exterior
DAY 31: OCTOBER 31st, 2025LOCATION: Mano's Pizzeria (62-98 Forest Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385)
GUEST(S): Matthew Shafeek, Chris Simpson, Jon Monje, Oliver Gellerman
ORDER: 1/2 slice of White Pie (Garlic Confit Base, Shredded Mozzarella, Ricotta, Cracked Black Pepper), 1/2 slice of NYM Pie (Fresh Mozzarella, Cooked Tomato Sauce, Sicilian Oregano, Pecorino Romano, Chopped Basil), 1/2 slice of Minucci Pie (Tomato Sauce, Sweet Sausage, Pepperoni, Calabrian Chili Peppers, Shredded Mozzarella, Hot Honey), 1/2 slice of Classic Cheese (Tomato Sauce, Pecorino Romano, Sicilian Oregano, Shredded Mozzarella)
REVIEW:
Destination slice. Unless you’re lucky enough to live in Ridgewood, Queens, you may have to travel a bit out of your way to get to Mano’s Pizzeria — but trust me, it’s worth the trip. Owner and master pizzaiolo Nick Manopella devotes over 100 hours to fermenting the dough, which he makes himself using unbleached, unbromated Italian flour. That kind of commitment shows up in every bite. Watching Nick at work behind the counter is a show in itself. Each pie, often named after one of his family members, is crafted with precision and passion. The sauce? No mystery there — just high-quality Italian tomatoes, sea salt, and olive oil. When the ingredients and the technique are this good, there’s no need for secrets. The result: pizza that’s as simple as it is sublime. It’s no wonder 50 Top Pizza keeps ranking Mano’s among the best slice joints in the country. The lines start forming soon after opening and don’t let up until the dough runs out. Prices are still refreshingly reasonable (for now), but the quality is world-class. If only Nick could open a second location closer to where I live… and work… and everywhere else.
PHOTOS:
Interior
options
White slice
slice of Minucci Pie (cut in 2)
NYM Pie slice (cut in 2)
Fulgieri Pie (cut in 2)
Sicilian (cut in 2)
slice of Classic cheese (cut in 2)
the slices
Day 31
Menu board
underside
interior decorations
VIDEO:
MISCELLANEOUS:
Sean Taylor, Oliver Gellerman, Chris Simpson, Matt Shafeek
1. Chris Simpson got a new tattoo.
Sean Taylor, Oliver Gellerman
2. This was the first time I met Oliver Gellerman in person. He's been following my blog for years and recently recommended Mano's. This guy really knows his pizzerias and has a photographic memory of pizza makers, bloggers, and pizzeria employees, in general.
3. Matt Shafeek has escaped more rooms than anyone I know. Earlier this year, he rented an RV and he and some other Escape[room] artists did 50 in just over a week.
RATING:
4.58/5
4.58/5- VALUE:
4.5/5 - AMBIENCE: 3/3
- TASTE:
9/10 - SERVICE: N/A
16.5/18 = .917 x 5 = 4.58
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