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8. Adrienne's Pizza Bar

54 Stone St. • 212-248-3838


Adrienne's is a restaurant with a split personality. During the afternoon hours, when the Financial District is in full swing, the restaurant swarms with suits jostling for prime sidewalk real estate. Once the sun sets, though, the neighborhood's harsh din all but disappears, and this cobblestone street, closed to traffic, hosts a calm, dim-lit pizzeria. Even the pizza changes. For lunch, it's all about the old-fashioned rectangular pies. Slightly thinner than their Sicilian siblings, with a crispy golden crust, you can order them simple (red or white), or embellished (fat anchovies and fire-roasted peppers are particularly good). Though the old-fashioned is still available, evenings see traditional round pizzas taking center stage. Classic appetizers like prosciutto and melon or insalata caprese are available, although not memorable. Focus instead on the pizza. Elegant options like the Calabrese, with bitter broccoli rabe and fennel-strewn sausage chunks, and the Romana, piled high with slices of prosciutto, peppery arugula and parmesan shavings, are deftly executed. Reasonably priced wines by the glass complement meals. The most enticing part of Adrienne's as a date spot comes with the check, and the realization that you can afford a movie afterwards.

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