It’s been about six months since we covered the then soon to open Manhattan Pizza at Delaware and Chippewa. It was shortly after that post that The City threw a few 'implementation surprises' into the project… surprises that resulted in an a rather lengthy unexpected delay. If you look on the bright side, the delay gave owner Besnik Dalsti time to reexamine the menu and add items like pizzettas to the list of offerings. It also allowed the restaurant opening (this past Monday) to coincide perfectly with the onset of spring weather. When I stopped in after work yesterday, the two patio-style doors were cranked open and a young couple was enjoying a pizza while watching the activity outside. Soon there will be a sidewalk patio that will turn the front eating area into a small indoor/outdoor dining spot. In the back there is an additional dining room that has the capability of seating up to forty.
If you had asked me, I would have thought that the seating for forty would have been overkill. Apparently that is not the case. “Yesterday the dining area was full,” Besnik told me. “And today was crazy.” I asked Besnik how a new pizza place could be so busy in its first three days of opening... and I also wanted to know what the favorite selection was. “The people walking by have been checking in to see when we were going to open,” he said, "Word of mouth is also very effective in this area. Our best selling pizza has been the 'Sirloin Steak with Damned Hot Peppers'.” Other items that caught my eye on the menu were Chicken Jalapeno and Cream Cheese Wantons (not on my diet), and the Chopped Clams, Romano Cheese and Capers (pizzetta made to order). Actually, all of the pizzettas looked mighty tasty. I did manage to try a slice of what I believe was the Villa Grande (onions, fresh mushrooms, pepperoni, green peppers). I really enjoyed the slice even though I had just come from eating a very late lunch. On my next visit I’m going to go on an empty stomach and try one of the personal pizzettas... or one of the strombolis. Of course there are plenty of other options to choose from including subs, paninis, wraps, soups, wings, fingers, salads, calzones, pasta dishes… and a few different desserts to choose from as well.
Manhattan Pizza offers take out, eat in and delivery. Stop in and grab a menu to take back to work with you (catering, parties, and meeting room available). Remember, these guys are also open on Saturdays (opens 11am) along with Mon thru Fri (opens 10am). Give them a call (716) 842-1986, or stop on in at 244 Delaware Avenue (near the corner of Chippewa).