If your cravings ever lead you down Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, NY, you’re in for a delicious ride. The neighborhood’s stretch of turnpike is lined with long-standing favorites, artisanal gems, and global flavors that make it a genuine Long Island food destination. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a celebratory meal, the food scene here is vibrant, affordable, and always evolving. Join me as I walk you dish by dish through the best eating and foodie finds along Hempstead Turnpike.
The Heart of the Neighborhood: Classic Pizzerias & Italian Eats
There’s nothing more “Franklin Square” than starting your food journey with classic Italian flavors. At the corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Franklin Avenue, you’ll find Gino’s of Franklin Square, a beloved, family-run pizzeria serving the community for generations. Their grandma slice, with its thin crispy crust, tangy sauce, and gooey mozzarella, is the stuff of local legend—perfect for lunch on the go or sharing among friends.
A few blocks down, Filomena’s Italian Kitchen & Market brings home-style Italian dining to the next level. Here, the fresh pasta and house-made sauces transport you to the streets of Italy. Their lobster ravioli is a signature dish, and the bakery counter tempts with cannoli and sfogliatelle.
- Gino’s of Franklin Square (697 Hempstead Turnpike, $$) – Classic NY-style pizza, eggplant rollatini, and garlic knots
- Filomena’s Italian Kitchen (1039 Hempstead Turnpike, $$) – Pasta specialties, Italian deli sandwiches, pastries
International Bites: From Latin Flare to Far Eastern Delights
The diversity of Franklin Square shines through in its international eateries. For a Latin kick, locals flock to Pollos El Paisa, an unassuming spot near James Street where the aroma of rotisserie chicken draws you in. Order their “pollo a la brasa” with a side of yuca fries, and you’ll see why this humble joint has a cult following.
Head further along Hempstead Turnpike, and you’ll stumble upon Sushi Ko, a modern Japanese kitchen offering fresh sushi, creative rolls, and comforting ramen bowls. It’s a perfect pick for date night or an indulgent solo lunch. Try their spicy tuna pizza—it’s fusion done right.
Just across the street, Franklin Square Diner is a cherished institution with a mile-long menu spanning Greek classics (their gyro platter is a must) to American breakfast all day.
- Pollos El Paisa (812 Hempstead Turnpike, $) – Peruvian chicken, yuca fries, empanadas
- Sushi Ko (761 Hempstead Turnpike, $$) – Sushi rolls, ramen, bento boxes
- Franklin Square Diner (950 Hempstead Turnpike, $–$$) – Greek fare, omelets, burgers
Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: Bakeries & Dessert Havens
No neighborhood food crawl is complete without dessert, and Franklin Square delivers in spades. Sapienza Bake Shop, tucked beside the intersection with Corona Avenue, is a pastry-lover’s paradise. Their rainbow cookies, biscotti, and ricotta cheesecakes have graced many family celebrations in Nassau County.
Looking for something less traditional? La Favorita Bakery Café on the eastern stretch of Hempstead Turnpike is a go-to for tres leches cake, Cuban pastries, and creamy flan—ideal for a taste of the Caribbean with your morning coffee.
If you’re craving cold treats, the locally famous Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream opens each summer and draws lines for its rainbow ices and classic sundaes.
- Sapienza Bake Shop (367 Hempstead Turnpike, $) – Italian pastries, rainbow cookies, cakes
- La Favorita Bakery Café (1230 Hempstead Turnpike, $) – Latin pastries, espresso drinks, cakes
- Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream (937 Hempstead Turnpike, $) – Italian ice, shakes, sundaes
Hidden Gems: Food Trucks, Family Joints, and Unexpected Finds
Beyond the well-known restaurants, Franklin Square’s character shines in its hidden gems and quirky food traditions. During summer evenings, look for the El Rey del Taco food truck typically parked near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Pacific Avenue. Their al pastor tacos and fresh-made salsas are a revelation—beloved by night owls and locals in the know.
For a hearty southern breakfast or soul food fix, Momo’s Place (set back just off the turnpike) serves up fluffy pancakes, crispy chicken and waffles, and mouthwatering mac ’n’ cheese. It’s comfort food at its best.
Health-conscious diners love Mamasan’s Asian Kitchen, where Vietnamese pho and Thai curry bowls come packed with flavor and fresh herbs. Located on the western edge of Hempstead Turnpike, it's a favorite for vegetarians and anyone seeking warmth in a bowl on cool evenings.
- El Rey del Taco (Mobile, usually near 1200 Hempstead Turnpike, $) – Tacos, burritos, aguas frescas
- Momo’s Place (off 400 block Hempstead Turnpike, $–$$) – Southern breakfast, soul food staples
- Mamasan’s Asian Kitchen (234 Hempstead Turnpike, $$) – Vietnamese & Thai cuisine, pho, curry bowls
Where Foodies Gather: Local Clusters & Dining Tradition
Some pockets along Hempstead Turnpike have become de facto “food rows.” The stretch near the Franklin Avenue intersection buzzes with activity, particularly during lunch hours. You’ll see neighbors lining up for pizza slices, salad bowls, or cappuccinos. Many eateries here are family-run, bringing warmth and authenticity to every meal.
Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner at an Italian trattoria or a late-night taco run after a football game at the local high school, food here isn’t just sustenance—it’s tradition. Many bakeries and restaurants have been passed down through generations, with recipes that never go out of style.
Final Bites: Why Franklin Square’s Hempstead Turnpike is a Dining Destination
What makes the Hempstead Turnpike food scene so special isn’t just its variety—it’s the way food brings the neighborhood together. Every restaurant, bakery, and food truck is a part of the larger Franklin Square story. From Italian comfort to Latin zest, from classic diners to farmers-market freshness, there’s truly something for every craving and every occasion.
So whether you’re a longtime local or discovering Franklin Square for the first time, one thing is certain: the next unforgettable bite is just around the corner on Hempstead Turnpike.