Biga Bite, known around New York City’s Lower East Side for its Roman-style pizzas that stretch 10 feet long, says it offered the world’s first-ever pizza omakase experience on December 16.
The eight-course meal drew inspiration from traditional sushi omakase meals. But as TimeOut noted in an article prior to the event, it also promised to “push the boundaries of what New Yorkers might consider acceptable pizza-making.”
For starters, each course consisted of a miniature pizza—in stark contrast to Biga Bite’s famously oversized pies for large groups. And when we say “miniature,” we mean that each pizza was “perfectly proportioned for two bites,” according to Biga Bite chef Giovanni Barbieri.
“Pizza Omakase is a way for me to connect with guests on a deeper level,” Barbieri said in a statement. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the versatility of Roman-style pizza and share my love for innovative flavor combinations.”
It’s also an innovative strategy for satisfying today’s more adventurous foodies who seek unique culinary experiences and are willing to pay a premium price for the opportunity.
During one-hour seatings that started on Monday, December 16, and continued through Thursday, December 19, customers could choose between a vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu. The vegetarian option included bites of a Margherita, Eggplant Parmigiana, Cacio e Pepe and other pizza varieties, plus Nutella and Pistachio for dessert. The non-vegetarian course included Beef Tartare Panino, Duck Breast Pumpkin Cream with Toasted Hazelnuts, and Nutella and Roasted Marshmallows with pistachios.
The vegetarian meal cost $40, while the non-vegetarian option sold for $55. Wine pairings were available for an additional $30.
Barbieri is a native of Italy who grew up in his family’s restaurants there before relocating to New York. Biga Bite offers Roman-style pies such as the Prosciutto and Burrata, the Ham, Mushrooms and Hazelnuts, the Spicy Salame, Leek and Gorgonzola, and the Raw Red Prawns, Burrata and Pistachios. Pizza prices range between $18 and $28.
“Whether Biga Bite will earn a spot on our list of best pizza places in New York is yet to be seen,” TimeOut stated, “but we must admit that this whole omakase experience has tickled our culinary senses.”
