Pala

Erin Behan

Citysearch

The Scene
Though not particularly fancy--a display counter showcases premade pizzas and antipasti--the interior achieves homey chic with broad wooden tables and a display wall of wine. Service has a knowledgeable Italian accent.

The Food
It's imperative to save room for the pizza, so start light with a salad of greens, artichokes and generous shavings of parmigiana. But onto the pizza: Commendations go to both the crust--crisped on the bottom with many interior air bubbles, like a less dense version of focaccia--and the cheese--so rich, it's hard to focus on anything else. In the Ubriaca, the namesake cheese (fermented in wine) lends its drunken sweetness to toppings of pancetta, mozzarella and parsley for a truly unique flavor. Scamorza adds smokey undertones to the Zucca, topped with pumpkin and more top-notch pancetta; while the montasio and mozzarella plays off a walnut paste in the Montasio. A gelato and espresso make for a fitting finale.

High Marks
"The staff was amazing and the pizza tastes like a slice of Italy. Come hungry and with no preconceived notions about pizza you've tasted before." (pgaveau, Citysearch user)

"Felt like a mix between Rome and NYC - fantastic! Amazing pizza and salads!" (design_girl8, Citysearch user)

"Nothing beats sitting outdoors, or in their cozy but airy space on a nice autumn evening." (e2, Cityserach user)

Low Marks
"Heaven and hell co-habitate in Pala....[it was the] most tense and uncomfortable enviornment..." (Nukemsu, Citysearch user)

"Space is slightly boring though, and you'll come across a wait unless you luck out." (kheffernan, Citysearch user)