Steve Shaka opened Pizzette in East Williamsburg with manager Luc Trahn as a culmination of a long time dream to open a pizza shop. Shaka owns Bushwick’s French bistro Mominette and Bushwick Bakery. The pizza heavy menu draws from the dough work of a bakery with the day-to-day of running a restaurant. Shaka’s got Sicicilan heritage and grew up with pizza, which means he takes the crust very seriously.

Pizzette, close to the Montrose L, soft opened in early June in the former Tricolore Pizza space. Partner Trahn noticed the space was closing and Shaka was able to buy out their lease, which dated back to 2012 (with 2012 prices) and renovations were easier because the space already had a pizza oven. Build-out took about four months but the opening was stalled while they waited seven months for a liquor license. The space is large, with an art-filled back room that’s available for events and parties. Since opening, customer feedback has been good and plates are coming back empty, which is Shaka’s truest test of quality.

The pizzas at Pizzette come in two sizes, six inch personal pizzettes and 10 inch pies for sharing. The personal pies are sliced in four pieces and surprisingly filling. They offer three options, margherita, quattro formaggi, and a spicy pizza. Shaka learned the power of “little personal things” at the bakery as he saw mini pies take off. They’re also a great way to sample multiple toppings in one visit.