Dario's Pizza opening in Massapequa Park

Dario Carosi, of eponymous Dario’s Pizza in West Hempstead, is expanding. His second pizzeria, Dario's Pizza, opens in Massapequa Park on Oct. 30. A grand opening party follows on Nov. 1.

A regular on Newsday’s Best Pizza list since its opening in 2023, Carosi’s Roman-style specialty pizzas — including the Diavola slice with burrata, spicy salami, and hot honey — and round pies that look like classic New York pizzas, but have toothsome and complex crusts that only high hydration and long fermentation can bestow, are a must-try. The regular menu features about 10 pies (your choice of square or round), six sandwiches (made on homemade bread) and lots of daily specials.

In Massapequa Park, the menu will be the same as the original West Hempstead location, with the addition of pasta. "Fresh pasta," Carosi said, of the five classic dishes that will launch the concept, including garlic and oil "with the bread crumbs on top," Bolognese, vodka, pesto and marinara sauces. Once the restaurant gets into a rhythm, "there’s gonna be a rotation of pasta specials." Pastas will run between $16 and $20 with a $5 upcharge for add-ons like burrata or chicken cutlet.

Of the opening in Massapequa Park’s Southgate Shopping Center, which was formerly Sgambati’s Pizza, Carosi shared that his short stint at nearby Taglio, gave him the opportunity to "get to know the Massapequa Park community. It’s very family-oriented. They love going out, they love to enjoy good food and good vibes. So, that’s what we're trying to offer on a daily basis." Speaking to Newsday earlier this year, Carosi acknowledged that the Massapequas are home to "many great pizzerias" — among them Taglio and Umberto’s in Massapequa Park, Undici in Massapequa, Saverio’s in North Massapequa — "but we are not afraid of competition."

The Italian-born Carosi trained as a baker, not a pizzaiolo, so his pizza has always been supplemented by pastries such as bomboloni (Italian doughnuts, $4.75) and sandwiches on homemade bread, like the viral cheesesteak ($22.99) that landed him on "Good Morning America" earlier this year. Fans will be happy to learn the griddled rib-eye handheld, chopped with onions and red peppers and smothered in a Cooper Sharp White cheese sauce on a sesame-seeded sourdough roll, will be a menu staple in the second shop.

Dario’s Pizza, 4952 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park, 516-308-7167, 516-308-7168, dariospizzali.com; Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.