Welcome to the Only Beach that serves Pizza in Manhattan
First off, it pains me to write about pizza as I keep Passover and give up bread for eight days. Pizza Beach was a roller coaster of emotions: I was so excited to try it... I finally got there...loved the beachey atmosphere and wide range of menu options (not just pizza!)… It took forever to get a waitress... then the waitress let us know they were short staffed… I felt bad, but then got hungry... then, we ordered… We got our salad... It was loaded with salt... then, they forgot our appetizer (Fish Tacos)... then, the pizza came and it was awesome. My friend, @EatsNYC went a few weeks before and highly recommended coming since she had an amazing experience. So did I just come on a bad night? I wanted to give Pizza Beach a fair #foodtosexratio so instead of going back right away, I decided to do a joint review of the food with @EatsNYC.
What she got:
MEATBALLS: Pomodoro Sauce, Pecorino and Breadcrumbs
@EatsNYC: I’m not a huge meatball fan but these were great – juicy & delicious – a perfect light bite pre-pizza!
SALUMI PICANTE: House Made Mozzarella and Local Spiced Salumi
@EatsNYC: This was basically a glorified pepperoni slice, not to say it wasn’t good. I enjoyed it, but would have preferred a thinner crust and more sauce.
THE ZUCCA: Roasted Kabocha Squash, Tuscan Kale, Bechamel, Smoked Mozzarella and Sage Oil
@EatsNYC: My friends and I were unanimous in liking this dish the most. The ingredients worked really well together and it kind of tricked you into thinking you were eating healthy while chowing down on a large pizza.
@EatsNYC rating: 8/10 – Pizza was good, meatballs were great and I loved the atmosphere. It’s a great neighborhood spot!
What I got:
MARKET GREENS SALAD: Mixed Greens, Watermelon Radish, Avocado and Balsamic Vinaigrette
E&TC: Usually you’re safe with a mixed green salad, but look at the cup of salt on that avocado. Something like that should be added to the menu if it’s a regular thing!
CARBONARA: Pancetta, Bechamel, Fontina, Scallions, Crushed Red Pepper and Carbonara Sauce
E&TC: This was great – basically a B.E.C on your pizza. You can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
MUSHROOM & STRACCIATELLA: Seasonal Mushrooms, Roasted Leeks and Mascarpone
E&TC: Usually I go for pizza with marinara sauce, but this white pizza worked well with the mushrooms, leeks and that cheese…yum. The pizzas are technically personal pans, but we all had leftovers, so that was exciting the next day
GRILLED BLACK SEABASS: Kabocha Squash, Celery, Fennel, Red Onion, Capers, Pumpkin Seeds and Agrodolce Vinaigrette
E&TC: My friend who came doesn’t eat cheese (woof!), but the fish sounded delicious and ended up being very bland, but the sides were good.
E&TC rating: 6/10 – I love salt, but the salad was way too salty, and remember, they forgot our fish tacos appetizer and didn’t even end up bringing it out.
Overall Pizza Beach gets a 7/10 – Some things just were not right, but the pizza and Italian dishes were yummy! I would come back to try other dishes if this was my neighborhood joint, but I wouldn’t trek to the UES or LES when there are tons of other amazing options around the city.
Pizza Beach Upper East Side
1426 3rd Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(646) 666-0819
167 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10028
646 852 6478
