Potenza Centrale Pizza

Stopped in for a couple slices of crisp crust, fairly deep pizza. I really enjoyed my oyster mushroom pizza- the savory, tender mushrooms pared well with the cheesy, crispy base. It's a no frills establishment that's extremely tiny but they have oregano, red pepper, and extra cheese by the door. Service was quick and efficient.

Bummer!" That's what I said to my sister as I walked into her apartment with a pizza box containing two unfinished slices from Potenza. I was so excited about this place, as their core values align closely with food businesses that stand out to me (a history, an owner who truly cares, quality ingredients, labor of love, etc.). The passion is there, that's without a doubt, but what's lacking is a mouthwatering slice of pizza. The dough was tough, too crunchy, and not reheated enough, but any more heat would have exacerbated the crunch issue. Perhaps I need to give them another try, but if that's the case, they don't have consistency down!

Avenue B is back on the rise--recent additions have been a welcome breath of quality...case in point: Potenza Centrale Pizza squeezing into a small spot on the avenue. what makes for great pizza is quality ingredients, a personal touch (hard work), and luck. i daresay Potenza had all three when i stopped by yesterday night and ordered a couple of slices for dinner. spoke to the pizza man aka the owner, i believe...he makes his own pizza dough and mozzarella from scratch. he described his pizza as an homage to pizza to "his hometown / province of Potenza which is in the Basilicata region of Italy." i'd liken the pizza to being similar Roman-style. ordered two slices-- a sausage slice and a cheese slice, both rectangular...no 360° pies here...only squares! the crust is interesting--the underside has a nice char and crunch (so you get the slight bitter of the char plus a crispness which works for me) to it while the inner crust is soft with a good chewy (but not wet or mushy), so it makes for a pleasant bite texture, blobs of melted homemade mozzarella, and the zing of salty sweet sauce on the plain cheese slice makes for giving you an artisan pizza experience within a simple classic style of pizza. i typically opt for a plain cheese slice because the simplest version of pizza is the best, imo. however this Basilicata-n style pizza crust is built for a toppings-heavy pizza which is why the sausage slice at Potenza Centrale is pretty excellent--ample amounts of sausage that tastes like actual sausage that's been seasoned and has balanced fat/meat ratio (not the stuff that you get at a chain supermarket which is often over-salted and greasy/oily). anyway the sausage is piled upon yellow tomatoes and mozzarella...and those flavors really sink into that crust, so every bite has this savory, cheesy, carb-y chew and crunch. to repeat myself as a plain cheese slice purist and enthusiast, the topped slices are the way to go and i sorta regret ordering the plain cheese square as opposed to getting a Purple Potato and Onion slice or the gorgonzola and pear slice. the perimeter of the crust aka cornicione is big and airy so there is a consistent lightness to crust from the outside edge to inside. the pizza shop itself is very, very small--no tables just an order counter, the pizzas for sale, and refrigerators full of ingredients. there is a solo table for two outside and that's it. the best way to enjoy the pizza here is to eat it on the spot right after its been heated up as artisan pizza never travels well. so be a savage, lean against a building, and eat! service is super-friendly and warm. while pizza is often about personal preference, i'd say it's near impossible to not see the effort that is being made or finding a slice here that you wouldn't enjoy. caveat: while the pizza at Potenza isn't "heavy" on your stomach. it is pretty filling so a single slice goes a long way...two slices might induce a nap or an early night...just saying.

I really want this place to thrive! Super sweet owner, high quality toppings for sure. But the dough is too tough. I've tried it twice now and haven't finished either slice. It's just a chore to get through. Maybe third time is a charm but with so many options in this city...

In a city with an infinite number of excellent pizzas, they managed to create something unique and still delicious. The hearty sourdough crust is outstanding. The toppings are interesting too, but it is really about the crust. I read somewhere that the best slice is the simplest one with an excellent tomato sauce to let the crust shine, and that recommendation was spot on.

A great slice. Definitely different than the usual New York slice in style. It's more like what you find in a lot of spots in Italy. Light, crisp and airy and flavorful crust. Love the sausage slice though I wish it had more sauce, and I like the marinara as well. Staff is nice, and genuine. Good little local spot for a snack or a whole pie.

Most authentic Italian pizza there is and one of my favorites, if not my favorite in NYC. Truly a trip to Italy every time I stop in with fresh, high quality ingredients that go into each slice. Owner Luigi is the best as well!

Quality pizza with excellent service. This cozy little pizzeria is so unique, so original, so welcoming, but super down-to-earth. I tried cheese, pepperoni, eggplant, mushroom (with roasted garlic chunks) and the one with squash blossoms. They look so simple, but each has a twist and is super flavorful. I can tell everyone Potenza Central has become my new go-to. I don't find a need to explain too long since all other reviewers wrote what I wanted to say. Their pizza is a work of art where passion and love meet expertise.

Definitely will be coming back. The pizza tasted so fresh. You can taste the quality of the ingredients. The people working there are friendly and welcoming. The slices are filling and large!

wandering around the neighborhood and came across something new - i ordered the pear-gorgonzola slice and was very impressed - the crust is delicious and airy, the toppings perfect, the owner behind the counter very caring and attentive and personable - i'm eager to try out other slices and often, thank you!