L&B Spumoni Gardens

- 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

If you're a New Yorker with a deep appreciation for local legends and authentic Italian-American cuisine, a pilgrimage to L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn is a must. For over 80 years, this iconic Gravesend establishment has been a cornerstone of the borough's culinary scene, growing from a humble horse-drawn pushcart into a sprawling, multi-building operation that defines classic, family-run dining. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of New York history, rooted in the passion and perseverance of the Barbati family.

Founded by Ludovico Barbati, who emigrated from Italy in 1917, the business started in 1938 by selling homemade Italian ices and the signature spumoni from a wagon. The permanent home on 86th Street was established in 1939, and by the 1950s, the location had expanded to include the famed pizzeria. Today, L&B Spumoni Gardens is a multi-generational labor of love, celebrated nationally and internationally for its distinct and unforgettable flavors. It remains a gathering spot where generations of locals, alongside savvy tourists and college students, come together to share a meal, create cherished memories, and enjoy a truly authentic Brooklyn experience.

The atmosphere is a blend of cozy, casual, and historic, making it perfect for family-friendly gatherings. With a reputation for great service and a commitment to tradition, L&B Spumoni Gardens offers a rare and delightful step back in time, all while serving some of the best Italian-American comfort food the city has to offer. Whether you're craving their world-famous square pizza, a hearty pasta dish, or a scoop of that creamy spumoni, you’ll find that every bite tells a story of an enduring Brooklyn legacy.

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Location and Accessibility

L&B Spumoni Gardens is prominently located in the Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn, near the border of Bensonhurst. Its address is 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA. This spot is easily recognizable and has been a neighborhood fixture for decades, standing out as a block-long testament to Italian-American tradition. The area is generally considered safe and accessible, with a strong community feel.

For those traveling by public transit, the restaurant is conveniently situated a few blocks from subway stations, making it a relatively easy trip even for those coming from other boroughs. For drivers, the restaurant offers the significant New York amenity of a free parking lot, which is a major convenience, along with available free street parking nearby. Once you arrive, the facility is designed with all patrons in mind, offering wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating.

The restaurant is not just a place for dining; it's a destination, drawing crowds from across the region and the world. You have the option of ordering at the to-go window to enjoy your meal at the outdoor seating area, or you can opt for the full experience with table service in the dining room.

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Services Offered

L&B Spumoni Gardens provides a comprehensive range of dining and hospitality services to accommodate every occasion:

• Full Dine-in Table Service: Enjoy a complete Italian-American meal with attentive service in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Outdoor Seating: A signature element of the experience, offering a casual spot to enjoy pizza and spumoni, particularly popular during warmer months.
• Takeout and Quick Bite Options: Order your famous pizza slices or a hero from the dedicated window for fast, convenient service.
• Delivery and Onsite Services: Get your L&B favorites delivered directly to your door.
• Catering: Specialized catering services are available, making it an excellent choice for parties, events, or a kid’s birthday, where the goal is to make you feel like family, as noted by customer reviews.
• Dessert Service: A focus on their legendary spumoni and other sweet treats.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Open and popular for both mid-day and evening dining, including late-night food options.
• Beverage Selection: Offering a full list including Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Coffee, and soft drinks.

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Features / Highlights

This iconic Brooklyn eatery is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its status as a local landmark:

• Local Specialty: The Sicilian Square Pizza: L&B is most famous for its unique 'upside-down' Sicilian square pie. This masterpiece features a thick, light, and airy crust with a crunchy bottom, topped first with a thin layer of molten mozzarella cheese, followed by a rich, slightly sweet tomato sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This specific method creates a singular texture and flavor profile that has been replicated by many, but perfected only here. It's often cited as one of the best slices in New York State.
• The Signature Spumoni: The namesake dessert is a creamy, homemade classic Italian treat. It is a must-try dessert that originated the business, providing a perfect, not-too-sweet ending to any meal.
• Historic and Traditional Atmosphere: Established in 1939 and run by the Barbati family's fourth generation, the restaurant’s history permeates the dining experience. It offers a cozy, nostalgic environment that is simultaneously historic and trendy.
• Fast Service: Despite often being crowded, L&B is known for its fast service, ensuring that customers can get their fix quickly, whether it's a slice at the window or a full meal.
• Extensive Menu of Italian Comfort Food: Beyond the pizza, the menu features a wide array of classic Italian-American dishes, including various Pastas (Marinara, Vodka, Carbonara), hearty Entrees (Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Francese, Sausage, Peppers and Onions), Appetizers (Baked Clams, Fried Calamari), and Heroes.
• Accommodation and Amenities: The venue is excellent for groups and families, being good for kids and offering high chairs, a kids' menu, a full restroom, and private dining room options for events and parties.

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Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order for delivery or takeout, you can use the following information:

Address: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA

Phone: (718) 449-1230

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What is Worth Choosing

Choosing L&B Spumoni Gardens is choosing to engage with an authentic, multi-generational New York culinary tradition. For locals, it represents a cherished taste of home and a reliable family spot. For visitors, it's a necessary stop to understand the heart of Brooklyn's famous pizza culture. The menu is vast, but two items are truly indispensable and a testament to the restaurant's legacy:

• The Sicilian Square Pizza Pie ($32.00): This is the undisputed champion and the primary reason to visit. The crust is thick and airy yet has a satisfyingly crunchy bottom. The "upside-down" arrangement—cheese first, then the sweet, tangy sauce—is what makes it a unique and truly great slice. Order a whole pie for a group or simply grab a slice for a perfect quick bite.
• L&B Homemade Spumoni - Quart ($16.50): The dish that started it all. This classic, multi-flavored Italian ice cream is the perfect palate cleanser and a creamy, delicious dessert. It’s a taste of history that is a required bookend to the Sicilian slice.

Additionally, the extensive menu of comforting, robust Italian classics, such as the Chicken Parmigiana ($21.95), Lasagna With Meat Sauce ($17.55), and the Ravioli In Tomato Sauce ($16.45), ensures that whether you're in the mood for an iconic slice or a full dinner, you'll find a high-quality meal rooted in authentic Italian-American flavor.

Despite the fact that a wait is usually expected, the entire experience, from the historic atmosphere to the quality of the food and the sense of community, makes L&B Spumoni Gardens a highly recommended dining destination that continues to define Brooklyn’s best for over eight decades.

L&B Spumoni Gardens

2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA