A Review of Jiannetto’s Pizza Truck
BY SETH S.
Jiannetto’s Pizza Truck
Front Street and Wall Street
Financial District, NYC
Photo by Seth Scholder
As I walk the streets of the City, I often will stop to pick up a slice from a neighborhood pizza place. The problem is I rarely ever find these neighborhood pizzerias in Manhattan. The borough has been overrun by one of two types of pizza: the fancy brick oven “pizza/wine bar/restaurant/lounge”, or a Ray’s of some sort. You must know what I’m talking about; the cookie-cutter, bland, pre-packaged ingredients-using collection of chain pizzerias that dot the whole borough. Go to any of the other four boroughs and you are somewhat likely to come across a decades old Italian pizza place that has been consistently serving up Italian-American staples and pizza to the delight of the locals. In Manhattan? Not so much. So when I came across Jiannetto’s Pizza Truck, I was completely intrigued. Tasty pizza served up from an oven in a truck seemed authentically New York enough for me.
Jiannetto’s is a gem hidden away on Front Street in the Financial District, close to the South Street Seaport. It was quite a find for me, because I work downtown and needed a go-to pizza spot. After working in Midtown, I figured it would be impossible. Luckily Jiannetto’s serves an interesting square crusty slice. The slice is not your typical Sicilian because it’s thinner and crispy instead of doughy. The slice is light on mozzarella cheese, but it’s noticeable under the layer of delicious, sweet sauce and grated Romano cheese. The sauce is good enough to make up for the lack of cheese, sweet and slightly garlicky with a touch of basil. It’s nice to eat a slice of “pizzeria” pizza with a fresh and homemade sauce instead of a canned imposter.
Jiannetto’s also serves some other Italian treats like a chicken, eggplant or meatball parmigiana sandwich that is more “roll” than “hero”. The pasta’s are fresh and come with a side of that homemade sauce, and the rice ball is a crispy ball of breaded rice, cheese, meat and peas. I have tried all of the plates and they all make for a tasty lunch.
Photo by Seth Scholder
Although the prices are a little steep for a slice of pizza, they are no more expensive than what you’ll find anywhere else in Manhattan (or unfortunately what you are now seeing in other boroughs). Two slices for $5.50 makes for a satisfying meal to get you through the day. The value is there, especially compared to what you’ll find at most of the nearby options. If you happen to be in the area for work or play, be sure to give it a try.
