07/06/2026
EDITED
Today, was my first visit back to Il Lazzarone since being forced to wear pants by my employer. It was interesting to say the least. And none of what happened can be blamed on my clothing.
I went in just before noon. One guy was just finishing up and a three-top had already ordered and was waiting for their food. I sat down, got back up to get a menu, brushed some lingering grated cheese away, and ordered within five minutes of arriving. My server may have been new based on a question I overheard him ask the guy making the pies.
I don’t know how urgent it was to mix more dough but there was plenty already proofed and sitting right in front of me. Apparently, it was urgent enough to put off making pizzas (mind you, three other people were already waiting longer). Perhaps the dough was at a critical stage and he didn’t want to ruin it. All four of our pies were started 6 minutes after my ticket printed, cooked together for about 90 seconds as they should, and I got my pie just over 17 minutes after my ticket printed. I got up and got my napkin and silverware myself. My menu was still beside me. IMO, whoever is responsible for scheduling should allow for prep before opening as it is at every restaurant I’ve worked. Maybe, a brief explanation before so I know what’s going on. All I can go by are the many visits I’ve made here since it opened.
The pizza was awesome! It had perfect leoparding of the crust and the bottom had just the right amount of char. The middle was a bit soggy but that’s my fault because I got a Margherita Marscapone pie and added capicola and mortadella. That overloaded it a bit but it tasted sooooo good. I fold mine up so I get toppings and the incredible San Marzano sauce in every bite including the crust.
They only have a few pies that were on the original menu. And for my gluten challenged friends, they DO offer a gluten-free crust for $3.50 more. As far as I know, they are still making pizza within the strict Vera Certification of Neapolitan pizza. No complaints about the food. It was wonderful. My menu remained by my side though, even after my plate was picked up, I paid, and left.
I sure hope things got tightened up before the lunch rush because it started as I was leaving. Perhaps, next time, I’ll go in the evening and have a different crew and get the same awesome pizza.
