L&B Pizza New York
Gravesend Italian/American
Geoffrey from New York
L&B—highly ranked among NYC pizza aficionados—was founded in 1939 by Ludovico Barbati who began with a horse and cart on these very Brooklyn Streets.
Now, this old-school pizzeria serves as a fair-weather destination because of its outdoor tables-with-umbrellas setup.
Bensonhurst is an Italian neighborhood wonderful to explore on bicycle because it contains many—some legendary—pizzerias selling slices of pizza (and whole pies) with traditional toppings like pepperoni, salami, basil and so forth.
S&P slices are sold only plain. Toppings are available, but only on whole pies.
However, this restaurant also presents a typical classic Italian/American menu whose elements differ little from other restaurants like it.
For example: salads include arugula or mozzarella, tomato & basil. Calamari, clams or shrimp are served oreganata, Fra Diavolo, francese, parmigiana and marinara, and standard pasta shapes are served similarly with meatballs or sausage, pesto, carbonara, alfredo, primavera and bolognese sauces. Most of these are also available dressed as a 'hero' sandwich—a 'hero' being a long slender bread roll.
As reported by The Daily News in 2016, alleged mob connections may be real: the owner of L&B was shot dead—in the back—in his nearby Dyker Heights backyard following another near-fatal incident when a mob war over a stolen tomato sauce recipe once over boiled.
Nearby, a more formal, sit-down Italian/American restaurant, La Casa Bella, is a short walk away. There—eating the wonderful linguine with clams—you will likely find the parents of the younger crowd that gathers at S&B.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Monumental Women
Central Park Monument Representing Real Women
"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Der Krung
Best Thai spot in town
"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...
by
Christian
Neely
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
Apthorp Cleaners
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Willy Wall
Secret floating bar
Willy Wall is the clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club in NYC, but anyone can head out there for cheap drinks and fantastic skyline views...
by
Nick
Papa
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
