One simple Italian eatery I recently encountered with my friend Nadia sits just around the corner from the New York University campus, though they have several locations in close proximity to other college sites. Andiamo Pizza greets its customers with open, tall glass windows and a clean display of varying piping-hot pies. Immediately upon entering the establishment, customers are greeted by amiable and enthusiastic employees standing behind the display of cheesy pizza pies and crispy side dishes. Our eyes began feasting before we had a helping of their traditional Italian platters.
Nadia and I were immeditaely delighted with the range of appetizers provided by the helpful staff. Lost with which starters would look and taste the best, we recited de guidance from the employees at Andiamo to ensure we selected their freshest and most popular picks. The garlic knots, served with a runny marinara sauce and sprinkled with chunks of basil, arrived first.
“Oh! The garlic knots are so fluffy and buttery. They’re topped with grated parmesan and basil,” Nadia commented. “I enjoyed it best when dipped in delicious marinara sauce.”
The jalepenos poppers followed, which were highly regarded and typically are not found at most pizza establishments. These madeline-shaped fried vegetables were breaded to a golden brown color, served with a marinara sauce and complemented by a gooey American cheese inside. Their packed punches of heat were delectable in my case, though too spicy for Nadia’s preference. She primarily ate the mozerella sticks while we conversed about final exams and upcoming school deadlines.
“The mozzarella sticks had a great cheese pull. I made sure to get it on video because it looked perfect. It was very fun and enough to share!” Nadia raved.
Nadia ordered the cheese calzone, characterized by its crispy shell and surprising size, for her main course. This soft and bready meal was comprised of three cheeses: ricotta, romano, and mozzarella.
“The cheese calzone appeared light and airy, but when I cut it open I was surprised with how much cheese there was,” she evaluated. “The cheese is very stretchy and is a great meal for friends to share.”
I personally picked a classic Philly cheesesteak with the finest imported mozzarella cheese, green bell peppers, and sautéed onions—all sandwiched between a loaf of bread. The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
“I thought the Philly cheese steak was very filling and perfect for students in need of a nice warm meal. Neither of us could finish it!” Nadia exclaimed.
We couldn’t leave the premise until we tried a few slices of pizzas, therefore we each opted for a different style. Nadia described the pepperoni pizza to be of a perfect size with a prominent savory flavor. I noted my margarita pizza to be well-garnished and of a pillowy texture for the dough. The slice is their signature choice with thin crust, topped with their homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, imported parmesan romano, and fresh basil. It was an excellent dinner.
We closed our evening off with the enticing homemade New York style cheesecake. I appreciated the base of graham crackers, as it wasn’t too sweet nor too crumbly. The cheesecake itself was sweet and creamy, though it didn’t stick to my teeth. The paired deep purple syrup, meant for dipping, is a thoughtful addition to this already exquisite dish.
For students who find their local pizzeria underwhelming, Nadia and I suggest taking a short trip to Andiamo Pizza for their sandwiches, calzones, and superb slices. The eatery has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present the coupon below along with their valid student ID.
