Iconic Pizza, Timeless Flavor, Brooklyn Tradition
Where Tradition, Flavor, and Family Come Together
At L&B Spumoni Gardens, every slice tells a story. From our humble beginnings as a pushcart operation to our iconic spot on 86th Street, we’ve spent over 80 years perfecting the art of pizza, spumoni, and classic Italian cuisine. Our history is rooted in love, family, and a passion for bringing people together around great food. Today, the fourth generation of the Barbati family continues this legacy, ensuring every guest experiences the warmth and flavor that made L&B a Brooklyn legend.
The pizza that brings generations to the table.
From Humble Beginnings to an Iconic Landmark:
The L&B Heritage Timeline
The Birth of a Baker (1920s-1930s)
Under the mentorship of a skilled Brooklyn baker, Ludovico mastered the art of pizza-making in a small garage on West 8th Street. With his new skills, he purchased a horse named Babe and a wagon, taking his fresh Italian creations to the streets of Gravesend and Bensonhurst. Neighbors lined up for his pizza, and word quickly spread about his exceptional flavors.
The Dream Takes Root (1917-1918)
In 1917, Ludovico Barbati left Torella Di Lombardi, Italy, with big dreams and a heart full of ambition. One year later, he married Paolina Maugeri and started a family of six children: Carmine, Rose, Anna, Mary, Salvatore, and Ludovico Jr. Together, they began building a legacy that would span generations.
The Birth of the Pizzeria (1940s-1950s)
With crowds gathering to buy spumoni and ices, Ludovico realized there was an opportunity to create a true community gathering place. He built a small shanty in front of the factory, complete with tables and chairs for guests to sit and enjoy. But it didn’t stop there. The next step was pizza. He added the second building, dedicated solely to serving his famous Sicilian pizza—an upside-down masterpiece of crispy crust, tangy sauce, and molten cheese.
A Home on 86th Street (1939)
With demand growing, Ludovico knew it was time to establish a more permanent home for his business. In 1939, he purchased property on 86th Street and enlisted friends from the “old country” to help him build what would become the first of L&B Spumoni Gardens’ iconic three buildings. This space served as both a production facility for his Spumoni and an early storefront, where neighborhood locals could purchase fresh ices and spumoni right from the source.
Legacy & Family Tradition
Today, L&B Spumoni Gardens is run by the fourth generation of the Barbati family. Each family member remains dedicated to preserving Ludovico’s original vision of quality, flavor, and community. From the signature Sicilian pizza to our beloved spumoni, every item on the menu tells a story of passion, perseverance, and family pride. Our doors are always open, ready to welcome you into the tradition.
Growth & Expansion (1950s-1970s)
As popularity surged, so did the need for more space. The third and final building was constructed, transforming L&B into a full-service dining destination. This new addition housed a luncheonette, which later expanded to a full-service dining room. What started as a pushcart had become a Brooklyn landmark known far and wide.
There’s something special about dining in at L&B Spumoni Gardens. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh pizza baking, the warmth of friendly faces, or the feeling of being part of something bigger. Our spacious dining room offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy everything from our legendary Sicilian pizza to hearty Italian classics. Whether you’re gathering with friends or hosting a family celebration, every table is a front-row seat to tradition.
Host your event with the flavors that have made Brooklyn famous. L&B Spumoni Gardens offers catering for every occasion, from family reunions and birthday parties to corporate events and weddings. Our catering menu features everything you love about L&B, including our famous Sicilian pizza, pasta favorites, fresh salads, and of course, our beloved spumoni. Let us handle the food so you can focus on the celebration.
Craving L&B but can’t make it to 86th Street? No problem. With our simple online ordering platform, you can bring Brooklyn’s most beloved pizza right to your door. Whether it’s a family dinner at home or a casual get-together with friends, you’re only a few clicks away from having our legendary Sicilian pizza, pasta, and spumoni delivered fresh to your table. Convenience, speed, and flavor—all at your fingertips.
