7 Unforgettable Secrets That Make Luigi's Pizza The Real King Of Brooklyn Slices

Step into Luigi's Pizza today, December 10, 2025, and you are not just walking into a pizzeria; you are stepping into a living piece of New York City culinary history. This iconic Park Slope establishment, which has been serving what many call "The Real Brooklyn Slice" since the early 1970s, continues to dominate the conversation for the best pizza in New York.

From its humble beginnings as a dream of an Italian immigrant to its current status as an international social media sensation, Luigi's has maintained its classic, no-compromise approach to pizza making. Current owner Giovanni Lanzo, the son of the founder, has successfully preserved the authentic atmosphere and superior quality that made his father's shop a neighborhood staple for decades.

The Lanzo Family Legacy: A Brief Biography

The story of Luigi's Pizza is intrinsically linked to the dedication and hard work of the Lanzo family, who brought a true taste of Italy to the heart of Brooklyn.

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• Founder: Luigi Lanzo
• Origin: Immigrated from Italy to Brooklyn.
• Early Life: Before opening the pizzeria, Luigi Lanzo worked at the Green-Wood Cemetery from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., embodying the immigrant work ethic.
• Pizzeria Founding Date: 1973.
• Location: The original and most famous location is in Park Slope (sometimes referred to as South Park Slope), Brooklyn, NY.
• Current Owner: Giovanni Lanzo (Luigi's son).
• Legacy: Giovanni has continued the family tradition for over 20 years, ensuring the original recipes and quality remain intact.
• Signature Style: Known for its simple, fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced "New York slice."

1. The Uncompromising Quality of the Plain Slice

While Luigi's offers a full menu of delectable options, the foundation of its legendary status rests on the shoulders of the simple, unadorned Plain Slice. This is the ultimate test of a true New York pizzeria, and Luigi's passes with flying colors. The key to its fame is its absolute commitment to fresh, simple ingredients and a perfect structural balance.

Customers consistently praise the slice for being a masterpiece of texture and flavor. It is the antithesis of a greasy, overly cheesy slice, focusing instead on pure, classic flavor.

• The Crust: Described as having a "perfectly crunchy golden bottom" without being burnt or overly doughy. It offers the essential New York "fold" without crumbling.
• The Cheese: A careful, balanced amount of high-quality cheese that is "not too much" and "not greasy."
• The Sauce: The simple, fresh Marinara sauce is perfectly balanced with the cheese and crust, ensuring no single component overpowers the other.

2. The Giovanni Lanzo Factor and Social Media Fame

In the modern age, a classic pizzeria needs more than just great food; it needs personality. Giovanni Lanzo, the current owner and Luigi's son, provides that in spades. He is often seen greeting guests, sharing stories, and maintaining the neighborhood feel that his father established.

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Luigi's reputation has exploded in recent years, thanks in part to the power of social media and high-profile endorsements. The pizzeria gained national and international recognition after being reviewed by Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports' "One Bite" series. This exposure cemented Luigi's status beyond Brooklyn, turning it into a destination for pizza pilgrims from around the world.

3. Beyond the Slice: Must-Try Specialty Menu Items

While the plain slice is the undisputed champion, the full menu at the Lanzo family's pizzeria is a testament to the depth of their Italian-American cooking. For those looking to explore beyond the classic, Luigi's offers a deep bench of specialty pies and rolls that showcase their kitchen's versatility.

The Specialty Pizza Landscape

The specialty pizzas are a modern twist on classic comfort food, perfect for sharing or for a more adventurous palate:

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• Fresh Mozzarella Pizza: A step up from the plain slice, featuring premium, fresh mozzarella cheese.
• Lasagna Pizza: A hearty pie topped with ground beef, Ricotta cheese, and Marinara sauce—a true Italian-American fusion.
• Penne alla Vodka Pizza: This unique offering brings the creamy, savory pasta dish to a pizza crust.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Tender pieces of spicy Buffalo chicken baked with mozzarella.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: A savory option featuring tender BBQ chicken pieces.
• White Pizza: A sauceless pie that focuses on the blend of cheeses and typically garlic.

Rolls and Paninis

For a quick, portable meal, the rolls and paninis are essential Brooklyn staples, often featuring the same high-quality ingredients as the pizzas:

• Chicken Roll
• Sausage Roll
• Eggplant Roll
• Grilled Chicken Panini: Served with fresh mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers, and lettuce.

4. The Enduring, Classic Brooklyn Atmosphere

Part of the charm of Luigi's is its refusal to modernize its aesthetic. The atmosphere is that of a classic, old-school, neighborhood pizzeria. It’s a place where the focus is strictly on the food and the community, not flashy decor or trendy gimmicks.

The red doors, the weathered sign, and the lack of neon or slogans all contribute to a feeling of authenticity that is increasingly rare in New York City. Owner Giovanni Lanzo emphasizes that he wants people to feel like it's "their neighborhood store," maintaining a connection to the Brooklyn of generations past. This dedication to tradition is a key reason why Luigi's Pizza remains a beloved and highly-rated destination, consistently hailed as a top contender for the number one pizza in New York City.