Johnny D's Italian Restaurant and New York Pizza

Update: Johnny D's closed it's doors as of 2010.  I still dream of that pasta with artichokes they served on their buffet from time to time.  We miss you, Johnny D's!

13214 Coursey Boulevard

225-756-5552

http://www.boddabing.com

Cuisine Rouge Rating:

4 plates

By: Wesley

There are restaurants with character, and there are characters who own restaurants. Johnny D’s Italian Restaurant & New York Pizza is an interesting mix of both. Mr. Johnny DeAngelo is one person you must meet, even if you never taste his food. He may be a Yankee, but he’s got the heart and friendly demeanor of a southern good-ol-boy. Ok, so I like the guy, so what? Faggetaboutit! Is the food good? Ya better believe it!

The new location is near the Stumberg and Coursey intersection, across from the Benny’s Carwash. The place is decked out in warm terra cotta and brown colors, and fun paintings and fixtures abound. Johnny has overhauled and simplified his menu for his new location, which is a good thing, but I was devastated to learn that my favorite, the White Muffaletta Pizza (#19 in the Top 25), is no longer on the menu. However, that DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T ORDER IT! Just tell Johnny you want one, and you’ll have one!

I started lunch today with a classic New York treat, Buffalo Wings. I had the original HOT, and some BBQ. These aren’t the little dry wings you get at some “wing establishments”; these were made with quality pieces of chicken. They are deep fried and then grilled to give them a delicious crunch and flavorful char. Both flavor wings were bathed in sauce; the HOT was the traditional vinegar flavor, and the BBQ was sweet and spicy. After tasting these wings, I will no longer be satisfied with the dedicated wing emporiums in Baton Rouge.

Now on to the pie! I wanted to try something a little different, so I got the craziest thing I could find, the “Tough Guy.” It’s the “sweep the kitchen” option, with all the meat toppings (except anchovies) and all the veggies, (except jalapeños). Of course, I added the jalapeños, because I actually am a tough guy. I ordered a large (14” $17.99). The pizza featured a delicious crust, not too thin, not too thick and had a delicious contrast of crispy and chewy. I prefer to have more toppings and less dough in my pie, and this was perfect. On the pizza I saw peppers, sausage, chicken, fresh tomatoes, and everything else you can imagine.

So how’d it taste already? It was so good and filling! Each bite was full of flavor, and every topping got fair representation. I only ate two slices, I was just too full from the wings, and this pizza was more than a meal itself. I will have a great breakfast to look forward to tomorrow. I was offered the daily dessert special of spumoni cheesecake, which sounded tasty (I’m a big spumoni fan) but I just couldn’t fit it in. I’ll try to save some room next time.

In conclusion, you must try this place! They have a lunch buffet Sunday through Friday and the owner is a great guy. Check it out, and you won’t be disappointed. It’s probably the best pizza you’ll find in the city, and you won’t leave hungry. Ciao!