Pizza Avenue in Scranton Serves Up Familiar Flavors with a Personal Touch
If you’re searching for great pizza in Scranton, you might want to take a drive down to Pizza Avenue, a small, family-owned spot that’s dishing out thin crust New York Style pies with a story as rich as its sauce. I recently stopped by to try a couple of their offerings and walked away impressed—not only with the food but with the deep-rooted connections this pizzeria has to some local legends.
New York Style Cheese Pizza with a Nostalgic Twist
I started with a classic: their New York Style cheese pizza. One bite in, and I was instantly transported back to two places that hold a special place in my pizza journey—Pompei’s Pizza in Tunkhannock, where I enjoyed countless family dinners growing up, and Donio’s Pizza in Clarks Summit, where I worked as a pizza maker for five years. Imagine my surprise when I later discovered that Pizza Avenue in Scranton has ties to both of these iconic spots!
When Donio’s closed, Fiorillo’s moved into the location—and the folks behind Fiorillo’s are now the owners of Pizza Avenue. To make things even more serendipitous, they’re also related to the owners of Pompei’s. Talk about a small world—and a seriously flavorful one at that.
Their New York style pizza is everything you’d hope for: a crisp bottom that still manages to be sturdy and foldable, with a pleasant chew that gives it substance. The sauce carries a subtle tang and natural sweetness, balanced with just the right touch of herbs and maybe a hint of garlic. The cheese is clearly high quality—melty, salty, and full of flavor with a nice pull.
A White Pizza That Shines
Next up was the white fresh tomato pizza, built on that same thin NY style crust. Instead of sauce, this one is all about the cheese—generously layered with fresh-sliced tomatoes and seasoned beautifully with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a lighter, brighter pie that still satisfies.
Final Thoughts on Pizza Avenue
While I wouldn’t claim to have found the best pizza in Scranton, Pizza Avenue certainly makes a strong case to be in that conversation. They offer a full menu, with dine-in and takeout options, making it an easy go-to whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner.
It’s clear this is a restaurant run with heart—bringing their experience from other beloved local pizzerias and blending it into something fresh yet familiar for the Scranton pizza scene. The food and service were both top-notch, and I even got the chance to chat with the owner, who was incredibly friendly and passionate about the craft.
Rating the New York Style Pizza
- Restaurant: Pizza Avenue
- Address: 303 N Keyser Ave, Scranton, PA 18504
- Dine In/Take Out: Take Out
- Pizza Ordered: New York Style Cheese Pizza
- Date: January 2021
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.6 |
| Sauce | 7.5 |
| Cheese | 7.8 |
| Taste | 7.7 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.8 |
| Value | 7.7 |
| Overall Rating | 7.7 |
Pizza is Similar to: Pompei’s Pizza, La Rocca Pizza, Armetta’s Pizza
Rating the Fresh White Tomato Pizza
- Restaurant: Pizza Avenue
- Address: 303 N Keyser Ave, Scranton, PA 18504
- Dine In/Take Out: Take Out
- Pizza Ordered: New York Style White Fresh Tomato Pizza
- Date: January 2021
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.6 |
| Sauce | N/A |
| Cheese | 7.4 |
| Taste | 7.5 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.5 |
| Value | 7.7 |
| Overall Rating | 7.6 |
