0 Followers
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Gino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant on Parsons Boulevard combines a classic New York slice counter up front with a modest dining area serving full Italian dinners. Beyond pies and heroes, the menu covers baked pastas, veal and chicken parm, and seafood platters that make it a reliable sit-down option when you want more than a quick slice. It’s a neighborhood workhorse rather than a destination, but one that quietly anchors weeknight family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken parm hero, Baked ziti, Whole cheese or pepperoni pie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A hybrid slice shop and full Italian dining room that covers everything from quick pies to red-sauce comfort classics.
Who should go: Families and locals craving sit-down red-sauce Italian
When to visit: Early evenings for relaxed table service without a wait
What to order: Chicken parm hero, baked ziti, classic cheese or pepperoni pie
Insider tip: Use the counter for a fast slice, but grab a booth if you want full entrées and slower pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Parsons Blvd is usually manageable, especially on side streets; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — neighborhood attire is the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, though peak dinner hours get a bit lively.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on family traffic; usually moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for tables in the back dining room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — baked pastas, pizzas, salads, and veggie heroes.
Vegan options: Limited — plain pizza without cheese or simple salads are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is often available; call ahead to confirm day-of availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited for casual meetups than formal dates — comfortable, unfussy, and reliable but not a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t typically needed. Walk-ins are the norm, and tables turn at a steady pace.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — approachable menu, quick service, and booths that work well for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Consistent red-sauce comfort dishes and an easygoing slice-plus-dining-room setup that works for both quick solo meals and family dinners.
Skip if: You're seeking upscale Italian, handmade pastas, or a destination-style experience.
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
8.0
Gino’s Pizza sits along Parsons Boulevard as a neighborhood pizzeria with table seating, classic New York pies, and a fuller Italian menu of heroes and baked pastas. It’s a comfortable option for families and small groups who want more than a grab-and-go slice without leaving the immediate area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese pie slice, Chicken parm hero, Baked ziti with mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Sit-down pizzeria pairing classic pies with red-sauce Italian comfort dishes.
Who should go: Families wanting pizza plus pastas and heroes.
When to visit: Early evenings for relaxed table seating and fresh pies.
What to order: Cheese slice, chicken parm hero, baked ziti.
Insider tip: Order a whole pie and a couple of heroes to comfortably feed a small group.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Parsons Blvd and nearby residential blocks is usually available but can tighten after 6pm; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational for families and small groups, with occasional bustle during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on neighborhood traffic; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas, veggie pies, and several pasta dishes are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request cheeseless pies, but the broader menu leans traditional and dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pizza dough; some salads and sides work if cross-contact isn’t an issue.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited for a relaxed, no-pressure meetup than a romantic first date; the vibe is casual and family-oriented.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a neighborhood spot where walk-ins are the norm. Only peak weekend evenings may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — pizzas, pastas, and booth seating make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistent pies, sit-down comfort, and group-friendly Italian classics that appeal to a broad crowd.
Skip if: You want artisanal or specialty pizzas, premium ingredients, or a trend-driven dining experience.
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Gino’s of Whitestone on Parsons Boulevard is a full-service pizzeria and Italian spot where neighborhood families share pies, chicken parms, and baked pastas. Portions are generous, prices stay moderate, and it works as much for delivery as for a sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma square pie, Chicken parmigiana hero, Baked ziti with mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Family-style pizzeria where pies share menu space with classic red-sauce entrees.
Who should go: Groups craving pizza plus pastas and chicken parm.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekends for relaxed family dinners.
What to order: Grandma pie, chicken parm hero, baked ziti.
Insider tip: Pair a grandma pie with a salad and split everything family-style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Parsons Blvd and nearby residential blocks is usually available; expect mild competition during peak dinner hours but no meters or valet.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; families and groups create a lively hum, but normal conversation at the table is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak family hours, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — cheese pies, salads, margherita-style options, and several pasta dishes work well.
Vegan options: Limited — basic pizza without cheese or simple salads are available, but not many fully vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; gluten-free pasta is occasionally available, though gluten-free pizza is not a core offering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic first dates — the vibe is warm, busy, and family-oriented rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Gino’s is walk-in friendly; expect a short wait only during peak weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, roomy tables for families, large portions, and a familiar menu make it ideal for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large group meals, classic red-sauce comfort dishes, and shareable pies at moderate prices compared to trendier slice shops.
Skip if: You want artisanal or specialty pizzas, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Gino's of Whitestone is a full-service pizzeria and Italian-American spot where families share pies, chicken parm, and baked pastas around big tables. Community fundraisers and school nights keep it busy with kids, parents, and multi-generational groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grandma pie, Chicken parm hero, Baked ziti
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sit-down pizzeria with big portions and neighborhood-restaurant warmth.
Who should go: Families wanting pizza plus classic red-sauce dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or school-event nights for lively energy.
What to order: Grandma pie, chicken parm hero, baked ziti.
Insider tip: Order family-style and share a pie with a pasta entree.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm in Whitestone; spots are generally available on side streets but can tighten on weekends and during school events.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and comfortable attire are all appropriate.
Noise level: Lively during peak family hours with a steady buzz of conversation; still manageable for group chats.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during prime family dining hours, longer if a school fundraiser or community event is happening.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Plenty of options including cheese pizzas, eggplant parm, salads, and baked pastas.
Vegan options: Limited; pizza without cheese and a few salads are workable but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is often available; ask staff to confirm preparation details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than intimate first dates; large family groups and energetic ambiance create a warm but not romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Arrive early on weekends or school-heavy nights to avoid longer waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, big tables, wide pathways, and a menu tailored to picky eaters make it ideal for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, shared pies, and hearty Italian-American comfort dishes in a familiar neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want upscale Italian, quiet ambience, or a menu with extensive vegan and gluten-free offerings.
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Gino’s of Whitestone is a full-service pizzeria and Italian restaurant where families sit down for pies, chicken parm, and baked pastas around big tables. It doubles as a neighborhood gathering place for school events, birthday dinners, and team celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian slice, Buffalo chicken slice, Chicken parm hero
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sit-down pizzeria where neighborhood families celebrate milestones over pies.
Who should go: Groups planning family-style pizza and red-sauce dinners.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for a lively room and full menu.
What to order: Sicilian slice, Buffalo chicken slice, chicken parm hero.
Insider tip: Call ahead for large parties and ask for a big table near the front windows.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive during dinner hours; look for spots on adjacent residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; guests typically wear everyday attire suitable for group dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak evenings, especially when large parties or celebrations are seated.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for larger groups without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with multiple tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — can accommodate with cheese-free pies and select sides.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free pasta is sometimes available; check before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates; the room is energetic and geared toward families and celebrations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays; on weekends, calling ahead for group seating is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — highchairs are typically available, portions are shareable, and the atmosphere comfortably absorbs noise from young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large family gatherings, birthdays, and sit-down meals where pies, pastas, and parms can be shared around the table.
Skip if: You want a quieter date-night setting or faster counter-service slices.
Gino's Pizza of Whitestone
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Gino's of Whitestone is a full-service pizzeria and Italian-American restaurant where big pies, parm heroes, and red-sauce classics come out of the kitchen all night. It leans family-friendly and lively, but a booth or two-top works for casual date nights when you want comfort food and neighborhood energy instead of a formal setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana hero, Grandma-style pizza, Baked ziti
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Sit-down neighborhood pizzeria mixing New York pies with hearty Italian mains.
Who should go: Couples fine with lively family energy and generous portions.
When to visit: Early evening before peak family rush for more calm.
What to order: Grandma pie, chicken Parmigiana hero, baked ziti.
Insider tip: Split a large pie and one hero to sample both pizza and mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm in Whitestone; spots can be tight after 6pm but you can usually find something within a block or two on side streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, sweaters, and simple date-night outfits all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively, especially during peak family hours; you can talk comfortably at a booth but it’s not a quiet setting.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during the early rush, longer if large groups arrive at once.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait and plenty of tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian-friendly items such as cheese pies, eggplant parm, salads, and pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited; salads and select pasta configurations may work, but expect minimal fully vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta options are often available; gluten-free pizza availability varies by day—call ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, low-pressure Italian date with neighborhood charm. Not ideal if you want a quiet or upscale environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are common. Arrive before the 6–7pm family peak for the shortest wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and a menu suited for kids. Expect a lively room during early evenings and weekends.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, reliable red-sauce classics, and a lively neighborhood feel that’s great for casual dates and group dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate Italian dinner or modern, chef-driven dishes—this leans classic and bustling.