BWW Reviews: PIZZETTERIA BRUNETTI, Pizza Perfection and Much More in NYC's West Village

Pizzetteria Brunetti is new to the West Village, but certainly not new to the art of making distinctive, delectable pizza. One of the many culinary advantages enjoyed by Hampton's residents is this Italian bistro and wine bar's Westhampton Beach location, which has spent the past several years delighting its clientele with Long Island clam pizzas and a versatile wine menu. The same delights are now available only a brisk walk from Union Square.

The Manhattan location of Pizzetteria Brunetti has settled beautifully into its new neighborhood; when spring comes around, courtyard tables will complement the modern, lively indoor seating that guests can enjoy all seasons. Open for lunch and dinner, it's a perfect spot for dates, family gatherings, and friendly get-togethers.

Forget everything you believe about fried food. Some of the appetizers at Pizzetteria Brunetti are indeed fried, yet they have a lightness of texture and a subtlety of taste that is unmatched. The Potato Croquettes ($10) are crispy on the very outside, soft and flavorful on the inside; the Mozzarella in Carrozza ($10) (ham, bread, lots of substantial mozzarella) is basically Italian grilled cheese, ideal for dipping in house marinara sauce.

And the Meatball Sliders ($10) are almost a meal in themselves. Pizzetteria Brunetti uses an all-beef recipe for the meatballs, balances out the robust meaty flavor with earthy goat cheese and a subtle pepper sauce, and serves everything on brioche. Perfection.

Each pizza on the Pizzetteria Brunetti menu is specially made in their Neopolitan wood-fired oven. The pizzas boast a unique personality--and are paired accordingly with a memorable in-house wine selection. One favorite is the Soppressata Pizza ($16) an aggressively tasty recipe that comes recommended with a glass of strong Barbera wine.

Of course, there are some high-end selections: the Pizza alla Nicola ($44) with smoked buffalo mozzarella and black truffle carpaccio costs twice as much as any other pizza on the menu, but--with toppings that delicious--still sells nicely. A house favorite, though, is Tea's Pizza ($19); named after the Pizzetteria's "first employee," this selection is cooked with burrata, gorgonzola, and cherry tomatoes, then topped with fresh arugula and chilled prosciutto once it's out of the oven. It isn't meant to be eaten like a pizza, either. Instead, fold it up and treat it like a panini--and realize that an entree this good is only available at Pizzetteria Brunetti.

Visit Pizzetteria Brunetti for $10 lunch specials, happy hour and dinner. They are located at 626 Hudson Street, New York City. Take-out and delivery is also available. For more information and menus, visit www.pizzetteriabrunetti.com or call (212) 255-5699.

Photo: Courtesy of Pizzetteria Brunetti

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