Pick! Pizzeria Luigi
I was a fan of Pizzeria Luigi in Golden Hill before they ever expanded. My only gripe was that this literal ’slice of heaven’ was way across town, so when I had a hankering for some pie, I would stop at Lefty’s or some lesser known joint closer to my North Park hood. However, this past summer, when I saw a marquee go up announcing the new tenants at 2121 El Cajon Boulevard, my heart skipped a beat. It wasn’t long after that I fell into full-on Pizzeria Luigi obsession.
A little background might help. FACT: I’m a pizza connoisseur. It’s my favorite food, and has been since I was a wee-one (I have the gut to prove it.) My motto, “even bad pizza is better than any other food.” I prefer lightly-sauced thin crust with an even layer of thrown mozzarella so, when melted, each slice offers cheese elasticity perfection. I’ll never turn down a slice or two of any type, style or topping combination…even if I’m not hungry. When I travel out of town, I always seek out the highest-rated pizza establishments and make it a point to stop in for some pie. Until recently, my top pizza city was Phoenix, but apologies to Chris Bianco, I’m now absolutely convinced that Luigi’s (as I affectionately call it) makes San Diego the BEST city to travel to for pizza (well, outside of New York anyway.)
What makes Luigi’s tops in my book? Easy. Their crust. It’s so thin that too many ingredients atop each slice make it impossible to hold at the end. You have to fold it. Yet, it’s not so thin that it becomes crackerboard when baked. Instead it’s crispy, crunchy and chewy all at the same time with a hearty flavor. The cheese is premium mozzarella, and their signature pizza sauce (the gravy) is more savory than sweet. They offer a plethora of enticing toppings that are both homemade and fresh. On any given day, if you opt for the two slices + a soda combo ($5.50,) there are at least 12 different varieties to choose from including several vegetarian options. So far, my favorite is the Italian meatball and ricotta – it’s to die for. A close second is the tomato-less pesto, sausage and green olive. Both pies are always available, but the pesto/sausage is sometimes offered without olives. I’ve ordered whole pies on occasion, customized to my liking, all of which have been superb.
Luigi’s crew is amazing – friendly, welcoming and the epitome of customer service with class. The pizza makers are skilled dough tossers who add an element of fun to the whole Luigi’s experience as you watch them almost scrape the ceiling tossing dough in the air with perfect ‘whip, flip & twirl’ precision. They also take a genuine interest in building a rapport with customers and offering a quality product they are truly proud of. The first time my partner and I ordered a whole pie, after it was fresh out of the oven, we were informed by the gentleman who made it that it wasn’t up to his standards. He apologized for his “apparently sup-par” pie and offered us a second one, free of charge. After we got home and tasted his labeled disaster, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Two completely delicious (and devoured) pizzas for the price of one – Score!
There’s ample seating inside Pizzeria Luigi’s new North Park locale (adjacent to Eclipse Chocolate) where the dining experience is casual and comfortable with a cool “city” vibe. Two large flatscreen TVs on the west wall are always tuned to a current sporting event and, outside, a few patio tables line the sidewalk for some relatively undisturbed alfresco noshing.
Want to imbibe a little while you wait for your pie? No worries. Luigi’s has a huge selection of imported bottled beers including the highly-rated Delirium Tremens. And, if you aren’t completely stuffed by the time you’re done with your pizza, there are a few authentic Italian desserts in the cold case that will certainly please your sweet tooth.
As far as pizzerias go, Luigi’s is the real deal. Totally affordable, authentic, tasty slices of pure pizza bliss!
Pizzeria Luigi 2121 El Cajon Blvd. (North Park) (619) 294-9417 Cash | Credit Sunday – Thursday 11AM to 11PM Friday – Saturday 11AM to Midnight Delivery available (limited area)Price – Cheap Eats
Pizzeria Luigi = Pick (most definitely)
