New York’s pizza scene is a mosaic of traditions and innovations, with flavors as diverse as its people.
From the iconic New York-style slice, thin, foldable, and emblematic of the city, to the Neapolitan pies baked to perfection in wood-fired ovens- NYC has it all.
This guide will take you on a journey to discover the best pizza in the city that never settles for anything less than extraordinary.
So, where to find the best pizza in New York? Let’s find out.
Classic New York-Style Pizza
New York City is synonymous with classic New York-style pizza, and no visit is complete without trying a slice or two.
Forget those deep-dish casserole pies from Chicago or the doughy versions elsewhere – New York City is the birthplace of classic American pizza.
The thin-crust round pies, with their crisp yet pliable dough topped with sweet tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella, have fed Big Apple residents since the early 1900s.
What sets New York pizza apart lies in its unique textures and flavors.
The charred crust with a faint undercarriage of crispiness, the minimal sauce allows the top ingredients to shine, and the fresh mozzarella adds hints of tang.
From dollar slices on street corners to checked red-and-white tablecloth institutions, pizza permeates NYC culinary culture.
Whether grabbing a quick bite on the go or sitting down to an entire pie, pizza-eating rites of passage from Brooklyn to the Bronx have turned the humble dish into an icon.
While variations abound, the quintessential New York slice remains unmatched in quality and nostalgia.
There are two iconic pizzerias you need to try to enjoy the classic and iconic New York Pizza.
Joe’s Pizza
Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: All days- 10 am to 3 am
For over 40 years, Joe’s Pizza in New York City’s Greenwich Village has served the New York-style pizza by the slice.
This classic neighborhood pizzeria opened in 1975 when founder Joe Pozzuoli moved from Naples, Italy, to NYC with his family’s traditional pizza recipes.
He set up his small pizzeria along Bleecker Street, using family traditions passed down through generations to create the now-famous “Joey Pepperoni Slice.”
This thin-crust pizza is crispy along the edges yet soft and foldable in the center, topped with sweet marinara sauce, creamy whole milk mozzarella, and cup & char pepperoni.
Still family-owned and operated today, Joe’s Pizza has maintained its commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored preparation methods.
The casual counter-service spot now draws devoted visitors from across the globe eager for an authentic Big Apple pizza experience paired with Joe’s trademark hospitality.
Whether visitors pop in for a quick cheese slice or a whole pie to enjoy New York-style pizza in its original home, Joe’s is not to miss.
Prince Street Pizza
Address: 27 Prince St A, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: All days- 10 am to 3 am; Delivery- 12 pm to 10 pm
For a unique twist on the classic, Prince Street Pizza is a must-visit.
Known simply as “The Spicy Spring,” the signature square slice from Prince Street Pizza has developed an almost legendary status in New York City and beyond.
Tucked away in Nolita on Prince Street, this no-frills neighborhood pizzeria began serving its now-famous Spicy Spring Slice in 2012.
The Spicy Spring combines whipped ricotta and pepperoni atop a classic New York pizza crust.
Yet when the pepperoni meets the dairy, a reaction forms an unexpectedly sweet, spicy and irresistibly crispy slice with an ardent following.
Prince Street draws lines down the block as locals and tourists wait to taste these square slices, with many proclaiming them the best pizza in NYC.
While patrons continue returning just for these iconic spring slices, the full pizza menu at Prince Street Pizza satisfies any New York-style pie craving.
Neapolitan-Style Pizza
While nothing quite matches enjoying an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, the pizzerias in New York City bring diners remarkably close to that Italian experience.
These NY pizzerias import key provisions like Caputo flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella directly from the Naples region to uphold traditional Neapolitan pizza.
Wood-fired ovens reaching the requisite 900°F bake the thin-crust pies in just minutes for that signature soft, puffy interior yet crispy, char-flecked crust.
Toppings tend toward minimalist combinations to allow the bright tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and herbs like basil or oregano to shine.
While there is no substitute for Naples, New York delivers sheer artisanal pizza perfection, satisfying even the most discerning Neapolitan pizza connoisseurs.
Kesté
Address: 77 Fulton St, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: Sun to Thu- 11.30 am to 9.30 pm; Fri and Sat- 11.30 am to 10.30 pm
Hailed as one of the most authentic Neapolitan pizzerias outside of Italy, Keste on Bleecker Street brings a tasty piece of Naples to New York City.
The brainchild of master pizzaiolo Roberto Caporuscio and his American wife Julia, Keste opened in 2009 with a simple mission.
They wanted to import every ingredient necessary to make exemplary Neapolitan pizza, from the double zero flour to tomatoes grown at the base of Mount Vesuvius.
Keste’s pies meet the gold standard of Neapolitan regulations.
From classic marinara and Margherita pizzas to experimental combinations with imported Italian cheeses and cured meats, Keste offers an edible tour.
Their blistered and bubbly crusts emerge from two Stefano Ferrara wood-burning ovens specially fabricated near Naples, with bake times clocking in around ninety seconds.
While its Bleecker Street location with exposed brick and copper fixtures provides a hip, cozy backdrop, Keste has authentic Neapolitan pizzas in NYC.
Roberta’s
Address: 230 Park Ave, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat- 11 am to 9 pm; Sunday closed
Roberta’s Pizzeria is a beacon for authentic artisanal pizza and hip NYC cool.
Founded in 2008, Roberta’s swiftly soared to prominence on the power of its wood-fired pies, marrying Neapolitan techniques with adventurous new flavor profiles.
Blistered in a brick oven, their trademark crispy-chewy crusts serve as the canvas for creations like the Bee Sting or Speckenwolf.
While classics like Margherita and marinara satisfy purists, Roberta’s embraces an irreverent, youthful spirit with pizza toppings ranging from turnips to bone marrow.
Yet star ingredient or simple sauce and cheese, attention to sourcing superb provisions like aromatic Italian olive oil ties each pie to its Italian roots.
No reservation? No problem. Join the eclectic young crowd at one of the outdoor picnic tables for BYOB dining while DJ sets and live music amp up the energetic ambiance.
Pizza prowess aside, the full-blown restaurant and adjacent Blanca showcase Roberta’s broader farm-fresh philosophy.
But pizza remains the queen at this Brooklyn hotspot.
Artisanal and Creative Pizzas
New York City is world-renowned not only for its thin-crust pizza but also for its new wave of artisanal pizzerias popping up across the boroughs.
The artisanal pizza movement has brought more variety to the scene by drawing inspiration from other regional pizza styles.
The high-quality pizzerias in New York focus on sourcing premium ingredients and experimenting with innovative techniques and flavor combinations.
From Bushwick to the Bronx, the breadth of artisanal pizzas available reveals the city’s connoisseurs are as opinionated about pizza toppings as they are about fold technique.
Here are some of the best Artisanal Pizzas in New York.
Paulie Gee’s
Address: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: All days- 5 am to 10 pm
Known for serving unique artisanal pizzas with high-quality ingredients, Paulie Gee’s has garnered attention since opening its flagship location in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint.
This hip pizzeria sources premium ingredients like imported flour and San Marzano tomatoes to craft its critically acclaimed pies.
Fan favorites include the Hellboy, topped with spicy soppressata, honey, Mike’s Hot Honey, and the popular Anise & Fennel Sausage pizza.
This highlights the restaurant’s knack for experimental, gourmet flavor combinations.
With just 60 seats in a minimalist, trattoria-style setting, Paulie Gee’s offers a more intimate experience than typical NYC slice shops.
Its success spawned a second Brooklyn location in 2018 and a franchise location in Miami.
From its wood-fired oven to its carefully curated craft beer and wine menu, Paulie Gee’s has redefined artisanal pizza since its arrival on the New York pizza scene.
Emmy Squared
Address: 364 Grand Street, Brooklyn, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri- 12 to 10 pm; Sat and Sun: 11 am – 11 pm
Known for its Detroit-style pizzas with crispy, caramelized edges, Emmy Squared has made a name for itself since opening in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 2016.
This pizzeria makes innovative use of the rectangular Detroit-style deep dish pizza, with sourdough crusts that achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining airy, light interiors.
Creative offerings like the Colony 2.0, featuring ranch dressing, pickled onions, and honey pepper chicken, set Emmy Squared’s pizzas apart.
Other favorites include the Big Emmy, topped with a chopped cheeseburger and French fries, demonstrating the restaurant’s knack for outrageous pizza toppings.
This is a must-try for visitors and residents alike seeking inventive new takes on a beloved New York staple.
The Best Slice Joints
When you’re hunting for a quick, delicious slice of New York-style pizza, look no further than these local favorites.
These slice joints capture the essence of the city’s pizza culture with mouthwatering options.
Scarr’s Pizza
Address: 35 Orchard St, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: Sun to Thu- 12 pm to 12 am; Fri and Sat- 12 pm to 1 am
Scarr’s is a hidden gem serving up nostalgia in every bite.
Try their classic Cheese slice, featuring a perfectly thin and chewy crust, topped with a rich tomato sauce and perfectly melted cheese.
The Sicilian slice is also a must-try.
Bleecker Street Pizza
Address: 69 7th Ave S, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: All days- 12 pm to 2 am
Bleecker Street Pizza is an institution in the heart of the West Village.
Don’t want to waste time deciding? Order their traditional Margherita slice, foolproof.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the Nonna Maria, topped with fresh marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, and a dash of olive oil.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
In a city where pizza reigns supreme, dietary preferences need not hinder your enjoyment.
New York offers a delectable array of gluten-free and vegan pizza options to cater to every palate.
Senza Gluten
Address: 206 Sullivan St, New York, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: All days- 12 pm to 11 pm
Senza Gluten, in the heart of Greenwich Village, is a gluten-free paradise. While their menu is gluten-free, their standout pizza is the “Senza Classica.”
For a vegan delight, try their “Senza Vegana,” featuring a gluten-free crust piled high with dairy-free mozzarella, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Screamer’s Pizzeria
Address: Crown Heights, 685 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NYC. Get Directions.
Opening Hours: Mon to Thu- 12 pm to 10 pm; Fri to Sun- 12 pm to 12 am
Screamer’s Pizzeria, located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is a vegan pizza lover’s dream.
Don’t miss their “Vegan Supreme,” a flavorful blend of cashew-based mozzarella, seitan sausage, green peppers, onions, and black olives.
Order the “Pesto Manifesto” with vegan pesto, tomato, and spinach for a unique twist.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Experience
Exploring New York’s pizza scene is not just about finding the right pizzerias; it’s also about optimizing your pizza adventure.
Here are some tips to make your experience truly unforgettable:
Timing Matters
To avoid long lines, visit pizzerias during off-peak hours, typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM or after 9:00 PM.
Reservations
While many pizzerias don’t take reservations, some do, especially for larger groups.
For a unique experience at Roberta’s, reserve a table and indulge in their famous Margherita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Neighborhood Exploration
Combine your pizza tastings with leisurely walks through the surrounding neighborhoods.
After enjoying classic slices at Joe’s Pizza, stroll Greenwich Village and explore Washington Square Park.
Secret Menu Items
Many pizzerias have off-menu specialties. You can research them or ask the restaurant itself.
At Paulie Gee’s, don’t miss the “In Ricotta Da Vegan” with house-made vegan sausage, almond ricotta, and baby arugula.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to savor the diverse and delicious pizza offerings that New York City has to offer.
FAQs
1. Which part of New York has the best pizza?
Some iconic areas known for exceptional pizza are Greenwich Village, the West Village, and Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and Bushwick neighborhoods.
2. Which is the best pizza in New York City?
To find the best pizzas in New York City, you should head to Joe’s Pizza, Paulie Gees, and Screamer’s Pizzeria.
3. Does New York City have the best pizza?
New York City is celebrated for its diverse pizza culture and iconic styles, making it a top destination for pizza lovers. It’s undoubtedly a pizza paradise.
4. What pizza should I try in New York?
In New York, don’t miss classic New York-style slices at Joe’s Pizza, the unique Margherita pizza at Roberta’s, the creative pies at Paulie Gee’s, and the iconic Nonna Maria slice at Bleecker Street Pizza.
5. Is pizza better in Manhattan or Brooklyn?
Pizza quality in Manhattan and Brooklyn varies by personal preference.
Manhattan offers iconic pizzerias like Joe’s Pizza, while Brooklyn has trendy spots like Roberta’s. Both boroughs have exceptional pizza, so it’s a matter of taste.
6. What pizza is NYC known for?
New York City is renowned for its classic New York-style pizza with a thin, foldable crust, generous cheese, and various toppings.
This iconic style captures the essence of the city’s pizza culture.
Featured Image: SerhiiBobyk from Getty Images (Canva)