Discover Totonno's: Coney Island's Iconic Pizza Haven

Nestled along Neptune Avenue in vibrant Coney Island, Totonno's has been a beacon for pizza lovers since 1924. This legendary establishment offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza baked to perfection in a traditional coal-fired oven. Its signature thin, crispy crust combined with fresh, high-quality ingredients has earned it a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

A Taste of History in Every Slice

Stepping into Totonno's is like taking a bite out of New York's rich pizza tradition. The historic ambiance captures the essence of an old-school pizzeria where every pie is crafted with passion and expertise. While the spot embraces its roots, visitors should expect a no-frills dining experience that's all about savoring genuine flavors rather than modern luxuries.

What Makes Totonno's Stand Out

Authentic coal-fired oven that imparts a unique smoky flavor to every pizza.
Thin, crispy crust that delivers the perfect bite.
Fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance every flavor profile.
Historic charm that transports pizza enthusiasts into a bygone era of Brooklyn's culinary scene.

Visitor Experiences and Community Sentiment

Totonno's enjoys a predominantly positive reputation for its delicious pizzas and nostalgic vibe. Many patrons praise its perfectly charred crust and savory sauce, calling it a "go-to spot for pizza". However, some visitors note that the service can be brisk and the ambiance is quite no-frills, reflecting its old-school roadside joint nature. Despite this, the overall community sentiment remains positive, with a loyalty that spans generations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Totonno's

What are the operating hours of Totonno's? Totonno's operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Is Totonno's open for indoor dining? As of December 2022, Totonno's reopened for indoor dining, accepting credit card payments. However, it's advisable to check their official website for the most current information.
Does Totonno's accept reservations? Totonno's does not accept reservations; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano History Overview

Nestled in the heart of Coney Island, Brooklyn, Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano stands as a timeless beacon of New York's rich pizza heritage. Established in 1924 by Antonio 'Totonno' Pero, this iconic pizzeria has crafted its reputation on the foundation of authentic, traditional coal-fired oven pizzas, making it one of the oldest and most cherished pizza establishments in the United States.

Early beginnings and establishment

In 1924, Antonio 'Totonno' Pero opened the doors of Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano on Neptune Avenue, Coney Island. What started as a humble pizza joint quickly became a neighborhood staple, known for its thin-crust pizzas baked in a distinctive coal-fired oven. Totonno's authentic approach to pizza-making captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, establishing a legacy of culinary excellence in Brooklyn.

Challenges and resilience through the decades

Over the course of its nearly 100-year history, Totonno's has faced significant challenges but has always bounced back, preserving its historic charm and culinary traditions. In 2009, a fire damaged the original location, yet the pizzeria reopened after necessary repairs, demonstrating the owner's commitment to maintaining this legendary spot.

Further testing its endurance, Totonno's was among the New York City restaurants devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Despite the storm's severe impact, the pizzeria triumphantly reopened by mid-January 2013, reaffirming its place in the Coney Island community and the broader New York pizza scene.

Recent history and future outlook

The recent global COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed Totonno's in 2021, reflecting the enormous challenges faced by historic eateries worldwide. Thankfully, it reopened in December 2022, continuing to serve its famous thin-crust pizzas to loyal patrons and new visitors seeking an authentic taste of Brooklyn's pizza legacy.

Looking ahead , in 2024, Totonno's family announced that they are seeking a new owner or investor to continue this cherished pizzeria’s historic legacy. This pivotal moment marks an opportunity for enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to preserve a nearly century-old culinary tradition that has become a cultural touchstone in New York City.

Why Totonno's remains a historic gem

Totonno's enduring appeal lies in its unwavering dedication to tradition, especially its use of a coal-fired oven, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor to its thin-crust pizzas. Over generations, it has preserved an authentic New York pizza experience, offering visitors more than just a meal — it offers a slice of history steeped in the vibrant culture of Brooklyn.

Founded in 1924 by Antonio 'Totonno' Pero – marking the beginning of a legendary pizzeria in Coney Island.
Survived major setbacks including a fire in 2009 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but resiliently reopened in late 2022.
A historic culinary landmark with a distinctive coal-fired oven pizza recipe treasured by food lovers worldwide.

totonno's pizza in coney island brooklyn nyc dining review overview

Nestled in the heart of Coney Island, Brooklyn, Totonno's stands as a cherished slice of New York pizza history. Since 1924, this iconic pizzeria has been crafting authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas using a traditional coal-fired oven, delivering unmistakable thin-crust pies that have won the hearts of locals and visitors. The historic ambiance and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients create a genuinely memorable dining experience for pizza aficionados seeking an old-school vibe.

standout features and culinary appeal

Totonno's is renowned for its coal-fired oven technique, which imparts a distinctive char and smoky flavor that pizza lovers crave. Their devotion to using fresh and high-quality ingredients ensures each pie bursts with rich, authentic flavors reminiscent of traditional Neapolitan pizza. This pizzeria is a beloved local institution, offering a nostalgic atmosphere that transports patrons back in time, making each visit more than just a meal — it's a cultural experience.

what to consider before visiting

Despite its many strengths, Totonno's presents some challenges that visitors should keep in mind. The pizzeria operates with limited hours and does not accept reservations, which can lead to wait times during peak periods. Additionally, it currently offers only takeout or standing-room options as there is no indoor seating available, potentially detracting from a leisurely dining experience. Another consideration is the cash-only payment policy, which may be inconvenient for guests accustomed to cards or digital payments.

Pros: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with coal-fired oven flavor, rich local history, fresh ingredients, and a beloved neighborhood landmark.
Cons: Limited operating hours, no indoor seating, cash-only payments, and no reservation system which may impact convenience and comfort.

4.0

1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

(718) 372-8606

Closed - Opens 12:00 PM

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

Closed

Thursday

Closed