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Milana's New York Pizzeria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Milana's New York Pizzeria
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Authentic New York-style pizzeria serving thin-crust pies and Sicilian squares since opening downtown. The Brooklyn Square pizza with vodka sauce and mascarpone draws transplants and locals alike to this subway-themed spot where you can watch pizzas being hand-tossed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brooklyn Square Pizza, Pepperoni Slice, Grandma Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Real NYC-style pizza from Brooklyn native owner with authentic thin crust
Who should go: New Yorkers missing home, families wanting quality by-the-slice
When to visit: Lunch for quick slices, dinner for fresh whole pies
What to order: Brooklyn Square with vodka sauce, classic pepperoni, white pizza
Insider tip: Street parking has 15-minute free grace period for quick pickups
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Pine Ave and nearby streets, free after 6pm weekdays and all day Sunday. Paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-12). 15-minute grace period good for quick slice pickup.
Dress code: Ultra casual - jeans, t-shirts, whatever. This is a grab-and-go pizza spot, not a dress-up destination.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times - subway theme with tile and hard surfaces bounces sound. Fine for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for slices at counter, 20-30 min for whole pies. Small dining area fills up but turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min for slices, minimal wait. Busiest 12-1pm but moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including white pizza, margherita, veggie supreme, and build-your-own. Most popular pies available cheese-only.
Vegan options: Limited - can do pizza with no cheese and veggie toppings, but not a focus. No vegan cheese option currently.
Gluten-free options: No - traditional NYC-style pizzeria focused on authentic dough. Cross-contamination would be unavoidable in this kitchen setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both laid-back pizza lovers. The casual counter-service vibe and potential noise level make it better for early-stage casual dates or post-activity meetups rather than getting-to-know-you dinner dates. Great for second or third date when you're more comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served counter service with limited seating. During off-peak hours (2-5pm, after 8pm) you'll likely snag a table. Weekend dinner rush (6-8pm) expect to stand or take it to go. Slices are always quick regardless.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - one of the best family pizza spots downtown. Kids love watching the pizza being made, the subway decor keeps them entertained, and slices come out fast so minimal wait time. High chairs available, space is tight with strollers during busy times.
How does it compare to other Long Beach pizza spots? This is the most authentic NYC-style in the area - thinner, crispier crust than most California pizza chains. More casual and affordable than sit-down Italian restaurants, but notably better quality than delivery chains. If you want NY pizza, this is your spot.
Can I just grab a quick slice? That's what they're built for. Counter service with ready-made slices under heat lamps during busy hours (lunch and dinner). In and out in 5 minutes. Perfect downtown lunch spot for office workers.
Best For
Better for: Authentic NYC-style thin crust when you want the real deal, quick casual meals, feeding families without breaking the bank, grabbing slices on the go. The Brooklyn Square with vodka sauce is legitimately unique in the area.
Skip if: You want thick deep-dish or gourmet artisanal pizza, need a quiet romantic atmosphere, require gluten-free options, or want full table service with a server. Also skip if you're looking for California-style sourdough crust or wood-fired Neapolitan - this is a different animal.
Milana's New York Pizzeria
8.3
Authentic NYC-style pizzeria with subway-themed decor serving thin-crust pies by the slice or whole. Brooklyn Square pizza with vodka sauce and mascarpone stands out among traditional offerings approved by transplanted New Yorkers who drive long distances for these genuine flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brooklyn Square Pizza, White Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: New York natives approve these authentic thin-crust pies
Who should go: NYC pizza purists and by-the-slice seekers
When to visit: Lunch for quick slices or dinner for full pies
What to order: Brooklyn Square, white pizza, garlic knots
Insider tip: Parents of transplanted New Yorkers drive 45 minutes specifically for this pizza
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pine Ave and nearby blocks, metered until 8pm. Public lot on 3rd Street (2 blocks) charges $3-5 after validation
Dress code: Ultra casual - t-shirts, shorts, whatever. This is grab-and-go pizza
Noise level: Moderate to lively - subway theme with music, fine for casual conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for slices during rush (6-8pm), minimal wait for whole pies
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min peak lunch (12-1pm), otherwise walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including white pizza, veggie slice, eggplant parm
Vegan options: Limited - can do marinara slice without cheese, salads available
Gluten-free options: No - traditional NYC-style crust only, no GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date specifically loves NYC pizza or you're keeping it super casual. The subway-themed counter-service vibe is more 'getting to know you over slices' than romantic. Great for a low-pressure lunch date or post-drinks bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service with casual seating. Grab your slices, find a spot. Weekend evenings (6-8pm) you might wait a few minutes for a table to open up, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. Counter service means no waiting for checks, kids love the subway decor, and plain cheese slices are ready immediately. High chairs available. Perfect for families who need a quick, quality meal without fuss.
How does it compare to other Long Beach pizza spots? This is authentic NYC thin-crust - not California-style or gourmet. If you grew up eating corner slice shops in Manhattan or Brooklyn, this hits that exact nostalgia. Different category than Neapolitan spots like Michael's Pizzeria.
Can I just grab a quick slice? That's literally the point. Hot slices ready at the counter, in and out in under 10 minutes. Perfect for solo lunch, beach fuel, or when you need real pizza fast.
Best For
Better for: Authentic NYC thin-crust by the slice, quick casual meals, satisfying nostalgia for East Coast transplants, grabbing quality pizza without the sit-down commitment. The Brooklyn Square specialty showcases they can do creative while staying true to New York roots.
Skip if: You want Neapolitan wood-fired or gourmet artisan pizza, need gluten-free options, want a romantic date atmosphere, or prefer thick-crust styles. Also skip if you're looking for craft cocktails or full table service - this is counter-service pizzeria focused on doing one thing exceptionally well.