Decades Pizza: Ridgewood’s Nostalgic Slice of New York Reimagined

Where Retro Meets Revolutionary in a Ridgewood Slice

Pizza culture in New York is sacred. Every borough has its loyalists, its corner spots, its arguments about crust thickness and sauce ratios. So, when a new pizzeria opens in Ridgewood—one that dares to call itself Decades—it’s bound to raise eyebrows. But stepping into this welcoming spot just off the main drag, the cynicism melts away faster than mozzarella on a hot pie.

Decades Pizza isn’t here to reinvent the wheel—it’s here to pay homage to every turn it’s taken. With co-founders Zach Hughes and Paul Cacici at the helm, the space radiates a kind of loving irreverence. It’s classic New York pizza at heart, but laced with just enough innovation to feel fresh without abandoning its roots. And perhaps most importantly, it feels local—like it was always meant to be part of Ridgewood’s growing food narrative.

The Story Behind the Concept

Decades Pizza was born out of a shared passion for pizza between two longtime friends and collaborators. Hughes and Cacici aren’t your average restaurateurs jumping on the sourdough bandwagon—they’ve spent years chasing perfect pies. With backgrounds in both hospitality and culinary craftsmanship, they wanted to open a place that celebrated pizza’s evolution across generations while anchoring it in simplicity.

The name Decades isn’t just branding—it’s the ethos of the shop. Every detail, from the menu to the retro-tinged interiors, is a nod to different eras of pizza culture. It's equal parts throwback and forward-thinking. At its core, the restaurant is about offering slices that spark nostalgia while making room for unexpected surprises.

A Pizzeria for Ridgewood, by Ridgewood

Location matters in New York, and Ridgewood is having a moment. This Queens neighborhood has become a magnet for creatives, foodies, and young families seeking something between Manhattan's pace and Brooklyn's polish. Into this mix comes Decades—perfectly timed and perfectly pitched.

The pizzeria embraces the casual vibe of its surroundings. It’s cozy, unpretentious, and plays host to a clientele as diverse as Ridgewood itself. Whether it’s a local family grabbing dinner or a Brooklynite on a pilgrimage for their next great slice, the doors of Decades are open wide. Its vibe is laid-back yet precise—just like its food.

A Chef’s Culinary Philosophy: Respect the Craft

At Decades, pizza isn’t just a product—it’s a practice. Hughes and Cacici are meticulous about their dough, giving it time to ferment and develop flavor. The goal is a crust that’s chewy, crisp, and flavorful on its own, even before it’s topped.

Their sauce? Balanced, bright, and never overpowering. It’s made with the best tomatoes they can get their hands on—often from local purveyors or trusted Italian imports. The cheese blends are carefully tested, and toppings range from familiar to playful, always rooted in quality and intention.

There’s no pretense about being overly experimental for its own sake. Instead, the team focuses on using great ingredients to elevate the classics. The result is pizza that feels like a conversation between past and present.

What Makes the Menu Special

While the menu at Decades is compact, every offering has its own sense of purpose. It starts with a stellar margherita—a true litmus test for any pizzeria—and fans out from there. There are white pies, meat-forward numbers, and veggie-laden beauties that reflect seasonal availability and chef whimsy.

What truly sets Decades apart is its use of heirloom and artisanal ingredients. You might find heritage pork sausage on one pie, local mushrooms on another, or a surprise special showcasing lesser-known cheeses or greens. Each element feels like a nod to farm-to-table sensibilities, but without the upscale fuss.

The pizzeria also offers a few nods to Italian-American staples: think garlic knots with a refined edge, or Caesar salads made with crisp romaine and a dressing that punches above its weight.

Designed to Feel Like Home

Visiting Decades feels less like entering a trendy eatery and more like stepping into your friend’s cool apartment that just happens to serve pizza. There’s a lived-in charm to the interiors: subtle vintage details, warm lighting, and an open kitchen that invites curiosity. It’s easy to linger here.

The design underscores the brand’s mission—bridge the gap between eras. Old-school booths meet industrial tile. A curated playlist softly hums in the background. It’s stylish, but never sterile. The space invites you to slow down and savor, even if you’re grabbing a quick slice.

Building Community One Slice at a Time

Beyond the pizza, what sets Decades apart is its deep commitment to the community. Hughes and Cacici don’t just see their pizzeria as a business; they see it as a neighborhood fixture. From supporting local events to featuring Ridgewood-based vendors and artists, the team is intentional about giving back.

They’re also cultivating a sense of ritual. Weekends might bring family pizza nights, while midweek specials encourage working-from-home locals to step out for lunch. There’s even talk of late-night hours to catch the city’s night owls, a gesture that nods to pizza's role in nightlife culture.

Why Decades Is the Pizzeria NYC Didn’t Know It Needed

In a city overflowing with pizza spots, Decades doesn’t try to shout above the noise. Instead, it listens. It understands what people want from a neighborhood pizzeria: warmth, consistency, comfort—and just enough edge to keep it interesting.

It respects tradition but doesn’t bow to it blindly. It plays with flavor but never loses sight of what makes pizza universally beloved. In a way, it’s not just about creating great pizza. It’s about creating memories, rituals, and a place people can return to week after week.

Final Slice: The Future of Decades Pizza

With their Ridgewood debut, Zach Hughes and Paul Cacici have found more than a recipe—they’ve found resonance. Decades Pizza is a love letter to pizza’s past, written in the language of today. And if the buzz around the neighborhood is any indication, this little shop has a very bright future.