Award-winning pizza, home-baked confections

Gigante’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
3576 Long Beach Road
(Located in Kohl’s Shopping Center)
Oceanside
(516) 536-3015

Recommendations:
Margherita Pizza
Marinara Pizza
Bruschetta Pizza
Pesto Penne with Chicken
Italian Cheesecake
Cannolis
Warm Chocolate Cake

Twelve years go, when John Gigante purchased a pizzeria in the shopping center that housed the Gold Coast Flea Market, he had no idea of the changes to come. As nearby stores bleakly closed their doors, Gigante’s Pizzeria & Restaurant prevailed, weathering changes that ultimately proved positive. John’s delicious, consistently fresh fare priced to meet any budget has probably been his key to success.

Renovations took place two years ago. Earth-tones accented by wrought iron mirrors, stylish fixtures, and ceiling fans, introduce a bistro look. Center stage is still an open kitchen - a pizza oven and counter filled with colorful edibles - reminding one of what it’s all about. The front window cites awards from past pizza competitions. Pizza, no doubt, is the main focus. A minimum of 20 versions are offered on a daily basis.

Sampling a variety of pizzas, we adored Margherita’s crisp thin crust with plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. Another winner, Marinara Pizza, was crowned with a thick tasty sauce made with tomatoes, garlic and parmigan cheese. Bruschetta Pizza was sensational – a thin Sicilian crust topped with minced onions, mozzarella, and diced tomatoes marinated in Balsamic and oil. Basic and to the point was a slice of Sicilian perfection. Popular as well (and a must-try for a future visit) is Grandpa Country Style Pizza – sautéed onions, bread crumbs, plum tomato sauce and mozzarella on Sicilian crust. We enjoyed a bowl of Pesto Penne with Chicken, brought together with a rich basil cream sauce.

Order dessert and you’ll see John Gigante’s eyes light up. He literally transforms into pastry chef extraordinaire. He bakes at home, bringing in his cakes, serving each slice with garnish you’d expect in a fine restaurant. Italian Cheesecake was superb, a perfect blending of ricotta and cream cheese with a flavor to match. Served warm, his sinful flourless Chocolate Cake was fluffier than most, dusted with powered sugar, drizzled with chocolate sauce. Cannolis were as good as they can be.

Pizza starts at $2.25-$3.25 for a slice, to $19.50 for a whole Buffalo or BBQ Chicken Pie. Appetizers range from $4.95 for Mozzarella Sticks to $8.95 for Baked Clams or Cold Antipasto for Two. Soups and Salads are $4.25-$$5.25, and Heroes, $5.95-$8.95. Pastas run from $5.75 to $11.95 for Lobster Ravioli. Desserts are $4-$4.50.

Gigante’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 AM to 9 PM. Delivery is available to Oceanside and Island Park. Catering is available as well.