Isablella's Cucina Intaliana

Isabella's on Grand Street on the LES offers the real deal in pizza, a genuine brick oven pizza not just brick face like some NY "brick oven" pizza joints. An interestingly eclectic decor with charming chandeliers and a smallish table arrangement give the place a local, borough like feel. The pizza here is made to order and is the real deal. Luckily, for those looking for just pizza Isabella's offers a mini version of all their pies. You can watch them make and fire your pie in the oven. I have always opted for the mini margherita which at $6 is only a little more expensive than a DiFara's slice. The m.m. arrives hot out of the oven, nicely charred, with 4 small slices topped with a piece of fresh basil on each slice. I opt to dine alfresco in the lovely weather and they include fresh parmigiano and red pepper flakes. By the by, a cute bathroom is available in the back just in case you need it. The pizza is just hmmmmm delicious- one of the best all around pizza flavors around town. Other pies include ingredients like olives, sausage, ricotta and speck(bacon) which are more expensive than the margherita though no minis cost more than $13. Isabella's also offers pasta with homemade looking bread, but with pizza this good and cheap well the choice is obvious.