When you think of pizza in the Financial District, do you conjure up images of small storefronts serving up single slices of greasy pizza to busy brokers on the go? Would it surprise you then to learn that FiDi is actually home to some of the most authentic Neapolitan pizza in the country? If you’ve been searching for the best pizza in the neighborhood, it’s at Kesté. Here’s a taste of what they have to offer.

Experience the flavors of ancient Naples

Kesté means “this is it” in the Neapolitan dialect, and it could not be a more perfect name for this traditional pizzeria. They offer more than 70 types of mouth-watering Neapolitan pizzas, all created by owner and Mastro Pizzaiuolo Roberto Caporuscio. This includes seven kinds of fried pizza and a whopping eighteen types of gluten-free pizzas. All the pizzas are made with the highest quality products from Italy and served with a wine collection that rivals anything you’d find in Italy.

But don’t just take our word that this is the best pizza in the city. It was voted the #1 Pizza in New York by New York Magazine, Best Pizza in New York City by the The Food Network, one of the Best Pizza Places in the U.S. by Food and Wine, and one of Five of the Most Authentic Pizzas Outside Italy by Mr Porter (the only one in the United States, no less).

Are you hungry yet?

Enjoy the ambiance of Italy

In addition to great pizza, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Naples when you step inside the restaurant. The design was inspired by a book published in 1866, Usi E Costumi di Napoli e Contorni by Francesco de Bourcard. The book details how pizzerias in Naples were designed and constructed at the time, and Caporuscio used the information to capture that authentic Neapolitan feel. He also incorporates the best of modern technology into the environment, allowing customers who order remotely to live stream their pizza being made.

Meet the Owners

The best part of Kesté, though, are the owners. Roberto Caporuscio and his partner/daughter, Giorgia Caporuscio, feel a deep passion and commitment to bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to America.

Roberto was born and raised on a dairy farm in Italy and later studied pizza-making with pizza masters in Naples. He then moved to Pittsburg to open a pizzeria and eventually moved to New York City in 2009. His personal motto of “Do what makes you happy,” has resulted in numerous accolades for his pizza. There’s so much history behind the pizza that he loves to share, and he strives every day to be better and bring that expertise to his customers. Nonetheless, he shies away from being the best because there’s nowhere to go from there but down. When asked when a night out on the town is for him, his reply is, “Going out for pizza, of course!”

Roberto’s daughter, Giorgia, grew up in Italy, went to a culinary high school and learned the art of Neapolitan pizza making from her father. In 2009, she traveled back to Naples to study with her father’s mentor, Antonio Startia, and won first place in Naples’ biggest and most prestigious pizza competition. She is one of only two women to earn the honor and believes that girls have the power to succeed in this business and any others. She loves teaching kids, and with Roberto teaches pizza making at the pizza school at the Fulton location.

Visit four locations throughout the city

Although it’s tempting to keep this local gem all to ourselves, we couldn’t possibly rob you of the chance to enjoy Kesté’s pizza for yourselves. They have three locations in Lower Manhattan – Kesté Fulton, Don Antonio and Kesté Bleecker. They also have a location in Brooklyn – Kesté Williamsburg. Head to the restaurant for a fun night out, or order online and pair with an evening of Netflix binging.

More Information

If you’d like more information about buying, selling, or renting real estate in New York City, click here to contact Platinum Properties, or give us a call at 646-759-9675. And if you head out to sample a pie from Kesté, let us know what you think!