pop shop dishing out its famed square-cut pies at rock-bottom prices. Sure, the dining room is decorated with a worn Formica counter, faded sports posters, and a rattling cooler of soft drinks. And, yes, there’s no beer or booze. But honestly, who cares? Frankie’s has some of the best pizza around, and that’s why you’re here. It’s all about the crust at Frankie’s: crisp on the bottom, slightly chewy at the center, and tastes of fresh-baked bread. Cheese and toppings are generous without being overindulgent, and a bargain — slices start at just under two bucks. La Leggenda Pizzeria 224 Española Way, Miami Beach 305-763-8566 laleggendapizzeria.com To say that Giovanni Gagliardi is obsessed with pizza is like saying Wynton Marsalis dabbles in the trumpet. The entire life of this pizzaiolo from Naples revolves around perfect pies. He was born into a family famous for a roving truck that dished out first-rate versions of the stuff. He’s won multiple world champi- onships, and an armory of awards litters his small South Beach spot. The world’s famed Neapolitan flour companies, which produce the only flour acceptable for making true Nea- politan pies according to European Union standards, fly him around the globe to stretch, dress, and bake on their behalf. Visit his Mi- ami Beach restaurant for yourself and watch him pull pies from the oven. Now and then, you’ll see him snip a pie crust with scissors to ensure it’s puffing up and crisping just right. Lucali 1930 Bay Rd., Miami Beach 305-695-4441 lucali.com Lucali’s pizza makers take their time prep- ping pies for the wood-burning oven. Crusts emerge thin and blistered, their surfaces puffed by blackened bubbles of golden dough. Melted buffalo mozzarella and shredded Par- migiano-Reggiano cocoon smooth tomato sauce (a secret recipe that can be ordered as a side dish). Add pepperoni, artichokes, onions, red peppers, shallots, porcini mushrooms, or hot peppers. If you’ve got room for dessert, don’t miss the Nutella pie, slathered in gooey, warm chocolate-hazelnut spread. Miami Slice 1335 NE Miami Ct., Miami 305-217-5423 miamislicepizza.com This Miami pizzeria has gained a viral fol- lowing since its humble beginnings as a pop- ▼ Café Photo by Janel Kilnisan Square Pie City opened in the Design District in January.
