H &pizza Boxes
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie

Pizza and politics–two controversial things in this town. Like asking what someone thought of the latest congressional vote, if you inquire about their pizza preferences when it comes to crust thickness, toppings or cheese to sauce ratio, you’ll get an earful. Not to mention there’s that group of people who cop out completely by throwing their hands in the air and exclaiming, “THERE IS NO GOOD PIZZA IN DC!” Well, my fussy friends, there’s a new place on H street that might do the trick for you: H &pizza.

H &pizza Jenny Pizza
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie


H &pizza
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie

Chatting with one of the owners at the opening preview, Michael Lastoria, he explained to me that when people ask him what kind of pizza they make at H &pizza, he tells them, “it’s my kind of pizza.” You’ll find that the pizza has the New York-style thin crust–which should come as no surprise since owners Lastoria and Steve Salis are originally from New York. It’s not wood-fired or brick oven pizza, but it works, and none of the pies are ever pre-made or reheated. Talking about the freshly opened eatery, Lastoria told me that they wanted to bring in the vibe of the corner pizza joint from back home. You know, “the kind with the red cups,” he says. Those of you who know what I’m talking about are probably smiling at the memory gripping a cold coca-cola in one of those thick plastic red cups and how the ice clinking against your teeth hurt in the most pleasant of ways.

H &pizza Backyard Pizza
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie

H &pizza  works in an assembly line fashion–pick your dough (whole-grain, traditional or 9-grain dough), then one of five homemade sauces and then your cheese and toppings. Or you can go straight to their creative pies for $8.64 each. Some of the highlights on the menu include the gnarlic pie, a creamy combo of garlic puree, ricotta, homemade mozzarella, asiago and garlic oil. If you’re looking to satisfy your inner Liz Lemon and put “lovers” in between “meat” and “pizza,” go for the maverick–a pie with pepperoni, hot sausage, smoked bacon and soppressata. Don’t pass up the Jenny either, which has classic tomato sauce, basil pesto, homemade mozzarella, ricotta and shrimp.

H &pizza officially opened this past Friday, July 13. They’re located at 1118 H st. NE, Washington, DC and are open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 3 AM.

H &pizza
courtesy of bonappetitfoodie

Marissa Bialecki

Marissa was born and bred in New Jersey, but moved to DC for undergrad at GWU (Go Colonials, go!), fell in love with the District and learned that there was life and civilization beyond New York City. She loves eating at white-tablecloth-three-forks-at-your-place-setting restaurants, but she’ll also be the first to suggest we scarf down some chili dogs at 2 am. Simply put, she loves all things food. You can also read about why she loves DC. Follow her on Twitter and email her at mbialecki (at) welovedc.com.