Lorusso’s Pizza and Focaccia Has Closed

Earlier this week we heard from one of our readers, TJT, that Lorusso’s Pizza and Focaccia has closed. He was kind enough to take this photo and send it our way. This news makes us sad, since they had some of the best focaccia in the neighborhood (the pizza was just ok). And there were all kinds! They were delicious.

Heading to Lorusso always felt like stumbling upon a hidden neighborhood gem—it was tucked away in the Old Astoria Village area of town (18-01 26th Road), not far from Astoria Park. Whenever I stopped in there were always people sitting at the tables. I liked the simple interior and was intrigued by their homemade tomato and pesto sauces. They also made their own fresh mozzarella. Our friend Anne Noyes Saini loved their fennel taralli.

We noticed a couple of listing indicating the building was for sale. City records don’t indicate a sale just yet, but perhaps that’s the reason why they closed. Or perhaps it was just time to retire. We’ve heard that the place has been open “for decades.”

Farewell, Lorusso’s. We’ll miss you!

3 Comments

Randi September 4th, 2014

The owner told us it was time to retire. He said they think another person will re-open and operate a pizza/Italian place at some point. Nothing was set in stone yet.

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Nick September 4th, 2014

I used to live near there and would stop by all the time. The couple that owned the place were super nice and lived in the neighborhood. The pizza was better than ok! Good luck Lorusso family!

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cd September 4th, 2014

Dammit, always wanted to go there but never made it. Loved how it was tucked away back there.

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