Review of Pizza Delicious, 617 Piety St. (Bywater) New Orleans, LA

Review of Pizza Delicious, 617 Piety St. (Bywater) New Orleans, LA 70117 

(504) 676-8482

Overall Rating: Excellet (****)

 

 

Pizza type: 

New York style Pizza

Pizza ordered: 1/2 Margherita, 1/2 Kale, sopressata, Parmesan and Mozzarella

Crust: Simply the best New York style crust I've encountered on the Gulf Coast...probably in the Southeast!  I would call the crust on the Pizza Delicious (PD) pie a textbook example of what a New York style crust should be.  On the New York pie, the first-generation descendant of Neapolitan pizza, the crust should have certain characteristics, and PD nails them all! 

 

The crust is thin, of course, it is lightly charred on the bottom to impart a crispiness, and as you rise up through the roughly 1/10 of an inch thick base, the texture transitions to the signature tender chewiness.The edges of the crust are still relatively thin at maybe a 1/4 inch in height and sturdy enough to handle the slice.

 

Delicious' crust has a neutral, but slightly yeast and smoky charred flavor that give just the right support to the toppings, not overpowering or masking any flavors as a bready crust can often do.

Sauce: PD's  sauce is a fresh crush of tomatoes that adds a nice finish to the pie.  It isn't too sweet, spicy or acidic, and is applied masterfully...just enough.  The sauce is akin to a good wine paring, present and complementary.

 Cheese: The cheese on the Pizza Delicious pie is an excellent natural mozzarella displaying it's signature mild, almost nutty flavor.  It is applied in the traditional manner, as natural mozzarella doesn't grate like the processed mozzarella you see on many pies.  It is generally applied in slices or pinches, keeping a nice white color even after baking.
 

Other Topping(s): The fresh mozzarella and basil on the margherita half of the pie were in great proportion with the basil not overpowering any of the other flavors, but present.   On the other half, the excellent, thinly sliced sopressata was a bit spare and the fresh kale in pieces a bit to large, but from a flavor point of view the combination was excellent!

Atmosphere: The hipster casual  space at Pizza Delicious is far from a traditional pizzeria; however, it fits the hip neighborhood nicely and is comfortable.  It is a bit noisy inside, and heavy metal music was playing; not sure if that is the regular theme.  That might depend on who's working.  Anyway, if metal isn't your thing, there is a nice outdoor seating area as well. 

Service: You order at the counter and service is efficient and straight-forward. It was not crowded the afternoon we were there, and the manager on duty was very attentive.  All of the employees were very friendly and paid great attention to detail.
 

Utensils:  Sturdy silverware and substantial paper napkins.
 

Overall: I have always been a  believer that one must get out of the French Quarter to find New Orleans' real culinary treasures, and this urban chic pizzeria demonstrates just that!  To date, I have not found a better, more authentic New York style pizza anywhere in the area and few even as good in New York. If you love New York style pizza, you must get to the Bywater and pay these folks visit!!

 

Payment: Cash /Credit cards