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L&B Spumoni Gardens
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
L&B Spumoni Gardens
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Sweet Treats Escapes
The Dumbo outpost of L&B Spumoni Gardens brings the Gravesend legend’s upside-down Sicilian squares and tri-flavor spumoni to Old Fulton Street. Opened in late 2024, it offers square pies, round pies, and Italian-American comfort dishes in a narrow, modern space steps from the waterfront.
Must-Try Dishes:
Upside-down Sicilian square slice, Round cheese pie, Rainbow spumoni
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Beloved 1939 Brooklyn square-pizza institution now serving upside-down Sicilian slices in DUMBO.
Who should go: Fans of thick-crust Sicilian squares and old-school spumoni.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak bridge and tourist traffic.
What to order: Sicilian square pie, round cheese pie, classic tricolor spumoni.
Insider tip: Grab a square and spumoni, then walk a few minutes to eat by the water.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Old Fulton Street is limited and highly competitive, especially near the bridge; aim for nearby blocks in Vinegar Hill or use paid garages along Water Street.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—tees, hoodies, and everyday streetwear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversations are possible but expect the hum of constant foot traffic and takeout orders.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes, mostly due to tourist spillover from the waterfront.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or walk-up ordering with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong—plain, Sicilian, and specialty pies plus sides are friendly for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; marinara-only slices are the main option.
Gluten-free options: Not available—no gluten-free crust or dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for a casual, low-pressure date centered on classic Brooklyn slices and a waterfront stroll, but not ideal if you want a quieter or more intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with open seating. Expect some table turnover delays during peak tourist windows but generally manageable.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent the space, portions are shareable, and the spumoni dessert is a hit with younger kids. Best suited for ages 4+ given the narrow layout.
Best For
Better for: Classic upside-down Sicilian squares and nostalgic spumoni at lower prices than many nearby DUMBO sit-down spots; great for quick, filling meals before or after waterfront activities.
Skip if: You want artisanal Neapolitan pies, a quieter dining room, or gluten-free options—other DUMBO pizzerias will fit those needs better.
L&B Spumoni Gardens
8.3
The DUMBO outpost of L&B Spumoni Gardens brings the Gravesend legend’s upside-down Sicilian squares and rainbow spumoni to Old Fulton Street, staying busy into the evening. Gas-oven pies focus on thick, crunchy-edged squares with sweet-leaning sauce, alongside round pies and classic red-sauce plates. It’s the late-night move when you want hefty slices and dessert in the same stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Upside-down Sicilian square pie, Round pie with sausage and mozzarella, Rainbow spumoni
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upside-down Sicilian squares and spumoni from an 85-year Brooklyn institution.
Who should go: Families and groups craving thick-crust squares and old-school desserts.
When to visit: Evenings after seven, especially weekends when lines spill outside.
What to order: Upside-down Sicilian pie, round pie with sausage, rainbow spumoni.
Insider tip: Split a square pie then grab spumoni to-go for walks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Old Fulton Street is limited and competitive in the evenings; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages along Water Street or Furman Street.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; anything from jeans and hoodies to relaxed date-night attire works.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours, especially weekends; conversations are doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on weather and tourist traffic; lines typically build after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk right in except during peak tourist surges around the promenade.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including plain Sicilian squares, margherita-style pies, and basic red-sauce pastas.
Vegan options: Very limited; no vegan cheese and most items rely on dairy, though a plain marinara slice can work in a pinch.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free pizza crust; only select salads and a few sides fit gluten-limited diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual dates or shared-slice nights; the energy is lively and informal rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service oriented and first-come-first-served; expect brief lines on weekends but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families frequent it, seating is flexible, and square pies plus spumoni are hits with younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Thick, crunchy-edged Sicilian squares and classic Brooklyn nostalgia in a high-traffic DUMBO setting, plus built-in dessert with spumoni.
Skip if: You prefer quieter, candlelit pizza spots, need gluten-free crusts, or want coal-fired pies specifically.