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Section: Food

WNY’s Most Perfect Pizzas
By Anthony Chabala

We may not agree on everything, but there is one universal truth: pizza is good. Whatever your diet, there’s a pie for you. But in WNY, a region that has more pizza parlors than most, how do you know where to go for the best? Luckily, I have devoted my life to the art of pizza consumption, and after years of research and searching for the best, I hereby publish my results. All five of these establishments have been chosen based on the quality of their cheese and pepperoni pizza; there is no better measuring stick than ol’ faithful. Of course, there are many more: La Nova, Franco’s, Nino’s — so let the debate begin.

1. Zetti’s Pizza and Pasta
(3500 Main St., Buffalo; 4621 Maple Rd., Amherst)
Zetti’s undoubtedly holds the top spot for WNY pizza. The pieces are absolutely gargantuan and the taste is consistently amazing. Zetti’s has a New York City feel, with a thin, drenched-in-grease cheese and pepp pie. They offer many varieties, but there is no need to stray from the standard. If I were forced to only have the flavor of one piece of pizza in my mouth for eternity, it would come from the busy, fast-paced parlor that is Zetti’s.

2. Di Camillo Bakery
(7927 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls; 5329 Main St., Williamsville)
Everything that comes out of the Di Camillo Bakery is simply divine, and their Romano pizza is well worth the short trip. This cheese-less, pepperoni-less pizza may not fit the standard pie profile, but the flavor is heavenly. Imagine the finest piece of bread topped with the greatest sauce to ever touch your tongue. The price is equally attractive — the lunch special consists of three slices of Romano pizza, a cookie or doughnut and a drink, all for the low price of $5.67. It is take-out only, but is served room temperature, so take all the time you want.

3. Casa Di Pizza
(477 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo)
Perhaps the most beloved of Buffalo pizza institutions, Casa Di Pizza has had its fair share of celebrities, politicians, and everyone else imaginable stop by and sample their delicious pizza. The pizza is neither NY nor Chicago style, but right in the middle. This seems to be the pie that the mom and pop pizzerias modeled their staples from, only Casa Di Pizza did it first and does it better — the ingredients are of higher quality. This is the first on the list to be a full-service restaurant, and the mountain of fried dough covered with ice cream and strawberries will might top the dessert list. (But that’s for another article.)

4. Uno Chicago Grill
(4125 Maple Rd., Amherst)
A national chain? How could I? Well, naysayers, the crust of Uno’s famous pie has the texture of the greatest breakfast biscuit you have ever had, and perhaps the crispiest and tastiest pepperoni in the area. It often seems there’s an entire block of cheese in there, the way Chicago-style pizza should be. Take into account the fast service and meal deals, and Uno is a great place to take the family. Plus, if you’ve visited the original Chicago locstion, you know the chain has captured the taste properly.

5. Romeo & Juliet’s
(1292 Hertel Ave., Buffalo; 5199 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville)
Romeo & Juliet’s offers a Margherita pizza that is out of this universe. This is perhaps the most authentic pie on the list, but the pieces are very small, so order accordingly. It’s the perfect blend of a trendy, designer pie and the flavors you have been savoring for years. Be sure to get a reservation though, as Romeo & Juliet’s is very popular for dinner.
Now you know where to get your next five pies. Add Duff’s wings to any of the above and you have reached nirvana.

Ironically, Anthony Chabala is currently on a no-carb diet and will not have a piece of pizza for a very long time. Please keep him in your prayers.


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