There’s beer and pizza, and then there’s Peroni, Italian hospitality and the best damn pizza in Williamsburg.
We only say it when we mean it folks, and Trattoria 312 on Graham Avenue could very well have the crispiest, sauciest ’za in the neighborhood — and it’s right across the street from its hottest competition, Motorino.
The Italian bistro — which recently changed hands from Barosa, but kept most of its classic menu — has the date night trifecta: restaurant quality food, quick and friendly service, and all the makings of a real sports bar.
And let us remind you that it’s across from Motorino, which is hailed far and wide as a gourmet Neapolitan delicacy. We tried the sausage pie from both parlors, and the Trattoria slice is every bit as good as the heavyweight champ when you compare crust, sauce and overall flavor.
You don’t have to believe only us. Even a Phillies fan likes it.
“This place is exactly why Williamsburg is awesome,” said Jess Vogel, who recently sat down for a pie to watch her beloved team lose. “It’s an old school, traditional Brooklyn pizza spot with local art and graffiti on the walls.”
The art displays and elongated bar were touches added by Brooklyn born-and-bred owner Joe Prezioso, who’s taking his first crack at the restaurant biz. A newbie, maybe, but his experience at swanky hotels in Manhattan and his partnership with a 10-year professional pizza guy will prove to be successful in the coming months.
And really, it’s all about the pizza ($8-12) at Trattoria. We salivated over the simple ingredients — tomatoes, prosciutto and sausage, among others — and chef Patsy’s keen grasp of the brick oven fundamentals come together for textural and tasty perfection. By the way, we had three pies, so you know it’s good.
If you’re looking for other Italian treats, try the Penne Pomodoro ($10) with tomato and basil, a load of mussels ($14) in an edible calzone-like container, or check the place out for brunch on the weekends.
Or just head in for a couple glasses of Scotch for your favorite game like we did — the bar easily seats a dozen and the TV is huge (oh, and the bar doesn’t have Cablevision).
“I want this to be for the neighborhood,” Prezioso said. “Through the appearance, the food and the music, we’re slowly expanding to let people choose their own experience here.”
Trattoria 312 [312 Graham Ave. near Ainslie Street in Williamsburg, (718) 218-8135].
