If you’ve never been to Ortomare Ristorante Pizzeria at 994 Columbus Ave (109th Street), you’ll definitely want to head over and try out their wood-fired pizzas, fresh homemade pastas, and classic Italian desserts – all reasonably priced and served within a beautiful, charming setting.
Ortomare’s pies offer an exceptionally crispy crust and smoky flavor. The dough is fermented for 72 hours, which creates a very light and easy to digest pizza. Most ingredients are imported directly from Italy, and Ortomare’s pizza maker, Yonas, has 20 years of experience making pizza in Rome.
Margherita Classica: Mozzarella, tomato and basil
Prosciutto Crudo Pizza: Mozzarella, tomato, prosciutto, arugula and parmigiano
Burrata: Burrata cheese, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil
Ortomare’s reviews are stellar, with some patrons proclaiming this to be the best pizza they’ve ever had!
The restaurant also gets a ton of praise for its friendly service, outdoor dining set up, and the rest of its menu …
“Food is deceptively simple yet insanely delicious. Family business run by several super hard working folks, each multi tasking to the max. 6 out of 5!”
– Facebook reviewer
All nine of Ortomare’s homemade pastas can be offered gluten-free.
Pappardelle Ortomare: Homemade pappardelle pasta with asparagus and shrimp in a light tomato sauce
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Homemade gnocchi with tomato, basil and fresh buffalo mozzarella
Spaghetti alla Norma (one of their specials!)
Ortomare’s main dishes include a popular burger on a homemade pizza bun (pictured below), as well as a NY strip steak, branzino and salmon.
A selection of small plates includes these popular brick oven cooked meatballs in tomato sauce.
An extensive wine list is accompanied by cocktails like an Aperol Spritz, Italian Mule and Lemon Drop Martini.
This Strawberry Mojito is also a popular option.
And you’ll definitely want to save room for some classic Italian desserts!
Chocolate Lava Cake: Homemade chocolate cake served with vanilla gelato.
Tiramisu: Ladyfingers dipped in espresso coffee and mascarpone cheese
Torta di Formaggio: Traditional ricotta cheesecake with homemade strawberry sauce
Ortomare Ristorante Pizzeria is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 4-10pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-10pm. They’re also open for outdoor dining, delivery and pickup.
Learn more at ortomare.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
I love this place, been doing there for years!
Wish I was in NY!
Lovely evening last night, delicious brazing and crispy artichoke and zucchini appetizer and a wonderful rose- the staff was attentive and welcoming-will definitely return