About Umberto's
There are pizza places, and then there are pizza institutions. Umberto's of New Hyde Park falls firmly in the latter category. Since 1965, this unassuming pizzeria on Jericho Turnpike has been serving what many Long Islanders consider the gold standard of Sicilian pizza—including their legendary "grandma slice" that they claim to have invented.
The story goes that founder Umberto Corteo would make thin, crispy Sicilian-style pizza at home for his grandmother, who preferred a lighter crust. When customers started asking for it, the grandma slice was born. Today, people drive from across the tri-state area for a taste of that perfectly crispy, garlicky, tomato-topped creation.
But Umberto's is more than just the grandma slice. Their traditional round pies feature hand-stretched dough made fresh daily, San Marzano tomatoes, and a blend of mozzarella that achieves that perfect char and pull. The chicken parm hero is legendary in its own right—a behemoth of breaded chicken, homemade marinara, and melted cheese that's converted many a skeptic.
The atmosphere is quintessential Long Island pizzeria: Formica tables, photos of the Corteo family through the decades, and the constant soundtrack of orders being called out. It's not fancy, but that's exactly the point. You come to Umberto's for pizza that tastes like your Italian grandmother made it—assuming your grandmother was a pizza prodigy.
💕 Why We Love It
🍽️ Must-Try Items
💬 What People Are Saying
Outstanding
Based on 1,200+ reviews
Tony R.
Local · 50+ visits"Been coming here since I was a kid in the 80s. The grandma slice is still exactly the same—crispy, garlicky, perfect. My kids now love it too. That's three generations of Umberto's fans in my family."
Amanda K.
From NYC · First visit"Made the trip from Manhattan because everyone said this was the original grandma slice. They were right. Worth every minute of the LIRR ride. Get here early—the line gets crazy."
Mike D.
Garden City"Cash only and can get crowded, but the pizza is undeniably excellent. The chicken parm hero is as big as my forearm. Only complaint: wish they'd add a few tables. But that's the Umberto's experience."
