I love pizza.
As a New York native, I was basically raised on the stuff. To me, a great slice of pizza tastes like home, so I’m always on the lookout for the next great pie.
After much searching, I’ve finally found Gainesville’s best pizza, and it’s in a spot you’d probably never think to look. Downtown, at the corner of 6 South Main Street sits Manuel’s Vintage Room. It’s a tiny restaurant, and if you walk fast enough you might just miss it.
When you walk in, it’s even smaller.
It’s not a bad thing though; in fact, it’s part of what gives Manuel’s its charm. With its small tables, visible hallways and open kitchen, the restaurant gives off a home-like atmosphere, which makes the amazing food even more comforting.
Manuel’s is not a pizza place. There’s only one pizza available on the menu. What they lack in variety though, is more than made up for in quality. Manuel’s “Pizza Pastore” is not only the best pizza in Gainesville, it’s the best pizza I’ve had in my entire life.
With prosciutto, fresh arugula and gorgonzola cheese, from the time you take your first bite, you realize this isn’t your typical pizza. I guarantee you’ve never had a pizza like this before.
It’s hard to pick the highlight of the pie, but the proscuitto might just be the star of the show. It’s salty, really salty, even more so than regular pepperoni, but its absolutely delicious.
The cheese is creamy, the herbs are fresh, and the whole thing is drizzled with a balsamic reduction. It’s salty, sweet and each bite seems to taste just as good, if not better than the last. I’ve eaten a lot of pizza in my time, but I can’t imagine anything topping this anytime soon. It’s a small pie, but I challenge you to eat more than they provide of this rich, hearty goodness.
If you’re reading this and thinking Manuel’s sounds too fancy and expensive for you, think again.
While Manuel’s is an upscale high quality restaurant, many of their menu items are surprisingly affordable. At only $10, their pizza is a borderline bargain. Again, it’s not a giant pizza, but if you dine with a friend, you won’t need much more than this to get full.
Manuel’s is a one of a kind eating experience. If you want the best pizza in town, look no further.
TASTE: 9.5/10
PRICE: 10/10
ATMOSPHERE: 9/10
