ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lincoln Square
Best Lasagna in Lincoln Square
Best Cheap Pizza in Lincoln Square
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Pizza Art Cafe
8.0
A neighborhood Italian cafe anchored by wood-fired pizza, with a menu that goes beyond the basics into shareable starters and composed plates. The best move is to start with a small appetizer, then pick one classic pie and one more adventurous topping combo for range.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Bruschetta/crostini, Mushroom pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizza at the core, with a broader Italian cafe menu.
Who should go: Couples and small groups doing a pizza night out
When to visit: Weekend early dinner for the calmest pace
What to order: Margherita pizza, mushroom pizza, bruschetta/crostini
Insider tip: Split an appetizer first—then time the pizza so it hits the table hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding Lincoln Square residential blocks; availability drops after 6pm on weekends, so plan extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to slightly dressy — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished rather than sporty.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough to feel energetic, but conversation at the table is still comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward pizzas and appetizers make it easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of pizzas or sides can be adapted, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free options may be available, but cross-contamination is possible with a pizza-centric kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels stylish without being intimidating, and shared pizza plus small plates naturally pace the meal and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekend dinner is smoother with a reservation or an early arrival.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, especially earlier in the evening, but the vibe skews more date-night and group dining than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired pizza with a more elevated, social-dining feel — stronger for dates, double dates, and stylish group outings than basic neighborhood pizzerias.
Skip if: You want a quick, inexpensive slice or a very quiet, kid-centered environment.