461771 Sun Nov 18 09:58:00 -0800 2007 51 10 Florida 0 3135914 What is the very best pizza in town? I'm looking not only for old-fashioned NY pies but haerth-baked gourmet ones, indulgent Chicago-style ones, you name it. The pizza doesn't have to be made in a pizza joint. It can be in a chophouse, a bistro, a trattoria ... wherever it's delicious. This is for a magazine article--and yes, I'll do my best to mention chowhound.com. I always do. Sun Nov 18 09:58:00 -0800 2007 15729 rudykins 1 3136489 I'm all about Mellow Mushroom...They have the best crust dusted with parm! Who do you write for? Sun Nov 18 14:11:43 -0800 2007 3135914 118345 katygirl 2 3137826 I write the dining column for Orlando Magazine. Mon Nov 19 05:16:50 -0800 2007 3136489 15729 rudykins 1 3136559 I've had excellent NY-style pizza by the slice at the Italian Village and Del Dio's, both in Casselberry. Italian Village is on 436 and Red Bug Lake Road, and Del Dio's is only about five minutes away from them, on 436 near the 17-92 intersection near Books-A-Million and Office Max. Neither are fancy, but both are consistently fresh, crispy, cheesy, and oh so satisfying whenever I get them. Lazy Moon Pizzeria, across the street from UCF on University and Alafaya, has the LARGEST slices around. Arrange your forearms in a triangle in front of you, with your fingertips touching and your elbows on your stomach, and that's pretty close to a slice at Lazy Moon. They are also very thin and crispy, extremely fresh, and they have a variety of gourmet toppings at a perfect little "dive" location, ideal for students. Sun Nov 18 14:38:31 -0800 2007 3135914 14120 Big Bad Voodoo Lou 2 3137827 Wow, I've never even heard of this one. Will definitely add it to my must-go list. Mon Nov 19 05:17:33 -0800 2007 3136559 15729 rudykins 3 3154462 It's been 9 years since I moved from the area and I still miss Del Dio's for both their pizza and their cheese steak sub.` Sun Nov 25 22:48:34 -0800 2007 3137827 70432 summeranne 4 3274541 Best Philly and Pizza are in Avalon park in east orlando. I don't live there but it's worth the drive. Brionto's is the best Philly and Papa Gio's is the best pizza. Tue Jan 08 13:00:48 -0800 2008 3154462 125247 Jaime0428 2 3274545 The sauce at Lazy Moon is gross! Tue Jan 08 13:01:12 -0800 2008 3136559 125247 Jaime0428 1 3138463 current favorite is boardwalk (winter park and oviedo locations)...best sauce, slices don't go limp when you hold them! Mon Nov 19 09:01:43 -0800 2007 3135914 93023 britterbeezer 1 3144563 These are excellent options for NY pies. What about bistros and upscale restaurants with exceptional gourmet pies? Any good Chicago-style pies in town? Tue Nov 20 23:08:54 -0800 2007 3135914 15729 rudykins 2 3144576 Heh, there's Uno Chicago Grill (not even Pizzeria Uno anymore), which makes me race home every time I go there, in order to get to the bathroom in time. That's pretty much the only game in town for deep dish Chicago-style pizza. Tue Nov 20 23:19:00 -0800 2007 3144563 14120 Big Bad Voodoo Lou 2 3145542 The current pizza at Primo (JW Marriott, Grand Lakes) is called The Fig and Pig, Black Mission figs, proschuito, riccotta. Hand tossed very thin crust, excellent pie. They only have one pizza on the menu, but they will work with you if you want to create something on your own. Herbert Wed Nov 21 09:51:06 -0800 2007 3144563 121312 herbert1 3 3146673 As for Chicago-style, the BJs down by the Mall at Millenia is much better than Uno's. The crust is light and, much like Lou, you don't have to go running for the restroom (or the cardiac ward) if you eat a slice. For NY-style, Gino's downtown is my favorite- closest to NY-style that we've seen, and my husband grew up just outside NYC, and he's very discriminating. We also really like Pizzeria Valdiano (the quattro formagii is really nice). Gourmet - I shed a tear the day that Luma took their confit duck pizza off the menu. Wed Nov 21 16:31:59 -0800 2007 3145542 88792 jazzy77 4 3146736 I walk by Gino's almost every day on my way to work, and it smells so perfect -- just like a pizzeria should. But I've only had it once, since I'm always in such a hurry going from place to place. Greasy, but solid NY-style slices. So you're saying this new place BJs does Chicago style, but less greasy and dangerous? I'm gonna have to try it! Wed Nov 21 17:08:15 -0800 2007 3146673 14120 Big Bad Voodoo Lou 5 3146902 Ginos is really best after 2am when you're kicked out of the bars...Then it's really the best pizza you'll ever have... Wed Nov 21 18:39:51 -0800 2007 3146736 118345 katygirl 6 3147704 Yeah, my husband and I almost always hit Gino's after a long afternoon at Orlando Brewing. I also think that Gino's delivers there as well. While, I haven't actually seen the delivery guy show up in person, I have seen many, many people eating Gino's at OB. As for BJs, their mini-pizzas (think Uno's small) have been half price in the bar area on Friday nights between 5 and 7. Their beer quality to good too, so, although I prefer local places, this is a much preferable way to spend Friday night rather than sitting on I-4 waiting to get on the 408 towards home. Thu Nov 22 09:15:35 -0800 2007 3146902 88792 jazzy77 1 3156440 If you are looking for true Chicago style head to Giordano's. Mon Nov 26 14:40:22 -0800 2007 3135914 60803 coasterphil 2 3156738 Giordano's is the real deal. Seek it out for some of the best damn Chicago pizza outside Chicago. I went to Giordano's right after being in Chicago and the pizza was just as good as in the Windy City. It better be, because Giordano's still has tons of locations there, as well. Check it out. Mon Nov 26 16:10:08 -0800 2007 3156440 135332 jdc111 3 3187724 That's my vote, too Fri Dec 07 08:23:12 -0800 2007 3156738 19537 AlyKen 1 3156856 I'll agree to the vote for Giordano's for best Chicago pie in town. Being from Chicago originally, I don't bother with Uno's. I just pulled the Giordano's website up for locations and there is an Altamonte Springs location "coming soon". YEA!!! LAKE BUENA VISTA (407) 239-8900 12151 S. APOPKA VINELAND RD. KISSIMMEE (407) 397-0044 7866 W. IRLO BRONSON HWY. I remember the Pizza and Pizzettes at Caffe Positano in Apopka, being good. They haven't been getting great feedback of late, though. Caffe Positano 3030 E Semoran Blvd Ste 108 Apopka, FL 32703-5909 Phone: (407) 774-8080 Carmella's of Brooklyn in Longwood has a nice margherita pizza. 1819 W State Road 434 Longwood, FL 32750 (407) 331-6300 L'il Anthony's in the Colonial Marketplace, next to Too Jays is great and one of the few pizza's my New Yorker hubby will enjoy. Switched me over from being an Alphonso's (College Park) regular! Mon Nov 26 16:57:02 -0800 2007 3135914 76407 winechic 2 3173396 Carmella's of Brooklyn has a WONDERFUL Grandma's Pizza that tastes very similar to one you could get in Long Island. Also, I have to second Mellow Mushroom. I could live on their pretzels and esperanza dipping sauce. Brooklyn Pizza on Fairbanks (near I-4) in Winter Park is a top 5 also...great for a white pizza. Sun Dec 02 16:03:17 -0800 2007 3156856 145454 flstnole 1 3179144 Mellow Mushroom and Boardwalk are my favorites. Both are top notch. Tue Dec 04 12:59:58 -0800 2007 3135914 130229 glowworm 2 3185481 Yeah I like lil anthonys too. I also like the icream place across the parking lot! Thu Dec 06 12:35:08 -0800 2007 3179144 27014 mountdorahound 1 3187048 I like giovannis white or fresca pizza the best Thu Dec 06 23:39:17 -0800 2007 3135914 82918 cjr71244 2 3274530 Giovannis is a repeat offender for FDA health inspections-- try not to eat there i do agree they have decent pizza and the best baked ziti but there kitchens are disgusting! Try Papa Gio's in Avalon Park Tue Jan 08 12:58:25 -0800 2008 3187048 125247 Jaime0428 1 3273842 I LOVE La Forchetta in Kissimmee. Real Italian pizza with a thin crust. And the owner, Maria, is the sweetest! Tue Jan 08 10:41:49 -0800 2008 3135914 155678 mellymel75 1 3274521 I'm from NY and LOVE pizza-- the best is Papa Gio's in Avalon Park if you don't live there it's worth the drive. Tue Jan 08 12:57:11 -0800 2008 3135914 125247 Jaime0428 1 5016846 The best real pizza not NY pizza in orlando is hands down terra mia pizzeria in lake mary. its skinny handmade pizza just like in italy. the ingredients are great and the staff is friendly. i wish there was one downtown! Wed Sep 09 12:27:44 -0700 2009 3135914 1108012 Aochoa 2 5019768 Terra mia is very good for a personal pie. Regular size try Anthony's Coal Fired on Sand Lake. Taste like the famous places from New Haven. Best specialty is the Grandma's at Carmela's of Brooklyn . Thu Sep 10 11:38:55 -0700 2009 5016846 52090 mcanni 3 5019899 What do you folks think about Brick & Fire? I just filmed my TV show there but I don't recall ever seeing it mentioned on this board. RonaGindin.com Thu Sep 10 12:25:19 -0700 2009 5019768 239201 Rona Gindin 4 5021089 i love pizza but so far the best ive had is at Valdiano's ne'xt to Winter Park regal, Ill have to try out anthony's and brick and fire! thanks rona and mcanni! Thu Sep 10 20:29:34 -0700 2009 5019899 268326 pdpredtide 5 5021837 I love the pizza from Anthony's in Thornton Park. Sit outside and people watch. BUT, the best pizza in Orlando is actually Palace Pizza in Lakeland. Yes, I know, that is a pretty far to go for pizza, but it is well worth it. Family run by Italian imports, this place is soo good. Fresh ingredients. Nice crispy thin crust and piled with goodness. Try the side salad.. it is covered with marinated veggies and homemade dressing. Yum! Fri Sep 11 07:52:21 -0700 2009 5021089 1108014 jason32835 1 5022211 A pretty new one that I found that has really good pies is Riverwalk Pizza in Downtown Sanford. It's in the marina, and is a little take out type place, but I was impressed with their pizza. Someone else mentioned it, but I also like the pizza from Caffe Postiano in Lake Mary a whole lot. I also agree that Carmela's has really good pizza, if you're lucky. I've had some of the best pizzas in Orlando here, but I've also had some of the worst pizzas here. And never order anything other than pizza. Any pasta dish I've had is horrible. Sbarro makes good pizza, but apparently they can't make good pasta or sandwiches at their "upscale" restaurant Lazy Moon definitely has the competition beat out for the largest and cheapest pizza around, and it's not horrible either. I just don't like how the cheese is never melted enough on their pizza. For Chicago style, go with Giordano's. I just don't get the obsession that people have with Mellow Mushroom. I hear over and over again that it's the best pizza around, but after several times of eating there, the pizzas do absolutely nothing for me. They taste like low quality chain pizzas to me. Just slightly above a pizza hut or papa johns in my opinion. And that's my opinion of the best pizza around. In case you're interested, I have pictures of the mentioned pizzas up on my blog: http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2009/04/riverwalk-pizza.html http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2009/07/pizza-from-caffe-positano-in-lake-mary.html http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2009/08/lazy-moon-pizza.html http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2008/07/carmelas-grandma-pizza.html http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2009/06/giordanos-stuffed-pizza.html Fri Sep 11 09:57:10 -0700 2009 3135914 1089853 watch me eat 2 5023171 I like your blog - keep it up ! Fri Sep 11 15:03:53 -0700 2009 5022211 52090 mcanni 1 5039530 I love, love, love Anthony's in Casselberry (Publix Plaza). I've been eating there for over 15 years and in my opinion is still the best pizza around. All their other food is great as well. Yummy canoli's! Fri Sep 18 08:48:18 -0700 2009 3135914 236031 melpadilla 2 5043142 I really should give this place a try again, but I have bad memories of Anthony's from the days when smoking was allowed in restaurants. I don't remember much about the pizza, but I do remember the place smelled horribly like an ash tray and all the employees would constantly go to the "smoking section" as often as possible. Major turn-off for an eating environment for me. There are only a few places that stick out in my mind back from the days when smoking was allowed in restaurants that I still hesitate to return too, but Anthony's is one of them. I know things have changed now though, so maybe one day I'll return. Sat Sep 19 21:35:50 -0700 2009 5039530 1089853 watch me eat 3 5046772 No, its nothing like that at all anymore. They're actually going to be moving to a new space in the same plaza. The new location will be right next to the Blockbuster. Mon Sep 21 13:09:08 -0700 2009 5043142 236031 melpadilla 4 5148021 I gave Anthony's another try a few nights ago. They definitely do have some really good pizza! I found the sauce to be a little bland, but otherwise it was really good! Sun Nov 01 19:09:42 -0800 2009 5046772 1089853 watch me eat 5 5149079 Great, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I actually love their sauce, but everyone's taste buds are different. The white pizza is wonderful. I saw over the weekend they moved to their new location, is that where you dined? Mon Nov 02 09:21:54 -0800 2009 5148021 236031 melpadilla 6 5151091 I was there on Friday night and they were still in their old location. Mon Nov 02 21:11:28 -0800 2009 5149079 1089853 watch me eat 7 5171769 My thoughts on Anthony's: http://watch-me-eat.blogspot.com/2009/11/anthonys-pizza-in-casselberry-fl.html Tue Nov 10 20:43:29 -0800 2009 5151091 1089853 watch me eat 1 5058650 Bella Roma in St. Cloud. If you're from up north and really know pizza, you'll love this place. We eat there at least twice a week. The whole family can eat and practically have their fill for about $23 which is what we pay for 2 18" pies. 192 and Narcossee, try it if you're in the area. Fri Sep 25 14:08:31 -0700 2009 3135914 1111948 enigma516 1 5151061 I have yet to find the "best" pizza in Orlando. If you uncover something, let us know where/when your article is published :-) Mon Nov 02 20:38:27 -0800 2009 3135914 1120942 dawnviola 1 5163764 Park Avenue PIzzeria has the BEST crust; toppings are great too! It's just off Park Ave. on Lyman. We regularly order either pizza or calzone and are never disappointed. Try the buffalo chicken pizza...we've taken it to potlucks and people love it! The one entree I've tried - penne with broccoli & mushrooms in a garlic sauce - has also been deliciouso. Seriously, this place is the best! Sat Nov 07 14:07:06 -0800 2009 3135914 1122561 cher7 2 5170628 Anthony's is up and down depending on the location. I love the one in casselberry but the one here in Mount Dora Sucks! It made me wonder if there were two different Anthony's! Then there is anthony's coal fired from ft lauderdale,, WAY overrated!!! My favorite is Lil anthonys at colonial plaza to which I will second from above! Tue Nov 10 12:12:34 -0800 2009 5163764 27014 mountdorahound 3 5173567 All the Anthony's around town are owned by different people and not affilated with each other. It gets confusing. Wed Nov 11 13:22:49 -0800 2009 5170628 236031 melpadilla 1 5172079 This board is an a complete indication of what any New Yorker would agree 100%: the pizza in Orlando is total crap. I can't speak for Giordiano's which is decent Chicago pizza but for NY pizza Orlando has no options. Anthonys is garbage, NY pizza is a minimum 18 inches and thin, Anthony's is 16 inches and complete cardboard. The only Pizza I have had that remotely resembles the NY Pizza experience is Al's in Kissimmee which is just off the John Young Parkway a half mile south of Vine. However, the sauce is battery acid which is commonplace down here. The food in general in Orlando sucks outloud and the Pizza is no exception. I"ve had some of the worst pizza I've ever tasted down in Orlando. Wed Nov 11 02:49:50 -0800 2009 3135914 217585 kinglouix 2 5172171 have you tried valdianos? Wed Nov 11 05:01:16 -0800 2009 5172079 268326 pdpredtide 3 5198275 IF it is the place in Winter Park villiage, it's not bad but nothing to go out of the way for. Anthony's, Lil Anthony's and Anthony's in Thornton park are all the same family and again the crust is cardboard and the sauce is acid. It is better than Pizza Hut and Papa John's but no New Yorker would ever drive around the block to seek it out. The closest thing within 1oo miles to real New York Pizza is Bazzaro's in Melbourne which is worth the trip. Check my spelling but those who have been no what I'm talking about and know the difference between it and the garbage served in the Orlando area. Sat Nov 21 08:48:31 -0800 2009 5172171 217585 kinglouix 4 5198379 As an ex-NYer now living in Melbourne, I have to chime in on kinglouix's mention of Bizzarro's NY Pizza (it's beachside at the junction of A1A & Rt. 192). It is a very good NYC style of pie, but I don't think that it's still the best in Brevard County. My vote on that goes to Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta in the Rockledge/Vierra area. http://brooklynpizza-pasta.com/ Sat Nov 21 09:42:20 -0800 2009 5198275 15712 cavandre 2 5173564 Waa Waa Waa Wed Nov 11 13:21:30 -0800 2009 5172079 236031 melpadilla 2 5177720 kinglouix is mostly right. If you want a real cheese slice, try Brooklyn Pizza on I-drive at the slingshot near WetnWild or Albertini's in Altamonte on 436 @Wekiva Parkway. If you want a New York experience with fantastic pies of all types, try Lil Anthony's in Minneola on 27 a few miles north of 50! Thu Nov 12 21:17:44 -0800 2009 5172079 1124165 zambonicus