- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Alba Ristorante & Pizzeria
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
13765 Queens BlvdJamaica, NY 11435
Neighborhood: Jamaica
(718) 291-1620
- Nearest Transit:
-
Jamaica - Van Wyck (E)
Sutphin Blvd (F)
Sutphin Blvd - Archer Av - Jfk Airport (E, J, Z)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Alba Ristorante & Pizzeria
Review Highlights
-
"Their linguine with white clam sauce is cooked perfectly..." In 2 reviews -
"LOVED LOVED LOVED their Grandma slice." In 4 reviews -
"Angel hair Sinatra is another must try." In 2 reviews
Loading...
32 reviews in English
-
Review from Lyla P.
Jamaica, NY
6/15/2011
I always find myself comparing Italian places to Alba's. I've been going to Alba's since I was 4 and I've been hard pressed to find a better slice. Their sauce has a nice tang to it, not overly sweet or salty and I think it really makes it. There eggplant slices and rolls are really good too. They cut the eggplant thin and bread it just right so you never get that awkward tough or bitter eggplant taste you find in some pizzerias. Over the years they've added new slices that have all been really tasty and fund to try.
As for the restaurant in the back, I've been going since it opened and I've brought many people with me. When in season, the Chilean Sea bass is my absolute favorite. I always ask for the specials because I'm never disappointed. If you like seafood and pasta the Angel Hair Sinatra is also really good. Alba's is one of those neighborhood restaurants that you don't get tired of. Its a real sit down, relax and indulge place. I have been to many Italian restaurants that just seemed sloppy and tried to get you in and out as fast as possible, the food pays the price in these situations. At Alba's there is a consistently good experience, and it gives my friends a reason to come out to Briarwood. -
Review from Florence K.
JAMAICA, NY
1/15/2012
Pretty standard NY slice of pizza. Will satisfy that craving.
Pastas are mediocre. Gnocchi with pesto overdone, so was penne alla vodka... stick to the pizza and you won't be disappointed.
Delivery can take over 45 minutes on a busy day. -
Review from Pam O.
Jamaica, NY
3/31/2012
This place sucks! So far, they've messed up my order and gave me a tummy ache. I used to like this place back in 2006 but the food and service has declined since.
-
Review from Swarnadeep M.
Briarwood, Queens, NY
9/28/2011
Great local pizza! Definitely recommend their Grandma slice. The slices are extremely fresh. Decent prices as well. A must try!
-
Review from Tiffany F.
Manhattan, NY
9/27/2010
Gotta say, their food is delish. Believe what you've heard, people...the sicilian slice is off the hook. It's huge. I recommend eating half, saving the other half, refrigerating it overnight and then eating it cold for breakfast the next morning. You won't regret it.
Garlic knots are pretty standard, but these were fresh, garlicky, and smushy inside.
Sauteed spinach was amazing, garlicky but I wish there was a little more parm cheese.
Garden salad is pretty standard, but the bluech dressing was too runny for my liking.
Why three stars, you ask? The delivery service is weak. The first time I ordered it took about 50 minutes, and tonight when I ordered it took about an hour and 15 minutes. The delivery guy was awkward and flinging my box of food all over the place. I'll probably order again, but just know that I won't get my food for quite some time. Order-inners, beware.Listed in: When the moon, hits your…
-
Review from Norman C.
Forest Hills, NY
11/4/2010
I used to work in Briarwood, and Alba's Pizzeria was a frequent lunch place for me. Definitely one of the best local pizza places around and their pasta isn't bad as well.
I'm not sure if they have it anymore, but their lunch buffet is pretty good as well! i still stop by Alba's whenever I'm in the neighborhood, and I wish I there was a pizza place near me that is nearly as good. -
Review from brandi v.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2008
Alba was ALWAYS the best, ever since I was a little child with my $2.00 allowance affording me a slice, a chocolate Italian Ice, and enough leftover to get candy next door. And don't discount their yummy antipastos, either.
But, things have changed here at Alba. Depressing! Twice now, in the span of two weeks, their food has made my boyfriend sick. Rushing to the bathroom worried as hell sick. Last night, he ordered a cold roast beef hero and it took them almost a half hour to make it. When it arrived, the provolone cheese was cut into half inch thick blocks, it was smothered in mayonnaise and tremendous. He doesn't complain, so he ate as much as he could, but it was disgusting and an hour later, he got sick again. My first slice of pizza was practically raw, so I sent it back for another. The second was over-cheesed and slithery with oil... It was pretty nasty. I'm so disappointed, I can't even begin. I wish I could still love this place, but next time I will take the long walk to Dani's where I know the slice will be practically perfect. -
Review from mallory p.
Jamaica, NY
2/23/2009 30 Check-ins Here
I've always loved Alba pizzeria...beginning from their original location(which is now their bakery) their second location and their recent location. They have a unique selection of pizzas and their plain slices are good too.
I'm sorry but nothing beats the simplicity, yet tasty, of NYC local pizza joints. -
Review from Marisa F.
6/10/2009
1 star for being right next to our apartment building. Talk about most convenient dining option.
1 star for being both a casual pizzeria and a more formal (although still totally jeans-friendly) sit-down restaurant. You wouldn't necessarily guess so from the storefront, but there is a dining room with waiter service in back.
1 star because the pizza is pretty decent -- not the best, but definitely passable -- and the food we had when we ate in back was delicious (I had chicken piccata, the fiancee had a lobster ravioli special).
1 final star because the waiter was super-friendly, and had a thick Italian accent to boot.
I have no doubt we will frequent this joint regularly. -
Review from Obee One K.
Briarwood, NY
10/24/2011
Alba's was the first pizza I ever ate. I grew up in the neighborhood. Lived in briarwood for over 30 years. Needless to say it was better run by the father. Anyways one day I order by phone. I always use my credit card. An hour and 20 mins pass. So I call to find out what's going on. The idiot tells me sorry we forgot and we are making it now it will be another 25 minutes. So I say no and forget it. I had to leave for work. Food never comes. Yet I see I was still charged anyway. And on top of that they gave themselves a tip. Talk about bad service and theft. Never again. Investigation in progress now. Shame on jack. Since it was him I spoke to on the phone.
-
Review from Christiana S.
JAMAICA, NY
9/8/2011
Has one of the best pizza I've tasted. Hands Down!!!! Iove this spot.
-
Review from Jason C.
Bronx, NY
11/23/2009 1 Check-in Here
Alba's makes a pretty damn good slice of pizza. Nice crunchy crust and tastes pretty great. The Paninni Sandwiches are a fistful of grease but are equally delicious, and people that i bring here are usually fans of the more creative Pizza's as well. The grandma pizza here is one of my personal favorites.
Alba's also makes a meaannnn seafood pasta and their linguini with red clam sauce is excellent. i cant say the same about the rest of the pasta dishes but thats expected for a local pizzeria. Pass on the dessert and grab a Canoli from the bakery next door on the way out :-) -
Review from Caitlin C.
Flushing, NY
5/24/2011
This is my favorite pizza place in the area. I live in Kew Gardens Hills nearby and pizza around here is usually nothing special. My favorite pizza place around here got struck by lighting a few years back and closed O.O; so I am glad that Alba's is still around.
I definitely recommend trying the Grandma Sicilian slice. Fresh basil & garlic with a slightly sweet tomato sauce. It's my favorite Grandma slice around.. Haven't found better. At least not yet :)
The buffalo chicken slice is worth trying. I love it. It isn't as spicy as it used to be though.. or maybe that is just me.
Also, they have many specialty pies.
Minus one star just because once I went with the boy to their dining section in the back for the all you can eat for lunch and their selection was just lacking in my opinion. But this was nearly two years ago. Maybe it's worth a second chance.
Also, I appreciate their honesty. I was here with my friend and she wanted a cannoli. Their cannoli's are 2.50. The guy told us to go to Pani Dolci(the Italian bakery) next door to get them there since they are cheaper. I don't know.. maybe I just appreciated this because I saved some money but all in all, I like Alba's. -
Review from Lizz K.
5/16/2010 1 photo
Every neighborhood needs a good pizzeria to rely on for those lazy nights when one doesn't want to cook, eat instant noodles, or something out of a can.
Their regular slices are mediocre but I adore their Grandma Squares. The crust is buttery with a bit of chew. It's topped with a sauce that is a great balance of sweet and sour, cheese charred in the right places and melted into goodness, shreds of basil, and creamy whole roasted garlic cloves. A medium sized pie will set you back $13 with leftovers for the next day that can be popped in the oven for the ultimate crispy crust.
The boy and I have tried various items but our two favorites remain the cold anti-pasto which is a platter of mixed pickled veggies, cold cuts and cheese and the linguine with white clam sauce - sure I bet the clams are from a can and does not compare to my favorite version from Babbo (or mine *snicker*) but hits the spot if you want something pleasurably simple, buttery, garlicky and topped with a mountain of chopped whole clams. Most of their dishes can last 2 meals.
There's also a sit-down restaurant in the back with waiter service which I've yet to try though it's hardly ever empty when I come by for take out. -
Review from Raymond H.
Queens, NY
4/14/2010 7 Check-ins Here
Alba's have great pizza in this side of Queens. My favorite is the Chicken Marsala (chicken cubes, mushrooms and marsala sauce) pizza.
I always order the fried calamari. Crunchy and tender, goes well with their tasty marinara sauce. Their linguine with white clam sauce is cooked perfectly with lots of tender clam pieces. Angel hair Sinatra is another must try. Creamy tomato sauce in angel hair with shrimps and clams.
Great place for pizza and some of their pasta dish is good too. Seafood is always fresh. Delivery usually takes about 30 mins, slightly longer if they are REALLY busy. -
Review from Danica Y.
Hayward, CA
3/5/2010
LOVED LOVED LOVED their Grandma slice.
I only gave them 3 stars because i only get the grandma slice. I've tried the restaurant in the back, and was not impressed. My BF loved their pasta but its really hard for me to appreciate expensive chicken alfredo since i can make it at home for much cheaper!
Now that i moved back to CA, i wish there was a place here that even served grandma slices! -
Review from Dan S.
Briarwood, NY
4/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Definitely one of my favorite pizzerias in Queens. Amazing grandma slices, specialty and regular slices, along with pretty good pasta and great service. Decent prices too!
-
Review from bryan c.
Briarwood, NY
3/13/2010
This has been my neighborhood pizza joint for over 30 years, since I was a little kid in PS117 and JHS217. I used to love their slices and it got me through high school. But something happened after they moved next door and expanded by buying out the old bar, the slices just aren't the same. For a while I wasn't quite sure what it was, the cheese and the sauce seemed the same. I think it has to do with the done-ness of the pie, it seems kind of medium rare and doughy now and way too pale. I still like their slices but you have to ask them to make it "well-done" to get that crispy crust you used to get in the old days (at least pre-1990 back when jack/peter/joe/etc used to actually make the pies), and maybe toss on some garlic powder and oregano for an extra kicker.
The slices "can" be good, and the rest of the food is decent but would I travel from distant areas for it? no (unless you grew up with the place and are getting nostalgic). Is it a good place to go if you live in the neighborhood? Absolutely. Personally I like the eggplant because it's not over breaded and I've never hit a bitter under-ripe piece unlike some places.
But I'm probably biased because I grew up with the stuff. So take it for what it's worth. -
Review from Manny S.
Bayside, Queens, NY
1/10/2009
This place was amazing at one point... When I was 10 and it was 1995... The owner is still the same, but he makes the pizza with more fluff in the dough
-
Review from Jim C.
Jamaica, NY
7/10/2008
The only pizzeria in my neighborhood, so luckily it's awesome. Perfect NY pizza and great pasta, I am famous for my frequent ordering of the spaghetti with garlic and oil PLUS a side of garlic knots. That's A LOT of garlic. No vampire's gonna bother JCat, no sir. It's kinda classy too, the dining area's pretty elegant. Jim has yelped.
-
Review from April G.
New York, NY
4/18/2009
Alba's was better back in the days. I understand rough times call for some cuts, but the pizza's are becoming way too thin and are lacking somewhat in taste.
-
Review from Mr. T.
Queens, NY
9/7/2009 1 photo
I really enjoyed the square slice with mozzarella and pepper. The slices of pepper really add to the taste of the slice. The grandma slice was awesome also. It has pieces of fresh garlic on it. Wow never had pizza like that. It's not the best pizza I ever had but right now It's top 5. They also have nice Italian Ice's that you can enjoy after you eat your main meal. We also enjoyed the restaurant in the back. I had lasagna before. Very delicious. Very close to my house so I eat here more often than I should.
-
Review from S K.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/22/2009
I agree with the poster below. The diminished ingridients quality is obvious. This is not a New York pizza. I've had better in Florida.
-
Review from Jen S.
Jackson Heights, NY
10/12/2008
I've gotten delivery from here a few times and am not too impressed with it. The cheese doesn't have the right consistency and the sauce is just average. It'll do if I *need* to have pizza and John's on Parsons isn't delivering, but it's definitely not my first choice.
-
Review from itl c.
San Luis Obispo, CA
11/29/2008
I actually have not had their pizza only dinner. It was seriously one of the best meals of my life (and no, I don't own the place!) We started out with delicious bread, and penne pasta with vodka sauce. SO GOOD. Then I got eggplant which was also quite good. Everything was delicious!!! And they give you huge portions. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but they have a full restaurant in back. Their cook is actually from Italy. Try it, you won't be disappointed!
-
Review from Peter R.
Norfolk, VA
11/1/2009
We didn't have pizza but had dinner in the restaurant in the back. We were passing through and stumbled upon the place. Pleasantly surprised. Great service. I had the seafood on linguine. It was chock full of seafood! Perhaps the most dense seafood I have had in a pasta dish and it was excellent. Tasted very fresh. My wife had the grilled calamari which was similarly good. The waiter finished with some complimentary port. It is unlikely we will ever be between Laguardia and JFK at dinner time but if we are, we would go again.
-
Review from Amanda U.
Jamaica, NY
4/8/2009
I love Alba's! You might not even notice the restaurant in the back, but the food is fresh & delicious, at excellent prices.
Pizza is also excellent & the service is very friendly. -
Review from Steve M.
Jamaica, NY
1/22/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Fresh seafood,on time delivary ai tried a lot of there dinners and there all great the food is always fresh also the pizza is great I love the grandma pizza!!!
-
Review from Kristy G.
Brooklyn, NY
5/1/2008
best pizza in queens
-
Review from Jo Ann S.
Queens, NY
11/11/2009
Having a really hard time trying to find a pizza delivery in Queens since moving from BK. Ordered a pie from here which took nearly an hour, cost $18 for a small pie with two toppings and was chewy. Alas my search continues.
-
Review from Seth U.
Briarwood, NY
11/18/2009
I love the taste of the pizza here. Problem is, like most pizzerias these days they're a bit on the small side. I also had these guys cater the food at a party I had and it was awesome! Penne ala vodka: 5 stars - eggplant parm: 5 stars. Fresh broccoli rabe. Really nice. Also, great place to hang out with my son and get a slice.
-
Review from Hassa L.
New York, NY
8/23/2010
the pizza's the main attraction but to the rear is a restaurant that has above average italian-american food. mesclun salad and bread are great. the food is rich, cheesy and garlicy, very tasty. the place caters to families and couples, a great addition to the neighborhood. owner jack takes great pride in his food and the wait staff are the best.
