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By Jessica Schmitt | Photos by Mark Gilvey
There is nothing like having a great meal of delicious food made from the freshest ingredients. But that food tastes even better when it is prepared by people who make it their mission to put a smile on the customer’s face. At Vinny’s New York Pizza in Manassas, that is exactly what you will find: people who pour their heart and soul into making delicious food so that the customers feel happy and loved.
Who is Vinny?
Vinny’s New York Pizza is owned and operated by Vincenzo Di Giovanni, who took over the restaurant Jan. 1, 2024. Vinny moved to Manassas in 1989 at 18 years old and has become well-connected within the community. Having been in the restaurant business a long time, he wanted to have an establishment that focused on providing the highest quality food while also being a place where everyone could feel safe and loved. As a family-run business, he and his family work to provide great food and service to the local community. His goal above all else is to make people happy and to be a friend to people who need it. He says, “If I can make someone smile, that is the best gift I can have.”
Spaghetti & meatballs
Authentic, Homemade Food
Vinny’s New York Pizza serves classic pizza and Italian cuisine. All of their food is made in-house or imported from Italy, from the pizza dough to the sauce. Everything on the menu is made with attention and care. The staff tries each item of food before it makes it to the menu to ensure it is something they are proud to offer. Vinny has a motto, “If I don’t eat it, nobody should eat it.” They also adjust dishes to accommodate allergies and special requests. Just because it’s not on the menu doesn’t mean it can’t be ordered. If Vinny has the ingredients, he will make whatever the customer requests.
A customer once requested a seafood dish she had while visiting Naples, Italy. Seeing he had the ingredients, Vinny agreed to replicate it for her. Upon tasting it, the customer felt that she was transported back to her time in Italy, with the only difference being the view outside the window. This is representative of the desire to serve that Vinny has for all of his customers.
Chicken Salad
Vinny’s offers a large menu with a variety of classic Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta (think homemade lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, and baked ziti), seafood, chicken, salads, and more. Pizza can be ordered by the slice and customized. They also have many gluten free options, including gluten free pizzas that rank first on the app “Find Me Gluten Free” and a gluten free cheese ravioli made in Italy. Their extensive dessert menu consists of treats made at Impasto Italian Bakery in Fredericksburg. They offer tiramisu, almond cake, cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, and lemon cakes, as well as gluten free options such as gluten free tiramisu and gluten free carrot cake from Italy. To wash it all down, they have beer and wine options. Vinny says that you could eat at the restaurant seven days a week and never have to try the same thing twice!
The Vinny’s Experience
Vinny works tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for customers. It is the type of place where families can come in and enjoy a great meal together for a great price. The service is kind, and the atmosphere is that of enjoying a meal at a close friend’s house. Beyond the high-quality food and excellent service, Vinny makes it a point to keep his food affordable. Recognizing the difficulty of the times, he wants to ensure that everyone can enjoy the food.
Vinny and his staff view every customer who walks through the door as a friend, and they want more than anything for people to leave with a smile. Vinny makes it a point to try to get to know his customers. He wants people to feel at home when they enter his restaurant.
Interior of Vinny’s Pizza
Vinny’s and the Community
Vinny has been part of the local community for a long time and has gotten to know a lot of people. Now, he gets to see the connections he has made in the context of his restaurant. He has employees who he knew when they were babies and whose parents he knew when they were just dating. Many customers come to eat at Vinny’s because of their personal relationship with him.
Vinny also loves giving back to the community he calls home. He has given gift cards and coupons to the people who work at the shopping center where the restaurant is located, so they can enjoy lunch on their breaks. He donates pizzas to schools. He also personally donates food and money within the community. But his greatest contribution is providing a place where people feel safe, loved, and cared for while eating delicious food at the restaurant.
Vinny’s hope is that people know that he is there for them, whether that is for a slice of pizza, a cup of coffee, or a conversation. In his eyes, being nice is free, and he wants to be a friend to all. He loves meeting people face to face and does his best to provide for everyone he meets. He encourages people to come into the restaurant and chat at 11674 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas. Vinny’s New York Pizza can also be reached by phone at 703-257-7877 or email at vinnysnypizza@gmail.com.
Jessica Schmitt is a contributing writer for Prince William Living and can be contacted at jschmitt@princewilliamliving.com.
