The Score That Sparked A Brawl: Dave Portnoy's L'Industrie Pizzeria Rating And The Explosive Backstory

The "One Bite" review of L'Industrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York, remains one of the most talked-about and controversial episodes in Dave Portnoy's entire pizza-tasting catalog. As of December 2025, the Williamsburg staple holds a coveted spot among the highest-rated pizzas ever reviewed by the Barstool Sports founder, a distinction that was earned not just through superior taste, but through a fiery, on-camera confrontation with the pizzeria's Italian owner.

This deep dive reveals the exact high score L'Industrie received, the details of the explosive argument that almost derailed the entire review, and why this particular slice of New York pizza—known for its Roman-style thin crust and fresh Italian ingredients—is considered a must-try for any serious pizza connoisseur. The review is a perfect storm of elite-level pizza and the unpredictable nature of "El Pres," cementing its legendary status in the "One Bite" universe.

Dave Portnoy: The Man Behind the One Bite Score

Dave Portnoy, affectionately known as "El Pres" or "Stool Presidente," is the founder of the digital sports and pop culture media company Barstool Sports. While his career has seen him become a figure in sports betting, stock trading, and media moguls, he is arguably most famous for his unscripted, no-nonsense "One Bite" pizza review series, which has single-handedly elevated or decimated pizzerias across America.

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Dave Portnoy Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: David Scott Portnoy
• Nickname: El Pres, Stool Presidente
• Born: March 22, 1977 (Age 48 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Swampscott, Massachusetts
• Education: University of Michigan (B.A. in Education)
• Career Highlights: Founder of Barstool Sports (2003); Creator of the "One Bite" Pizza Review Series; Founder of the Barstool Fund (for small businesses).
• Review Catchphrase: "One bite. Everybody knows the rules."
• Review Style: Unscripted, honest, and often controversial, with scores given on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0.
• Highest Score Ever Given: Typically a 9.4 or 9.5 (reserved for near-perfection).

Portnoy's influence is immense; a high score can lead to lines out the door, while a low score can be a death knell. His reviews are viewed as the ultimate arbiter of pizza quality, making the L'Industrie rating a monumental event for the New York pizza scene.

The Explosive Altercation: Massimo Laveglia vs. El Pres

What makes the L'Industrie Pizzeria review stand out from the thousands of "One Bite" episodes is the intense, pre-review confrontation between Portnoy and the owner, Massimo Laveglia. This incident is a key piece of the L'Industrie legend and a testament to the owner's passion for his craft.

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The Heated Exchange and Near-Cancellation

The incident, which took place before Portnoy even took his first bite, stemmed from a disagreement over how the pizza was to be served. Massimo Laveglia, a native Italian from Tuscany, is known for his dedication to traditional Italian pizza-making techniques, emphasizing a thin, crispy crust and the freshest ingredients, including cold-fermented dough and imported San Marzano tomatoes.

According to reports, Portnoy's team attempted to film the review in a way that Laveglia felt was disruptive or disrespectful to his process and his shop. The confrontation escalated quickly, turning into a shouting match where Laveglia reportedly told Portnoy and his crew to "f*ck off" and leave his establishment.

The tension was palpable, and the review was nearly canceled. Portnoy, however, insisted on getting the pizza, recognizing the intensity of Laveglia's passion. This fierce defense of his product, while controversial, ended up being a crucial part of the pizzeria's narrative. It showcased a proprietor who cared more about the integrity of his pizza than the massive publicity that a "One Bite" review would guarantee.

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The Final Verdict: Dave Portnoy's L'Industrie Rating Revealed

Despite the initial hostility, once Portnoy finally sat down to review the plain cheese slice, the quality of the pizza spoke for itself. The L'Industrie slice is a hybrid of classic New York style and Italian tradition, featuring a light, airy, and incredibly crispy undercarriage, a bright and tangy sauce, and high-quality, fresh mozzarella.

The Exact Score and Its Significance

The Barstool Sports "One Bite" review for L'Industrie Pizzeria in Brooklyn received an exceptionally high score, placing it among the elite tier of pizzas Portnoy has ever tasted. The official score given by Dave Portnoy was a resounding 8.8 out of 10.0.

This 8.8 rating is significant for several reasons:

• Elite Status: Any score in the high 8s is considered a hall-of-fame score in the "One Bite" universe. It instantly vaulted L'Industrie into the conversation for the best pizza in New York City, surpassing countless other legendary establishments.
• The "Controversy Bump": The high score, combined with the viral altercation, created a massive media sensation. The story of the owner who was willing to fight Portnoy, only to serve him a pizza that received an 8.8, is a marketing dream.
• Topical Authority: The high rating is a direct validation of Massimo Laveglia's uncompromising approach to pizza making. He proved that his dedication to Italian quality—even when it meant clashing with a media mogul—resulted in a pizza that was nearly perfect in Portnoy's eyes.

The review video, titled "Barstool Pizza Review - L'industrie Pizzeria (Brooklyn, NY)," quickly became one of the most-watched episodes, driving massive foot traffic to the Williamsburg location and later to its West Village expansion. The "One Bite" effect was in full force, with customers lining up for hours to try the slice that was worth fighting for.

Topical Authority & LSI Keywords: Why L'Industrie Ranks So High

L'Industrie’s success, validated by Portnoy's high score, is rooted in its dedication to a specific, high-quality pizza style. This Italian-American fusion is what sets it apart from traditional New York pizzerias.

Key Elements That Earned the 8.8 Score:

1. The Cold-Fermented Dough: Owner Massimo Laveglia uses a long, cold-fermentation process for his dough, which results in a lighter, more digestible, and incredibly flavorful crust. This technique is often cited by Portnoy as a sign of true dedication to the craft.

2. Imported Italian Ingredients: L'Industrie is famous for its use of premium, imported Italian ingredients. The burrata slice, a fan favorite, uses fresh, creamy burrata cheese, while the sauce is made from high-quality Italian tomatoes, giving it a distinct, fresh taste that Portnoy often praises.

3. The Thin, Crispy Undercarriage: One of Portnoy's primary criteria is the "flop" and the undercarriage. L'Industrie's Roman-style influence results in a thin, crispy base with a perfect char, minimizing the "flop" and delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The 8.8 rating is not just a number; it is a signal to the world that L'Industrie Pizzeria, despite its owner's initial skepticism of the Barstool crew, is a world-class pizza establishment. It stands as a powerful example of how Portnoy's "One Bite" series can turn a local gem into a national pizza landmark, all thanks to a simple, honest score.

Additional Relevant Entities & Keywords:

• Massimo Laveglia (Owner)
• Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Original Location)
• West Village, Manhattan (Second Location)
• Roman-Style Pizza
• Cold-Fermented Dough
• Burrata Slice
• San Marzano Tomatoes
• Barstool Fund
• El Pres
• NYC Pizza Wars