Vincenzos Pizzeria - Scranton

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 Pizza
Location: 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