Nick's Pizza

- 108-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Nick's Pizza in Forest Hills is more than just a pizza joint; it’s a beloved culinary institution in the Queens neighborhood, celebrated for its dedication to authentic, high-quality Italian pizza and a warm, classic dining experience. Since its founding, Nick's has earned a reputation that places it on par with some of New York City's best pizza destinations, winning over locals and critics alike. It stands out in the competitive Queens food scene for a unique style of pizza that manages to achieve a perfect, light, and superbly charred crust without the traditional use of wood or coal ovens—a feat of culinary skill that adds to its legendary status.

The restaurant's core offering is its thin-crust pie, characterized by a fragrant, crispy crust, bright tomato sauce, and creamy fresh mozzarella that melts beautifully without boiling over. The focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients is consistently praised by patrons, who often describe the flavor profile as clean, excellent, and perfectly balanced. The experience at Nick's is one of comfortable, unpretentious Italian hospitality, making it an ideal spot for everything from a casual lunch to a satisfying family dinner. For New Yorkers searching for an exceptional Italian meal with a rich, local history, Nick's Pizza on Ascan Avenue remains a must-visit destination.

Beyond the signature pies, the menu expands to include popular, perfectly executed Italian comfort food staples, as well as calzones, fresh salads, and a focused selection of beverages including a notable wine list. Whether you're a long-time resident of Queens or exploring the borough for the first time, Nick's Pizza offers a slice of genuine New York pizza culture that continues to draw crowds. The cozy, retro ambiance, often featuring dark green booths and an overall welcoming vibe, contributes significantly to the feeling of a classic, well-loved neighborhood gem.

The consistent positive reviews often highlight the service as much as the food, describing the staff as friendly, attentive, and part of the cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. This combination of exceptional food quality and genuine hospitality solidifies Nick's Pizza's standing as a cornerstone of the Forest Hills community. For anyone in the New York area craving a truly great pizza pie, Nick's provides an elevated yet approachable experience that honors the tradition of Italian-American cuisine.

The menu selection, while focused on pizza, is comprehensive enough to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences, including excellent vegetarian options and robust offerings of calzones and fresh salads. The fact that the restaurant only serves whole pies, fostering a communal dining experience, is a distinct feature that encourages sharing and conversation around a freshly baked pie, straight from the oven to the table. This focus on the whole pie is a nod to a traditional style of pizzeria that prioritizes quality and freshness over the fast-food concept of a slice shop.

Location and Accessibility

Nick's Pizza is perfectly situated in the charming and bustling Forest Hills section of Queens, New York. Its address is 108-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA, a spot that places it conveniently near the local amenities and public transport of the area. The location under the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) overpass adds a distinct, classic New York neighborhood feel to the dining experience.

Accessibility for those traveling by public transportation is straightforward, with the restaurant being in close proximity to the major subway station. Specifically, the E, F, M, and R subway lines at the Forest Hills-71st Ave stop are nearby, making it highly accessible from various points in Queens and Manhattan. For drivers, paid street parking is available in the vicinity. The establishment also ensures that all guests can enter comfortably, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Its location within a heavily trafficked, well-liked community hub reinforces its status as a local mainstay.

Services Offered

Nick's Pizza provides multiple ways for New Yorkers to enjoy their acclaimed Italian fare, whether you prefer a night out or a cozy meal at home.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full experience with seating and friendly table service, available for both lunch and dinner.
• Takeout: Conveniently pick up your order to enjoy Nick’s famous pizza in the comfort of your home.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery service, bringing the hot, fresh pies right to your door.
• Dessert Service: Cap off your meal with a sweet treat from their selection of Italian desserts.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and wine are served, providing the perfect pairings for your pizza and Italian dishes.
• Reservations: Note that the restaurant typically does not accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis for seating.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is welcoming to families and includes high chairs for younger children.
• Payment Options: Accepts modern payment methods including debit cards and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The restaurant's appeal is rooted in its adherence to quality, tradition, and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Acclaimed Thin-Crust Pizza: The signature offering is a light, fragrant, and superbly charred thin-crust pizza, made with creamy fresh mozzarella and bright tomato sauce—a quality that has earned it high praise from critics and popular reviewers, including an 8.4 rating from Dave Portnoy's One Bite Reviews.
• The 'Gas Oven' Mystery: Nick's is famous for achieving a perfectly charred crust—often associated with brick or coal ovens—using only a gas oven, a feat of skilled preparation that is part of the restaurant's allure and a testament to its technique.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Customers consistently praise the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, from the mozzarella and sauce to the various toppings available.
• The Grandma Pie: An additional highlight is the Grandma Pie (Square), a delicious, thin square pie that is a must-try for those looking for a different style of crust.
• Must-Try Calzones and Cannolis: The calzones are a fan favorite, often noted as exceptional, and the cannolis are widely celebrated as a killer dessert option that will change your perception of the classic Italian pastry.
• Atmosphere and Comfort: The interior boasts retro dark green booths and a cozy, classic pizzeria vibe, creating a comfortable and authentic dining environment that is especially accommodating for groups and families.
• Diverse Beverage Menu: The beverage options go beyond the usual pizzeria offerings, with a quality wine list that includes Montepulciano D'Abruzzo, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc, alongside a selection of craft and domestic beers like Stella Artois, Allagash White, and Ommegang Abbey Ale.

Contact Information

For your convenience in planning your visit or placing an order, here is the essential contact information for Nick's Pizza:

Address: 108-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (718) 263-1126

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Nick's Pizza in Forest Hills means opting for a piece of Queens culinary history, where tradition meets expertly executed pizza craft. The fundamental reason to choose Nick's is simple: the pizza itself. The consistent quality of the thin-crust pie, from the superbly charred undercarriage to the fresh, creamy mozzarella and bright sauce, is what sets it apart. It’s a purist’s pizza, embodying what many New Yorkers consider the gold standard for a great Italian-American pie.

For first-time visitors or loyal patrons, the "Large Pizza" (16" Traditional Margherita Pie) or the "Small Pizza" (12" Traditional Margherita Pie) serve as the ideal litmus test for the restaurant's quality. Those looking for a richer, more unique experience should certainly explore the "White Small Pie" or "White Large Pie," which utilize ricotta and mozzarella for a creamy, delightful contrast. Additionally, the option to order a "Square" Grandma Pie provides an excellent alternative for those who enjoy a slightly different crust style. The specialty of a "Half Red/Half White" pie in either a large round or square format is a perfect choice for tables with differing preferences.

Beyond the pizza, the value of the experience extends to the specialty items. The calzones, available in small ($20.00) and large ($28.75), are a well-regarded comfort food option, highly recommended by locals. Finally, no visit is complete without one of their celebrated desserts, particularly the "Cannoli" ($13.13) or "Tiramisu" ($13.13), often described as outstanding and the perfect sweet counterpoint to the savory meal. The selection of bottled Italian wines, such as the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo or Chianti, further elevates the dining experience, providing a complete, authentic Italian meal right here in Queens. Nick's offers a premium dining experience that has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the best pizza spots in the borough.

Nick's Pizza

108-26 Ascan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA