Denino's Pizzeria Tavern

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si_cruller

Joined 6 years ago

Good, but overrated. I'm a lifelong Staten Islander, and I love food second only to my girlfrind and my parents - LOL! I developed a taste for such critters as crabs, squid and even escargot (SNAILS!) and when I was only about 7! But I never got to Denino's until recently and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Both my lady (who's from Brooklyn and also knows more than a thing or two about quality pizza and Italian food) went recently and came away with the same impression - at least this particlur visit, anyway: certainly better than many pizzas on the Island, but also very overhyped. The crust was crispy and great, but the toppings were kind of average to us. Very good sauce - but just not enough of it, and the same overly salty-tasting processed cheese typically used everywhere else unless you request a fresh mozzarella or margarita pie (Like Valducci's on AMboy Road). I'm not saying we didn't like it - it was very tasty. But, pizza this heavily-hyped should feature chunks of fresh san marzano tomatoes (like Naples 45 in the city), fresh basil and homemade mozzarella akin to what a fine restuarant would produce versus a run-of-the-mill pizza joint #1000 would make. If you want truly great and unique pizza, Joe & Pats on Vicory Blvd near Manor Road is worlds better in this regard. Joe & Pats' crust is much thinner and crispier, yet neither flops over nor is too brittle, and is smothered in truly frsh, homemade-tasting tomato sauce (sweet, chunky and rich with a palpable extra virgin oil taste) and generous but not overdone splotches of fresh mozzarella.

Bottom line: Quite good, but just not the 'greatest=on-the-planet' standout everyone makes it out to be...

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maclen818

Joined 8 years ago

GREAT PIZZA!. Awesome pizza, though the service could use a little bit of help. I would like to go there every week, but I'll get FAT!! It's worth the wait, but that's becasue the place is very popular. Besides, there's a cd jukbox, a bar and they're always showing the local teams on the tv's.

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joleda

Joined 8 years ago

The best pizza pie. I am absolutely amazed at how perfect the crust on this pie is made. For a serious fan of thin slice pizza, Denino's tops everyone in and around NYCNY. We ordered a sauage and pepper pie and 2 of us at the whole huge thing. It was spectacular. The night before I unloaded 70 bucks for an awesome meal, but this pizza pie at Denino's will forever stay in my memory as the best damned pizza around.

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mizzike

Joined 8 years ago

I FELL IN LOVE.... WITH MY SWEETIE MARGARITA IN THERE..WHAT MORE CAN I SAY..THE PIZZA IS AWESOME AND THE HOT WINGS ARE DELICOUS! ON THE MONEY ! THIS OUT OF TOWNER TAKES TRIPS FROM OUT OF STATE JUST FOR ONE OF THEIR SLICES ! DENINOS # 1 HANDS DOWN !

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kcslm

Joined 9 years ago

oh what a pie. try denino's you'll be glad you did, in addition to the cold beer and outstanding pizza, you have to try thier fried calamari, best around, stop at world famous Ralph's Italian Ices across the street for dessert, go with the lemon!

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schmaviles

Joined 9 years ago

Fantastic pizza. The Brick oven pizza is the best I've ever had. The simple setting is very family friendly. It's almost always crowded so get there early but the pizza is well worth the wait.

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mblaze

Joined 9 years ago

In Crust We Trust. That's their motto and their claim to fame. The absolutely BEST pizza crust in New York City and possibly the world. Our babies teethed on that crust and so have loved Denno's almost since birth. It's barroom pizza, no yuppie goat cheese and watercress concoctions - just a premium crust topped with the standard favorites. Will DeNino's be voted NUMBER ONE? No. Staten Island's population is dwarfed by the other boroughs. We don't have enough voters to win. But in a taste-test competition, Denino'w would win hands down.

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mariefrancesbayles

Joined 10 years ago

WORTH THE TRIP. I traveled 1000 miles to visit relatives on Staten Island AND stop by for a Denino's Pizza....it was worth it, very, very good pizza!

Doesn't Recommend

ptjock

Joined 10 years ago

Overrated. This pizzeria/bar is extremely over rated. Pizza is usually burned and laden with cheese oil. In my opinion, current Staten Island Food critics need to get off the island a little more.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Family-run pizza tavern that serves simple, excellent pies.. The Scene
Run by the original founders and their descendants since 1937, this working-class tavern caters to people on and off Staten Island, including Brooklynites and folks from Bayonne, a short bridge ride away. Families abound, often with small children in tow. Decor is strictly utilitarian, and service--most likely by a member of the extended family--is friendly, brisk but unhurried.

The Food
Oh, what a pie! Dissect the 16-inch plain rounds, and every component measures up: the thin yet supportive bread-dough crusts, tangy rich red sauce and cheese so gooey it oozes right off the edges of the pan. If you go for toppings, sausage is a good choice, as are a springtime bounty of fresh, crisp vegetables. Or opt for a white pie: sauceless cheese over a layer of sweet onions, sprinkled with olive oil. The restaurant serves heros and platters as well, but face it: You're here for the pizza.