Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues that provide goods and services to our community. October is Italian Heritage Month. Join Broadway Stages in honoring Italian Americans’ values, culture, and contributions during this observance! This week, we take you to Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern on Staten Island.

Denino’s Pizzeria and Tavern on Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, is no secret. Zagat, Time Out, The Staten Island Advance, The New York Times, and The Daily News have all sung their praises. They even won AOL’s “City’s Best” (all Boroughs) for the best pizza in New York City for two consecutive years (2007-08). Denino’s even counts Staten Island’s favorite son, Pete Davidson, as a customer. “He’s become a big fan. His family’s great ... he really tries to support Staten Island,” said co-owner Mike Burke.

This is enough to get Broadway Stages’ (and your) attention. But what really won our hearts was over eight decades of family and tradition that are behind their success.

In 1887, at the age of two, John (Giovanni) Denino arrived in New York City from Sicily, Italy. In 1937, after working in various businesses with his father, John decided to open a tavern at 524 Richmond Avenue. His parents and sisters all helped out at the tavern.

Then, in 1951, when John passed away, his son Carlo took the reins of the business. One of Carlo’s first decisions was to introduce pizza to the menu. Later, in the 60s, Carlo expanded the menu to include other family favorites. He used the family recipes for Chicken Parmigiana and Meatballs. They also use a sausage recipe concocted by Staten Island-based Belfiore Meats. Everything was and remains to be made from scratch, never frozen, and cooked to order.

In the years that have passed, Denino’s has added their own version of tavern favorites like Wings, Scungilli, Hero Sandwiches, and Fried Calamari — voted by Staten Islanders in 2022 as the best calamari in the borough. But the landmark award-winning, thin-crust pizza remains a customer favorite.

Sadly, Carlo passed away in 2000. But the family tradition is carried on by his son-in-law, Michael Burke. In fact, Denino’s has continued to grow.

Today, their menu features a variety of pizza pies and Italian dinner platters, always prepared fresh daily. Just don’t ask for the most controversial topping. “No pineapple on the pizza,” laughed Burke. “No pineapple. If you want it, bring your own pineapple.”

Today, you can get the same quality thin-crust pie from Denino’s in Greenwich Village, Brick, NJ, and even Thousand Oaks, CA. Rest assured that the taste and quality remain constant at each location. They ensure that the recipes and ingredients, down to the water, meet the same exacting standards as the flagship location on Staten Island.

If you are in the mood for a pie from Denino’s on Staten Island, you can call 718-442-9401 or go online and order. Their hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. You can also follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and offers.

Broadway Stages is proud to see another Italian family-owned and operated business thriving! Denino’s deserves all their success because they work hard, have unflinching standards of excellence, and respect their customers. You can confirm this for yourself after you place your order! And when you do, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!