Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Brian Kachejian
Feature Photo by Brian Kachejian
There have been a lot of changes in the pizza world in the New York area recently. One of the biggest trends has been the growing influence of Connecticut-style pizza creeping into the New York market. It is a style that focuses on very thin pizza cooked well done, sometimes even bordering on burnt, and, for whatever reason, people seem to love it.
Well, not this New Yorker.
I am old school. I grew up in the Bronx eating pizza the traditional way, and that is still the way I like it today, a regular slice of cheese pizza or a good Sicilian slice. Because of that, I am always on the lookout for pizzerias that still serve that classic New York-style pizza.
It is actually a little strange that we even have to say the words “old school” when talking about pizza in New York, because that should really be the standard. But with all the new specialty places popping up, with parade slices and all sorts of Connecticut and New England influences entering the scene, the pizza landscape has definitely changed over the past several years.
If you love old school pizza the way I do, then one of the best places on Long Island is Mannino’s in Smithtown. I have been eating their pizza for a long time, and I am definitely a regular customer. However, yesterday I finally did my first official review of their pizza, and I am happy to say it absolutely did not disappoint.
For this review, I kept things simple and ordered two slices: a regular cheese slice and a Sicilian slice. Here are my thoughts.
Regular Cheese Slice
The moment I opened the box and saw the slice, I had a good feeling about what was coming. Visually, the pizza looked fantastic. You could see the blend of sauce and cheese perfectly balanced across the slice.
That balance is extremely important when making a great slice of pizza. When the sauce and cheese are in harmony, the flavors come together as one. Too much cheese or too much sauce, and the entire slice can feel out of balance.
The people at Mannino’s clearly know what they are doing. These are professionals who understand the craft of pizza-making, and right away, I could tell this was going to be something special.
Then came the first bite.
Immediately, I knew this was a fantastic slice of pizza. What really sets Mannino’s apart from many other pizzerias is its incredible sauce. It is easily one of the best pizza sauces around, rich in flavor and perfectly seasoned without overpowering the slice.
That probably comes from the fact that Mannino’s is not just a pizzeria. It is also a respected Italian restaurant known for its full dinner menu.
Many people, including myself, have eaten in their dining room, and the food there is spectacular. From pasta dishes to traditional Italian specialties, everything they serve reflects the same level of quality found in their pizza.
Sicilian Slice
At many pizzerias, I try a specialty slice just to see what they are doing, but this time I stayed completely old-school and ordered a traditional Sicilian slice for my second piece.
Once again, Mannino’s knocked it out of the park.
The Sicilian slice had the same perfect balance of sauce and cheese that made the regular slice so good. The dough was cooked beautifully with a crisp edge and a soft interior. It had that classic Sicilian texture that almost feels like biting into a perfectly baked Italian bread sandwich.
It was another sensational slice from a truly outstanding pizzeria.
Watch the Video Review
You can read all you want about a pizza review, but the best way to experience it is to actually watch the review and see the pizza for yourself. Check out the video below to see my full review and reactions as I taste the slices.
Mannino’s Pizza Smithtown Information
Mannino’s Italian Kitchen and Lounge is located at 40 East Main Street in Smithtown, New York, in a shopping center that also includes Ace Hardware, Mattress Warehouse, and Coldwell Banker American Homes Real Estate Agency.
The restaurant has built a strong reputation across Long Island for serving traditional Italian cuisine along with some of the best pizza in the area. While many customers stop in for a quick slice, Mannino’s is also known for its full dining experience.
Their menu includes a wide range of Italian favorites, including pasta dishes, seafood specialties, chicken and veal entrees, heroes, salads, and traditional Italian comfort food. The restaurant offers both casual dining and takeout, making it a popular destination for everything from a quick slice of pizza to a full sit-down Italian dinner.
Mannino’s in Smithtown is open seven days a week, typically beginning around 11:30 AM and serving lunch and dinner throughout the afternoon and evening. The restaurant provides dine in service, takeout, and a full Italian menu that goes well beyond the pizza counter.
For more information about the menu, hours of operation, and specials, you can visit their website at
https://manninossmithtown.com/
Best Pizza in Smithtown, New York
If you are searching for great pizza in Smithtown, New York, Mannino’s is one of the most reliable places on Long Island to find a classic New York style slice. Between their well-balanced regular slice, their excellent Sicilian pizza, and their standout tomato sauce, Mannino’s continues to deliver the kind of traditional pizza that many New Yorkers grew up loving.
If you are looking for a true old-school New York slice on Long Island, Mannino’s in Smithtown is definitely a pizzeria worth visiting.
