Lia's Pizzeria Arrives in Syosset

There's always room for another slice of pizza.  And yes, there's always room for another pizzeria in Syosset.

That would be Lia's Pizzeria.  The family-owned restaurant has opened on Jericho Turnpike in the former home of Au Bon Pain, and held its grand opening party on Saturday.  Dollar slices and radio station K-Joy welcomed customers to Lia's, which has been serving up Italian favorites for 25 years.  This is the third Lia's to open on the Island, joining locales in Oceanside and Franklin Square.

Lia's is run by Maria and John Caracciolo, who are thrilled to open their newest pizzeria in their hometown.

"The location is great, the people are great," Maria says.  "We're neighborhood people, we live in Syosset, so we wanted to serve good pizza here."

The restaurant is named after Maria's mother, Lia, who along with her husband Giacomo, brought their family recipes to America, and to hungry Long Islanders.  Lia's offers up all the comfort food that's expected in an Italian eatery: pizza, pasta, right on down to the gelato.

"It's delicious, the food really is authentic and it's real home recipes," Maria adds.  "It's not just a pizzeria put together to make a couple of bucks; it's something that we love to do."

Maria says she generally relies on word of mouth to bring in business, and Lia's has managed to stay afloat.  Even in a tough economic climate, one thing still holds true: people have to eat.

"It's been steady...you definitely feel [the crunch] no matter what business you're in," Maria says.

The family believes the Jericho Turnpike location, alongside the likes of Marshall's and Petco, is ideal for business.  They expect to thrive in Syosset, just like they've done in their other two locations.

"We've been welcomed very well to the neighborhood," John says.  "The returns are very great and everyone's very happy.  So far everyone that's walked through the door is leaving with a smile."

"A happy customer is all you can ask for," Maria adds.  "As long as everyone leaves here with a smile, enjoying their food, that's all we want."

Dollar slices to kick things off.  Definitely one way to put a smile on someone's face.

Lia's is located at 567 Jericho Turnpike.  They can be reached at (516) 921-5427.