When a beloved family restaurant that served Youngstown for decades closed in 2010, it left a void in the community’s heart. 🍕
Two years later, the Massullo-Sabella family brought their cherished legacy back to life with Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, honoring traditions that stretch back to the 1930s.
Their commitment to authentic Italian food and the famous Brier Hill-style pizza—a Youngstown original—has made them a cornerstone of downtown’s culinary scene.
Every pizza features their signature focaccia-like crust, meticulously prepared over four hours each morning, proving that true craftsmanship cannot be rushed.
How Avalon Downtown Pizzeria won Youngstown’s hearts
The story begins in the 1930s when Gennaro and Lena Massullo founded Avalon Gardens on Belmont Avenue as Prohibition ended and America was ready to celebrate again. 🏛️
For over half a century, their restaurant has been a cherished institution where generations gathered for exceptional food and warm hospitality in the heart of downtown Youngstown.
Anne Massullo-Sabella, the granddaughter of the founders, witnessed the heartbreak when Avalon Gardens closed and decided with her husband, Michael, and their three sons—Lorenzo, Andrew, and Niccolas—to resurrect the family legacy.
They relocated to W Federal Street and reopened as Avalon Downtown Pizzeria in 2012, carrying forward traditions perfected across nearly a century.
What sets this locally-owned pizzeria apart is its unwavering dedication to the Brier Hill-style pizza—a Youngstown culinary heritage that locals fiercely protect and visitors travel specifically to experience.
The signature chewy crust achieved through their labor-intensive four-hour daily preparation creates a texture that customers describe as darn good and unlike anything else.
Their homemade soups made daily, hand-breaded appetizers, and commitment to using the finest ingredients transformed this pizzeria into more than just a restaurant—it became the keeper of Youngstown’s food traditions.
Food Highlights
- White Pizza: The simple perfection of oil, sea salt, black pepper, parsley, imported Romano, and blended Mozzarella and Provolone.
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Brier Hill Pizza: The iconic Youngstown original features tomato sauce, sweet peppers, and imported Romano cheese on their famous focaccia-like crust—locals call it Youngstown’s claim to fame. 🌶️
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Taste of Italy Pizza: This meat lover’s dream layers capicola, Genoa salami, and Margherita pepperoni with blended Mozzarella and Provolone for an authentic taste of Italian delicatessen.
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Baked chicken breast tossed in buffalo sauce with their blended Mozzarella and Provolone.
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Margherita Pizza: Fresh tomato, fresh Mozzarella, imported Romano, and nut-free pesto honor the classic Neapolitan tradition.
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Egg Pizza: Egg, parsley, imported Romano, and blended cheeses transform breakfast into dinner.
- Mad Greek Pizza: Sautéed spinach, fresh garlic, Kalamata olives, and Feta cheese bring Mediterranean flavors to their signature crust for a bold vegetarian option.
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Pesto Hot Honey Pizza: Pesto sauce, fresh Mozzarella, Margherita Pepperoni, and hot honey combine sweet, savory, and spicy elements for an adventurous flavor explosion. 🍯
Atmosphere
This downtown Youngstown restaurant captures the spirit of its predecessor while creating a welcoming space for modern diners seeking authentic Italian food. 🍷
Located at 17 W Federal Street, the pizzeria serves as a perfect stop before downtown events, though calling ahead for carryout ensures you won’t wait during busy times.
The bar seating and table arrangements accommodate both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, making it versatile for any occasion.
The commitment to cooking every pizza to order means you’ll experience pizza at its absolute freshest, even if it takes a bit longer during peak hours.
Bottom Line
Visit for the legendary Brier Hill pizza that defines Youngstown’s food heritage. 🎯
Experience the focaccia-like crust prepared fresh daily over four hours each morning, taste the authentic aged cheese that’s buttery, chewy, and perfectly aged, and enjoy family recipes passed down through nearly a century of tradition.
Address:
17 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503
📞 (330) 740-0000
🕔 Open Mon-Thurs 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Fri-Sat 11:00 am – 1:00 am | Closed – Sun