L & B Spumoni Gardens

One of the original old school Sicilian slices in the neighborhood, plus the awesome Spumoni ice cream even in the winter is awesome as well
Great spot for a quick slice on the way to Coney Island

Best square pie anywhere period!!!

This is what separates real Brooklyn from the joke that Brooklyn has become with the hipsters up north.
If you don’t think that this place has the best pizza in Brooklyn, you’re flat out wrong. If you think that some place run by transplants from Ohio up in hip Williamsburg has the best pizza, you’re flat out wrong.
Come here in the summer. Order a square slice at the window and sit outside. When you’re done, finish it off with some spumoni. That’s real Brooklyn.
Thank you.

If you get the regular slice, I really question if you have a sound mind.
Regular pizza (non restaurant): square slice. Nothing fancy about the service. The slices are phenomenal and if you’re into that whole best-taste-you’ve-ever-had-in-your-mouth thing, then this slice is for you.
Restaurant: excellent penne a la vodka. HORRENDOUS CUSTOMER SERVICE. I could’ve had two birthdays by the time they delivered my food. It’s ridiculous. Wish I could say it was once but it’s frequent. And it’s annoying.
In other news, spumoni ice cream is to die for.

Great square slice (that’s the one to get). Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the neighborhood. Parking is horrific on a Friday night though.

10 stars please. The Sicilian slice is just near perfect and downright amazing at L&B. Delicious is the word. If you are a fan of the beloved square pizza, there is no reason to look further than here. L&B is truly the NY landmark of the beauteous and delicious Sicilian style slice.
I will forewarn for those who aren’t a fan of doughy, thicker crust, Sicilian style pizzas, then you may not entirely enjoy this. Those who complain of thicker crust, Sicilian are simply made to be that way, though with that, the crust on L&B has a really nice bite and texture when compared to other slices. But it’s best to be experienced fresh, and by the slice, though one can opt for a pie and/​or delivered to your door if within proximity. But what pizza isn’t best experienced right out of the oven. I’ve had their pizza in all the ways however; hot out of the oven, hot out of the box, warm from settling in the box, cold from leftovers, etc. Regardless of temperature, the flavor stays there. The crust still holds everything together. It again retains a nice crisp on the bottom and sweet airy fluffiness on the top that holds a perfect proportion of flavorful tomato sauce and melted gooey mozzarella. The difference here though with L&B is they reverse the cheese and sauce role — the sauce is on the top and the cheese is on the bottom. The science behind this really works as the crust holds up very well next to ingredients. The sauce has a nice body and sweetness of flavor. The cheese just oozes but isn’t the drippy oily gross cheese you’d come to expect. This is some quality cheese. This is some quality pizza.
And we can honestly look past the décor and ambience of this place, but I find it to be very charming with its old school characteristics and history. You simply can’t find a place like this anywhere in NY, that serves a respectable Sicilian as original and unique like this. All in all, make sure to take a trip to L&B with the expectation of having incredible pizza. And you don’t even need the extra toppings.

Note that I have never dined in here, but from what I have had and my experience, this place hits the spot especially during a nice day where you can be outside, have some pizza and ice cream. As it seems, many people have the same idea as you can expect lines and a crowded patio area during peak hours.
Brooklyn is known to have some great pizza and L & B Spumoni Gardens does not disappoint! They are known for their Sicilian Square Pies and I suggest you try these slices. Note that these slices from the Sicilian are not crunchy, but more soft and on the chewy side. I would suggest having these slices right away than having them to go, as I can imagine they get pretty soggy overnight.
However, the taste of these slices are great. The pizza is heavier on the sauce rather than the cheese, which I do not mind at all. This allows the cheese to not be overwhelming and you will notice that most of the sauce is on top of the pizza. You can also taste a bit of oregano in it.
Also, what wins me over with L & B Spumoni Gardens is that there is an option to get ice cream here! I opted to get their L & B Spumoni (hence the name!) that contains Vanilla, Chocolate, and Pistachio. I love Pistachios in general and they know how to make it well here! They also have Italian ices here that seem great to try during the summer.
There is a dine-​in area here so hopefully when I have a chance to stick around the area I will eat-​in here and try their other offerings and entrees. But even if I eat-​in here, I will make sure I get a slice of their delicious Sicilian pizza!

So I’m riding my bike around Coney Island on a cold day and I feel like a warm slice is just what I need to keep me going. I’ve suffered through square slices a couple times at the suggestion of friends, who were nostalgic for something that I just didn’t understand… until now. In short, I’ve hated every square slice I’ve gotten from everywhere EXCEPT at Spumoni gardens.
The square slices here are on a soft, fluffy bread that has the lightest bit of crispiness at the bottom. The cheese is nothing to write home about but the tomato on top is super fresh and delicious. I will probably never make it a priority to get a square slice but if I ever needed one, this is where I would come.

L & B Spumoni’s makes great Sicilian pizza.
I came here with a group of friends and went to the pizzeria side (not the restaurant side). We shared a half pizza for $ 21. It was delicious. The cheese-​to-​sauce ratio is perfectly balanced for my tastes. The cheese is flavorful and not overwhelming. The sauce is amazingly tangy. Some people might not like the doughy bread, so the slices in the middle without crust can be overly doughy and soft. The slices touching crust are better.
Getting to L & B Spumoni’s is a journey, so make it a trip and check out that part of town while you’re out there.

L&B Spumoni Gardens is located in the Bensonhurst/​Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn and is a local pizzeria known for its Sicilian-​style pizza.
There isn’t much more to say, except it is delicious. The sauce, cheese and crust are perfect, consistent and everything you want in a pizza. At $ 2.25 a slice for either a Sicilian slice or a regular round pie slice, you really can’t go wrong.
You either have the option to take out, eat inside, or sit outside. Free parking is available and the restaurant is just a few minutes from the F train Avenue U stop.
If you believe in the hype, come out to 86^th Street and enjoy a Sicilian slice!

As far back I can remember — I’ve enjoyed the pizza here. I practically grew up on L&B’s pizza. When coming to L&B– get ready for 2 things… A SQUARE SLICE & Some SPUMONI!
Yes ladies & gentleman… it’s referred to as a square slice & it’s DELICIOUS. The way they put the sauce over the mozzarella then top it off with grated cheese… amazing! The square is a must, I’ve rarely seen people come here a regular slice. And by the way, it wasn’t until I was in my adulthood where I started called the square slice/​pizza «Sicilian».
The restaurant offers an extensive menu of good
Old fashioned, home style Italian «comfort food» !
There is even counter where you can get the restaurant menu to-​go. Just be careful, I think the pizzeria side & restaurant side are handled by different People. Just know which door your entering.
Last but definitely not least– you gotta have the Spumoni! You can thank me later!

Brooklyn’s reputation as the borough of legendary NYC pizza is completely valid; among the many pizzeria institutions it represents perhaps no place comes close for Sicilian style pizza than L&B Spumoni Gardens.
Buried deep in the southern part of the borough, Spumoni Gardens (I’ve never heard many locals ever refer to it as «L&B») can feel like a trek for non-​locals but I would do it anytime I’m craving Sicilian. After all distance is all relative with patience and an appetite, right? Anyone with a car should zip over here immediately, barring BK traffic in mind of course.
At roughly $ 21 a pie and $ 2.25 a slice, the price is a relatively a bargain next to a lot of other (vastly) inferior pizza joints that charge over $ 25 for grandma versions of Sicilian pies. These squares are chunky to the core, cheesy as it gets, and incredibly messy to eat. Unless you’re strolling by for the occasional bite, this pizza should always be shared in good company or bought in bulk.
Unlike most pizzas, I would venture L&B is better off eaten fresh on the spot, rather than the next day’s leftover-​in-​the-​fridge kind of the pizza. The crust loses its edge, the bottom becomes saturated in the grease /​sauce, and it becomes a soft pudge of pizza goo before it congealing to a room temperature brick. Some folks might like it this way, but for maximum pizza pleasure I suggest eating it on the spot.
And of course, there are other things besides pizza they do quite well. During the summer, this is a popular spot with locals for Italian flavored ices. Other Italian specialities like arancini rice balls or linguine with clams are popular with the non-​pizza eating crowd, along with the baked clams, broccoli rabe, and mussels. There are round pies as well, but they have little precedence over the square slices.
Lastly, this place is huge. Parking lot, dining room, and a massive outdoor area as well. During good weather days, there could be a long line but I’ve seen the same even during cold nights. It is über family friendly and a fun place to challenge one’s appetite for a tasty carb loading session.

I heard they changed owners, which would make sense because the quality has declined in the past couple of years. The pizza is still good but not outrageously delicious like it used to be. Also, I am not thrilled with their customer service.
My coworker and I ordered a few pies for a work party we were having. When she called, she told them she needed it delivered for 12pm. They said our building had a few deliveries coming at 12:30 but she explained that this would be too late and we absolutely needed our pies by noon. They obliged and said they would do it (keep in mind that our job is literally down the street from spumoni, so it would be more than feasible for them to do deliveries at two different times).
12pm came and went, and she called them to see where our pizza was. They lied and said it was on its way… 20 minutes later, still no pizza. We called yet again and at this point, I told them to not bother and that I would come pick it up. I had to trek out in the freezing rain, losing my parking spot in the process, to go get our food. They gave me my pizza, piping hot and fresh, but it was still an unnecessary aggravation.

We were headed out to Dyker Heights to see the annual Christmas lights and wanted an Italian meal beforehand. This restaurant was absolutely packed on a Tuesday night with huge groups — mostly families. Our waiter offered us the family style meal, which we declined but sounded like a feast that had enough food for about 30 (if I ever come back with that many people, it doesn’t sound bad). Everyone seems to order the Sicilian pizza, big thick crust square pieces with a thick red sauce and smattering of cheese. We ordered that along with a few salads, pasta dishes, and heroes. While the food was good, it was not anything special.
The highlight of the meal are the desserts which include any type of ice cream — soft serve, regular, ices, and spumonis. We tried the spumoni for fun and it wasn’t bad!
People may not come for the food, but for the communal, family, fun atmosphere (and possibly hefty portions).

Ugh !. It’s pretty evident that this place is basking in the glory from years ago… I’m so shocked that this places reputation is still carrying on… Must be bc these people have been coming here forever, you can tell it’s that’s type of place. The place where they know people are already waiting 45 min to sit and the second this big dude with stains all over his shirt and smells walks in he gives everyone a handshake and sits with his party. So gross …
I came here after dyker heights street lights, it was busy but the waiting time was based off of larger parties needing to be seated, luckily I was I was with one person, we sat pretty quick.
The place smells good but it’s dirty. I mean. Pretty filthy… The floors, the table, just gross. Anyway, I was starving so we woofed down two famous squares. They sucked… The sauce was ok but it was like I was eating raw dough. All chewy and spongy it was gross. There are so many other BETTER pizza places… We’re in friggin New York like cmon.
Ordered this chicken dish with eggplant, prosciutto and mozz cheese. Also, nothing special. Side of rigatoni with pasta. Just boring and the pasta was mushy.
I was so grossed out I wanted to just get up and leave. Which I was upset bc I really wanted the spumoni but physically couldn’t stand to sit there another minute… This place has been around for a while and I’m sure if their spumoni was anything spectacular you would see it in the freezer section of your local food store just like other places do when they’re actually successful with their gelato, sauce, etc.
Older Italian women working in the front of the place are ratchet and rush you so don’t expect a friendly greeting they only give a shit about getting you in and out and truthfully the food F-​ckin sucked. Nothing memorable here except maybe the memory of what it used to be.

Best pizza I’ve ever had in my life.
It’s far, but worth the subway ride there. I took the N and got off 86^th street. When you get off just take a right turn and go straight until 11^th st.
I’ve had a few deep dish pizzas but this is by far the best. I live in California and visited New York and was told by a friend to stop by spumoni’s and I was not disappointed. There are 3 parts to the restaurant. When facing Spumoni’s starting from the left is the pizza shop, then the ice cream window, and lastly the restaurant on the right. Seating outside is abundant, but inside the pizza shop is small.
At first bite of the Spumoni deep dish square it had a hint of sweetness to it. The bottom was crispy and perfect! The cheese is on the bottom and then the sauce on top so it kept the bread from getting soggy. They even give you an option of middle or side piece (I chose side)!
For $ 2.75 a slice, it is worth it. Though the pizza is so simple it is full of flavor and the workers are very nice!
For dessert I had the Spumoni rainbow ice cream with pistachio, vanilla and chocolate. For a small it was $ 3.75. Though interesting it was a little underwhelming compared to the pizza and also I feel that there are better places to get ice cream around ny!
Overall worth the long ride and if you’re going in the summer might as well visit Coney Island since it’s one subway stop away!

I came here for a holiday party with my coworkers about two years ago and LOVED this place. I normally don’t eat to much pasta, but the plates kept coming. My MD was a huge fan of this place and he wanted to make sure we tried them all. I enjoyed all the pasta dishes, the pizza came out and this was a NYC slice. The pizza was thick and cheesy and cooked to perfection (I can still imagine the slices I had). We had a few (10 bottles) that were passed around for all three tables to enjoy. It was a great evening. The atmosphere was perfect, great company, and tasty food. I was a happy person. If someone asks for a new spot to take their friends, grab some good Italian food, or want a delicious sundae this is the place I usually refer them to if they are in the Brooklyn area and drive. Although trains are just one block away.
As for the sundae… when we sat down they gave us something I haven’t see on anyone’s pictures. I don’t know because it was a holiday or maybe they loved us, but the sundaes were mounds of ice cream, sauce, and delicious flavors ALL combined on one sauce pan/​plate.
I need to go back ASAP. I’m having a little bit of anxiety being so far from Brooklyn now (living in NJ now).

L&B’s Sicilian square pizza is the best pizza you can get in the neighborhood by the slice. I agree that it’s over-​hyped after the countless times I’ve ate here. Regardless of the hype, it’s still a solid choice to satisfy your hunger and taste-​buds.
There is usually a constant flow of customers so expect a fresh tray to be waiting for you at the pizza window. I personally like the corners because I like the charred crunchy crust. The cheese melts underneath the sauce giving it a unique texture. The sauce is semi-​sweet and tangy. It’s a no brainier why they’ve been in business for so long.
Over the past weekend, I placed a phone order for 2 Sicilian trays ($ 40 a tray), 1 catering sized baked ziti, and 1 catering sized Caesar’s salad to feed the guests that came over for a party. Not 1 single slice left over and not 1 single complaint. Baked ziti ($ 35) was finger licking good (feeds 8 – 10) Salad ($ 30) was meh. I’d substitute for pasta in the future.
Do yourself a favor and head over to the desserts window and order a Spumoni. There are real pistachios! The Spumoni ice/​ice cream is rich and flavorful.

I was in the Bensonhurst area for lunch, and after seeing Spumoni’s Unilocal page with 2k+ reviews, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to see what all the hype is all about.
Half-​tray Sicilian ($ 21): The dough was soft and a bit chewy, with the fresh mozzarella they use adding a nice thick layer of cheesiness that blends well with the rich tomato sauce. It’s topped with a little parmesan. Additional toppings are $ 2.75 each, but only paid $ 2 for half with pepperoni so my total was actually $ 23. Though this was the first time trying pizza here, I guess I’m with the purists in saying that the Sicilian slices taste so much better with no toppings. The pepperoni was good, but I did find it a bit too salty. I agree with another reviewer – it’ll take at least two to three to fill you up.
Large Spumoni ($ 3.50): That small translucent plastic cup is a LARGE?! Note to self: Order a pint or quart next time. I ordered the rainbow flavor (vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio mix) and absolutely loved it. There were actual bits of pistachio in the spumoni, which was pretty awesome. I was expecting this to be excessively sweet, but it was more of a subtle sweetness. The texture is lighter than their regular ice cream, which made eating it easier… and quicker (le sigh).
The other dishes seem like typical pizzeria food, so I might just stick with the Sicilian and Spumoni. A bit overhyped, but I do think the grandma-​style pies here are pretty good.

I hate when a restaurant rides off its fame and stops caring about customer service or about recreating food to keep up with the great food of the day.
Veal was $ 24. Tasted only a bit better than fast food beef with a can of Campbell’s turkey gravy thrown on top.
Hostess was an older woman in her 60s. Abrasive and rude. Server was okay though. What wasn’t okay was the mold growing in the salt shaker. Couldn’t believe that was even possible but Google confirmed it could.
Stay away. Tourist trap.