New York City is famous for its mouthwatering pizza, and finding the best slice can be an exciting adventure. From thin-crust to deep-dish, the city offers countless options to make your taste buds dance joyfully. NYC has everything you need for a classic Margherita or a unique gourmet creation.
1. The Classic New York Pizza
New York-style pizza is about that perfect balance of a thin, crispy crust that’s still foldable, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and just the right amount of gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of slice you can grab on the go and enjoy while walking down a busy Manhattan street.
Top spots for authentic NY slices
Head to Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village if you want the real deal. This family-owned joint has been serving classic slices since 1975. Another great option is Lombardi’s in Little Italy, which claims to be America’s first pizzeria. Remember to check out Grimaldi’s Under the Brooklyn Bridge for a truly iconic experience.
The history behind this iconic style
New York pizza has its roots in the early 1900s when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the city. The style evolved to suit the fast-paced New York lifestyle, with large, wide slices that could be easily folded and eaten on the go. It’s been a city staple ever since!
2. Neapolitan Pizza: A Taste of Italy in NYC
Neapolitan pizza is all about simplicity and high-quality ingredients. You’ll find a soft, chewy crust with charred spots from the wood-fired oven, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s pizza in its purest form.
Best Neapolitan pizzerias in the city
For an authentic Neapolitan experience, try Una Pizza Napoletana in the Lower East Side. The owner, Anthony Mangieri, is known for his dedication to the craft. Motorino, with locations in the East Village and Brooklyn, is another fantastic option. And don’t miss out on Kesté Pizza & Vino in Greenwich Village, where they offer over 50 varieties of Neapolitan-style pies.
The art of wood-fired ovens
Wood-fired ovens are the secret behind that perfect Neapolitan crust. These ovens reach up to 900°F, cooking the pizza in just 60-90 seconds. This high heat creates those signature charred spots and gives the crust a unique texture and flavor.
3. Gourmet and Artisanal Pizza Creations
The New York pizza scene isn’t just about the classics. You might find toppings like honey and soppressata on your pie at Roberta’s in Brooklyn. Emily in Clinton Hill offers a pizza topped with mozzarella, pistachios, honey, and truffle oil. These creative combinations are pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be.
Farm-to-table pizza restaurants
Many NYC pizzerias are embracing the farm-to-table movement. Brunetti Pizza in the West Village sources many of its ingredients from local farms and changes its menu seasonally. Barboncino in Crown Heights uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, including its house-made mozzarella.
Celebrity chef pizza establishments
Even celebrity chefs are getting in on the NYC pizza game. Try Mario Batali’s Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria for some Roman-style pizza, or head to Marta, part of Danny Meyer’s restaurant group, for their crispy, thin-crust pies. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen also offers delicious wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings.
4. Brooklyn’s Pizza Scene: A Borough of Flavor
Historic pizzerias in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is home to some of the city’s most iconic pizzerias. Totonno’s in Coney Island has been serving coal-fired pies since 1924. Di Fara Pizza in Midwood is another legend, where Dom DeMarco has been making every pie by hand for over 50 years. These places aren’t just restaurants; they’re institutions. In Brooklyn’s, You can try Burger as well
Up-and-coming pizza joints
Brooklyn’s pizza scene is constantly evolving. Check out Lucali in Carroll Gardens, where Mark Iacono carries on Brooklyn’s pizza traditions with his critically acclaimed pies. For something different, try Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint, known for its creative toppings and vegan options.
The Brooklyn vs. Manhattan Pizza Debate
Ask any New Yorker, and they’ll have an opinion on whether Brooklyn or Manhattan has the best new york pizza. Brooklyn fans swear by the borough’s old-school charm and dedication to tradition. Manhattan supporters point to the borough’s diversity and innovation. Ultimately, it’s all delicious, so why not try both and decide for yourself?
5. Budget-Friendly Pizza Options
Dollar slice spots worth trying
Even in expensive NYC, you can still find a good slice for just a buck. 2 Bros Pizza, located all over Manhattan, is a popular choice for budget-conscious pizza lovers. Percy’s Pizza in Greenwich Village is another great option for a quick, cheap slice.
Best value New York pizza restaurants
For those looking for a sit-down meal that won’t break the bank, try John’s of Bleecker Street. Their large pies are reasonably priced and perfect for sharing. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria in Staten Island (with a new location in the East Village) offers fantastic thin-crust pies at wallet-friendly prices.
Late-night pizza places for night owls
NYC is a city that never sleeps, and neither is its pizza scene. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is open late and known for its vast, creamy artichoke slices. In Brooklyn, check out Vinnie’s Pizzeria in Williamsburg, which is open until 1 am on weekends and offers creative slices like their famous “Pizza Box Pizza.”
6. Unique and Specialty Pizzas in NYC
Plant-based eaters, rejoice! NYC has plenty of vegan pizza options. Double Zero in the East Village offers an entirely plant-based menu with innovative toppings like cashew mozzarella and almond ricotta. Screamer’s Pizzeria in Brooklyn is another all-vegan spot known for their creative pies.
Gluten-free pizza alternatives
Many NYC pizzerias now offer gluten-free options for those avoiding gluten. Wild in the West Village has a dedicated gluten-free menu with some truly delicious pies. Keste Pizza & Vino also offers excellent gluten-free versions of its Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Fusion pizzas blending cultural flavors
NYC’s diversity shines through in its fusion pizzas. At Ribalta in Greenwich Village, you can try pizzas with a Brazilian twist, like their calabrese pizza with Brazilian sausage. Lions & Tigers & Squares in Chelsea offers Detroit-style pizza with unique topping combinations inspired by global cuisines.
7. The Pizza Tour Experience
Want to learn more about NYC’s pizza scene? Join a guided pizza tour! Scott’s Pizza Tours offers walking and bus tours that take you to some of the city’s best pizzerias while sharing the history and science behind pizza-making. A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours combines pizza tasting with sightseeing around the borough.
DIY pizza crawl suggestions
Create your pizza adventure by hitting up multiple spots in one day. In Manhattan, start at Joe’s New York Pizza in Greenwich Village, head to Lombardi’s in Little Italy, and finish at Motorino in the East Village. In Brooklyn, begin at Grimaldi’s, walk over to Juliana’s next door, and then end your day at Roberta’s in Bushwick.
Pizza-making classes and workshops
Why not learn to make your NYC-style pizza? Pizza School NYC offers classes where you can learn the art of pizza making from professional pizzaiolos. At Pizza a Casa Pizza School on the Lower East Side, you can take a four-hour pizza-making class and enjoy your creations afterward.
Summary
New York City truly is a pizza lover’s paradise. From classic New York Pizza slices to authentic Neapolitan pies, from budget-friendly options to gourmet creations, there’s something for every taste and budget. Whether folding a slice on a busy street corner or sitting down to a wood-fired pie in a cosy restaurant, you’re participating in a cherished NYC tradition. So go out there and explore your perfect slice is waiting!
FAQs
What makes New York pizza unique?
New York pizza is known for its thin, crispy yet foldable crust, tangy tomato sauce, and generous layer of mozzarella cheese. The ability to fold the large slices makes it perfect for eating on the go, a true reflection of New York’s fast-paced lifestyle
Where can I find the best New York Pizza in Manhattan?
Some top spots in Manhattan include Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village, Lombardi’s in Little Italy, and Motorino in the East Village. However, “best” is subjective, and part of the fun is trying different places to find your personal favorite!
Are there any famous movie-featured pizzerias in NYC?
Yes! Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village was featured in “Spider-Man 2,” and Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge has appeared in several films and TV shows. Lombardi’s has also been featured in numerous food and travel shows.
How much should I expect to pay for a good slice in NYC?
Prices can vary widely. A typical New York slice might cost around $3-$5, while gourmet or artisanal slices could be $5-$8 or more. Whole pies at sit-down restaurants can range from $15-$30 or higher for specialty pizzas.
What’s the best time to avoid crowds at popular pizzerias?
To avoid the busiest times, try visiting popular pizzerias during off-peak hours. Late afternoon (around 3-5 pm) or later in the evening (after 9 pm) on weekdays can be good times to beat the crowds. However, some of the most popular spots may have lines at all hours!