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ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Long Beach
Best Pizza in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Family patriarch Nicolaniello Buono brought Old Country traditions to America in 1967, maintaining hand-kneaded dough made fresh daily, homemade sauces and sausages, and gas-fired brick ovens. The third-generation pizzeria serves authentic Italian specialties like lasagna and linguini e vongole alongside their signature pizzas with fresh mozzarella.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Pizza with Homemade Sauce, Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Three-generation family operation since 1967 with Old Country authenticity
Who should go: Budget-conscious families, authentic Italian seekers, lunch crowds
When to visit: Lunch for quick pizza or dinner for pasta specialties
What to order: Pizza with hand-kneaded dough, homemade sausage standout
Insider tip: Family-style dinners feed groups with pizza and pasta combinations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Ave and side streets, metered until 8pm. Small lot behind building fits ~8 cars. Arrives early for lunch or expect 5-10 min search.
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts perfectly fine. This is a no-frills neighborhood spot where locals come as they are.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can hold conversation but expect family chatter and kitchen sounds. Not a quiet date spot.
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm. Call ahead for takeout to skip the line.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately. Lunch rush 12-1pm moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including margherita pizza, eggplant parmigiana, pasta marinara, and veggie-loaded pizzas. Family recipes accommodate easily.
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara pizza without cheese, pasta with olive oil and garlic, side salads. Call ahead for best results since it's traditional Italian.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. Lively family atmosphere and bright lighting make it friendly but not intimate. Good if you want low-pressure conversation over affordable food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - it's walk-in only. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll get seated quickly. Weekend prime time expect 15-30 min wait, or order takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - this is a family pizzeria where kids are welcomed enthusiastically. High chairs available, flexible with splitting dishes, and the casual vibe means noisy kids won't raise eyebrows. Great for ages 2+.
Best For
Better for: Authentic multi-generational recipes, budget family dinners, homemade sausage, Old Country atmosphere without pretension. Choose this over chains when you want real Italian family cooking at pizza shop prices.
Consider Alternatives If: You want modern Neapolitan technique, craft cocktails, quiet romantic ambiance, or gluten-free options. Also skip if you're seeking trendy Italian - this is traditional, unfussy, same-recipes-since-1967 cooking.
Hours
Monday11am - 8:30pm
Tuesday11am - 8:30pm
Wednesday11am - 8:30pm
Thursday11am - 8:30pm
Friday11am - 9:30pm
Saturday11am - 9:30pm
Sunday11am - 8:30pm