There is something that is alluring about mobster run pizza establishments.  While researching Lucali's Pizza in Brooklyn, I came to realize that this incredible pizzeria actually has a reputed Colombo crime family member working there.  That made the visit even more exciting.  You know some proud Italian gangster, is not about to serve sub-par pizza.  A this pizza was as far from sub-par as they come.  This pizza was amazing.

We originally planned on starting our pizza day by trying Lucali's, but were quickly disappointed since they didn't open for another hour, which led us to drive around and eventually find another amazing establishment; South Brooklyn Pizza.  After eating at South Brooklyn Pizza, we headed back to Lucali's.

Immediately upon entering this small, dimly lit pizzeria, we were greeted with this awesome wood burning oven aroma.  Normally you cannot judge a book by its cover, but if this pizza was going to taste anything like the smell, I knew we would be in for a unique treat.

Mark Iacono opened Lucali's, which used to be home to a candy store.  In a magnanimous effort to prevent some franchise chain to move into this family community, he opened the pizzeria.  You can even see some remnants of the old place on the wall.  Iacono and his brother work this joint (I guess alongside a gangster now).  Regardless who works there or the reason, I found this incredibly crisp, perfectly cooked, lightly sauced pizza to be exceptional.  The sauce was applied lightly, and the blend of cheese was just divine.  I had to ask what the blend was, since even I was stumped.  Turns out Lucali's uses mozzarella di bufala, a low-moisture full-cream mozzarella, and freshly grated grana padana.  Definitely a winning combination.

If you reside near this pizzeria, or even if you live hours away, you will find enjoyment trying Lucali's.  Just make sure to plan for a wait.  Unlike Grimaldi's, this pizzeria is definitely worth the wait.  Lucali's only takes cash, so don't forget to hit the ATM.

Lucali's Pizza gets 7 out of 8 slices.