For pizza aficionados in Northeast Ohio, the name Guido’s Pizza carries a legacy. Originating in Euclid in the early 1950s thanks to Guido Panichni’s culinary vision, this pizzeria introduced many locals to the delightful experience of square-shaped pizza. This rich history continued when Michael Albino Sr. and his wife, Jenny, took the reins in 1958, maintaining its Euclid presence until 1962. Seeking a quieter, “country” setting, the Albinos relocated and rebranded, opening Guido’s Pizza Haven in Chesterland, Ohio.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in Chesterland, Guido’s Pizza Haven has become a beloved institution, deeply rooted in family recipes and a commitment to quality. This family-run establishment has expanded its menu over the years, but remains true to its core values of fresh ingredients and homemade goodness. Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual, as Guido’s operates on the principle of cooking every meal to order. The menu itself playfully advises customers to “allow 30 minutes for all orders,” a testament to their dedication to freshness, especially on busier evenings.
The Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio Difference: Dough and Square Slices
While Guido Panichni shared some foundational recipes, including the signature pizza sauce, Michael Albino brought his own secret weapon to the table: the dough. Having honed his skills at Russo’s Bakery in Cleveland’s Little Italy for a decade, Albino perfected a dough recipe that remains in use today. Each day, fresh dough is proofed and transformed into pizza bases, resulting in a remarkably light and airy crust. This same dough is also the foundation for their crusty and delicious rolls, a testament to its versatility and quality.
Ask anyone familiar with Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio, and they’ll invariably mention the square pizza. This signature offering remains a crowd-pleaser, with a small, nine-cut pizza with three toppings priced at $14. However, to limit your Guido’s experience to just pizza would be to miss out on a wealth of Italian-American culinary delights.
Beyond Pizza: Exploring the Menu at Guido’s Pizza Haven
Begin your Guido’s journey with a cup of their Italian wedding soup ($3), a comforting classic with a unique twist. Instead of the traditional beef and pork meatballs, Guido’s uses tender chicken meatballs, offering a lighter and equally flavorful variation.
For a more substantial entrée, the stuffed eggplant parmigiana ($20) is a frequent recommendation. This dish features four delicate slices of eggplant, pan-fried to perfection and generously filled with creamy ricotta cheese. Baked in a rich spaghetti sauce and blanketed with melted mozzarella, it’s a vegetarian delight that even meat-lovers will appreciate. A side of spaghettini with sauce and a fresh garden salad, dressed with a light, herbed-oil and vinegar house dressing, completes this satisfying meal.
Pasta lovers have ample choices at Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio. Select from spaghetti, rigatoni, shells, or fettuccini and pair it with your choice of meat sauce, meatballs, sausage, or mushrooms. For a truly special treat, opt for the house-made angel hair pasta (an additional $1.50). Ravioli (meat or cheese), cavatelli, and manicotti ($10-$13) are also readily available, ensuring there’s a pasta dish to satisfy every craving.
For those seeking heartier fare, the veal cutlet Milanese ($22) is an excellent choice. A truly generous portion, the tender Provimi veal extends beyond the plate’s edges. Three large, thin slices are expertly breaded, pan-fried, and then baked with a flavorful mushroom-marsala-and-lemon sauce, topped with even more mushrooms. Served with a side of fettuccini and a house salad, it’s a feast fit for a king.
If you can’t decide between veal and eggplant, the combination veal cutlet and eggplant parmigiana ($23) offers the best of both worlds. Thin slices of both eggplant and veal are lightly breaded and pan-fried, then layered with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese, and finally topped with melted mozzarella. Accompanied by a side of spaghetti and salad, it’s an ideal option for those with a hearty appetite.
Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio also earns accolades for their lasagna, baked penne, and ravioli ($12.50 each), as well as their simple yet flavorful spaghetti aglio olio ($12). For a quicker bite, their five sandwich options, served on foot-long, house-made toasted Italian buns, are perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. The meatball with sauce ($7) and sausage with sauce ($7.50) sandwiches are particularly popular choices.
Visit Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio
Located at 12775 Chillicothe Road in Chesterland, Guido’s Pizza Haven is ready to welcome you. Give them a call at 440-729-9666 to place your order or inquire about their menu. Please note that Guido’s is a cash or checks only establishment. They are open from 4-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with takeout available until 11 p.m. Experience the enduring charm and delicious flavors of Guido’s Pizza Chesterland Ohio – a true taste of Italian-American tradition.
