BYOB!!! (wish I had read this before coming, I had some awesome pumpkin ale at home-this should be a selection in the alcohol checkboxes below)
As you find a seat at the long family style tables at La Sicilia, you will find locals who obviously know that this is the place to be for Italian food and pizza in Essex County. The wafting aroma of garlic and tomatoes, the photos of a young Frank Sinatra and other NJ legends who seemed to have dined here, the ubiquitous sign of any NJ Italian gastronomical landmark: the Sopranos cast members photos, all of these things put you right at ease, even before the fabulous food is set down at your table. There is something about this place that reminds me of a family event or two that Ive been to where the tables were long, family gathered around, a never ending parade of food.. yea, this place is it.
Don't expect white gloved tuxedo-ed waiters and china here- this IS a pizzeria; and what a pizzeria it is. Ive been here once so far, and I feel as if I should be in my car right now on my way back, it is SO good here.
On recommendation of Yelpers here, I shared the Palermo pie here with my brother Geoff- I am SO glad I did. Words fail to describe the experience but I will try. The pie is a relatively thin crust Sicilian pie unlike anything I have ever had. Its like a cross between a grandmas pie and a Sicilian pie, but OH so much more. Its thin crust snaps under slight pressure from your bite, softly padded above by fresh mozzarella directly above, then a fresh, super garlic-y sauce with fresh herbs on top. Its like a normal pizza in reverse order- dough, cheese, sauce. And how fantastic it is.
I heard some complain one way or another about this pie, but all I can say is- do not listen to them. What MAY make some complain is if they took this pie home or delivered it. ANY pizza that is not eaten DIRECTLY FROM THE OVEN will SUCK if eaten any other way. Pizza is like art found in nature: its temporary, fleeting- to be enjoyed for that moment like a snowflake on a windshield, a sunset, wisps of clouds, lightning in the sky...
I can wax poetic all day about this pizza- it is THAT GOOD!
We took two cannoli home as well, an hour or more after us demolishing this pie between two people, we braved the cannoli, and OMG is what I have to say- fresh crisp shells overflowing with fresh fine sweetened whole milk ricotta cheese, delicately flavored with orange and rose water? Grandma would approve.
Now all I have to do is get my mom and grandma over here next time so they can experience this too. I must return to try more of this menu- these guys are the real deal, and I'm happy that they are only a town or two over from me. read more