In the bustling heart of Downtown Brooklyn at 192 Duffield Street, a small but mighty establishment has been nibbling its way into the hearts of DTBK’s pizza aficionados… Little Pizza Parlor, aptly named for its cozy size, has become a neighborhood favorite since opening its doors in October 2022.
The story behind the name
The journey of Little Pizza Parlor began with a dream and a fortuitous discovery. Lev Antoshin, co-owner, a veteran of the pizza industry since 2013, had always aspired to open his own shop after years of successfully managing others. When he and his business partner stumbled upon a tiny former Chinese dumpling shop, they knew they had found their spot.
“We always thought we were going to name it something little,” Lev recalls. “It took us almost three weeks to figure out the name. We tried everything, and everything was taken. But ‘Little Pizza Parlor’ just popped up in my mind.”
The name not only reflects the shop’s physical size but also embodies the cozy, homey feel that is its trademark. In a city where there’s a pizza joint on every corner, Little Pizza Parlor stands out by embracing its compact charm.
WHY DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN?
Choosing Downtown Brooklyn as their home base was a stroke of serendipity. Lev’s business partner, from the nearby bar Livingston Manor, happened to pass by the location one day. They signed the lease the very next day, drawn to the area’s vibrant energy and growth potential.
“We love it here,” Lev enthuses. “The neighborhood feels like it’s taking care of you, and you’ve got to take care of the neighborhood at the same time.”
The location has proved to be a perfect fit, with a diverse clientele ranging from office workers from nearby JPMorgan Chase and FDNY, to NYU Tandon students and tourists from nearby hotels. The recent opening of Abolitionist Place across the street has only added to the area’s appeal.
Lev Antoshin, co-owner.
The parlor offers a variety of all the best pizzas.
Lev cuts a pizza for customers.
The team at Little Pizza Parlor.
Little Pizza Parlor is nibbling its way into the hearts of DTBK’s pizza lovers.
What Sets Little Pizza Parlor Apart?
In a city famous for its pizza, Little Pizza Parlor distinguishes itself through a combination of high-quality, local ingredients and innovative recipes. Lev proudly sources fresh mozzarella from Williamsburg, sausage from a nearby supplier, and uses Grande Mozzarella as the base for all pies.
But the real secret ingredient? Love and consistency. “It’s all about ingredients, love, and being consistent,” Lev explains. Their dough recipe, which uses a two-year-old mother starter, creates a uniquely fluffy and airy crust that customers rave about.
The shop’s signature pie, featuring vodka sauce, hot honey, and pepperoni, has become a bestseller, especially popular among out-of-state visitors looking for an authentic New York City slice.
Looking to the future
As Little Pizza Parlor continues to thrive, Lev has his sights set on expansion. “We’re looking forward to opening more places,” he shares. “We want to make sure they’re all running to the same standards — not a huge pizza chain, but something little that’s still something big at the same time.”
With Downtown Brooklyn’s ongoing development and the strong community ties Little Pizza Parlor has forged, the future looks bright for this small but mighty pizzeria. The sidewalk dining area, lined with vibrant plantings creates an inviting space for guests to enjoy their pizza while also experiencing the bustling neighborhood. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by for a slice — you might just find your new favorite pizza joint in the heart of Brooklyn.
