Changing Expectations of What Truly Great Pizza is Capable of is Palá on NYC's Hip Lower East Side. FASHIONTRIBES RESTAURANT BLOG

Husband and wife team Gigio and Edena Palázzo recently opened this Roman-styled pizzeria, featuring a proprietary dough recipe which contains a special blend of ingredients chemically balanced to be lighter, more healthful and delicious. Named for the pala, the traditional wooden paddle used to transport pizzas in and out of the oven, the space itself is an casual, dimly lit affair with wooden tables & chairs, and a counter where diners can watch the pizza being made. 

The spinach, pear and gorgonzola cheese salad, as well as the Flori di Zucca Fritti - a zucchini blossom filled with buffalo mozzarella - are both delicious, as well as a classic buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil Bufala Cruda. But make sure to save room for the pizza. If the choices seem overwhelming, avail yourself of Nicholas, the extremely knowledgeable & helpful waiter with a knack for making just the right suggestions, as the zucca pizza, sautéed pumpkin, pancetta and smoked scamorza proved. If you have room left over for dessert, the Chicacciere - dough ribbons dusted with confectionary sugar and chantilly cream - is worth every calorie.

Palá also has a good wine and beer list, and would make a great spot for either lunch downtown or a romantic dinner. 

Pala, 198 Allen Street, 212.614.7252

- Ali Prakin

Fashiontribes Pala Restaurants New York Fashion Fashion Expert