You’re driving through North Salem, past the horse farms and those winding stone walls that make Westchester feel like a different century, and you’re hungry. It’s that specific kind of hunger where only a thin, crispy crust and molten cheese will do. If you ask a local where to go, they’re going to point you toward Perillo's Pizza North Salem. It isn't just some generic strip-mall joint. Honestly, it’s a bit of a local institution, tucked away in the Croton Falls area, serving as a reliable anchor for a community that values quality over flash.
Hungry? Good.
But here’s the thing about Perillo’s—it’s not trying to be a fancy "artisanal" wood-fired spot with honey-drizzled kale toppings. It’s a real-deal Italian kitchen. You walk in and it smells like garlic, yeast, and home. It’s the kind of place where the person behind the counter likely knows half the customers by their first name. That matters. In an era of ghost kitchens and sterile corporate chains, Perillo’s feels human.
Why Perillo's Pizza North Salem Still Holds the Title
Most people think pizza is just pizza. They're wrong. The chemistry of a good pie is actually pretty delicate, and Perillo's leans heavily into the traditional New York style. We’re talking about a crust that has a structural integrity—you can fold it without the tip flopping down like a wet noodle, but it still has that characteristic chew.
The sauce isn't overly sugary. That's a common mistake in suburban pizza; places dump sugar into the tomatoes to hide low-quality acidity. At Perillo’s, you get the brightness of the tomato. It’s balanced. Then there’s the cheese. They use a high-fat-content mozzarella that browns in those perfect little leopard spots. It’s greasy in the way a good New York slice should be—just enough to require a napkin, but not so much that it ruins your shirt.
They’ve been at this for a while. Located on Front Street, right near the Croton Falls train station, it’s become the default "commuter win." Imagine getting off the Metro-North after a brutal day in the city, the sun is setting over the reservoir, and you realize you don't have to cook. You just grab a pie. It’s a ritual for a lot of people in the North Salem/Somers area.
Beyond the Basic Cheese Slice
Don't just stop at the plain cheese, though. While the gold standard of any pizzeria is the plain slice, Perillo’s does some heavy lifting with their specialty options. Their Grandma pie is a standout. It’s thinner than a Sicilian, baked in a square pan with a lot of olive oil, resulting in a crust that’s basically fried on the bottom. It’s crunchy. It’s garlicky. It’s addictive.
Then you’ve got the pasta.
If you aren’t in the mood for dough, their Penne alla Vodka is surprisingly legit. A lot of pizza places treat their pasta menu as an afterthought, using watery sauce and overcooked noodles. Not here. The sauce is creamy with a decent kick, and the portions are, frankly, massive. You’re going to have leftovers. That’s just a fact of life at Perillo’s.
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The Local Vibe and What to Expect
Let’s be real: the parking in Croton Falls can be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours. You’re dealing with narrow streets and people rushing to catch the train. If you’re heading to Perillo's Pizza North Salem on a Friday night, give yourself an extra five minutes. It’s worth the minor headache.
The interior is classic. It’s clean, functional, and unpretentious. You aren't going there for "vibes" or Instagram backdrops; you’re going there to eat. It’s a community hub. You’ll see contractors grabbing a quick two-slice lunch, families hitting it up after a soccer game at the park, and seniors who have been coming here since the doors first opened.
One thing that surprises people is the consistency. You can go there on a Tuesday afternoon or a chaotic Saturday night, and the flavor profile doesn't shift. That's hard to do in the restaurant business. It requires a disciplined kitchen and a deep understanding of how the oven behaves in different weather (yes, humidity actually affects pizza dough—science is weird).
Is it the Best in Westchester?
That’s a loaded question. Westchester County is a literal battlefield of elite pizzerias. You have the heavy hitters in Yonkers, the old-school spots in New Rochelle, and the trendy places in White Plains.
Does Perillo's beat a legendary spot like Johnny’s in Mt. Vernon? Maybe not if you’re looking for that specific ultra-thin style. But for North Salem? It’s the undisputed heavyweight champion. It serves a specific purpose: it’s the reliable, high-quality neighborhood spot that never lets you down. It’s the "Old Reliable."
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Real Talk: The Menu Depth
Most folks ignore the salads and appetizers. Big mistake. The hot subs—specifically the Chicken Parm—are top-tier. The bread has that essential crusty exterior and soft interior that soaks up the marinara without turning into mush.
- The Calzones: Massive. Filled with a ricotta blend that isn't grainy.
- The Toppings: They don't skimp. If you order pepperoni, you're getting coverage, not just three lonely circles in the middle.
- The Delivery: Generally pretty quick, though North Salem is spread out, so "quick" is relative.
There’s an authenticity here that you just can’t faked. It’s rooted in the Italian-American tradition that built this region. When you eat here, you’re supporting a local business that actually gives a damn about the community. They aren't trying to scale into a franchise or cut corners with "cheese food" instead of real mozzarella.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you’re a first-timer, there are a few "pro tips" to keep in mind. First, check their hours before you head out, especially on holidays. Small-town spots sometimes have quirky schedules. Second, if you like your pizza well-done, just ask. They’ll leave it in the oven for an extra minute to get that "char" that people in the know crave.
Also, it’s worth noting that while they are famous for pizza, their "dinners" (the entrees like Eggplant Rollatini) are enough to feed two people if you add a side salad. It’s high-value dining. In an economy where a burger at a chain can cost twenty bucks, getting a massive plate of home-cooked Italian food for a similar price feels like a steal.
How to Get the Best Experience at Perillo’s
Look, I've eaten a lot of pizza. From New Haven apizza to Chicago deep dish (which is actually a casserole, let's be honest). What makes a place like Perillo’s special isn't a secret ingredient. It’s the lack of shortcuts.
When you go, try the "Upside Down" style if they have it on special—sauce on top of the cheese. It changes the way the flavors hit your tongue. The sauce caramelizes slightly against the heat of the oven, and the cheese stays incredibly gooey because it’s protected by the tomato layer. It’s a game-changer.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Perillo's Pizza North Salem, don't just wing it. Follow these steps for the perfect meal:
- Call ahead if it’s a weekend. Their ovens can only hold so many pies, and when the Friday rush hits, the wait times can climb.
- Park carefully. If the spots right in front are full, there is usually some street parking a short walk away. Don't block the train station traffic; the local cops are vigilant.
- Try the Garlic Knots. Seriously. They’re buttery, heavy on the garlic, and perfectly salted. They’re the perfect "appetizer" while you wait for your pie.
- Cash or Card? They take cards, but having some cash for a tip for the counter staff is always a class act.
- Explore the Specials. They often have seasonal slices or pasta dishes that aren't on the permanent printed menu. Ask what's fresh.
Perillo's represents the best of Westchester dining: unpretentious, high-quality, and deeply connected to the town it serves. Whether you're a local or just passing through on your way to the orchards or the reservoir, it's a stop that genuinely satisfies.
Grab a napkin. You're going to need it.
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Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their current daily specials online or via their social media pages before heading out.
- Plan your pickup around the Metro-North schedule to avoid the heaviest foot traffic at the Croton Falls station.
- If you’re ordering for a large group, call at least 2-3 hours in advance to ensure they can accommodate a bulk order during peak dinner hours.