Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Al's New York Cafe

    4.1 (815 reviews)
    InexpensivePizza, Italian
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Al's New York Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Al's New York Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    AL'S NEW YORK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - Al's New York Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Mitchell W.

    It has been about two years since we last visited from San Diego. The initial time we ordered takeout here we were so impressed and knew we would visit again when in Costa Mesa. So here we go again. I was greeted by Jake who was extremely courteous and professional. I ordered the NYC Special and a meatball sub. The order was completed in 10 minutes and Jake set us up with accessories for eating in our hotel room. Jake is an outstanding representative for your business. So the service was exceptional, now let's get to the food. The NYC Pizza was very plentiful with delicious toppings. The Meatball Sub Sandwich-large portion , favorable large meatball covered with cheese and Marinara Sauce, oh and the bread was perfect to hold all these things together. So in conclusion: THANK YOU

    SillyDilly55 C.

    I've been going to this place for years and it never disappoints! Pizza, pasta, garlic bread. I have tried it all and it's all delicious. Great portions. They are the type of business, that is you forget to order ranch with your pizza. They don't buckle and dime you and the just give it to you. I love when a company cares about their customers aren't penny pinchers. Small things like this bring customers back!

    Sonia Alisa J.

    Al's New York Café - A True New York Pizza Gem in Costa Mesa My husband has been telling me about Al's New York Café forever. We finally had an appointment in Newport Beach, and he asked the most dangerous question: "Are you craving pizza?" Which, for me, is always a YES -- especially if it's New York-style. I ordered my usual test order: a plain cheese slice (the real way to tell if a pizza place is legit) and a meatball sub. One bite of that cheese pizza and I swear, I was back in New York. Perfect thin crust with that slight chew, just the right amount of sauce, gooey cheese -- this is the kind of pizza I've been hunting for in Southern California for years. Al's absolutely passed my "plain cheese test" with flying colors. And the meatball sub? Wow. The bread was fresh and crunchy on the outside, soft inside, and the meatballs were tender, flavorful, and clearly homemade. This wasn't just a good meatball sub -- it was the kind you think about days later. The vibe in this place is just as good as the food. You can tell Al's is a neighborhood favorite. There were regulars coming in who the staff greeted by name -- some told us they eat there almost every day! And Al himself was there, shaking hands, checking on tables, making sure everyone was happy. That same care shows in his food and in his team -- the staff was just as friendly and welcoming when we ordered. By the time I was halfway through my sandwich, my husband had tried a bite of my pizza, and his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning LOL. Next thing I know, he's ordering a whole pizza to go -- which we demolished later. Al's New York Café is more than just pizza -- it's a slice of New York in the heart of Costa Mesa. Fresh, authentic, flavorful, and full of heart. If you're a pizza lover (or a meatball sub lover), run, don't walk.

    Menu
    Brian M.

    Hands down one of the best pizza place in OC area! Their NY special had fresh garlic and their combination pizza had tons of toppings. Both were flavor galore and will not disappoint!!! As someone who enjoys NY pizza this place is definitely a must if you are in the area. The crust could have been a bit thinner but the toppings, flavors and friendly team members made up for it. Their pizzas were not oily as well which was great. Lots of parking, very friendly team members, awesome pizzas! What else could you ask for? The place is not big, only few seats and tables outside and few stools inside but this place is a must! If you are in the area and craving pizzas, sandwich or pastas!!! Don't pass this place!

    Napkins

    Let me tell, this fucken guy! Doesn't need a medal, he needs a Michelin star! The service forgotboutit, the food Forgetboutit . I showed in the piss pouring rain and he says , get the #4 with jalapeños and here's a discount and a drink. Can you believe this guy, this a fucken hero! The ambiance is just what a pizza place needs, rotation of people coming in and out and the business is well! Whites, Mexicans African Americans , come one come all and try this spot! If you haven't , then your pizza places is not competing with this spot. Get a pie and listen to the sound advice the cashier tells you. 10/10. Don't forget it! The people champ!

    Ron M.

    Legit NY style pizza that serves killer sandwiches. They get their sandwich bread from famed C'est si Bon!!! That's their secret to awesome sandwiches. The Hot Roast beef with avocado, grilled onions and peppers was extremely good. Jake recommended this sando, and he was really helpful--he's a huge asset to Al's cafe. Jake was also super nice to all customers including a homeless lady asking for food. Jake deserves a big raise Their NY pizza was excellent: the cheese blend and tomato sauce were on point, although the dough however did flop-over it still tasted great. This is as close to NY pizza as you can get (I've eaten alot on the east coast when I attended school there...).

    Mushroom pepperoni
    Kathryn M.

    Long time customer- LOVE the Greek salad and pizza- the best! Just had the lasagna- only available Weds/Friday. It tastes like someone's mom/nonna made it with love!

    See all

    Photo of Tommy L.
    1065
    215
    792

    11 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 4
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sergio S.
    2
    54
    420

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K E.
    2
    29
    0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ron M.
    148
    479
    1244

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack H.
    15
    254
    35

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 18
    Thanks 4
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pedro F.
    38
    461
    287

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ted g.
    1
    39
    0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    This place has been here for a long time and I come here for my pepperoni cravings and I love their thin crust pizzas.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Amazing pizza would definitely order again have not been disappointed once always on time at a great price

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elle A.
    2
    65
    32

    11 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charlie H.
    114
    63
    11

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Al A.

    Al A.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 21

    Ask the Community - Al's New York Cafe

    Rance's Chicago Pizza - Stuffed Rances Pizza
Spinach Salad
Pepperoni Pizza

    Rance's Chicago Pizza

    4.1(2k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    Ordered the personal pan pizza and cheese bread. They were really good and I will definitely be…read morereturning to try their other menu items.

    This Place Is Awesome!!…read more I am not sure where to start on what I liked about this place.. This place was recommended by friends from Chicago.. From the moment we walked in the door we were greated by a friendly employee and he made us feel like we were gonna be taken care of.. The place looks like a pizza shop and has a total pizza vibe inside.. The place was clean and the seating was comfortable.. Ok... On to the food... We started with the bacon artichoke dip.. That was sooooooo good and just the right amount of cheese... Yum Yum... We also ordered a medium thin crust pepperoni pizza (to eat there) and we ordered a medium stuffed deep dish with mushrooms, pepperoni, and sausage to bring home for a dinner in a few days.. The thin crust pepperoni was so good.. I am a pizza snob and this was pretty damn good that I struggled to remember when the last time I had pizza this good..I am being honest too.. The deep dish we did a half bake so it cooks easier in our oven at home.. Smelled good in the car for the 90 minute drive home.. Shout out to Chris.. You could tell he cared about the products.. He asks if you have been there before and then helps you decide the right pizza to make your visit the best.. I liked that.. We had a couple of beers to wait for the pizza.. Thank You Chris M.. for a great visit!! Just remember good food is always worth the wait.. Everything is scratch made and it shows in the product when you are eating.. This place also doesn't break the bank either.. Last thing... The Restrooms are clean.. That matters as it reflects on the rest of the restaurant.. THANK YOU RANCE'S !! You Truly Earned My Future Visits..

    Photos
    Rance's Chicago Pizza - Large Pan Cheese

    Large Pan Cheese

    Rance's Chicago Pizza - Large Thin Pepperoni

    Large Thin Pepperoni

    Rance's Chicago Pizza - Finally serving our Bourbon Maple Bacon Wings!

    See all

    Finally serving our Bourbon Maple Bacon Wings!

    Ospi Costa Mesa

    Ospi Costa Mesa

    4.0(531 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    Ospi hand-delivers an elevated coastal Italian experience that redefines traditional cooking…read moretechniques. I am drawn to Ospi's Michelin twists where bold flavors are made possible with the least amount of ingredients. Every bite counts. The kale salad to start was the best decision. The finely chopped kale leaves paired beautifully with the well-thought-out dressing and cheese. The crispy provolone was crunchy and had a balanced taste of cheesiness. The copione pizza was paper-thin yet contained a robust flavor profile which I did not expect. The highlight of the already amazing meal was the mandilla pesto pasta. The electric green color of the almond-pine nut pesto sauce was extremely powerful, and it was the best-tasting pesto pasta I've ever had. The Italian meal felt complete, but I didn't feel overwhelmed with the amount of carbs. I love the friendly staff and patio seating!

    One of my new favorite Italian restaurants in OC. It's a smart casual vibe where you can dress up…read more(not too much) or down. Parking is convenient, they have a large lot behind the restaurant. I went for lunch on a Saturday with no issues finding a spot. Service is fast and they are super friendly. Our waitress Jackie was on top of everything and clearly knew the restaurant's menu, history, etc. extremely well. She was so attentive, anticipated our every need, and was super personable. Food is delicious. Kale salad is their best, but the Persian cucumber salad is also so delicious. Pasta is addicting. I loved the spicy rigatoni with their famous vodka sauce - it's perfectly balanced between being comforting and light. Passed on dessert since I was so full, but boy did the menu sound yummy - will try the fudge brownie with gelato next time. I hear they have a business partnership with Paradiso and get their gelatos from them. Will be back to try more! Next time I'll order the pizza, it looked phenomenal.

    Photos
    Ospi Costa Mesa
    Ospi Costa Mesa
    Ospi Costa Mesa - Assorted options

    See all

    Assorted options

    Riip Beer & Pizza

    Riip Beer & Pizza

    4.4(855 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    Absolutely fire pizza. I know it gets super busy around dinner time so my friend and I came around…read more11:20 AM on a Monday and it was pretty empty but around 12 PM more people started filling up the restaurant. We got three of the slices our waiter recommended: Stay loose, Haole, sauce addiction, and mo honey mo problems. We loved that they had Detroit slices as well as the normal thin crust. The crust on the Detroit slice is light and airy even though it looks super thick like a focaccia slice. Although we liked the Detroit slice the thin pies were definitely our favorites. The crust isn't tough and was a good balance of crispy and fluffy. I thought the Stay Loose, Haole was a bit too salty and could have used more pineapple but the Sauce Addiction was amazing. Overall, I will 100% be back to try more slices and their appetizers! Ratings Stay Loose, Haole: 4/5 Sauce Addiction: 5/5 Mo Honey Mo Problems: 4.5/5

    I've been coming to RIIP Pizza, Beer & Co. since 2020, and there is a reason this place is always…read morepacked. It is easily some of the best food in Huntington Beach. The Highlights: * The Food: They have some of the best pizza, mozzarella sticks, and even the Coke tastes better here. Even the chicken wings are solid. The taste and quality of the food are consistently high. * The Vibe: The environment is really unique and the service is always cool. It's a great local spot. * Logistics: Parking can be a bit of a struggle, but I've never had a major issue other than the line being long--which just goes to show how popular it is. The Only Critique: My only issue is that something in their ingredients routinely makes me feel unwell. I'm not sure exactly what it is--it's not just standard grease--but every time I eat it after taking a week off, I feel pretty bad for about 3 hours afterward. I suspect it might be a specific chemical or something like monosodium glutamate (MSG), but the food is so good that I honestly end up eating it anyway. Final Thoughts: If you can handle whatever "mystery ingredient" is in there, it's a 5-star experience. I'll keep coming back for the flavor alone!

    Photos
    Riip Beer & Pizza
    Riip Beer & Pizza
    Riip Beer & Pizza - Close up of the pizza. The crust, incredible. The bowl pepperoni? Yassssssss please

    See all

    Close up of the pizza. The crust, incredible. The bowl pepperoni? Yassssssss please

    Pitfire Pizza

    Pitfire Pizza

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Came to Pitfire right near closing and still had such a great experience. The staff was super…read morefriendly and never made us feel rushed. There was a small mix-up with our salad, but they immediately fixed it and even let us keep the original while making the correct one to go. Cade and Wendy were especially kind and accommodating. We also tried the Honey Bear and Pineapple Express--both were really good. Overall, great service and a really positive experience.

    This is prob the 2ed negative yelp review I've ever left. I…read morecalled the restaurant to place an order this evening, and it rang and rang, and tried to redirect me to their website for 15 MINUTES before just hanging up on me. (I couldn't order online, because my bank card had fraudulent activity, I was waiting for a new one in the mail, and had to pay cash). So I had to drive to the restaurant to place an order in person. And then sit there and wait for 30 minutes. I asked the girl at the front what was up with their phones, and she stammered through some weird answers (saying they worked in the back but not the front?) before lying to me and saying "our system is down." Also, adding a 3% "happy and healthy" charge (that is NOT gratuity!) to "support our ability to provide sustainable income" automatically added to every bill is SO CHEAP and cringy- PAY YOUR OWN EMPLOYEES. Build into the cost of your food. This place has gone downhill. Food was decent. That's the only reason I gave it 2 stars instead of one.

    Photos
    Pitfire Pizza - Try our new menu items for Spring!

    Try our new menu items for Spring!

    Pitfire Pizza - Pitfire Pink Boxes

    Pitfire Pink Boxes

    Pitfire Pizza - Beasty Boy Pizza

    See all

    Beasty Boy Pizza

    Al's New York Cafe - pizza - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...