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Motorino's pizza is very close to the napolitano pizza I grew up with in Italy. It's not American-style pizza. I understand it's different. I love it! If the chef is there, he inspects the pies. I've seen him throw away pies that were too charred.

My wife and I were there a month ago. Service was great. The flavors were great. I like a nice charred crust, but they were a little burnt in my opinion. I have only been there once, I would go back anytime.

In Manhattan? Hmm.... I like Patsy's, Artichoke, Totonno, Pizza 33... and while this is less conventional of a pizza.. i really like Nina's on the UES... it's not a New York style pizza... but the pipping hot cheese.. and the oddly pizza-hut like crust... i don't know.. it's really good...

But with Motorino.. 3 of my friends asked me how it was today.. and I cannot recommend Motorino's to anybody I know..... Maybe because I didn't order more than just one pizza? Maybe bad night? in any case... i was disappointed... I would try Motorino's again.. as long as I'm not buying.. :)

I had truly extraordinary pizza at the Manhattan Motorino two days ago for lunch. I ordered three pies, the brussels sprouts and pancetta, spicy soppressata, and a margherita. The crust was slightly chewy and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.The crusts were not soggy at all. I brought them back to SE World HQ and everyone seemed to agree that this was world-class pizza.

I've only been once (and never to the Bklyn location), but I thought it was pretty up there in terms of a good pie. That being said, they forgot to put garlic on my pie, which as a pregnant woman who is craving massive quantities of garlic, annoyed me. Service was good though as they were apologetic.

Now on to the crust - I thought it was a little too burnt and crunchy so I find these comments about it being too soggy interesting. Still, the cheese was sufficient and the sauce was flavorful and aplenty.

@sushiburger - I love the idea of "eat small bits here and there" in St. Marks. Yum.

Love to hear from Paulie anytime he has a moment. Motorino Manhattan up for next NYC visit - need to try based on the differences in opinion and nostalgia for UPN

I went recently, and actually pickle, I agree with you about the crust being a little too thin and soggy... like a wet papertowel, just barely strong enough to stay in one piece under the toppings. That said, it was delicious and I felt the flavors were all spot-on. The lunch special is a great deal too, I would get it again.

Of course you can still comment Paulie, but I suspect you won't have much time to, soon!

I haven't been to the Manhattan location but have never been disappointed in the Brooklyn one.

why has no one mentioned The Dumpling Man?

zarela on 2nd avenue between 50th and 51st streets. It's a bit noisy downstairs at night (near the bar) but ask for a table upstairs near the window. cuisine is from oaxaca. amazing mole sauce. desserts to die for. great sangria and margaritas. sometimes zarela herself comes around and greets the guests.

Cafe Itzocan is really excellent, though on the tiny side. Supper is also very good, especially as the weather gets colder.

NOT the Indian restaurants. They're terrible. But Sigiri is good and different.

I second Mercadito! It's great stuff. There are two of them, but I've only been to the one on Grove St. It's cosy and authentic.

i like suenos in chelsea - i took my husband there for his birthday and the food was amazing. rosa mexicano is good too, though i wouldn't necessarily say romantic. if you feel like making the trek to brooklyn, mesa coyoacan in williamsburg has really great food, affordable prices and a great atmosphere - much smaller and more intimate than most of the other places that have been mentioned.