Bella Via, Long Island City

Five years ago, when Sal Polito, the chef and an owner of Bella Via, stood admiring the view of the Manhattan skyline from the street outside his brand new Long Island City restaurant. Suddenly, he had the perfect name for his new venture: Bella Via, or "beautiful way." Life's been beautiful ever since at this family-run restaurant ac" sister-in-law Vicki and her son, "Little Sal," 23, are always on hand. They toss some thin-crusted beauties that hold some of the best and most imaginative toppings around. "We use the real San Marzano tomatoes," says Polito, expertly slicing up one of his pies for a diner to sample. "This makes a big difference in the color and flavor of our sauce