Gino’s Parlor may be new to Sandy Hook, opening in 2021, but it has a long history of serving families throughout New York City and Long Island.

In the eatery’s 40-year history, this is its tenth location.

Artie Praino, former owner of Newtown Deli, Woodbury Deli, the Sandy Hook Deli, and current owner of New Milford’s Zaragoza, is the co-owner of Gino’s Parlor with Alfredo Molinari. Dennis Arango is the location’s manager.

“Between Alfredo and I, our family roots extend back from Naples and Calabria, all the way to New York, then into Connecticut. We are proud to continue on to the second generation of the family business,” Praino said. “Additionally, we only believe in using the finest imported and domestic products that money can buy, while still keeping it affordable for the customer. That is our guarantee and the reason we have succeeded for many generations.”

Praino’s father updated the former deli space at 102 Church Hill Road into a top-notch pizza joint perfect for hungry patrons looking for a quick slice or a group looking to dine in.

For those that pay with cash, they can save 3% on all orders.

No matter the occasion, the mantra that Gino’s Parlor operates under is that it is a place where everyone is treated like family.

For those that stop in on Friday nights, they can even meet the Gino’s Parlor family, because the Molinari family often drives up from Queens to help in the kitchen.

In addition to dining in, Gino’s Parlor also offers take-out, curbside pick-up, delivery, and catering.

For the latter, a full catering menu is available. People can receive 10% off their catering order when they pay cash and order directly from the menu with no substitutions.

For those willing to save a bit more room in their bellies, Praino also owns Dolce Italian Ice & Gelato across the street at 114 Church Hill Road — making the perfect combo eating experience.

A Sample Of The Menu

Appetizers: There are more than a dozen appetizers available, including the oversized Arancini Rice Balls that have spinach or meat and cheese with a side of sauce. People also love the homemade meatballs and garlic knots.

Soups/Salads: Try Nonna’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and the Burrata Salad. The latter is made of mixed greens, fresh burrata, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.

Sandwiches: Gino’s Parlor has Traditional Parmesan Heroes that can be ordered as a chicken, sausage, meatball, eggplant, shrimp, or veal option.

Pasta: The Penne Alla Vodka is a classic choice that customers crave.

Pizza: Gino’s Parlor has a wide spectrum of pizza choices to satisfy every customer. The Marinara Pizza is a favorite among the eatery’s vegan following while the Nonna Pizza is a vegetarian go-to with its thin crust square with plum tomato, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs. There is also gluten-free and cauliflower pizza.

Specialty Pies: The Drunken Grandma Pizza not only has a memorable name, but also a memorable taste. It is a thin crust square with vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella.

Rolls: Gino’s Chicken Rolls come in a variety of styles including traditional, buffalo, BBQ, and grilled. All rolls come with a side of sauce.

Wraps/Panini: The choice of wraps includes regular, whole wheat, and spinach. There is also the option of adding shredded mozzarella, avocado, feta, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, crumbled blue cheese, fresh mozzarella roasted peppers, sun dried tomatoes, or roasted marinated artichokes to any wrap or panini.

Entrées: The Grilled Salmon entrée has grilled or blackened salmon sauteed in garlic and oil, and it is served with spinach and roasted potatoes.

Beverages: There is a beer and wine selection in addition to soda, juice, and Pellegrino.

Dessert: One of the many mouthwatering desserts offered at Gino’s Parlor is the Nutella Pizzetta. It is a Nutella spread with roasted marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and powdered sugar.

Pasta Night: Takes place Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 9 pm and available for those dining in. It includes family-style pasta, salad, cannoli, and coffee.

Gino’s Parlor, 102 Church Hill Road, is open Friday and Saturday, from 11 am to 10 pm, and Sunday through Thursday, from 11 am to 9 pm. For more information, visit ginosparlorct.com, e-mail info@ginosparlorct.com, or call 203-304-1304. Be sure to follow Gino’s Parlor on Facebook and Instagram.