Pizza in Sunnyside at Sotto Le Stelle

When the wonderful Venturo restaurant closed a year ago, the locals lamented the loss of another great neighborhood joint. But then the family from Southern Italy running Soleluna announced they were opening a wood-fired pizza place and the audible gasp of excitement could be felt around the 'hood. Having gone a few times before, my husband and I decided to treat some visiting relatives to a veritable feast.

I will say the appetizers and salad were not very palatable and would pass on those in the future, but just as I remembered from our last visit, the pizza is awesome. Crispy, slightly charred crust topped with a wide variety of toppings. The Margherita is always a winner. I really loved the sausage and broccoli rabe pie known as the Salsiccia e Friarielli, Carbonara was an interesting mix of ingredients including cherry tomatoes and guanciale. The Capricciosa was loved by those crazy enough to cover their pizza with vegetables like mushrooms, olives and marinated artichoke hearts. 

It's not New York style, but a welcome change from the regular slice joint in Sunnyside. If you find yourself near the 46th 7th train stop, this place is worth a stop.