Magda's Family Catering and Pizza Wilkes-Barre

A Fresh Start for Magda’s Pizza: Rising from the Ashes

In 2023, Magda’s Family Catering and Pizza in Wilkes-Barre faced a devastating setback when a fire destroyed their beloved Wilkes-Barre location on Gardner Avenue. Owner Dave Magda, who had spent years building his business and perfecting his craft, was suddenly left with nothing but uncertainty. The fire, which erupted in the early hours of the morning, not only gutted the pizzeria but also disrupted the lives of nearby residents. Yet, out of the ashes, a new chapter has begun. Magda’s Pizza recently reopened at a freshly renovated location on Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Housed in what was once an old garage, the new space underwent extensive renovations to transform it into a vibrant and welcoming pizzeria. With a renewed spirit and a beautiful new home, Magda’s is back to serving their signature pan-fried Sicilian pizzas, proving that even after the toughest trials, a strong community and a passion for great food can lead to a remarkable comeback.

I stopped by to taste their pizza for the first time since 2019, and as you can see in the video below, it definitely is as amazing as ever!

Magda’s Pizza and Deli in Wilkes-Barre first grabbed my attention in 2018 when they participated in my NEPA Pizza Madness tournament. I discovered they specialize in pan-fried Sicilian and round pizzas. For those familiar with my blog, you know my heart belongs to NY-style pizza, but I have a deep fascination—and a bit of an obsession—with this unique rectangular pizza. It’s cooked in generous amounts of oil, topped with a simple, often chunky tomato sauce, onions under the cheese by default, and a mild cheese blend featuring mozzarella and cheddar.

Pan-Fried Sicilian vs. Old Forge Pizza: A Crucial Distinction

Before diving into my review, I need to address a recurring point of confusion: pan-fried Sicilian pizza is NOT Old Forge pizza. While both styles share a rectangular shape and the fundamental components of crust, sauce, and cheese, the similarities end there.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Crust: Pan-fried Sicilian crust is cooked in ample oil, giving it a crispy, deep-fried texture, while Old Forge dough often includes shortening or lard, creating a softer, breadier crust.
Sauce: Old Forge sauce is typically pre-cooked with onions simmered in, whereas pan-fried Sicilian sauce is simpler and topped with raw onions before baking.
Cheese: Old Forge pizzas lean on processed cheeses like American, brick, and sharp cheddar, while pan-fried Sicilian uses milder cheeses like mozzarella and mild cheddar.

So, let’s settle this once and for all: Magda’s Pizza is pan-fried Sicilian, not Old Forge!

A Cozy Spot in Wilkes-Barre

Magda’s is a small pizza shop nestled in a residential area of Wilkes-Barre. I arrived just before the Friday dinner rush and noticed two small tables available for dine-in. The staff was bustling, preparing pizzas and other menu items, while delivery drivers hurried in and out, delivering hot meals to hungry patrons.

I scanned the menu and opted for a 6-cut pan-fried Sicilian pizza for $8.75 (a half tray). While waiting, I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Dave, who took a moment from his busy schedule to share some background about the shop and its role in the community.

The Secret to Magda’s Delicious Pizza

While Dave didn’t divulge his secret recipe or the oil blend used for the crust (despite my curiosity), he did offer some insight into the intricate process behind their fresh dough Sicilian crusts. It involves multiple rounds of dough proofing, careful handling, and a baking process that rivals putting a sleeping baby to bed.

Having attempted a similar style of pizza at home, I now realize why my efforts don’t measure up to Magda’s. Their process truly makes a difference!

The Pizza: A Flavorful Experience

In under 20 minutes, my pizza was ready—a remarkably quick turnaround for a thick pan-fried Sicilian on a busy Friday. Though I initially planned to eat in my car, the inviting aroma and the promise of good lighting for photos persuaded me to dine in.

The crust was crisp, with one of the best flavor profiles I’ve encountered in this style. While I couldn’t pinpoint the exact oil blend, I suspected a hint of peanut oil, which is customary for this type of pizza. The sauce was slightly sweet, striking a perfect balance without overpowering the crust’s flavor.

The onions were diced to a medium size—not minced but not chunky—which provided a flavorful, aromatic punch without overwhelming the pizza. As for the cheese, its thin, long shreds melted beautifully, creating a gooey, slightly runny texture while maintaining the distinct appearance of the strands.

Final Thoughts

This pizza was downright delicious. It wasn’t overly greasy, and each bite was immensely satisfying. In fact, it was so good that I didn’t trust myself to keep the leftovers within arm’s reach for the drive home. I relegated the remaining slices to the back of my car to avoid temptation. Even so, the enticing aroma of onions filled the vehicle, nearly convincing me to pull over for another slice. Fortunately, my self-control prevailed!

Magda’s Pizza is a fantastic find, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to NEPA pizza enthusiasts. If you haven’t tried it yet, make it a priority to stop by and grab a tray. Already a fan? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your experience!