Boro Park Flashback: Amnon’s Pizza

By Yehudit Garmaise

   Brooklynites have been enjoying Amnon’s Kosher Pizza and Falafel since it first opened in 1959.

    The famous pizzeria started out on Pitkin Ave. in East New York, where it was first called Levy’s Kosher Pizza.

   In 1968, Levy’s moved to Flatbush Ave. in Flatbush for just two years, before changing its name to Israel Pizza and landing in Boro Park at its current location at 4814 13th Ave. in 1970.

   In 1988, the popular restaurant changed its name to Amnon’s Kosher Pizza and Falafel, taking the name of the store’s owner.

    Amnon’s famous pizza recipe originated came from his mother Rachel, who first opened the pizza shop in East New York, after moving from Tel Aviv.

   What is the secret to the pizza that has not only been popular in Brooklyn for 66 years, but is appreciated by many Jews across the country who buy Amnon’s Pizza frozen in kosher grocery stores?

   “There is no real secret,” said Elan, Amnon’s son, who manages the restaurant, which is a staple in the community. “We just make good food. We use the best ingredients. We try to keep everybody happy. And, we have mazel from HaShamayim. G-d gave us mazal: that has a lot to do with it also.”

   Elan said that his family loves doing business in Boro Park and feels that they have a great relationship with the community in Boro Park, where they have been for 50 years.

   “The people are nice to us, we are nice to the people, and we are very giving to people: poor people, not poor people,” said Elan.

   Many customers of Amnon’s say that whether they are making their first visit to the pizza store or their twentieth, they are treated like old friends.

    “Listen, if you can go to a restaurant and whether you are with your family or you sit by yourself and feel comfortable, then something can be said about the atmosphere of the restaurant and the people who work there,” said Elan.

   How does he make everyone feel at home?

  “We treat everyone the same,” Elan said. “Whether you are from the top of the chain to the bottom of the chain: It doesn’t matter how deep your pockets are, or how light your pockets are: everyone here is welcome, and everyone here is treated the same.”

    Elan remarked that many people, due to the pandemic, have unfortunately, fallen on hard times.

   “We are fortunate enough to be still be here,” Elan said. “Hopefully, we will be around for the next 50 years.”