The buzz about Keste Pizzeria has been understated but unmistakable ever since it opened its doors in 2009. Specializing in traditional, Neopolitan-style pizza, it has been touted by many as the new "best pizza in New York." That's a bold statement to make. I ventured down to this bustling West Village restaurant one Friday night to see for myself.
Insalate rustica: spring mix, prosciutto di parma, artichoke, lemon, gaeta olives, extra virgin olive oil. Good prosciutto.
Funghi pizze - tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, basil, extra virgin olive oil: The freshness and quality of the ingredients were apparent upon the first bite. Fortunately, Keste is generous with its toppings. The sauce was sweet and tangy, underscoring the bright flavors of the San Marzano tomatoes that comprised it. The buffalo mozzarella was plentiful and scattered luxuriously across the pie, enveloping the earthy mushrooms.
As for the crust, it is strictly Neopolitan - airy and soft with a slightly crisp exterior. Lovers of crisp pizzas may be disappointed; this is not a crust sturdy enough to support the weight of its toppings. Large, crusty air bubbles punctuate the surface of the crust, which unlike many of its peers, has a distinct flavor of its own - salty, with a faintly charred aftertaste. I appreciated the fact that the crust was not overly charred (like many Neopolitan-style pizzas are), allowing the intense flavors of the toppings to take center stage.
Pizze del re - fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle spread, extra virgin olive oil: This was the better pizza by far. The marriage of these particular ingredients makes for an indulgent dining experience. It almost borders on being too rich, but pulls away at the last minute, prompting you to take another bite. The excellent prosciutto lends just the right amount of saltiness and the thick truffle spread is the proverbial cherry on top.
It is too early to say for sure whether Keste is truly the best pizza in New York, but it is undoubtedly one of the city's top contenders for the title. At the very least, it is a delicious stop on the journey to find out.
Keste Pizza and Vino
271 Bleeker St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-1500
Reservations not accepted, expect a wait.
Best dishes: Pizze del re
OMG these pictures are making my mouth water. I ate one of those crappy microwave flatbreads while reading this post, hoping that through some magical osmosis way it would taste like the photos. Didn't work, so I guess I'll have to eat the real deal! (maybe when I visit in August ;) )
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