Our Story | Valentino’s Pizza

Valentino’s Roots: Built on Friendship, Driven by Flavor

The story of Valentino’s Pizza begins with two childhood friends, Tony and Alex, who met in the fourth grade back in Michigan. What started as a lifelong friendship turned into a flavorful business venture that has become a local favorite in Long Beach and Lakewood. In 1985, they opened the first Valentino’s Pizza in Michigan, inspired by their shared passion for food, family, and community.

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Deep Roots in the Restaurant World

With roots in the Midwest and culinary influences from California, Tony and Alex created a unique blend of fresh, bold flavors that still define Valentino’s today. The name “Valentino’s” honors both Tony’s uncle and the iconic silent film star Rudolph Valentino — a nod to classic style and timeless quality.

Both founders grew up in the restaurant industry. Tony began working at just 12 years old at Roma Bakery. Later, he took a job at Como’s Pizza, conveniently located across the street from Nico’s, Alex’s family-owned Greek restaurant. Their early experience in food service laid the foundation for what would eventually become their own restaurant — and a lasting legacy in the pizza world.

That foundation of hard work, hospitality, and homemade recipes became the backbone of Valentino’s. These values are still felt today in every pie served and every guest welcomed.

The Big Move to Long Beach

From cheesy classics to bold, specialty flavors, our menu is built to satisfy. Tasty signature pizzas like the Greek, Pesto, Super, and Meat Lover’s are even better Detroit-style — baked in blue steel pans for a crispy base, airy middle, and caramelized cheese edges.

handmade dough, authentic Italian pizza sauce,

Tony and Alex

Tony and Alex’s vision for flavor-packed

Authentic

Every pizza starts with handmade dough, authentic Italian pizza sauce

Lasting History

Garden-fresh produce and time-tested techniques

Their recipes use garden-fresh produce and time-tested techniques to bring out bold, satisfying flavors. Signature pies like the:

Greek Pizza

Pesto Pizza

Super

Meat Lover’s

are loaded with toppings and crafted to perfection. And you won’t find these combinations anywhere else

they’re exclusive to Valentino’s and made fresh to order every day.

The Big Move to Long Beach

Leaving Michigan behind wasn’t an easy decision, but Tony and Alex knew they were ready for something bigger. They took the leap, moved over 2,000 miles to Long Beach, California, and built Valentino’s from the ground up once again. The risk paid off.

Thanks to a loyal team and passionate customers, Valentino’s grew quickly. Some employees have been with the restaurant since the very beginning, and that consistency has helped maintain the quality and care that guests have come to expect. It’s not just about food — it’s about community, customer happiness, and a pizza shop that truly feels like home.

Valentino’s menu includes Detroit-style pizza and other signature items made from Tony’s and Alex’s original recipes, using only the finest ingredients...