Eating at Lucali. BEST Pizza in Brooklyn?

I show up hours early to eat the legendary pizza at Lucali in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. The pizza is not only said to be some of the best in Brooklyn but New York City as well. I review a plain traditional pie and see if it lives up to the hype. One also has to jump through a number of hoops to even eat at the establishment, such as arriving before it opens and waiting in line. It’s also cash only, but is a BYOB establishment.
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About Me:
I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

[@BWen3]

So triggered by how you held it on that first bite. 😂

[@Jamesnu]

I've been wanting to eat this pizza for years. I was a bit off my game.

[@BWen3]

@@Jamesnu wish you had gotten a calzone too!

[@Jamesnu]

@@BWen3 That's one thing that I regret, but I'll definitely get one next time.

[@DAC666]

Please don’t say triggered lol

[@pattyo6308]

No offense to James but that is a weird way to hold a slice.

[@s_przybylowicz]

You must have felt like a king being the first in line!

[@Jamesnu]

I sure did!

[@danlivni2097]

@@Jamesnu What other pizza places are your favorites. I like Amore in Flushing. Here's a review of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqWwZKGQns-Diac

[@Jamesnu]

@@danlivni2097 John's of Bleecker St. is my all-time favorite, but I also really like Rubirosa and Mama’s TOO. I’ve never heard of Amore, but it sounds like a place that I would like. Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely have to check it out.

[@pizzareviewsonthego]

Great video Andrew, it was directed very well, your narrative was eloquent as usual and loved your critique of the pizza. I appreciate your honest opinion and I also thought there was too much real estate between the edge of the cornicione and the cheese/sauce. Minor gripes aside, a top 5 pizza in the city and perhaps the world. BTW, great book, and the same author wrote another one that is awesome called Project Hail Mary.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it! Yeah, it's definitely incredible pizza even if it's not perfect and still some of the best I've ever had. Plus, the whole restaurant itself really has a great feel to it. Yeah I really enjoyed The Martian! I actually already have Project Hail Mary and will be reading it soon.

[@alfredoalvarez3401]

Great mix, books, foods and places. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@benjaminniemczyk]

It is important to stay humble, and he nails it: it is a privilege to eat this amazing pizza.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@SK-bk3yh]

I agree I want the sauce and cheese spread a little further up the crust

[@Jamesnu]

Definitely!

[@tomahern8967]

Pizza and beer is the way to go! Great review as always!

[@Jamesnu]

A great combination! Thank you so much!

[@AShyLily]

Lucali's is the best pizza I have ever had! I'm in New Jersey so I know pizza well. My BF and I shared two pizzas, the traditional and the pepperoni with artichoke hearts. Took some home! 😄 My boyfriend raved about Lucali's pizza for days!

[@Jamesnu]

Nice! I can understand that. I was still thinking about this pizza months after I had it.

[@AShyLily]

Lucali's pizza is delizioso! We will be going to Lucali's again soon. Great video, thanks. 🤩Buon appetito, James!@@Jamesnu

[@MrBencher446]

Great video, thanks for sharing. It’s on my bucket list when I come to NYC. 👍🏻

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@dogdrawer]

Excellent job you did! I do agree with finishing the sauce to edge of the crust - the crust a little slimmer, so as to get the combo of the crust with some sauce

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@imstelios]

That pie looked like it had blue mold on the cheese in one spot, both on the slice and then when you showed the whole pie! Talk about rustic 😉

[@Jamesnu]

The important thing was that I didn't get sick and I enjoyed the pizza.

[@mistergrendel32]

That means the cheese is still aging. 😜

[@iteration1551]

great review! im going to check out Lucali's for the first time next week

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!

[@ayem6948]

Loved the video. Than you for making it

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!

[@abrahemal-afandi415]

The way you hold the slices is killing me..slowly

[@juangarcia-gv2jy]

Excellent video that gave me a good idea what it's like to eat at Lucali!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, Lucali is not just about the pizza, it's about the experience!

[@FreeSpeechArtandWrestling]

I’m definitely going to check out this place. I also like how you change up your shots, this one is about reservations and being on time when they have your name written down on the list. So it makes sense for you to show close-ups of your watch, and it’s good because you don’t do it another video so it gives a sense of diversity, so it’s not like same formula every video

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks! Yeah, the waiting is definitely part of the experience of this restaurant and I wanted to showcase that.

[@christinecamley]

I have always loved Lucali! I am biased to some degree - I know Mark well and the family! What do you do work wise or is this full time? It's great if being a full-time KZbinr creates enough to pay the bills! The cash only doesn't bother me! Cheers!

[@Jamesnu]

It's definitely an amazing restaurant! No, I do have a full-time job, but KZbin is definitely a great side job that I really enjoy and does give me some good supplemental income to spend on the fancy restaurants.

[@dougmphilly]

i have not been to nyc in 15 years. the highlight for me was your stroll through carrol gardens before 5:00 call. nyc is not all concrete jungle, its not all busy, but parts of it are quite relaxing and make for great walks. i gotta find a way to convince the wife and daughter to get up to the big apple. that pizza might be trick.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed! There are so many beautiful areas in the city proving NYC is so much more than just a place with tall skyscrapers and lots of people.

[@ramencurry6672]

You can visit NYC alone. It’ll probably be easier

[@AkodoNoEyes]

If you ever get a chance to go again, you gotta get the calzones. Just a plain cheese calzone from Lucali’s is life changing. The sauce on the side is divine. Next time I head that way I’m going to probably drop a hundred on pizzas, calzones, and meat balls. Haha.

[@Jamesnu]

Absolutely! I've heard so many people rave about them. I definitely have to try it next time!

[@ziklagfire3453]

You shouldn't cut out the audio on your bites.. Wanna hear if it's crispy or not haha

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, that was a misstep on my part. It definitely wasn't the crispiest pizza, but it was still so good! The cheese and sauce were what I enjoyed the most about Lucali.

[@choochalah]

great Pizza review and the sneaky b-room review too. hahahah Yes. I would agree with you regarding toppings to the crust ratio. it is alot of dry and lonely bread left. I will sometimes dip my crust into the oil that may linger on the cheese, however I didnt notice this with your pie. hmmm

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! Yeah, the crust wasn't bad, but I just wanted more of the sauce and cheese to go with it.

[@dougmphilly]

@@Jamesnu i think a good crust makes the pie. it has to have that great crisp to chew ratio.

[@Jamesnu]

@@dougmphilly Definitely! It's such an important factor!

[@kingstoler]

This pizza looks just perfect

[@Jamesnu]

It was so good!

[@T_The_Asogian]

Fantastic insight and review! I have always wanted to dine at Lucali's.

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! It's definitely one of the best pizza spots in NYC. I hope you get to try it soon!

[@cardinals22]

4:04 "its really nice to hold.' *continues to hold it like no one has ever held a pizza. lol its like watching an asian person struggle with chopsticks

[@spitmahoney1153]

Next time bring a bottle of dry red; Burgundy, Zinfandel, whatevs, and a cup. Then you have something to dunk the dry crust into. You won't regret it. Works great with a well done crusty loaf of seeded Italian bread, too.

[@Jamesnu]

That sounds fantastic! Great idea!

[@dondunbar3386]

Rookie! Never seen anyone hold a slice like that. I know you're not from Brooklyn but when in Brooklyn: FOLD THAT SLICE!

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, my pizza holding technique has improved a bit since I made this video.

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

what a dweeb

[@mistergrendel32]

@@TrungNguyen-lr4igPlease, be nice. 🤓

[@nomadproductions2812]

next seen pizza held like that

[@Ben-lv6ns]

Great video

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@tjlawhon]

Just here to see the comments about how you hold the pizza.

[@ahammednawfal2282]

Which camera did you use,any gimbal you would recommend

[@Jamesnu]

For this video I used the Canon M50, which is a decent camera for the price. I didn't use a gimbal. I unfortunately don't even own one, so I don't think I would be the best person to recommend one.

[@ahammednawfal2282]

Hey James, thanks so much for the answer, I was impressed by the quality of video and content, i too have canon m50 mark 1, but can't get this quality, assuming you are using canon 22mm lens

[@Jamesnu]

@@ahammednawfal2282 Thank you! I was using just the kit lens for this video, but I had an ND filter on top of it. I also always film in manual so I get the best control of the camera. When I edit the footage, I also increase the saturation on the color a bit. Together, I feel like this really makes a difference.

[@thecrimedog8424]

Great video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

$28 actually isn't that bad for an Artisan pie. DiFara pricey as well. The Miami location is better. Easier to get a table and more things on the menu.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I would definitely like to check out the Miami location someday.

[@anthonycelano165]

You need to hold the slice the proper way or you gonna lose a finger? Omg cash what nerve 😅😅

[@Jamesnu]

Haha. Well, my pizza eating technique has certainly evolved since making this video.

[@aragorn4242]

at least you don't take the basil off the pizza like some i've seen. its part of the whole experience.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed, the basil really adds to the pizza.

[@jsa4864]

Have you had pizza in Italy?

[@Jamesnu]

I have. I studied abroad in Rome and had a ton of pizza! It was amazing!

[@NYCfrankie]

Native New Yorker from Bensonhurst Brooklyn born and raised 🇮🇹💯% i still think Da Faras is the best pizza in America if you don't mind the wait but you wait at Lucalis also ive been to Lucalis 4 times always amazing and the original in Carroll Gardens is noticeably better than the one in South Beach

[@Jamesnu]

Good to know! Yeah, Di Fara is still one of those legendary NYC pizza establishments that I still haven't gone to and I hope to get around to it soon. I can definitely see how it could be one of the best!

[@mattlepp7887]

That 4 dollar side of sauce might be the play, to deal with those crusts.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, I bet that would go well with the crust, but I think that it's mainly for the calzones.

[@jamiepreston1490]

With all the pizza joints out there there's no way I'll wait that long for a pizza. I may try it out of curiosity. Hope it tastes better then it looks.

[@Jamesnu]

It's good pizza, but yeah, one has to put up with a lot to get it.

[@karbonphiber]

What do you rate it? Scale of 1 - 10?

[@Jamesnu]

Probably a 9. If it had a bit more crisp to it, I could see myself giving it a 10. Still, I really enjoyed the pizza! The cheese and sauce blend was so incredible!

[@djedosemir]

great video!

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you!

[@josephsaroce4991]

Nice review

[@Jamesnu]

Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@edgarmarin6859]

🍕🍕👍🏻👍🏻

[@Jamesnu]

Great pizza indeed!

[@proprietarycurez8463]

Three kinds of cheese is a cheatcode for pizza.

[@Jamesnu]

Indeed!

[@MrPressPhotographer4]

Barstool Dave just gave a 9.4 to an NJ pizza called DeLucia's in Raritan.

[@Jamesnu]

I've heard about that one! It will definitely be a place I check out in the future.

[@FoodMaster64]

Front Street Pizza must be crowned lol

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, that's one I haven't been to.

[@John-qo6wo]

You officially beat reviewbruh as the most awkward eater 😅

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! It's intimidating eating a pizza that I dreamed of having for years. My technique wasn't the best.

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

what a dork

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

after that Beyonce and Jay Z remark im convinced he sniffed the toilet seats

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

If you wait three hours anything tastes amazing. There are a lot of great pizza shops in NY. I would rather do a road trip to New Haven and go to Pepe and also Sallys.

[@Jamesnu]

I know what mean! I did really like Lucali though, but personally, Pepe's was the best pizza I had this year. It's also much cheaper than Lucali's too, which is a nice bonus!

[@Squashempire]

In my opinion there's no excuse to have that much crust exposed with no toppings. Don't get me wrong, the crust looks great, but I'd expect a higher % of the surface area covered with toppings

[@Jamesnu]

Exactly! That was my biggest issue with the pizza too.

[@m.k480]

how is he holding a pizza?never seen that before.weird

[@Warren_Flatt]

nice Seiko SKX Pepsi.

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks! It's my favorite watch!

[@zeitgeist8870]

You hold pizza like a serial killer.

[@faustoolivas893]

Why is paying cash an inconvenience??

[@Jamesnu]

I'm not a big fan of spending extra time going to an ATM, and I love the benefits I get with my credit cards. I don't mind too much if it's a pretty cheap item, but it's more of a hassle when it's a costly meal.

[@jimbojuan]

You hold the pizza weird.

[@Jamesnu]

Luckily, I still managed to get it in my mouth.

[@marcodimartino2810]

You do hold it weird fam.

[@Jamesnu]

@@marcodimartino2810 Thankfully I didn't drop it.

[@chrisrosadonyc]

how to engage your viewers and get lots of comments....hold your slice the wrong way 😂

[@Jamesnu]

Haha! Yeah, I definitely got a lot of comments.

[@eljay2121]

u didnt even get the calzone!

[@Jamesnu]

I really regret that! Next time, I won't make that mistake.

[@cardbored_]

Bro holds pizza like a 7 year old 😂

[@Jamesnu]

My pizza eating technique has thankfully improved since this video.

[@rickybye644]

Hold the slice the right way Playa!!!!!

[@Jamesnu]

Noted. Thanks for watching!

[@jsbmwtech]

Absolutely criminal to hold a pizza like that. Wtf man

[@denisfelice6640]

😂

[@denisfelice6640]

Why does he holds it like that

[@heinvogul2817]

Are you from Mars? Why do you hold your pizza like that? 6:43 Mum smashes into potted plants and chairs with a pram carrying her child.

[@banditdane2710]

Pizzeria for suckers !!

[@LihhiZ]

Why? Explain

[@banditdane2710]

@@LihhiZ Last time someone told me pizza was 28 .00 & Calzone like 24.00 That's ABSURD !! OK 👌

[@ramencurry6672]

@@banditdane2710 $28 for a meal is cheap. I pay over a $150 for a good meal

[@banditdane2710]

@@ramencurry6672 , lmao 🤣 pizza is pizza! Go away really doubt you even know what good food is !! Smh at these morons 😒🤦

[@banditdane2710]

@@ramencurry6672, doubt you know what good food is .. my wine is more than 150

[@thestalwartlovers7684]

Not fresh tomatoes, canned.

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

makes up facts cause hes a moron

[@harshwaghela]

WHO HOLDS PIZZA LIKE THAT

[@mistergrendel32]

I thought you’re supposed to bend it into a “v” shape?🤔

[@DeltaAssaultGaming]

What an odd way of holding a pizza slice

[@Jamesnu]

At least I didn't drop it!

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

you should drop your channel

[@Adam-ke6uh]

Who eats pizza like this 😂

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

what a moron

[@r.llynch4124]

Fresh tomatoes??...lmao They use canned tomatoes like everyone else.

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

the guys clueless

[@shubham5948]

Bro...learn to hold the pizza a bit better...fold it and hold it with the elegance as it deserves

[@Jamesnu]

Check out my more recent pizza videos. My technique has improved.

[@MrPressPhotographer4]

And with the help of the Italian mafia.

[@christophergrote1749]

I'm sorry, but I can't take this review seriously if that's how you hold a slice of pizza. You seem like a nice guy...but this looks like a view of someone's first rodeo.

[@koongfu00]

Who taught this guy how to hold the pizza?

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

i think his mom spoon fed him til his mid 20's

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

Who the fuck holds a pizza slice like that?

[@Jamesnu]

I guess that would be me, but my technique has thankfully improved since making this video.

[@thedudebro168]

Im with portnoy.. i like a good crust and despise that floppy, soggy viscosity of these "artisan" pizza's

[@Jamesnu]

Fair enough, but Portnoy actually gave this "artisan" pizza one of his highest scores.

[@zeitgeist8870]

Lucalis is ok, its definitely not a 9 like portnoy says. Its actually very very bad cold pizza too the next day, has to be enjoyed hot.

[@Jamesnu]

Yeah, considering all that one has to go through to eat at Lucali, I would definitely make a point to finish it while it's still warm.

[@sheavaccaro5631]

Don’t ever come to Brooklyn and hold a pizza like that again smh

[@TrungNguyen-lr4ig]

i would have been so embarrassed if he was sitting at my table eating and chewing like that

[@nybgllc6540]

Don't even know how to hold a slice

[@denisfelice6640]

Strange 🍕 eater

[@Jamesnu]

My pizza eating technique has thankfully improved since filming this video.

[@denisfelice6640]

@Jamesnu am kidding man ,good review...your cool dude 😎 👌

[@Jamesnu]

@@denisfelice6640 Thank you!

[@foskco87]

Somebody help this poor soul learn how to hold a slice of pizza

[@edgarmarin6859]

🍕🍕👍🏻👍🏻

[@Jamesnu]

Thanks for watching!