You can leave behind those $65 truffle pizzas in Manhattan; according to industry experts, one pizzeria in the Bronx is topping them all. It’s known as Louie & Ernie’s, hailed by Food Republic as the best “hole in the wall” restaurant in New York.
Located at 1300 Crosby Ave. in Pelham Bay, this beloved spot has been serving locals since 1959. It occupies the garden level of a single-family home in a peaceful neighborhood.
Owner Cosmio Tissot, 55, points out that referring to his establishment as a restaurant might be misleading. “We’re not restaurants; we’re just pizzerias. We’re really old school,” he insists. “It’s just pizza. A few different calzones. That’s it. There’s nothing else.”
He makes it clear that those looking for an extensive menu like at Cheesecake Factory will be disappointed. “Our menu is very basic, not a menu. It’s just a pizza and calzone list,” he states. Garlic knots and salads? Not here, folks—don’t come looking for fancy toppings either.
Fans rave about his classic slices online, some even calling it “the world’s favorite pizza,” according to Food Republic. In 2019, Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports praised the place in his One-Bite review series, claiming he could eat it “all day.”
The sausage pizza, featuring locally sourced fennel-rich meat, is generously spread across a thin crust and is widely regarded as exceptional.
Despite its growing reputation, Louie & Ernie’s remains a true mom-and-pop shop. Established by Patsy Otzso in 1959 and named after his two sons, it became a family affair. Ernie, one of the original owners, hired 13-year-old John Tissot, who eventually brought his younger brother Kosimo into the fold for cleaning and prep.
In 1987, both brothers took over the pizzeria, and they have been running it with family help ever since. John stepped back last year but still pitches in occasionally.
Their guiding principle? Simple: “Kiss: Keep It Simple, Stupid,” passed down from Ernie. And that’s how they operate—no gimmicks, no social media tricks, just classic cash-only New York pizza.
Inside, seating is limited to a few modest tables, but that doesn’t stop the community vibe. Locals gather outside around car hoods and in backyards, sharing slices and stories that stretch back generations.
Getting recognition from Food Republic is certainly a thrill, yet the affection they receive from longtime customers is what truly matters. As Cosmio puts it, “When someone says something good about you, it’s always a good thing.”
