Why Mama's Too Is New York's Favorite Pizza Right Now

At Mama’s Too, pizza isn’t just food — it’s a lifelong passion and a tribute to family. For owner Frank Tuttolomondo, every pie served is a reflection of his love for pizza and his dedication to perfecting the craft. “Pizza is my life, man,” Frank says. “It’s one of the things I think about as soon as I wake up in the morning, and it’s the last thing I think about when I go to sleep.”

Among the standout slices at Mama’s Too is the Angry Nonna, a square slice inspired by Frank’s grandmother, Maria Nina, affectionately known as “Mama” in the neighborhood. “She always had a little sass to her, a little spice,” Frank recalls. “This slice is dedicated to her. Every characteristic about it emulates her.”

The Angry Nonna is a perfect balance of bold flavors and careful craftsmanship. It starts with a crispy, caramelized crust made from dough that Frank describes as the heart of the operation: “Our dough dictates if we’re going to have a good day or a bad day.” Topped with hot soppressata, plum tomato sauce, Wisconsin low-moisture mozzarella, and a drizzle of house-made hot honey, the slice offers a blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that’s hard to beat. “It’s got a little bit of everything,” Frank says. “Savory, sweet, a touch of spice — it’s a fan favorite.”

Food enthusiast Ian Martin, who’s tried countless slices across New York City, calls the Angry Nonna the best slice in the city. “For me, it’s really the crust,” Ian says. “It’s crispy and crunchy on the bottom, even with all the toppings. The flavor and texture are amazing. This slice is so delicious.”

Opening Mama’s Too was a bold move for Frank, especially since it’s just 50 feet from his family’s original pizzeria, a neighborhood institution since 1959. “My parents didn’t really talk to me for the first few months,” Frank admits. “They didn’t understand why I wanted to open up a place so close to our other location. But I had tunnel vision — I knew the kind of pizza I wanted to make, and nothing was going to stop me.”

That vision has paid off. Mama’s Too has become a destination for pizza lovers across the city and beyond, with people planning their days around a visit to the tiny, no-frills shop. “Now my family believes in it,” Frank says. “They see how much people love our pizza and the reputation we’ve built. It’s a privilege and a dream to make great pizza in a city like New York, with so many legendary establishments.”

For Frank, it all comes back to honoring his roots and sharing his passion. “This is my identity, what I wanted to bring to the neighborhood,” he says. “Pizza is life, and it’s an honor to be part of New York’s incredible pizza scene.”

As Ian takes another bite of the Angry Nonna, he’s certain of one thing: “This really is the best slice in New York City. No lie.”

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