"Fulton Street isn't my favorite place; it tends to be chaotic and crowded, especially near Broadway where many budget-friendly eateries are clustered. Keste is situated on that unusual block where the businesses are set back from the street, diagonally across from a Turkish bath. Although there was a lot of scaffolding, the signage made it easy to find the entrance without any hassle.
As soon as I entered, it was clear that this place is popular. I eat lunch in the Financial District often, and I think this might be the busiest restaurant I've visited, which says a lot. I'm not entirely sure if it attracts both locals and tourists, but being less than two blocks away from the Seaport, I suspect it does. I ended up sitting at the bar next to two obvious tourists who tried to order off the menu, were turned away, and then noticed my "normal" pizza and decided to order that instead.
I tried the Diavola pizza (about $18 or $19), which is essentially a gourmet version of pepperoni pizza, but with a spicier soppressata. I was quite hungry and ended up finishing the entire pie. The ingredients were solid, although I wasn't particularly fond of the dough and crust. According to other reviews, I may be in the minority on this, but I found the crust too chewy and lacking in give. It could have benefited from a bit more time in the oven to achieve a crisper texture.
To clarify, Neapolitan pizza differs from standard NYC pizza by the slice. Typically, you have to use a fork and knife for the first few bites, but when you can pick it up and you've already eaten half the slice? It shouldn't still be flopping by that point. Other reviewers seem to rave about the dough's texture, but I didn't share that sentiment. The soppressata, however, was a highlight for me; it was slightly charred and very flavorful.
The service was excellent. When I dine alone, I usually don't mind sitting at the bar, especially during lunch. The bartender's attention often means quicker service and consistent interaction, which was definitely the case here. I also ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio ($12), which was a bit dry for my taste and I thought the pour was somewhat stingy, but I didn't regret the choice.
My total bill, including tip, came to just under $40—slightly pricey for this area, but not excessively so. Given how quickly the pizza is prepared, I was in and out in no time. I would certainly return, though I might plan my visit during a quieter time to avoid the crowds."
