Six bright-orange booths. Stacks upon stacks of flat white boxes ready to be filled. A faux-marble countertop where Armando himself used to set quarters spinning on their edges, making customers smile as they slapped their palms on the counter to collect their change. Armando’s Pizza boasts loyal patrons (many of 20 years’ standing or more), a friendly staff (all members of owner Armando Paolo’s extended family), and simply superb pizza.

A slice of Armando’s classic cheese ($1.50) is guaranteed to please the palate but not overextend the bank account. The crust is subtly crunchy, the tomato sauce fresh, and the mozzarella perfectly melted but not too greasy. For an extra 50 cents, you can add any topping from the shop’s traditional selection, including sausage, eggplant, and fresh garlic. For those who prefer a thicker, chewier crust, Armando’s offers Sicilian-style pizza for an additional 10 cents a slice. You can also choose among tasty pizza alternatives such as made-to-order subs, colorful salads, and a selection of homemade-pasta dishes.

Ask any Cantabrigian where to find the best pizza in town, and they may well point you toward Armando’s. It is an honest, simple, quality place to spend an afternoon munching on great pizza, chatting with the staff, and noting that nothing beats authenticity.

Armando’s Pizza, located at 163 Huron Avenue, in Cambridge, is open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on Sunday, from 4 to 11:30 p.m. Call (617) 354-8275.