Unlike Chicago-style and California-style pies, New York–style pizza distinguishes itself with its thin crust and its ability to cover the entire state of New Jersey using only three slices. Smother your Southern neighbors with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of Italian fare and New York–style slices at Che Bella Pizza in Morningside Heights.

Che Bella Pizza specializes in New York–style pies crowned with a variety of unique specialty toppings, alongside saucy pastas, toasty heroes, and more, all conveniently located near Columbia University. Timid tasters can dip a toe into the pizza pool with a traditional pizza, customizable with an abundance of appetizing toppings, such as broccoli, meatballs, jalapeños, pineapple, and eggplant (starting at $6). Gutsier gourmands savor specialty pies, including Philly cheese steak (starting at $9.50); barbecue chicken (starting at $9.50); and ziti, topped with pasta, baked mozzarella, ricotta, and marinara (starting at $7). Munch on a healthful salad pizza, a crusty base topped with crisp romaine, tomato, red onion, and peppers that is the ideal foil for finicky children who love salad but never get their recommended daily pizza intake (starting at $7).

Che Bella also boasts a bounty of pasta dishes ($5.95–10.95); heroes, including sausage or eggplant parmigiana (both $7); and Middle Eastern and Greek dishes, such as falafel plates ($8.95) and spanakopita ($3.95). Che Bella's primo location near Columbia University makes it the go-to destination for crust-craving coeds, dining deans, and average New Yorkers earning independent-study credits in deliciousness.

Reviews

Forty Yelpers give Che Bella Pizza an average of 3.5 stars, eight Menu Pages reviewers give the food an average of 4.5 stars, and 94% of Urbanspooners like the restaurant:

• I've only had the pizza, but I've always been pretty impressed by it. The sauce is especially delicious. – Megan C., Yelp, 12/21/10
• Casual, but nice atmosphere. Lots of options available, so we were all able to find something we enjoyed. – Becky Dyer Tibbenham, Urbanspoon