Speedy Romeo Pizza in Brooklyn Review

Speedy Romeo has become Brooklyn’s favorite pizza spot with an impressive 3.8-star rating from more than 730 reviews. This Clinton Hill gem has served amazing pizzas for over a decade, and people love it so much that you’ll find the whole place packed by 8 pm.

The restaurant’s story is interesting – what used to be an auto repair shop has turned into a charming dining destination. Michelin noticed Speedy Romeo Brooklyn’s excellence and awarded it a Bib Gourmand recognition for its “good quality, good value cooking”. The menu prices are reasonable – their signature 12″ Kind Brother Pizza costs $21, while the 12″ King Salami Pizza goes for $25. Customers rave about the portions, especially the Caesar salad that comes “twice the size of my face” with a “crazy crazy crazy amount of cheese”. This review aims to get into what makes Speedy Romeo special in Brooklyn’s competitive food scene, looks at their menu offerings, and tells you if this place lives up to its reputation in 2025.

A Brief History of Speedy Romeo Brooklyn

The story of Speedy Romeo started in 2012 at the time college roommates Justin Bazdarich and Todd Feldman came across an unexpected chance in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood. They found that there was more than just an empty storefront—an old auto parts shop held hidden potential that would turn into one of the area’s most loved culinary spots.

From auto shop to pizza hotspot

The change from automotive repair center to busy pizzeria needed more than fresh paint and new fixtures. Bazdarich and Feldman chose to adopt the building’s industrial past, which Michelin later called “part tavern, part roadside grill” with a mix of “kitschy décor and modern touches”.

Sharp-eyed diners can spot many traces of the building’s automotive past. The Hecho design team worked car-themed pieces into the décor. Semi-truck grills became air-conditioning covers while industrial fans spin overhead as reminders of the space’s earlier life.

The designers took a creative approach to the brick and tin ceilings. They spray painted them to look like fire smoke had touched them through the years. This method gave the new restaurant an aged character and authentic feel right from the start.

The story behind the name

In stark comparison to what people might think, Speedy Romeo has no connection to fast Italian food or Shakespeare. The restaurant’s unique name comes from co-owner Todd Feldman’s family history—their champion race horse from the 1970s.

The horse connection goes beyond just the name. A stately portrait of the real Speedy Romeo used to hang above the wood-burning oven “like a patron saint”. The portrait watched over the kitchen while serving as both a talking point and meaningful tribute to the restaurant’s namesake.

On top of that, the restaurant’s brand draws from this horse racing heritage. Design teams mixed elements of auto and horse racing into the visual style, adding “a tinge of ’70s rock and roll” to honor Speedy Romeo’s glory days.

Michelin recognition and local fame

Speedy Romeo set itself apart from other Brooklyn pizza places right from the start. The restaurant drew attention with its neo-Neapolitan-style pizzas and wide natural wine selection. This praise led to prestigious recognition.

The restaurant earned Michelin Bib Gourmand status, which celebrates places that offer “excellent food at moderate prices”. This achievement put the restaurant on the culinary map, making it popular with tourists and New Yorkers alike. The restaurant’s place on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list continued into 2023, with credit going to their “hard working staff and loyal customers”.

The restaurant managed to keep its place as a treasured spot for Clinton Hill locals, even with its growing fame and crowds. This mix of being both a destination restaurant and a loved community spot shows Speedy Romeo Brooklyn’s biggest success in a very competitive dining world.

What to Expect from the Menu

Speedy Romeo’s charm comes from its unique menu that features wood-fired pizzas. These pizzas blend old-world techniques with bold flavor combinations. New visitors to this Clinton Hill favorite will find the menu exciting and full of surprises.

Signature pizzas: St. Louie, White Album, Dangerfield

Speedy Romeo Brooklyn’s menu shines with several standout pies that locals love. The star of the show, St. Louie ($25), brings together San Marzano tomato sauce, Provel cheese, Italian sausage, and soppressata. Pickled chilis add a bright kick to finish it off. More than 56 reviews rave about this pizza, making it a clear crowd favorite.

The White Album ($23) takes a different path from traditional red sauce pies. This sophisticated creation starts with béchamel sauce and roasted garlic. A luxurious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, Provel, pecorino, and parmesan makes it special. Many regulars say the restaurant’s bechamel pies are the most interesting options you’ll find here.

The Dangerfield ($24) completes the signature collection. This indulgent pie combines béchamel sauce, house-made pork-beef meatballs, ricotta, basil, and crispy garlic chips. Speedy Romeo’s pies stand apart from typical New York pizzerias. They’ve created something unique that’s neither Neapolitan nor classic New York style.

Creative crusts like the everything crust

The pizza customization options are extensive. Toppings range from $2 for simple add-ons like onions and capers to $5 for premium choices such as pepperoni, soppressata, and meatballs. Plant-based eaters can enjoy their pies with Numu Vegan Cheese.

The crust here takes an interesting turn from tradition. While they use St. Louis’s signature Provel cheese, the dough is quite different from authentic St. Louis style. Instead of the characteristic cracker-thin base, you’ll find a more “well, doughy” texture.

Non-pizza options: burgers, grilled fish, and more

Pizza might be the star, but other menu items hold their own. The S.R. Cheeseburger ($18) comes loaded with Provel cheese, tomato concentrate, house “speedy sauce,” red onion, and pickle. You’ll get chips on the side. Regulars say this medium-well burger tastes best with a Caesar salad.

Fish lovers should try the Branzino ($26). This dish comes with fennel, Cerignola olives, cara cara oranges, and fresh herbs. Reviews mention that a simple grilled fish option stays on the menu, though specific preparations might change with the seasons.

The Chicken Parm ($32) satisfies bigger appetites. This hearty dish includes marinara sauce, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic chips, and sautéed kale.

Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly picks

Plant-based options go beyond the White Album pizza. The Kale Apple Salad ($16) brings together fresh greens, seasonal fruit, walnuts, and goat cheese vinaigrette. The Beet and Ricotta starter ($17) pairs earthy beets with smooth ricotta, crunchy hazelnuts, peppery watercress, plus zesty horseradish and lemon.

The “Speedy” name might mislead you about wait times. One honest review puts it this way: “The pizza is fantastic, but the time it takes to get one is over the top. Order from Speedy if you want the very best pizza, and you don’t care how long it takes to get there”.

Large groups should know about the automatic 20% gratuity for parties of six or more. The spacious dining room works great for group gatherings, even with the longer wait times.

The Dining Experience: Atmosphere and Service

Speedy Romeo feels like a hidden gem that beautifully blends industrial history with culinary breakthroughs. This Clinton Hill spot creates a “very nice and warm feeling” the moment you walk in.

Open kitchen and counter seating

Speedy Romeo Brooklyn’s layout pulls diners right into the action. The open kitchen sits to the right while seating spreads out to the left. This smart setup creates what guests call “a perfect and cozy layout”. Giant industrial fans float above diners, adding character and hinting at the building’s automotive roots.

Pizza lovers will appreciate the counter seats that give a front-row view of the wood-burning oven where chefs craft their pizzas. A portrait of the racehorse Speedy Romeo used to hang above this space “like a patron saint” watching over kitchen activities.

Casual, trendy, and group-friendly vibe

The space strikes a perfect balance: “part tavern, part roadside grill” with “kitschy décor and modern touches” that revolutionize this former auto shop into “a surprisingly attractive spot”. Modern banquettes paired with “perky orange-seated chairs” create a space that’s both stylish and comfortable.

The restaurant shines at handling big groups. It “works great for a group or with kids, since the dining room is big and there’s plenty of space to spread out in the back”. This roominess makes the spot perfect for relaxed get-togethers or special celebrations.

Newcomers should know the place gets busy at night. Local regulars suggest: “If you are coming on a Friday or Saturday night get there by 7:30”. The restaurant’s popularity means it can get “a little crowded feeling,” so booking ahead makes sense.

Service quality and staff recommendations

The service at Speedy Romeo Brooklyn gets mixed reviews. Many guests love the staff. One customer found them “very friendly responsive”, while another mentioned how “the staff took care of us right off the bat very well” during a packed Friday night.

Some diners tell a different story. A guest recalled a special occasion where “service was really bad, almost rude,” despite having a reservation. Another found the service “good but not exceptional”.

Speedy Romeo stands out as “an Italian inspired Brooklyn eatery with amazing food and a warm and friendly staff”. The place delivers more than just exceptional pizza – it creates an experience that brings people back time after time.

What Makes Speedy Romeo Stand Out

Speedy Romeo stands out from New York’s pizza scene with its distinctive ingredients and unique cooking style. This Clinton Hill gem sets itself apart from other pizzerias by taking risks with unconventional elements that create memorable flavors.

Unique use of Provel cheese

You can spot a Speedy Romeo pizza right away by its Provel cheese. This Midwest specialty creates a pizza experience that’s different from your typical mozzarella pie. The wood-fired oven brings out Provel’s natural smokiness and creates a rich, creamy texture. The cheese melts into smooth pools that follow the pizza’s shape, which keeps toppings from sliding off.

Innovative toppings and flavor combinations

The kitchen’s creativity goes way beyond just cheese choices. Their signature St. Louie pizza brings together San Marzano tomato sauce, Provel, Italian sausage, soppressata, and pickled chilis. The White Album shows similar creativity with its béchamel base and five-cheese blend.

Paul’s Boutique leads their most creative offerings with Dijon béchamel, pastrami, and everything bagel crust. The Kind Brother matches this creativity by mixing béchamel, wild mushrooms, smoked mozzarella, farm egg, and sage.

Pickled chili peppers and other fun extras

First-time visitors often find that Speedy Romeo’s secret weapon comes in a small jar – their house-made pickled chili peppers. These bright condiments add just enough heat and zing to raise each slice to new heights. Diners can adjust their heat levels since the restaurant serves these peppers on the side.

Customizable orders and dietary flexibility

Speedy Romeo makes it easy to customize your pizza. The menu has different tiers of toppings, from basic add-ons like onions and capers ($2) to premium items like specialty meats ($5). They cater to different dietary needs with several vegetarian options marked clearly on the menu. They even offer Numu Vegan Cheese as a substitute.

How It Compares to Other NYC Pizza Spots

Speedy Romeo stands out in New York City’s competitive pizza scene. The restaurant has carved its own path that makes it different from countless other wood-fired ovens throughout the five boroughs.

Not your typical Neapolitan or NY slice

Speedy Romeo’s uniqueness comes from its bold departure from NYC’s two main pizza traditions. The restaurant doesn’t follow the path of ubiquitous Neapolitan pizzerias with their “chewy, bubbly crust” or classic New York slices. Their approach creates something entirely different. They serve “12″ hardwood-fired Neapolitan-style pies with a Midwestern twist” that break the usual mold. The crust hits “on the crunchier side” compared to traditional Neapolitan versions, which gives diners a completely different experience.

Comparison with Emily, Lucali, and Roberta’s

Speedy Romeo matches Brooklyn’s pizza elite through its unique offerings. Emily, another Clinton Hill favorite, has made a name with its Detroit-style creations and the “Colony” pie featuring “spicy-sweet pepperoni”. Lucali’s system requires difficult reservations and follows a “cash-only” policy, while Speedy Romeo welcomes guests with easier access. There’s another reason it stands apart – while Roberta’s has “expanded to many cities and even the frozen pizza business”, Speedy Romeo stays true to its artisanal roots in Brooklyn.

Is it worth the hype in 2025?

Speedy Romeo deserves its spotlight in Brooklyn’s ever-changing food scene as we head into 2025. Critics call it “truly the most imaginative NYC pizza” from a St. Louis-style establishment, and the experience can’t be duplicated anywhere else. Pizza lovers looking beyond typical NY offerings will find Speedy Romeo a must-visit spot. The restaurant’s reputation comes from its constant breakthroughs and consistently great execution.

Summing all up

Speedy Romeo Brooklyn is a culinary gem that breaks away from typical pizza categories. This Clinton Hill spot has built its own space by using exceptional ingredients and creating unique combinations that stick in the memory of both locals and tourists.

You’ll love the restaurant’s character right from your first visit. The converted auto shop interior sets the mood, and their signature Provel cheese creates a pizza experience unlike anything else in New York. Their house-made pickled chili peppers add the perfect bright, spicy kick that raises each slice to new heights.

The restaurant goes beyond great pizza. A complete menu of non-pizza items makes it perfect for groups with different taste priorities. The space is roomy yet intimate, but you should get there early since it’s always packed.

Brooklyn has its pizza giants like Emily, Lucali, and Roberta’s, but Speedy Romeo stands out by doing things its own way. While others have grown bigger or more commercial, this place stays focused on quality and fresh ideas.

Of course, the packed house every night shows how much people love it here. You might need to wait a bit, but the pizza exceeds what you’d expect from your usual slice. It’s worth noting that any place that keeps its Michelin Bib Gourmand status while pleasing both tourists and locals deserves a closer look.

Food lovers in Brooklyn should put Speedy Romeo at the top of their list. It’s not just about great pizza – it’s about experiencing what happens when old-school methods meet new ideas under the watch of people who really care about their craft.

Here are some FAQs about Speedy Romeo: