John Pino Pizza revival celebrates grand opening on 20th Avenue

It was a celebration for the history books on Monday, August 7 when friends, family and neighbors of the new John Pino pizza restaurant marked its grand opening with music, food and a little bit of uninvited rain.

The Italian eatery – at home at 7810 20th Avenue – is the second-coming of owner John Diana’s original Pino Pizza Ristorante, which called Bath Avenue home for at least four decades.

“I want to invite all of the people who loved the old place and all of the people who are new to Pino’s and to the neighborhood to enjoy our food,” said Diana, who was joined at the grand opening by friends, family and new neighbors.

Before diving into trays of some of Pino’s most popular dishes, attendees joined Father Michael Gelfant of St. Finbar’s in cutting the red ribbon and blessing the new business.

“The whole family is here,” said Diana, stressing that some family members came from as far as Connecticut for the celebration.

Up for sampling was everything from Pino’s delectable Zuppa Di Mussels ($13 a plate on the menu) to miniature versions of its melt-in-your-mouth Rice Balls ($3 a piece for a full size serving). This paper tried hefty servings of each, as well as some of the eatery’s savory Chicken Francese (available at $14 a plate or in hero form at $8 a pop) and light yet crispy Calamari Marinara ($13 a plate).

Just as impressive as its larger dishes were, undoubtedly, its pies.

A fresh Margherita Pizza (a tradition topped with mozzarella, marinara sauce, basil, and garlic, and drizzled with extra olive oil) will run you just $7 for a personal pan pizza and $19 for a large while a Grandma Pie (thin crust square pizza with mozzarella sauce sprinkled with grated parmigiana cheese and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil) costs $17. Just one slice of each had us craving more.

The cherry on top: in true Italian fashion, a tray of tripe – a delicacy not listed on Pino’s takeaway menu – lay open to devour, of which, Diana said, “We’ll make anything for you.”

John Pino is open seven days a week and offers free delivery ($15 minimum) from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Catering is also available.

JOHN PINO
7810 20th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11214
718-676-9008
718-676-1295
Open 7 days a week

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