24-Year-Old To Open Local Pizzeria, Following In His Late Grandfather's Footsteps

GLEN HEAD, NY — At just 24 years old, Cristian Milo is preparing to open Pizzeria Milo, a family-run venture inspired by his late grandfather that will bring authentic Italian flavors to the Glen Head community.

"His legacy can now continue to live on through me," he said, adding that his grandfather owned a pizzeria, a passion that inspired Milo to pursue his own dream.

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Milo's connection to Italian food runs deep. His grandparents were from Naples, Italy, and although he was born in Manhattan, he spent part of his childhood living in Milan before settling in Glen Head in 2010.

"I grew up working in pizzerias and spent a lot of my childhood in Italy when I was young, so I love Italian food and take pride in serving people a product that is authentic and truly flavorful," Milo said.

For Milo, opening a pizzeria is about more than serving food. He sees it as an opportunity to build community, carry on a family tradition, and share the flavors he grew up with.

"Pizza and dishes I’m proud to share and confident people will love," he said. "I also value having a great team to lead, which is what I love about business. We bring a ton of passion for pizza that I know our community is looking for."

Pizzeria Milo will be family-operated with his parents by his side. The pizzeria will be located at 133 Glen Head Road in Glen Head and will open in the second week of July.

His pizza requires a 72-hour fermentation process as they use a pre-ferment to expand the flavor profile and the crispiness of the pizza.

The dough takes three days to rise before it's ready to be served to customers.

"It's truly worth the wait," he said. "We don't rush anything or cut any corners."

Flour imported from Naples, Italy, and tomatoes from Italy, are blended with premium Italian ingredients to create high-quality bites.

"We focus on taking our time to sort out the best products possible and to use as many local and fresh ingredients as we can in all of our products," Milo said.

The shop uses an electric oven from Italy, operating at 650 to 700 degrees, which "gives the pizza that incredible crispiness while also maintaining an airy crust."

Their small menu focuses on "quality over quantity," but Milo said they will feature specials, like homemade desserts such as tiramisu and olive oil cake.

"I believe our passion, combined with the quality ingredients and equipment that we use will truly set our pizzeria apart and make us stand out," Milo said. "Just so beyond excited to be a part of the community soon."