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Mozzarella sticks and marinara

The stretch of melted cheese inside a mozzarella stick is only as good as the marinara sauce it is dipped into.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bruno’s Pizzeria image 1
Bruno’s Pizzeria image 2
Bruno’s Pizzeria image 3
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Small, clean pizzeria with a family atmosphere and traditional Italian vibe. Food is made from scratch using 100% real Italian ingredients, creating an authentic experience. The place feels like visiting Nona's kitchen, offering warm, inviting energy.

Mozzarella sticks come crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They serve them fresh with a homemade sauce that complements the cheese well.

Lots of great flavor stands out in the marinara sauce. It pairs well with warm, buttery garlic knots and outstanding meatballs.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was outstanding."

"The mozzarella sticks are crispy outside and gooey inside."

"The marinara sauce here has lots of great flavor."

Good to know

1

Briana informed me about the lunch special of 2 slices and a soda for $5.99.

2

Everything is made fresh daily, including bread, dough, soup, and desserts.

3

The prices are very reasonable with large portion sizes.

02
Amore's Pasta and Pizza image 1
Italian restaurant

Small family-run Italian restaurant offers a cozy, warm atmosphere with clean, cute decor and background music. The space feels inviting and peaceful, suitable for quiet meals or family gatherings. BYOB policy adds a relaxed, personal touch to the dining experience.

Cheese sticks come in generous portions and offer a flavorful taste. They sometimes arrive less warm and without sauce, and the cheese is not always very stringy.

Takes 5 hours to cook, the homemade marinara sauce pairs well with garlic knots and fresh rolls. Scratch-made sauce adds a rich flavor that lifts the dishes.

People are saying

"The homemade garlic rolls and marinara sauce are amazing for Date Spots."

"The portions of salad here are huge."

"The mozzarella sticks were great and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own wine or beer.

2

They offer a buy one get one free pizza deal on Tuesdays.

3

The restaurant is suitable for hosting events and networking gatherings.

03
Rubirosa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Narrow space with a NYC vibe and tight seating creates an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere. Calm music and great air conditioning balance the energy, making it comfortable despite the crowd. Frequent door traffic can cause temperature shifts, adding to the dynamic environment.

Crunchy outside and gooey inside, these mozzarella sticks come gluten-free and pair with a creamy marinara sauce. They offer a rare gluten-free option that stands out for its heavenly texture.

Marinara sauce here has a spicy kick that pairs well with fried mozzarella and garlic rolls. It also comes creamy alongside mozzarella sticks, balancing the flavors of cheese and pesto.

People are saying

"The pizza here is thin-crust perfection with a flavorful, crispy crust."

"I found the gluten-free mozzarella sticks to be awesome."

"The marinara sauce had just the right spicy kick."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made 1 or 2 days in advance.

2

The usual wait is 45-60 minutes, not 90+ minutes.

3

You need to be punctual as they mean it when they say you have ten minutes to get there after the text.

04
Grammy’s Goodies image 1
Italian restaurant

Family-run Italian spot with casual New York pizzeria style and red and white tablecloths sets a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor tent seating with heated patio and a play area for kids creates a relaxed, homey vibe. Desserts and homemade pasta stand out as signature offerings.

Handmade mozzarella sticks come with a delightful sauce. They taste homemade and delicious. Garlic knots and fried mozzarella also stand out.

Sweet and fresh flavors define the marinara sauce here. It pairs well with the enormous garlic knots, making the combination tasty and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the garlic knots, were huge and amazing."

"The mozzarella sticks here have an amazing cheese pull."

"I thought the marinara sauce was amazing and so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to park down the street.

2

Cash is handled without gloves, which may pose health risks.

3

First-time customers receive a free order of garlic knots.

05
Giovannis pizzeria & mediterranean Grill image 1

Neighborhood pizza restaurant offers a quiet, comfortable atmosphere with Italian music enhancing the dining experience. The space is clean and well decorated, featuring high-quality dishware and a spacious lobby. The vibe recalls Mediterranean dining with a cozy, friendly feel.

Homemade mozzarella sticks stand out with their excellent quality and great flavor. They pair well with other items like jalapeño poppers and sausage parmesan.

Sauce bursts with rich tomato flavor and tastes incredibly fresh. It pairs well with the crispy-yet-chewy crust but some dishes could use a bit more of it.

People are saying

"It's a family-owned place with owners who put their heart and soul into the food."

"I found the homemade mozzarella sticks to be very good."

"The marinara sauce here is amazing and bursting with rich tomato flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a late-night menu until 11pm on weekends.

3

Parking is available on-site and is free for customers.

06
Dough Boyz Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small space with NYC subway decor and freestyle music creates an authentic New York pizza shop vibe. The atmosphere feels cozy and family-oriented, evoking a strong sense of Brooklyn. Seating is limited, with booths close to kitchen and bathroom doors, enhancing the intimate setting.

Mozzarella sticks come with a side of sauce that hits the mark. They pair well with other items like garlic knots and meatballs.

Rich marinara sauce comes with the Calzone and pairs well with a side of spaghetti. The sauce shows clear love and effort in its preparation.

People are saying

"This pizza is phenomenal, just like back in New York."

"I found the Mozzarella Sticks to be amazingly delicious and authentic."

"The marinara sauce here is rich and tasty."

Good to know

1

Dough Boyz Pizza charges $9.95 for a side of pasta.

2

Parking is available in the back of the building.

3

Third-party delivery services may add extra fees.

07
Chicago's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Pizza restaurant offers authentic Chicago deep dish in a cozy mom-and-pop setting with multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, with a mix of families and couples enjoying the space. Interior is dated but clean, with some renovations and dim lighting.

Thick and crunchy breading surrounds tons of oozing cheese in the sticks. They deliver an excellent cheese pull with a clear WOW factor.

Rich marinara sauce pairs perfectly with endless cheese pulls on pizza and serves as an excellent dip for breadsticks. It also brings flavor to spaghetti alongside meatballs and parmesan.

People are saying

"I thought the Chicago deep dish pizza was rich and amazing."

"This Italian food is the best I've ever had."

"The marinara sauce here is amazing, truly exceeding expectations."

Good to know

1

Order the deep dish pizza at least 45 minutes in advance for dine-in.

2

Expect a nearly 2-hour wait for the Chicago pizza during peak times.

3

A medium-sized pizza can feed a family of five with leftovers.

08
Nonno's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Retro diner style blends with tavern vibes, featuring pinball machines and vintage lighting. Atmosphere is lively and loud, with an upbeat soundtrack and covered outdoor seating. Arcade area adds a kid-friendly touch without overwhelming the space.

Crunchy texture and fabulous flavor define the mozzarella sticks here. They consistently deliver insanely good and delicious bites that stand out.

Smoky and spicy flavors define the marinara sauce served with the mozzarella sticks. It adds a bold kick that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to have an amazing, crispy, cracker-thin tavern style crust."

"I thought the mozzarella sticks were really good and crispy."

"The marinara sauce here is amazing, smoky and spicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour at Nonno's is on Mondays with free games starting at 10:00 PM.

2

There is a $3 per person fee for bringing in outside dessert.

3

Nonno's automatically adds a 22% gratuity for large parties of 12 or more.

09
John's of Bleecker Street image 1

Nearly 100-year-old coal-burning oven creates a thin, crispy crust and historic vibe with celebrity photos and wooden booths. Atmosphere feels like a return to another era, cozy but sometimes cramped inside. Outdoor seating includes heaters, making it comfortable even in cooler weather.

Mozzarella sticks come with a crispy coating and gooey cheese inside. The sauce is fire, adding a spicy kick that pairs well with the sticks.

Rich flavor defines the marinara sauce here, making it a standout on pizza and calzones. It pairs well with appetizers like fried zucchini and calamari, adding a crispy and tender contrast.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing."

"I thought the mozzarella sticks were great."

"Their marinara sauce is amazing and unbelievable."

Good to know

1

Get there early to avoid waiting; a line forms 20-30 minutes before opening.

2

Expect to wait over half an hour during peak lunch and dinner times.

3

They only serve whole pies, no slices available.

10
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Mozzarella sticks feature a non-traditional breading without Italian seasoning but remain delicious. They pair well with hand-battered onion rings and beef options.

Sauce features nicely seasoned flavor and diced tomatoes. It provides a coating that blends all flavors together.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"The breaded steak sandwich is loaded with marinara sauce."

"The mozzarella sticks were delicious, a perfect 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

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