Maserati Meets New York: A Pizza-Fueled Adventure in a $220K Coupe

“Gran Turismo” translates to “grand touring” in Italian, but this unique journey is about as far from Italy's autobahn as you can get. Imagine navigating the potholed streets of New York City in a $220,000 Maserati Gran Turismo Trofeo, all in search of the city’s best slices of pizza. Welcome to the inaugural Gran Turismo di Pizza—a gastronomic odyssey seen through the windshield of a luxury Italian coupe.

This isn't a culinary ranking or a review of the Gran Turismo Trofeo, which you can read here. Instead, it’s a caffeine-induced, slightly irrational plan executed with the keys to a Blu Pozzi Maserati and an insatiable craving for hot cheese and thin crust. Inspired by impulse and a Slack message to my editor, I set out on an unforgettable journey through New York's iconic pizza spots.

Stop 1: Di Fara Pizza, Brooklyn, NY

First up was a trip to Midwood's famed Di Fara Pizza. Founded in 1965 by Neapolitan immigrant Domenic De Marco, Di Fara serves saucy, thin-crust slices that many consider the best in the city. Arriving at 11 a.m. on a Thursday to avoid the lunch rush, I made a pit stop at Floyd Bennett Field for a photo shoot. The once-bustling airport, now a park, provided a backdrop as unique as the car itself.

With photos done, I pulled up to Di Fara. Parking was tight, so I quickly snapped a shot through the window before finding a spot down the block. My Margherita slices were ready in five minutes. After burning the roof of my mouth on the first bite—a rookie mistake—the flavors truly came alive. The sweet tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella made for a delightful start to my pizza pilgrimage.

Stop 2: Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, New Haven, CT

Next, I headed 87 miles north to New Haven, Connecticut, home to the famous Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Known for its “apizza” style—a thin, chewy crust with blackened edges—Frank Pepe is a cornerstone of New Haven's Little Italy. The city’s proximity to the coast makes white clam pizza a local specialty, though we opted for a meatball and ricotta pie since the clams were out when we arrived.

The Gran Turismo proved its worth on the highway stretch. Its adaptive air suspension smoothed out road imperfections, making the ride as enjoyable as the destination. On Wooster Street, Italian flags and pizzerias flanked us while onlookers marveled at the Maserati. Despite a plea from my passenger not to rev the engine, the car drew smiles and waves from everyone.

Balancing the pizza box on the Maserati's trunk, we dove into the meatball and ricotta pie. The savory meatballs melted in my mouth, making me momentarily forget any thoughts of seafood. With the warmth of the setting sun and the first 70-degree day of April enveloping us, life felt pretty perfect.

Stop 3: Sal & Carmine, New York, NY

Returning to the city, our next destination was Sal & Carmine’s on the Upper West Side. Open since 1957, this cash-only institution represents classic New York slice culture. I ordered one cheese and one pepperoni slice, learning from my earlier mistake to let them cool first. Each bite was hot, cheesy, and comforting—quintessential New York.

Stop 3.5: Mama’s TOO!, New York, NY

Still hungry for more diverse options, we made a stop at Mama’s TOO! This relatively new addition to the city’s pizza scene offers Instagram-worthy square slices with creative toppings. I opted for a cacio e pepe slice and another with caramelized onion and mushroom. Both were a delicious blend of focaccia and pizza, disappearing quickly enough to warrant a second round.

Stop 4: Joe’s Pizza, New York, NY

No New York pizza tour would be complete without a visit to Joe’s Pizza. Often cited by tourists and famously featured in movies—yes, Spider-Man worked here—Joe’s delivers quintessential New York-style pizza. Despite my initial skepticism and the dreaded line, I found the pizza to be the best of the classic slices we tried. Flavorful, with the right texture and easy to eat while on the move, Joe’s Pizza lived up to its iconic status, even if the crust was a tad dry.

Any Way You Slice It

This journey was about more than just food or a flashy car; it was a reminder that experiences often trump specifications. While the Maserati Gran Turismo may not win drag races against a Tesla Plaid, it offers an unmatched blend of luxury and performance for those who truly savor the art of driving. Much like the pizza we tasted, it’s the slice of life that matters, not the nutritional value or the spec sheet.

So, take that spontaneous trip. Buy that dream car if it’s within reach. And appreciate each moment—as well as each bite of pizza—because these are the moments that truly make life rich.