Romano’s Famous Pizza is always buzzing with patrons who stop in for anything from a quick slice of crisp-crusted pizza to a sit-down meal. Romano’s was originally a pizza parlor, but renovations that include ceramic tile floors and oak paneling adorned with murals of Greek seaside villages make the comfortable dining room an ideal place for a memorable dining experience. The prices are unbeatable and owner Bobby Tsambazis keeps the pleasant dining room sparkling clean. The service is quick and friendly too.

Romano’s started with great pizza built on homemade dough that is exceptionally tender and crisp and holds up well to the bubbling cheese. A 10-inch personal pan pizza is very popular, and at only $4.20 makes a nice lunch. An 18-inch pan pizza is also a bargain at $9.95. For $1 more, add a topping such as pepperoni, mushroom, sausage or ham. Individual slices are also available. Romano’s is also famous for juicy souvlaki, gyro and rotisserie roasted chicken that is out of this world. No wonder the phone rings quite frequently with orders for delivery.

If you decide on the dining room for a meal, you can share a small or large bottle of Greek wine or beer while you order some of Romano’s delicious appetizers. Heading the list is Romano’s spinach pie, flaky pastry stuffed with mouth-watering spinach and feta cheese ($3.25). You’ll also enjoy their spicy buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks or crispy zucchini sticks, all of which are great for sharing. I dug into a wonderful Greek salad ($5) full of crunchy greens, peppers and onions, and topped with chunks of creamy feta cheese, olives and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). With some warm pita bread, this salad could be a meal in itself.

Romano’s gyro, sliced, seasoned meat, slow-roasted for delectable flavor, and chicken or traditional lamb souvlaki have become increasingly popular for their great taste and low price. Homemade Greek sausage is also among the choices. If you can’t decide, I recommend a combination platter of two meats plus juicy, tender and succulent chicken chunks. All platters are served with a crunchy Greek salad and crispy French fries, rice or oven-roasted potatoes. Fried fish is also on the menu, and a chicken finger plate with strips of fresh chicken, not the frozen kind, is very popular with the kids. Warm pita bread to soak up all the flavors on your plate as well as the creamy tzatziki sauce accompany all these dishes. Averaging about $8.35, the platters are a great value. You can also get any of those juicy grilled meats on a pita sandwich for about $4.90. They make a great lunch and Romano’s does a very brisk take out business with free delivery for orders of $8 or more.

Other entrees include grilled rib-eye steak cooked to order or tender lamb chops, both served with salad and French fries, rice or potatoes, each $13.95. Rotisserie chicken is marinated in special seasonings then slow cooked on a spit to render it tender and juicy. A half chicken with side dishes costs only $7.60 and is perfect for taking home after a hard day at work. If you prefer, Romano’s will deliver lunch or dinner to your home or office at no extra charge.

For lunch, dinner or snack, try their Deluxe Charcoal Burgers, plain or topped with cheese and served with delectable French fries. The calorie-conscious can even get a turkey burger with a small tossed salad here.

Romano’s Famous Pizza, Gyro and Souvlaki Specialists is open seven days a week from 11 a.m to midnight. To keep prices low, only cash is accepted. Beer and wine are available and so is free delivery. There’s more than just pizza at Romano’s Famous Pizza!

Romano Famous Pizza

Photos Anthony Lombardo

32-21 Broadway at 33rd Street

Astoria

718-626-5292

FAX 718-626-1280