Maybe it’s the lingering memory of that infamous blizzard of ’24. Maybe we’re all just craving something warm and substantial to combat the Long Island chill. Whatever the reason, when the temperature drops in Hicksville, our thoughts turn to one thing: a perfect slice of pizza.
Pasta-eria
$$ | (516) 938-1555 | WEBSITE
Pasta-eria nails authentic Italian with standout dishes like hearty Rigatoni Theresa, cheesy regular slices, and savory shrimp parm heroes. But the Chicken Sinatra might just be the ultimate comforting meal for nights when work has you drained and the rain sounds like it’s mocking your tired commute. Chicken and pasta swim in a rich, flavorful cream sauce that warms you from the inside out.
DiMaggio’s Pizzeria
$ | (516) 796-0611 | WEBSITE
The original Two Brothers location in Hicksville closed, and we’re still unbelievably hurt by it. But DiMaggio’s is open, so our pizza love can live on. At DiMaggio’s, simple things like a classic cheese pizza get a flavor makeover since the pizzeria is known for their unique sesame seed crust. So listen to your impulse to go bolder. “A plain slice, maybe?” No, bolder.
“Yes, a heavyweight slab of their famous chicken parm.” Then, of course, play around with the sauce options and pile it higher with more toppings if you’d like. Because of all the delicious, dreamy crust choices, any pizza—from the classic cheese on sesame seed crust to a chicken finger pizza—tastes like a bite of happiness.
Chuck E. Cheese
$$ | (516) 433-3343 | WEBSITE
Anyone who dismisses Chuck E. Cheese as just a kids’ spot is missing joy in their life. Allow this Hicksville location, tucked away in a shopping complex, to show you fun. And thankfully, it’s not the chaotic, overwhelming, barely controlled variety found at larger entertainment venues. Chuck E. Cheese’s version comes correct with functioning games, well-maintained animatronic characters, and a welcoming staff that makes birthdays special.
While it doesn’t give the sprawling arcade experience we sometimes crave, it’s a fantastic, quieter compromise. Grab a membership at the counter, find a seat in the smaller space, then watch the accommodating employees as they manage games, host parties, and ensure everything is clean and in working order.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (516) 208-0161 | WEBSITE
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a truly personalized pizza. This Hicksville spot, with its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, has a dining experience that hits all the right notes. Top among them is Blaze Pizza’s build-your-own pizza with fresh ingredients. Even if you’re not a pizza enthusiast, this approach is likely to convert you to a believer. The nicely cooked crust has a delicate, crispy exterior and is topped with a good sauce that’s flavorful enough to make any family meal feel special.
Mama Venezia Pizza
$ | (516) 433-7575 | WEBSITE
This pizza joint in Hicksville has achieved what we previously thought was impossible: making reheated leftovers taste even better than fresh. Day-old pizza can be soggy, rubbery, or have that stale crust texture that’ll haunt your memories like the most disappointing takeout experience. Mama Venezia’s version will change that. Heat up their eggplant parm hero in the oven, then sit back as the flavors deepen and meld together perfectly.
Singas Famous Pizza
$ | (516) 933-9033 | WEBSITE
Singas Famous Pizza, a family-favorite spot in Hicksville, offers a menu with standout hits, from their unique Chicken Tikka Halal Pizza to classic cheese slices that hit the spot. One of our go-tos, the pepperoni pizza, is perfect for busy, hungry evenings (which, let’s be honest, is most weeknights after work). This savory pie is crispy, cheesy, and satisfies your entire craving, and there’s just enough grease to feel indulgent without overwhelming.
The limited selection and somewhat high pricing—around $25 for a large specialty pizza—might give pause, but the super delicious pizzas make it worth the splurge. The atmosphere, in need of more cleaning and updating, feels dated with fluorescent lighting and worn booths, yet the convenient location keeps it a top choice for a satisfying meal. While the customer service has room for improvement, the years of pleasing customers show in each flavorful bite.
Calda Pizzeria & Restaurant
$ | (516) 822-5405 | WEBSITE
Since 1972, Calda Pizzeria & Restaurant has been serving up big hearty slices of pizza for lunchtime crowds. While the menu items—and the number of loyal customers—have grown over the years, local favorites like the garlic knots remain. And whenever you see the buffalo chicken pizza hit their daily specials board, cancel all your afternoon plans and make your way to Hicksville before they run out.
The tomato-based pizza has a little touch of spice and is packed with tender chicken, generous cheese, and perfect flavor combinations. While it’s more like enjoying a classic New York slice than a fancy artisanal pie, it delights in a way that’ll send you back to the counter for another slice. Grab a take-home rigatoni pasta too, a more filling take on a traditional Italian pasta.
Pizza Hut
$ | (516) 935-3100 | WEBSITE
Sitting between a furniture giant and a busy thoroughfare, Pizza Hut occupies a modest spot in the Hicksville commercial landscape. And this familiar chain might just be the only place you can turn to when you leave IKEA with a craving for wings alongside your pizza.
And while there are plenty of signature items (hello, crunchy-crusted pies and the new hefty melt), we found satisfaction in a straightforward choice—a classic pepperoni pizza with a well-seasoned, crunchy crust that makes for easy pairing with cheesy bread.
Pizza Twist
$ | (516) 530-9555 | WEBSITE
Pizza Twist is a Hicksville pizza staple. And while their tandoori pizza and curry masala wings are flavorful, they don’t bring the type of comfort we crave on the days when only classic pizza will do. One bite of their Bombay garlic pizza always satisfies our cravings (and taste buds). The pizza has a perfect crust and generous toppings but the real draw is the garlic sauce.
Pizza Twist includes the sauce drizzled over the entire pizza, so there’s no mystery to when your next burst of that aromatic flavor will be. And make sure to order some masala fries with tadka too, so you can enjoy every last bit of that amazing seasoning. Yes, it’s that good.
Raimo’s Pizza Hicksville
$ | (516) 681-2442 | WEBSITE
If you swing by Raimo’s Pizza in Hicksville for lunch, you’ll likely spot families and regulars grabbing their favorite slices. You might also notice that nearly every table has a bowl of minestrone soup, which brims fuller than the typical broth-based starter. You should get one too, but just so you know—the hearty broth packed with fresh vegetables and savory flavor isn’t the minestrone you’d normally sip on a chilly day. Yet, Raimo’s serves it with a side of their creamy Italian dressing.
We say skip the dressing since the soup already offers enough rich, vegetable goodness to stand on its own. The menu also features chicken franchaise when you really want something comforting.