The pizza topped with pepperoni, grilled chicken and bacon bits sizzled as it came to the table and the smell of the fresh dough filled the air.

If you are looking for a local restaurant that serves great pizza, but also offers other great options and is family oriented, then Niko’s pizzeria in San Pedro is the place for you.

The passing of the trays of calzones, ribs and bowls of pasta added to the friendly environment along with the dim lighting, warm furniture and big screen TVs make the restaurant very welcoming.

Niko’s, located on the corner of 6th and Mesa street in downtown San Pedro, is a small jewel that many people pass by due to its small size. However, the small size of the venue only adds to the inviting atmosphere of the restaurant.

What Niko’s lacks in size, it makes up for with the big flavor of its food.

Niko’s was opened in 2007 and took the place of Big Nick’s Pizza, and has been making a name for itself ever sense.

Niko’s is open Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It offers street parking, which is metered, so you should bring some change. The attire is casual, is group friendly and offers take-out and delivery options for those who do not wish to dine in.

The service is splendid, waiters are always anxious to help and are in a good mood. Since Niko’s is such a small place, most of time you can seat yourself.

This is a very family friendly place, and has a variety of shows on their big screens mounted throughout the restaurant mostly showing sports.

Niko’s is a very clean establishment all the way to the bathrooms, and displays its A health grade proudly.

Even if pizza is not what you fancy, they serve an array of different options. They serve fried zucchini, mushroom ravioli and  eggplant parmigiana. They are known for their creamy ranch dressing that goes perfectly along with their buffalo chicken appetizer.

Niko’s is place for the whole family, with excellent service, an inviting decor, and great food.