5 Reasons Why Dani's House Of Pizza In Queens Is An Unforgettable NYC Landmark

For over six decades, Dani's House of Pizza has stood as an unwavering institution in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York. As of December 10, 2025, this beloved pizzeria continues its legacy, largely defined by two culinary masterpieces: its signature, famously sweet tomato sauce and a unique, "borderline life-changing" pesto slice that defies traditional New York pizza norms. It is a place where history, immigrant ambition, and an unconventional flavor profile converge, making it a mandatory stop for any serious pizza enthusiast or food historian visiting the city. The establishment is more than just a place to grab a slice; it's a living piece of New York City's rich culinary tapestry, a testament to the enduring power of classic, no-frills Italian-American food. While the city is saturated with world-famous pizzerias like Lombardi's, Joe's Pizza, and John's of Bleecker Street, Dani's has carved out its own unique niche, captivating generations of locals and earning national recognition from critics like *Barstool Pizza Review*'s Dave Portnoy.

The Unforgettable History of a Queens Landmark

The story of Dani's House of Pizza is fundamentally an American immigrant story, rooted in resilience and the pursuit of a better life.

Ramiz Dani: The Albanian Immigrant Who Built a Pizza Empire

The man behind the legend was Ramiz Dani, a determined Albanian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1957. His journey to pizza stardom began out of necessity. Escaping the political turmoil of the Albania-Soviet Union split, Ramiz found his first job making pizza in New York's historic Little Italy neighborhood. After honing his craft and saving meticulously, Ramiz Dani opened the doors to his own shop in 1959 on Lefferts Boulevard in Kew Gardens, Queens. The location quickly became a neighborhood fixture. In 1963, his friend, Andre Cupi, joined the team as a cook, further cementing the family-like atmosphere and commitment to quality that would define the restaurant for decades. Ramiz Dani passed away in the new millennium, but his legacy lives on through his family and the restaurant, which continues to operate in the very same location. The shop has survived the ebb and flow of local businesses, including the loss of nearby landmarks like Regents Row, to remain a vital part of the Kew Gardens community.

The Secret Behind the Sweetest Sauce in New York

The most distinctive feature of Dani's House of Pizza—the element that separates it from virtually every other classic New York-style pizzeria—is its signature sweet tomato sauce. Most New York City pizza uses a savory, slightly acidic sauce to balance the rich mozzarella and crispy crust. Dani's, however, embraces a sweeter profile, a recipe that has been a closely guarded secret formula since 1959. This unconventional approach is what makes the regular slice so polarizing yet universally beloved by its loyal following. The sweetness of the sauce is intense but balanced, creating a harmonious blend with the high-quality mozzarella cheese and the perfectly crisp, thin crust. The sauce has been affectionately referred to as the "sweetest sauce in Kew Gardens," a title the pizzeria proudly displays. Food critics and connoisseurs, including those featured on the *NY Chronicles*, have noted that this unique flavor profile is what makes the slice so memorable. It’s a testament to Ramiz Dani’s willingness to stick to his distinct vision, even as pizza trends evolved around him. The result is a slice that offers a nostalgic, comforting, and utterly unique taste experience.

Beyond the Classic: The Borderline Life-Changing Pesto Slice

While the classic regular slice with the sweet sauce is the foundational item, the restaurant's second most famous creation is the legendary pesto slice. This slice is not just a standard pesto application; it is a culinary phenomenon that has earned its own cult following. The base is a slice of pizza topped with a vibrant, flavorful pesto sauce. The truly unique twist, however, is that many customers—and even the shop itself—recommend ordering the pesto slice *with a drizzle of the famous red sauce* on top. The combination of the herbaceous, savory pesto and the bright, sugary sweet tomato sauce creates a complex flavor explosion. It’s a masterful blend of sweet and savory notes that is virtually impossible to replicate. One reviewer described it as "borderline life-changing," a sentiment echoed across various social media and review platforms. This dedication to both tradition (the regular slice) and innovation (the pesto slice) is why Dani's maintains its status as an NYC pizza landmark.

More Than Just Pizza: A Look at the Extensive Menu

Although the regular slice and the pesto slice dominate the spotlight, Dani's House of Pizza offers a full range of classic Italian-American comfort food, providing topical authority that extends far beyond a simple slice shop. The extensive menu is packed with traditional favorites, showcasing the restaurant's deep roots in classic New York-style Italian cuisine. * Signature Baked Dishes (Baked Casseroles): These hearty meals are perfect for a full dinner and include classics like Ravioli or Tortellini and various casserole options. * The Parmigiana Lineup: The restaurant is well-known for its rich, satisfying parmigiana dishes, including shrimp parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, and the highly-regarded meatball parmigiana. They even offer a specialty chicken pesto parmigiana, blending their unique flavors. * Heroes and Sandwiches: A variety of hot and cold Heroes (sub-style sandwiches) are available, featuring fillings like sausage and peppers, grilled chicken, and eggplant parmigiana. * Specialty Slices: Beyond the famous two, the menu also features unique slices like the egg, spinach, and romano cheese slice, a rich and savory option for those looking for something different. These offerings demonstrate that Dani's is a full-service Italian eatery that has simply mastered the art of the New York-style pizza slice.

Visiting Dani's Today: Hours, Location, and the Takeout Experience

As of the latest updates, Dani's House of Pizza maintains its presence as a pillar of the Kew Gardens neighborhood. The current operational status of the restaurant is takeout only. This focus on quick, efficient service ensures that the constant turnover of slices remains high, guaranteeing a fresh, hot piece of pizza with minimal wait time, even during peak hours. The current hours of operation are every day from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This schedule makes it a reliable late-afternoon and evening stop for commuters coming off the LIRR Kew Gardens station or for locals seeking a late-night bite. Location Details: * Address: 81-28 Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 * Phone: (718) 846-2849 Dani's House of Pizza is more than a restaurant; it is a culinary time capsule. It represents the perseverance of an Albanian immigrant, Ramiz Dani, the dedication of long-time staff like Andre Cupi, and the enduring love affair New Yorkers have with their neighborhood slice. Whether you are seeking the nostalgic comfort of the sweet sauce or the adventurous flavor of the pesto slice, Dani's remains an essential piece of the New York City pizza puzzle. It is a true landmark that continues to deliver a taste of history with every crispy, flavorful bite.