Vincenzos Pizzeria - Scranton
https://www.nepapizzareview.com/2012/08/vincenzos-pizza.html
Vincenzo's: Finding Excellence in a Classic NY Style Pizza
Vincenzo's has been on my priority list to of pizzerias to get to for a while now because of a recommendation I continue to get from a friend who swears by it. Finally, the day came, I kidnapped her and requested she navigate me to her holy grail of pizza and food. Upon arrival, I could immediately see why she would like the place. It is big, comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly very clean (including the bathrooms). They also have my favorite feature in a pizzeria - an open kitchen where you can see the pies being made. Before I get into my pizza experience, I must note that management must run a tight ship because of the professionalism and courtesy of the staff. This really started earning Vincenzo's brownie points before the pizza was even served.
We placed an order for a small New York Style pizza, but to our surprise, the friendly waitress came over and notified us that we would be getting a bonus medium pie at no additional charge which meant that this pizza critic would be having lunch for the next day! When the pie was brought to our table, I had to pause a minute and just admire the work of art which was presented before me. It was evident that this pizza maker was a true pro. The pizza was a perfect sphere, cut into 8 equal slices that looked as if a protractor and a laser beam was used, my favorite shaped crust around the outside, which I refer to as "cutting edge." See close up pic and you'll see what I mean. So kudos to the pizza guy on a job well done.
So now that I'm done "jobbing out" to the artisan in the kitchen, on the the review. Upon first bite, it is clear that the cheese is a nice quality mozzarella which makes the whole pizza. It had great flavor, so good that on my second slice I just pulled off a gob of cheese and ate it by itself. The sauce is simple, yet flavorful, and works well with the cheese. It's differs slightly from a traditional NY pie because it contains hint of basil, which I'm not crazy about but can appreciate. The basil sets this pie apart from others, and that's what I seek to find. If you've ever had Dino and Francesco's in Clarks Summit, that's the most similar comparison I can draw. There was not a ton of sauce on the pizza, but there was a ton of flavor. Usually I like more saucy pie, but in this instant I was not left wanting more. Finally, the crust was just the right amount of crispy and chewy. I could tell that the dough was aged a bit as there were no bubbles and it was ever so slightly tough, but I tend to like it that way.
Vincenzo's also offers a square pizza and several gourmet offerings which I'm sure are very good without even trying them. I would recommend this establishment for almost any dining occasion from a quick lunch to a big family dinner to a quiet night out. It seems to be one of those places that is good for just about any occasion. THE BOTTOM LINE: Vincenzo's has received one of, if not my highest ratings yet. Perhaps I was wowed by the appearance of the place and the craftsmanship of the pizza, but I felt the quality ingredients and brilliant execution provided a great pie which offers something just a little bit different.
Restaurant: Vincenzo's PizzaLocation: West Scranton, PA Date: August 2012 Pizzas Ordered: Small NY Style Round Price: $8.50+/-Eat In/Take Out: Eat In
Crust:
5/5
Sauce:
3/5
Cheese: 5/5
Overall
Taste: 4.5/5
Crispy/Cooked
Properly: 5/5
Overall Value: 4/5
OVERALL
RATING: 4.5/5