Lillian Pizza of Forest Hills Celebrates 50 Years

by John Sanchez · March 28, 2023

by Ashley Nunez

New York City is famous for its pizza, and there are many classic pizzerias throughout the city. Located at the corner of 69th Ave and Harrow Street in Forest Hills, Lillian’s Pizzeria has been a staple in the community since 1971.

Lenny’s crew is a diverse and friendly bunch, led by Nick, an Italian-born pizza maker who grew up in Ridgewood. With years of experience in the pizza business, Nick takes pride in crafting delicious pies with the freshest ingredients. Geronimo, a Latino-American cook, adds his own flair to the menu with his unique culinary skills.

With a history in restaurant management, owner Lenny has been in the restaurant business for 25 years and has been running this pizzeria for five years now.

What sets Lenny’s crew apart, however, is their exceptional hospitality. From the moment you walk in the door, you’re greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter. And if you’re lucky, you might just leave with a few laughs and a new friend.

Despite being a community staple for over 50 years, Lenny’s Pizzeria has had to adapt to the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They continued to cook and serve their customers, but noticed a shift in how people dined, with more customers choosing to order takeout instead of eating in-store. Lenny mentioned that around 25-30 families moved out of the city during the pandemic, leading to a loss of customers for many local businesses in the area.

Lillians Pizzeria has a diverse menu that includes more than just pizza. Along with their famous pies, they also offer a variety of pasta dishes and other Italian classics. Additionally, they have grandma slices, a traditional New York-style square slice that is thicker and heartier than a regular slice. And of course, they offer classic pizza options like the upside down slice, which typically features tomato sauce on top and fresh mozzarella cheese on the bottom.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Forest Hills, Lillian Pizzeria is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a slice of authentic New York-style pizza. And with Lenny’s commitment to adapting and growing with the times, it’s safe to say that this neighborhood staple will be around for many more years to come.