Renowned chef Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana, celebrated for having the best pizza in the U.S. in 2025, invites food enthusiasts on an exciting culinary tour of New York City. This journey showcases his favorite eateries, featuring delightful treats like creamy cheesecake and mouthwatering burgers.
Starting his day with a refreshing bike ride, Mangieri stops by Veniero's Pasticceria e Caffé, a beloved dessert destination he's frequented for over three decades. Here, he enjoys a Sicilian-style cheesecake, renowned for its rich layers of sponge cake soaked in rum, maraschino cherries, and dense cannoli cream, all encased in a flaky pie crust. He reflects on the cheesecake's history, noting its preparation in a century-old underground oven. "You can't fake that kind of stuff; it comes from years of hard work, passion, and family," he shares.
Next, he visits Hearth, where he savors one of the most unique burgers in the city. This culinary gem combines various meats, including beef heart, liver, brisket, and bone marrow, into a thick patty topped with Italian fontina cheese and caramelized onions. Mangieri expresses his disbelief that this extraordinary burger isn't featured on every top burger list in the country, emphasizing its innovative twist on the classic burger.
Following this, Mangieri heads to D. Coluccio & Sons, a market that has been importing quality ingredients like cheese and olive oil from Italy since 1978. Here, he shops for essentials to inspire his home cooking and restaurant dishes.
Finally, he concludes his tour at Casa Enrique, where chef Cosme Aguilar welcomes him into the kitchen. Mangieri and his family enjoy a feast of tacos, enchiladas, and a spicy shrimp dish. "Every bite offers layers of flavor, and you can truly appreciate each ingredient. That's a common theme in all we experienced today," he remarks.
This culinary adventure highlights the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions present in New York City's dining scene, showcasing how food connects us to our heritage and to each other. As chefs like Mangieri share their passion for food, they inspire future generations to explore and appreciate the art of cooking.