Bite Of The Day: It’s A Pizza Party At Speedy Romeo
Speedy Romeo pizzas are frequently considered among New York’s best and most sought after — so much so that even Manhattan residents are excited to get in on the action — but they will always be best experienced at the bar or a table inside their flagship Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy location on Classon Avenue.
With nine options to choose from, it’s best to come with a group of friends so you can all try multiple toppings. We went with three pizzas for three people: The Dangerfield, The Kind Brother, and The King Salami (all $18 each). All three come with a fluffy yet crisp crust that is strong enough for all the toppings but provides just enough spring in each bite. And of course, the slices fold well because hey, we’re in New York.
The Dangerfield, pictured on the top left, comes with pork and veal meatballs, ricotta, bechamel, and bits of garlic chips — the meatballs are not visibly discernible from one another, but are full of flavor, not too salty and super savory, balancing out the sweet and creamy ricotta to make a great dinner pizza.
The Kind Brother, on the other hand, is built for vegetarians, its meatiness coming from the plentiful wild mushrooms dotted between chunks of melted and smoked mozzarella, drizzled with egg yolk that works with the cheese to literally tie every mouthful together in earthy harmony. This is the perfect option for those of us whose food motto is “put an egg on it.”
The King Salami doubles up on the Italian ingredients, with hot and sweet soppressata, finocchiona, and red peppers abounding in every crevice of the pie’s center — a salty-sweet salami fest that induces as much saliva just looking at it as it will when you eat it. It’s got a bit of a spicy kick to it, but just enough to wake up your mouth and tastebuds to pay attention to all the flavors.
Pair the pizzas with a Grilled Octopus salad ($16) or something from the grill, but be sure to also include a glass of wine or cocktail with your meal, as well. Ask your waiter for recommendations, as the flavor combinations can get complicated to figure out yourself.
Verdict: Speedy Romeo isn’t very much a neighborhood joint that allows good company and good food to mix together without pretension or interruption — much like personality of us residents of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene. Also like us is the friendliness of the staff; our waiter swapped subway stories with us like we were old pals catching up. Fun, relaxing, and filling, all in one!
SPEEDY ROMEO
376 Classon Avenue
718-230-0061
Lunch on weekdays from 12-4pm
Brunch on weekends from 11am-4pm
Dinner daily from 5-11pm; until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays
Delivery available for lunch and dinner until an hour before closing