Good pizza is hard to find in Astoria. I can even go so far as to say good pizza is hard to find in NYC. In a city known for their slices, the low barriers to entry and sustainable profit margin means lots of spots claiming they serve the best pizza in town.
Pizza wise, Astoria is known for Rizzo’s and Sac’s, but there is one lesser known place that I can stand behind as having the best pizza in Astoria: La Vita Mia. A bit off the beaten path on 24th Avenue and 28th Street, I happened upon La Vita Mia walking back from Astoria Park one day, and have been hooked ever since. Rizzo’s is known for their Sicilian-esque, saucy slices, and recently expanded from their Astoria outpost to the Upper East Side, a big feat for any Astoria establishment. Thin crust, and brick oven baked define Sac’s pizza. But for those out there who crave a true New York slice, La Vita Mia is it.
The interior and décor of La Vita Mia is standard, no frills, pizza joint. What lacks in character in the décor is picked up by the staff and owner. The owner is a genuine New Yorker, with a boisterous laugh and a New York accent laid thick. You can tell if he’s in from his loud jokes and voice bouncing off the walls, along with playful banter towards his staff. The owner alone makes a visit to La Vita Mia an experience.
La Vita Mia nails the perfect pie – the ingredients are fresh, toppings plentiful, and the crust is fluffy with just the right amount of crunch. Not being a huge crust eater, I find myself nibbling on La Vita Mia’s without even noticing. My favorite pizza pie at La Vita Mia is my own concoction – a white pie with sausage. I’ve had this pie at other places to compare, but nowhere else makes it as delicious as La Vita Mia. Top it with Frank’s hot sauce, (and they only have Frank’s, as the owner asserted one day) and you’re set.
Pizza aside, La Vita Mia offers plenty of other options, including heroes, pastas, wraps, and salads. The one downside of La Vita Mia is that it closes at 10:00pm. Being a block away from Bohemian Hall (the oldest and most quintessential beer garden in NY), I think they could benefit greatly from the hungry, post-drinking crowd.
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| white pie w. sausage |
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