Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria in East Sacramento
Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria isn’t just a pizza spot—it’s a longstanding East Sacramento institution. Tucked along Folsom Boulevard, this historical Italian eatery has been serving the community for decades, earning a loyal following of locals who grew up on its classic pies and still return regularly. Its reputation for authentic flavors, hearty portions, and warm neighborhood charm has made Giovanni’s a true fixture in Sacramento’s dining scene, blending tradition with a welcoming family atmosphere that keeps generations coming back.
Menu & Food Variety
Giovanni’s specializes in authentic New York–style thin-crust pizzas, available in thin-crust, New York-size, and Sicilian formats. Signature pies include Pesto, Little Italy, Primavera, and the hearty Da Bronx Bomber, with toppings like homemade meatballs, pesto, olives, artichoke hearts, salami, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, and peppers. They also serve calzones, a house salad, and a dessert—a scratch-made cannoli. Additional offerings include wings, lasagna, meatballs, and specialty pizzas for lunch selections.
Pricing is moderate to slightly premium: thin-crust bestsellers are around $12.95–$16.95, New York-size pies $39.95–$41.95, and Sicilian pies in the low $40s.
My Favorite Pizza Flavor
Our family orders half classic cheese and pepperoni for the kids, and then half homemade pesto sauce, toasted pine nuts, and fresh tomatoes. All the crust styles are great, so I let my husband pick the one that matches his current mood.
Dining Atmosphere & Location
Located on Folsom Blvd in the heart of East Sacramento, Giovanni’s offers a casual, unpretentious vibe with indoor and outdoor seating options. They have old school vintage arcade games for children, adding entertainment while you wait for your meal to be ready. The restaurant has simple industrial décor focusing on the food as the star of the visit.
The staff is always warm and welcoming, plus they’re knowledgable about the menu items.
Hours, Meals Served & Reservations
Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. They serve lunch and dinner but, as a casual pizza counter-style spot, they do not take reservations.
Busy Factor
It can be busy, especially during lunch and dinner peaks or take-out rushes. Outdoor seating helps during busier times.
Two Locations in Sacramento
East Sacramento – Folsom Blvd
Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria on Folsom Blvd is the original East Sacramento location, loved for decades by locals craving authentic New York–style pies.
South Land Park – South Land Park Drive
The South Land Park location brings Giovanni’s famous thin-crust and Sicilian pizzas to South Sacramento, offering the same scratch-made flavors in a convenient spot for residents in that part of the city.
Events, Date Night, & Family Friendly
Events: With sizeable pies and indoor/outdoor space, it’s suitable for casual group gatherings, but not formal events.
Date Night: It’s relaxed and fun, especially for pizza-loving couples, though ambiance is casual rather than romantic.
Family Friendly: Very much so—kids and groups are common, and there’s even a kid’s menu (kids’ soda).
Community Buzz & Local Sentiment
- Giovanni’s was voted #1 pizza in town in a Sacramento Bee poll, consistently topping multiple rounds of voting
- So popular that local Reddit discussions say:
- “Giovanni’s is by far the best New York style pizza around.”
- “The most legitimate NY-style pizza in the area, bar none.”
Overall Verdict
Giovanni’s Old World New York Pizzeria offers authentic, generous, New York-style pizza in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. While prices skew slightly higher, the scratch-made dough, wide slices, and strong flavor make it feel worth it—especially if you cherish East Coast-style pizza.
- Best for: Casual dinner, family hangs, low maintenance date nights, take-out nights, true pizza lovers craving New York-style crust.
- Not suited for: Formal events, romantic dinners with ambiance, or those needing strict dietary accommodations.
