Decades of experience made him the ‘Best’

On any given day, if you walk into Giacomo’s Woodfired Pizza & Trattoria on Third Avenue, odds are you will find owner Giacomo Santangelo working.

That’s because the restaurant business, it seems, is in his blood.

He began in the industry at just 10 or 11 years old, he explained, in his father’s place, Scotti’s in Sunset Park.

“I was behind the counter helping my dad. He taught me everything I know in the food business,” said Giacomo, who took over the pizzeria in the mid 1990s.

He maintained it until 2007, when he decided to switch careers.

But the change was short-lived.

“I missed the business,” said Giacomo, who opened his eponymous place in September of 2011. “That’s how I ended up on Third Avenue.”

The following year, he expanded to the next building.

Giacomo’s Woodfired Pizza & Trattoria specializes in woodfired brick-oven pizza and southern Italian cooking. With a “casual, old-school feel” and ovens imported directly from Italy, the eatery won “Best Italian Restaurant” and “Best Pasta” in the “Best of Brooklyn” competition.

“To me it’s a big honor,” said Giacomo, who has had experience in Italy. “I work very hard at what I do.”

And the community knows it. Giacomo counts the local elected officials among his regular clientele.

As far as this year’s “Best of Brooklyn,” Giacomo is all heart.

“I really love the business,” he said.

To be a part of the “Best of Brooklyn,” simply nominate your business here.

Nominations in categories including restaurants, food, bars & nightlife are now open through August 5. The top 10 nominees will advance to the official ballot. Go to bestof.brokelyn.com to make sure your favorite is in it to win it!

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