As a born and raised Italian from Brooklyn, I have to say Brooklyn Square truly feels like home. From the moment you walk in, you feel that real New York energy. The pizza is the real deal — crispy, flavorful, and made with the kind of care and tradition we grew up on. It’s not easy to find authentic New York–style pizza in California, but they absolutely nailed it.
The sauce, the cheese, and the crust remind me of the neighborhood pizzerias back in Brooklyn. Even the sandwiches and pastas taste like the Sunday dinners I grew up with. The staff is warm, welcoming, and treats you like family, which makes the whole experience even better.
If you’re looking for true New York flavor and heart, this is the place. We will definitely be back. 🤌🍕 Capice?
Brooklyn Square — A Deep Disappointment Masquerading as New York Pizza
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Brooklyn Square markets itself with the confidence of a New York–style pizza institution, but my visit revealed a product and experience that fell dramatically short of that promise. Between the lackluster execution and a serious food safety issue, this was one of the most disappointing pizza outings I’ve had in recent memory.
Ambiance – 2/5
The atmosphere was busy and energetic, which initially suggested popularity and strong demand. However, beyond the crowd, there was little about the space that evoked the charm or authenticity of a true New York pizzeria. It felt more commercial than crafted.
Authenticity – 1/5
Let’s address the core claim: this is not New York–style pizza. The crust lacked the structural integrity and chew you’d expect from a proper slice. It didn’t fold correctly, didn’t carry that thin-yet-resilient texture, and lacked the subtle char and balance that define authentic NY pizza. It was just simply a very thin pizza. I’ve had more convincing renditions from major chains. The name sets expectations the kitchen simply does not meet.
Flavor – 1/5
Even setting authenticity aside, the pizza itself was unremarkable. The sauce and cheese failed to create any memorable depth of flavor. But what truly ended the experience was biting into a large piece of plastic embedded in the pizza. I physically had to spit it out mid-chew. This is not just a minor flaw — it’s a serious quality control failure. Food safety is non-negotiable.
Service – 2/5
The restaurant was busy, which may explain some operational strain, but that cannot excuse foreign objects in food. Regardless of rush volume, quality control should never slip to this degree.
Cost – 2/5
Given the quality and the safety lapse, the price point feels unjustified. A high rating and branding can only carry a restaurant so far — execution must follow.
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn Square may have built a strong reputation, but based on this visit, it feels overrated and poorly managed. Authenticity was absent, quality was inconsistent, and food safety was compromised. I sincerely hope management takes this seriously — because no diner should have to worry about biting into plastic while eating a slice of pizza.
CG
Christy Granieri
6 days ago
Great spot for great food!
GB
Gerry Borts
Feb 18, 2026
The pizza is "New York Style," and it's good, but it isn't nearly as good as the pizza in New York.
JL
Jon Lapointe
Feb 2, 2026
Was not expecting the sandwich to be so huge and delicious for only $15! With a free bag of chips, no less. Easily enough lunch for 2 days. What a lifesaver of a lunch joint in Old Pasadena.