Best Boston Restaurants for Pizza

The Secret to the Sauce

The foundation of any great pizza is its sauce. In the North End, chefs start by hand-crushing tomatoes and slow-cooking them to perfection. They then add a carefully curated mix of sugar, garlic, wine, oregano, parsley, basil, and other secret ingredients. These recipes have been passed down through generations and are closely guarded secrets. The sauce can be chunky or smooth, but the best sauces are those that blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering it.

Ingredients for the Perfect Sauce

• Tomatoes: Hand-crushed for a fresh, authentic taste.
• Garlic: Adds a robust flavor.
• Wine: Enhances the depth of the sauce.
• Herbs: Oregano, parsley, and basil for that classic Italian touch.

The Crust: The Foundation of Great Pizza

While the sauce is crucial, the crust is the backbone of any pizza. The dough is gently kneaded by hand and allowed to rise to achieve the perfect consistency. There's an ongoing debate between thin and thick crust enthusiasts. Thin crust allows the toppings to shine, while thick crust offers a satisfying, bread-like texture that soaks up the sauce and cheese.

Types of Crust

• Thin Crust: Ideal for those who want to focus on the toppings.
• Thick Crust: Provides a hearty, bread-like base that complements the other ingredients.

Cooking Methods: The Final Touch

The cooking method can make or break a pizza. There are three primary ways to cook a pizza: conventional oven, grill, and wood-fired oven. Each method has its own merits and can significantly impact the final product.

Cooking Methods

• Conventional Oven: The standard at-home method. Preheat the oven, place the pizza on a tray, and cook for about 20 minutes.
• Grill: A quick method that can produce a sizzling pizza in less than 5 minutes. Ideal for thin crusts but requires careful attention to avoid burning.
• Wood-Fired Oven: The traditional method used by pizza masters. The high heat cooks the pizza in about 2 minutes, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.

Notable Boston Pizza Spots

Regina Pizzeria

Regina Pizzeria, established in 1926, is a North End institution. Known for its brick oven pizzas, Regina has been serving up some of the best pies in Boston for nearly a century. Their secret sauce and perfectly cooked crust have earned them a loyal following.

Santarpio's Pizza

Located in East Boston, Santarpio's Pizza is another legendary spot. Known for its no-frills atmosphere and delicious pizza, Santarpio's has been a favorite among locals since 1903. Their wood-fired oven pizzas are a must-try.

Galleria Umberto

Galleria Umberto is a hidden gem in the North End. This cash-only spot is known for its Sicilian-style pizza, which features a thick, fluffy crust and a generous layer of cheese and sauce. It's a popular lunch spot, so be prepared for a line.

Interesting Pizza Stats

• Pizza Consumption: Americans consume approximately 3 billion pizzas each year, which equates to about 350 slices per second (source).
• Pizza Market: The U.S. pizza market was valued at $46.34 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% from 2021 to 2028 (source).
• Popular Toppings: Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the U.S., with 36% of people listing it as their favorite (source).

Conclusion

Achieving the status of one of the best pizza restaurants in Boston's North End is a testament to the dedication and skill of its chefs. From the hand-crushed tomatoes in the sauce to the perfectly kneaded dough and the traditional wood-fired ovens, every element is crafted with care. Whether you prefer a thin crust or a thick, hearty base, Boston's pizza scene has something to offer every pizza lover. So next time you're in the North End, make sure to try one of these iconic spots and taste the perfection for yourself.