Having tried all of the recommended “new york pizza” restaurants in Seattle, I can confirm that no, there is no good NY-style pizza to be had here. Sure, there’s stuff that can kill a craving, but there’s nothing close to the real thing.
The real thing can be had, however, at #1 New York Pizza in Clearview. This little tiny place is owned by Tony and Relita, a retired couple from Queens. Relita is charming and hospitable, and Tony is doggedly guarding the western frontier of New York pizzeria tradition. #1NY’s pizzas have a crisp chewy crust, flat slices with whole milk mozarella, perfect tomato sauce, traditional toppings, and the right amount of genuine pizza grease. Tony’s white pizza is outstanding. Get a calzone to take home. They also make handmade cannolis, made to order on the spot.
The pizzeria is a few miles north of Snohomish in a tiny tiny tiny little shop. Take I-405 to SR-522 east, then exit to US-9 northbound and go a few miles until you see the stop light for 180th. (Really. I know it looks like the middle of nowhere.) Right after that, look for the green Produce sign by the road and turn right into the parking lot. If you’ve ever been to the Maltby cafe, this is just a few miles away.
Whatever you do, don’t ever, ever ask for pineapple.
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