Miami’s Best Pizza: Thin Crust Pies @ Fratesi’s

I travel down to Miami about once a year. Since starting this website in 2008, I’ve reviewed my fair share of pizzerias there — and my favorite experiences have always been at no-frills slice joints: from the upscale offerings at Eleventh Street Pizza to the NY-style pies at Steve’s. But nothing in the region has ever came close to the pies being served at Fratesi’s Pizza (69 East Flagler Street). In a city that seems to be opening outsposts of New York establishments on a monthly basis, Fratesi’s would give any pizzeria in New York a run for it’s money.

What’s Unique? Although you wouldn’t know from its non-descript storefront, the retro ambience at Fratesi’s is an instant throwback to a 1980s Pizza Hut, but with charm (lamp fixtures included). There is a mix of booths and tables + a few bar seats, with space for about 50 guests. The pizzeria actually began as a roving pop-up, appearing in spots like the Vietnamese restaurant Tâm Tâm (which I also highly recommend). I’m glad it now has a permanent home and if I lived in Miami, this would be a go-to spot for me.

What To Eat? While I’ll get to the pizza in a moment, don’t sleep on the phenomenal tahini Caesar salad. Then migrate over to the pizza section of the menu which features nine pies, all $30 or less. We ordered a Plain Pie and a Svetlanan’s Vodka both which were delicious. On the (slightly) more adventurous side, are pies like Demon Pig Boy (featuring pickled hot peppers and pepperoni) and The Feast Of San Gennaro (with pork sausage, and sautéed peppers & onions). The pies are thin and crispy, reminiscent of a bar or tavern style pie à la New Jersey’s Star Tavern. Two people can split a pie.

What To Know Before You Go? If you’re not familiar with Miami, Fratesi is located in an area of downtown which hasn’t fully been revitalized yet. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity and parking might be limited, so plan extra time to get there. Highly recommend making a reservation a few weeks out. The service is great, the food comes out promptly and if you haven’t yet been to Fratesi’s, you’re missing out.

Miami’s Best Pizza: Thin Crust Pies @ Fratesi’s

I travel down to Miami about once a year. Since starting this website in 2008, I’ve reviewed my fair share of pizzerias there — and my favorite experiences have always been at no-frills slice joints: from the upscale offerings at Eleventh Street Pizza to the NY-style pies at Steve’s. But nothing in the region has …