Photo by Brian Kachejian
Monte’s Pizzeria: A Smithtown Classic Gets a Fresh Start
It had been a while since I walked into Monte’s Pizzeria on Maple Avenue in Smithtown. I had visited a few times over the years, and my experiences had been inconsistent. However, my most recent trip revealed something noticeably different about the place. The entire interior had been renovated with an appealing sports-themed décor, and the atmosphere felt fresh and energized. I wasn’t sure if the restaurant had changed ownership, but something was definitely different about Monte’s, something that suggested better things might be coming. As it turned out, the improvements extended far beyond the décor.
After nearly two decades in business, Monte’s Pizzeria has made a serious commitment to evolution. The establishment has undergone a complete renovation, expanded its delivery range, and significantly enhanced its menu offerings. What impressed me most was that the restaurant maintained what made it work in the first place: the same outstanding pizza sauce and a foundation of dedicated, food-loving staff. This isn’t about chasing trends while losing identity; it’s a thoughtful upgrade of a neighborhood staple.
The Pizza: Where It Matters Most
In my pizza reviews, I focus on one thing above all: the regular slice. It’s the ultimate measure of a pizzeria’s craft, and I emphasize it in every evaluation. Monte’s regular slice is simply fabulous. While I wouldn’t call it the best slice I’ve ever had, it definitely ranks among the finest. This represents a significant improvement from my previous visits. The slice achieves a perfect balance of sauce and cheese, complemented by simple, quality spices and fresh, crispy dough. What struck me immediately was something distinctly recognizable: a classic New York City style taste. It’s that particular flavor profile that many credit to New York’s water, though I remain somewhat skeptical of that explanation. Regardless, it’s unmistakable that authentic, traditional New York City pizzeria taste that never goes out of style. This is precisely what I love about pizza, and Monte’s delivers it beautifully. I also tried their white slice, which was quite good, but it was the regular slice that truly shone in this visit.
Beyond the Pizza: A Diverse Menu for Every Taste
What’s become clear is that Monte’s has positioned itself to appeal to far more than just pizza enthusiasts. The menu now features over 25 pizza selections, ranging from traditional pies to specialty creations with garlic knots and vodka sauce, as well as artichoke and spinach combinations. However, the kitchen offers substantially more than pizza.
The pasta dishes showcase traditional Italian preparations, with options like Rigatoni Bolognese featuring their own beef sauce, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, and Shrimp Scampi prepared with virgin olive oil and fresh herbs. For those seeking heartier entrées, Monte’s offers properly executed veal and chicken dishes, from Chicken Piccata with artichoke hearts and capers to Veal Sorrentino topped with prosciutto and mozzarella.
The salad selection reflects the restaurant’s commitment to healthier options—something many modern diners appreciate. Offerings range from a simple Garden Salad to more elaborate preparations like the Crispy Chicken Salad with gorgonzola and sun-dried cranberries, the Goat Cheese Salad with walnuts and basil balsamic dressing, and the Fresh Mozzarella Salad with roasted peppers and Italian vinaigrette.
Monte’s Kitchen: Special Offerings
What particularly impressed me was the creativity evident in Monte’s expanding “kitchen.” The restaurant now offers specialty items that go well beyond traditional Italian fare. Mini burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken are available for those seeking something different. There’s a particular emphasis on roasted Long Island vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, corn, zucchini, and eggplant, prepared with their signature Italian seasonings. If you have a specific vegetable in mind, they’ll happily roast it for you.
For those seeking value, the lunch specials at $9.99 are genuinely impressive. These affordable options make Monte’s an excellent choice for contractors, office workers, hospitals, and municipal facilities, basically anyone looking for a substantial meal without breaking the bank. In today’s economic climate, finding quality lunch at that price point is genuinely rare.
Weekend Baked Bread Oven
One of Monte’s newer additions is their weekend baked bread program. Italian bread, seeded rolls, and fresh bagels are baked to order. But they’ve also expanded into more exotic territory with Portuguese rolls, biscuits with gravy, and Georgian bread, a fascinating Eastern European specialty baked with cheese, bacon, sausage, or eggs baked right into the dough. You can arrange Friday night delivery for Saturday morning arrival, or Saturday night delivery for Sunday morning. With sufficient notice, deliveries can begin as early as 6 AM.
The Family Packages and Catering
For family gatherings, Monte’s offers thoughtfully assembled combo packages that provide good value. The catering packages are particularly appealing for larger events, with options ranging from $279 for 15-20 people up to $509 for 35-40 people. All packages include sides, salads, and entree selections, plus complimentary garlic knots and soda.
Final Verdict
Monte’s Pizzeria has successfully navigated the challenging transition from established neighborhood pizzeria to a more contemporary, diverse dining destination—without losing what made it worth visiting in the first place. The pizza remains excellent, the value proposition is strong, and the expanded menu genuinely serves different occasions and dietary preferences. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick slice, ordering a family dinner, or arranging office catering, there’s something here worth trying.
The renovation has clearly been worthwhile. Monte’s isn’t resting on nostalgia; it’s actively evolving to meet current customer expectations while maintaining the fundamentals that earned its loyal following.
Monte’s Pizzeria
300 Maple Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 979-2020 | Order Online
