Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café — Restaurant in New York

If heaven had a pizza oven, it would be tucked away right here at Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café in Staten Island. I don’t say this lightly: this isn’t just a café—it’s a culinary escape, a warm hug, a Sunday dinner at Nanny’s house, and a passport to Northern Italy all in one slice.

Nestled on the ground floor of Building 3—where my doctor’s office is (ironic, because this food is actual medicine for the soul)—Pienza is a hidden treasure with a mission that goes beyond the plate. 100% of their profits go directly to local charities. Yes, you read that right. You’re not just eating here, you’re doing good.

But let’s talk about the food—oh my goodness, the food! 🌿🔥 Every dish, pasta, & pizza is ultra-fresh, with ingredients grown organically on their own rooftop farm. The tomatoes? They sing. The basil? It testifies. The pizza crust? Wood-fired perfection. One bite, and you’ll start mentally decorating your bedroom in the back of the café, wishing you could move in. It’s that comforting. That flavorful. That unforgettable. I was surprised last week to see that they had delicious mashed potatoes, fried chicken and veggies on that day's menu, sitting right next to those delectable meatballs.

The ambiance? BABY. Step through those doors and you’re instantly transported to a rustic Northern Italian village. It’s warm. It’s charming. It’s peaceful—even when it’s busy, there’s something sacred about the energy inside. The décor invites you to sit, stay, vibe, reflect, and break bread with intention. I always sit near the tree in the corner (with twinkling lights, I think they have vines-or maybe it just makes me see vines, and all the magic of a fairytale trattoria) by the window. To me, it’s the “Tree of Life.” That’s how nourishing this place feels—spiritually and physically.

From the wooden bar-style table, stretching across the back to the main dining tables set to make you feel cozy and at home away from home, old Italian movie posters, statues, sculptures, and an antique car parked out front, every inch is curated with love. The servers? Smiling faces and pure good vibes..."They" complete the dream. Dressed in classic Venetian gondolier uniforms—black-and-white striped shirts, black pants, and straw hats tied with ribbon—they carry the same elegance and hospitality you’d expect from a canal-side café in Venice.

I haven’t dined outside yet, because I’m waiting for the right company to share it with—but let me tell you, the outdoor space is gorgeous. Every time I peek, I see happy faces and good vibes flowing like red wine at a Tuscan harvest table.

To me, Pienza isn’t just Staten Island’s best-kept secret—it’s a destination. A gem. A place you crave not just for the food, but for the experience. It’s where food becomes memory, where strangers feel like family, and where you remember what it means to slow down and savor life.

So yes, while other boroughs might have Itlalian restaurants and pizza joints on every corner, this right here? This is something different. Something special. Something that feels like a far away home, that you have never been to, yet don't want to leave.

And me? I don’t even need a lollipop after my doctor’s visit—because I already know my reward is waiting downstairs at Pienza....

Truly a hidden gem! I stumbled upon this place while on an adventure with my Son in the surrounding business park, and thought to take my partner there as a surprise after picking her up from work. Glad I did as we absolutely loved it!

A beautifully designed building, nice and clean with great mood setting music playing. Excellent customer service. Very reasonably priced pizza with various unique options, plenty of beverages and snacks to choose from and everything was delicious! They grow their own organic vegetables that they use on the pizza atop the building's roof.. how awesome! Also 100% of their profits go to charity—you can't beat that!

This venue offers an outdoor dining option as well, along with beautiful scenery. There's even heaters outside stationed above the tables, which was a surprise. Plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. Very clean and nicely designed restrooms, along with plenty of close by parking. They even have I feel like I can't speak highly enough about this place. We were impressed by it all, and have begun incorporating this as one of our weekly dining choices. I'm already looking forward to our next visit....

I really wanted to love this place as they donate 100% of their profits to charity. How GREAT is that?! And the restaurant is beautiful. The music is excellent. The artwork & murals stunning. The outdoor dining courtyard gorgeous and inviting.

Unfortunately my breakfast sandwich must have been microwaved (?!) as the roll got VERY hard to eat when I went to take my 5th bite 20 minutes after my 4th. (The problem that happens when you microwave a roll.) I was also unimpressed with the woman who took and made my order. Gruff & unfriendly. No smile. No warmth. Seemed annoyed I was interrupting her solitude as the restaurant was completely empty at 8:30 am on a Friday.

While $5.75 for a bacon, egg and cheese on Kaiser roll is reasonable, $2.50 for an 8 Oz "automated" coffee seems steep with No refills. Disposable everything, which I try to avoid. I couldn't even get pepper and ketchup added to my sandwich without having to add it using disposable packages after the sandwich was already wrapped. I much prefer it cooked into the sandwich.

So much potential here. I bet lunch and dinner is better, but breakfast needs...