
Di Fara Pizza
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where pizza transcends fast food to become artisanal craft, Di Fara Pizza New York City stands as Brooklyn's most revered pizzeria, transforming simple ingredients into culinary poetry through five decades of unwavering dedication to perfection.
Founded in 1965 by Domenico "Dom" DeMarco, an Italian immigrant from Caserta, Di Fara Pizza emerged from humble beginnings to achieve legendary status among New York City fine dining circles. DeMarco's philosophy centered on quality over quantity, personally crafting every pizza for over fifty years until his passing in 2022. This tireless devotion earned recognition from culinary luminaries including Anthony Bourdain and Pete Wells, while attracting celebrity devotees like Leonardo DiCaprio. The pizzeria's name cleverly fuses DeMarco with his original partner Farina, symbolizing the collaborative spirit that built this Brooklyn institution. Multiple "Best Pizza" awards and top Zagat ratings cement Di Fara's position among the best restaurants New York City offers, with the city honoring DeMarco by renaming his street.
Di Fara's cuisine elevates traditional New York-style pizza through meticulous ingredient sourcing and artisanal technique. The signature Classic Round Pie showcases San Marzano tomatoes, imported mozzarella from Caserta, and Grana Padano cheese, finished with hand-snipped fresh basil and premium olive oil. The Square Pie offers heartier appeal with its thicker crust, while the White Pizza presents a sublime cheese-forward experience. Adventurous diners gravitate toward the "Chaos Pie," featuring sausage, meatballs, cherry tomatoes, and wild garlic. Each pizza commands premium pricing reflective of its ultra-premium ingredients and painstaking preparation. The menu extends beyond pizza to include handmade meatballs, garlic knots, calzones, and traditional Italian desserts like cannoli, creating a comprehensive fine dining experience within casual surroundings.
The Midwood location maintains an intimate, unpretentious atmosphere where the open kitchen serves as theater for the pizza-making artistry. Walls adorned with decades of accolades and photographs chronicle the restaurant's storied journey, while the visible preparation process creates anticipation worth the legendary hour-long waits. Service remains family-oriented, with DeMarco's seven children continuing his legacy across expanding locations in Manhattan's Seaport district and Staten Island. The experience demands patience but rewards with unparalleled flavor and authenticity that defines true New York pizza culture.
Di Fara Pizza reservations aren't required, but expect substantial waits that have become part of the ritual. This isn't merely dining—it's participating in New York culinary history, where every slice represents a master craftsman's lifetime dedication to pizza perfection.
CHEF
Domenico DeMarco
ACCOLADES

(2025) EP Club Recommended Restaurant

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Cheap Eats in North America Ranked #114
