Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

Opened in 1958, Gaudio's is your neighborhood pizza parlor that makes a solid slice and some comforting Italian food. It is a family business where regulars like to meet for lunch or dinner in an area that has changed since it opened. We spoke with the manager, Nick, who, with his cousin Dominic, who is also the owner, runs he show. I liked what he said:

"We are not the best, but we are good and we are consistent".

I thought it was as simple as that to describe Gaudio's: good and consistent, not the best. The type of place any neighborhood should have.

Dominic and Nick at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

Imagine that when it opened 57 years ago, a slice was 15 cents and a can of soda 10 cents! These are old times, but the tradition was kept and Gaudio's is serving a wide range of dishes, from pizza (available by the slice), to pasta, salads, heros,etc.

We decided to first try their pizza. Yes, you read properly: first, as we had other dishes...We tried two slices: a plain one and the Grandma slice.

Plain and Grandma slices at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

When I eat pizza, I am looking at three things: the crust, the sauce and the cheese. And this trifecta was perfect for both slices. The plain slice was very good, with tons of cheese and a bit of grease going down the slice as I was eating it.

Plain slice at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

But my favorite was the Grandma slice, made with crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, spices, olive oil, grated cheese and oregano. The crust was deliciously crispy and this sauce...Ah this sauce was divine! This is definitely a pizza I recommend.

Grandma slice at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

The next dish I tried was the clams oreganata that is baked clams topped with bread crumbs, oregano, olive oil and some lemon. I was reasonable so I got only six of them...They were pretty good, well cooked in the sense that they were not chewy. I thought it was a good appetizer that I never think about ordering when going to such place.

Clams oreganata at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

Then, we got meatballs parmiginana:

and eggplant rollatini:

Both dishes were smothered in sauce and cheese, but I admit that I preferred the eggplant rollatini over the meatballs that I found too compact, giving them a texture I did not like. However, the eggplant rollatini was delicious and they were definitely not cheap as far as the amount of cheese was concerned!

The last dish we tried was Gaudio's salad, made with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, olives, peppers, provolone, salami and prosciutto. Ok, it was not your healthy salad, but you know what? When you go for pizza, you do not go for a diet coke!

Talking about soda, I should mention that I got a root beer, my favorite drink with pizza...

Root beer at Gaudio's, Pizzeria and Restaurant in Astoria, Queens

We left Gaudio's stuffed and the little walk back home was necessary. We were so full that we could not even entertain trying one of their desserts. We had a good time and good food at Gaudio's that is a solid neighborhood pizzeria. No wonder why they have been in business for so long!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Gaudio's Pizzeria & Restaurant

I Just Want To Eat!