New York's Best Pizza: A Guide to the Top Pizzerias
Curated by
cdteliot
6 min read
4,640
1
New York City is renowned for its pizza, with countless pizzerias vying for the title of the best slice in town. From iconic establishments like Di Fara and Lucali to newer favorites such as L'Industrie Pizzeria, the city offers a diverse array of styles and flavors that cater to every pizza lover's palate.
1. L'Industrie Pizzeria: Williamsburg and West Village's Top Destination for Exceptional Pizza Slices
theinfatuation.com
L'Industrie Pizzeria has earned a reputation as one of New York City's premier slice shops, with locations in Williamsburg and the West Village. The pizzeria is renowned for its high-quality ingredients, including imported Italian products, and its perfectly blistered thin crust achieved through long fermentation
2
. Signature slices include the burrata, spicy salami, and fig jam with bacon, all served on a naturally leavened crust with a crunchy undercarriage2
. L'Industrie's popularity is evident in the long lines that form at both locations, with wait times sometimes reaching up to an hour on weekends4
. Despite the wait, many customers find the pizza worth it, praising the flavorful sauce, generous toppings, and the overall quality of the slices3
4
. The pizzeria also offers specialty items like olive oil soft serve and frozen Aperol spritzes, adding to its unique appeal3
.5 sources
2. Joe's Pizza: Greenwich Village's Iconic Slice Joint Established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli
miaminewtimes.com
Joe's Pizza, established in 1975 by Naples native Joe Pozzuoli, has become a Greenwich Village institution and a quintessential New York slice joint. Known for its classic New York-style pizza, Joe's has expanded beyond its original Carmine Street location to multiple spots across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even internationally in Shanghai
1
2
. The pizzeria's popularity stems from its commitment to quality, serving traditional thin-crust slices that exemplify the New York street-style pizza2
. Joe's has garnered acclaim from food critics and has been featured in popular culture, including an appearance in the 2004 film "Spider-Man 2"2
. Open late into the night, Joe's continues to attract both locals and tourists, maintaining its reputation as one of the city's most consistent and beloved pizzerias3
.5 sources
3. Juliana's Pizza: Brooklyn's DUMBO Gem for Authentic Neapolitan-Style Pizza with Rich History
itspizzanight.com
Juliana's Pizza, located in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood, is renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza and rich history. Founded by Patsy Grimaldi, the original owner of the famous Grimaldi's pizzeria, Juliana's offers a true coal-fired oven experience just a few doors down from its more famous predecessor
2
. The pizzeria is highly rated for its chewy, charred crust and high-quality ingredients, with popular menu items including the Margherita and White pizzas3
. Juliana's has garnered praise from patrons who consider it the "best pizza" they've ever had, citing the restaurant's incredible atmosphere and service5
. Despite its popularity leading to potential wait times, many visitors find the experience worthwhile for the exceptional pizza quality and unique dining atmosphere2
3
.5 sources
4. John's of Bleecker Street: Serving Iconic Coal-Fired Pizzas Since 1929
johnsofbleecker.com
John's of Bleecker Street, a historic pizzeria in Greenwich Village, has been serving coal-fired brick oven pizza since 1929.
1
2
Founded by Italian immigrant Giovanni "John" Sasso, the restaurant is renowned for its traditional whole pies, refusing to sell slices to maintain quality.2
John's is famous for its crispy, thin-crust pizzas cooked at 850°F, as well as its graffiti-carved wooden booths where patrons can leave their mark.2
The pizzeria's commitment to tradition extends to its menu, which focuses on classic toppings and flavors. John's has consistently ranked among the best pizzerias in New York City and the United States, earning the 10th spot on TripAdvisor's list of best pizzerias in the country in 2015.2
Despite changes in ownership over the years, the restaurant has maintained its original coal-fired oven and continues to attract both locals and tourists seeking an authentic New York pizza experience.1
2
5 sources
5. Lombardi's: America's First Pizzeria, Revolutionizing NYC Since 1905
en.wikipedia.org
Lombardi's, established in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi, holds the distinction of being America's first pizzeria, revolutionizing the culinary landscape of New York City and beyond
1
2
. Located in Manhattan's Little Italy, Lombardi's gained fame for its coal-fired oven pizzas, particularly the classic Margherita and innovative clam pies3
. The pizzeria's legacy extends beyond its own doors, as it became a training ground for future pizza masters who went on to open renowned establishments like Totonno's and John's Pizzeria2
. Despite a brief closure in the 1980s, Lombardi's reopened in 1994, continuing to serve its signature smoky-crusted pizzas topped with high-quality ingredients, including San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella1
3
. Today, Lombardi's remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of New York's rich pizza history5
.5 sources
6. Prince Street Pizza: NYC’s Beloved Spot for Sicilian ‘SoHo’ Squares
princestreetpizza.co...
Prince Street Pizza, established in 2012 in New York City, has quickly become a beloved institution known for its legendary Sicilian "SoHo" Squares and original Neapolitan pizzas.
5
The pizzeria's signature dish, the Spicy Spring square slice, has gained a cult following for its crispy pepperoni cups, fra diavolo sauce, and fresh mozzarella.3
This Sicilian-style pizza is often hailed as one of the best in NYC, with fans praising its perfect balance of flavors and textures.1
2
Prince Street Pizza has expanded beyond its original location, now serving its premium pizzas in Miami, California, and Toronto.5
The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its handcrafted sauces made daily from scratch and its use of a water filtration process to replicate New York water in other locations, ensuring consistency in dough texture across all markets.5
5 sources
7. Scarr's Pizza: Elevating NYC Slices with Quality and Tradition Since 2016
tripadvisor.com
Scarr's Pizza, founded in 2016 by Scarr Pimentel in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, has gained acclaim for elevating the classic New York slice through its commitment to high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. The pizzeria stands out for its unique approach to dough-making, with Pimentel milling organic wheat berries in-house daily and combining this freshly milled flour with heritage, organic, non-GMO wheat from an upstate New York farm
5
. This meticulous process results in a more nutrient-dense pizza with a complex texture and light-as-air crust that even some gluten-sensitive individuals can enjoy5
. Scarr's offers a range of classic New York-style pies cooked in a traditional deck oven, maintaining the authenticity of a neighborhood slice joint while attracting a diverse clientele with its retro-inspired atmosphere and organic wine selection3
5
. The pizzeria's dedication to quality and health-conscious approach has made it a standout in New York's competitive pizza scene, earning praise for its delicious and wholesome slices1
2
.5 sources
8. Di Fara Pizza: Domenico DeMarco's Legendary Brooklyn Institution Since 1965
en.wikipedia.org
Di Fara Pizza, opened in 1965 by Italian immigrant Domenico DeMarco, has become a legendary institution in Brooklyn's Midwood neighborhood. Known for its meticulous preparation and high-quality ingredients, Di Fara has consistently been hailed as one of New York City's best pizzerias by critics and food enthusiasts alike
1
4
. DeMarco, who personally crafted each pie for over 53 years until his passing in 2022, used a blend of imported Italian ingredients and a piping hot retro oven to create his signature taste1
. The pizzeria's popularity has led to long wait times, but many consider the experience worthwhile for what has been called "the Best Hand-Made Pizza in New York City" by Frommer's4
. Today, Di Fara continues to be family-owned and operated, with DeMarco's children carrying on his legacy and recipe at both the original Midwood location and a newer South Street outpost1
.13 sources
Closing Thoughts on Top NYC Pizza Spots
New York City's pizza scene offers an unparalleled diversity of styles and flavors, catering to every pizza lover's preferences. From famous pizzerias serving traditional Neapolitan margherita pizzas to innovative spots crafting unique burrata slices, the city's pizza spots continue to push the boundaries of this beloved dish.
The type of pizza one prefers often comes down to personal taste. Some swear by a classic plain slice with its perfect balance of sauce and mozzarella cheese, while others seek out more adventurous options like a hot slice topped with spicy peppers. The Sicilian slice, with its thick, crunchy crust and generous toppings, has its own dedicated following.
Many of New York's fantastic pizza establishments pride themselves on their ingredients and techniques. Aged mozzarella is often used to enhance flavor, while wood-fired ovens impart a distinct smoky taste and achieve that coveted crisp crust. The use of fresh herbs like basil and garlic adds depth to the flavor profile, elevating even the simplest slice to new heights.
Each famous pizzeria has its signature style. Some focus on achieving the perfect crust - whether it's thin and crispy or thick and chewy. Others are known for their unique topping combinations or their adherence to traditional recipes. For instance, L'Industrie Pizzeria has gained a reputation for its burrata slice, which has become a favorite among pizza enthusiasts
1
.
The debate over favorite pizza spots and slices is a quintessential part of New York's culinary culture. While some argue that nothing beats a classic margherita from a wood-fired oven, others might champion a more unconventional slice topped with innovative ingredients. This diversity ensures that there's always a new pizza experience waiting to be discovered in the city.
Ultimately, whether you prefer a traditional slice from a decades-old establishment or an artisanal creation from a newer spot, New York's pizza scene offers something for everyone. The city's pizzerias continue to honor the rich history of this iconic dish while also embracing innovation, ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of pizza culture.5 sources
Related
What makes a margherita pizza truly fantastic
How does aged mozzarella differ from regular mozzarella in pizza
What are the benefits of using a wood-fired oven for pizza
Why is the crust on a Sicilian slice so crunchy
What toppings are essential for a classic margherita pizza
Keep Reading
Top NYC Mexican Restaurants
New York City boasts a vibrant Mexican culinary scene, with several acclaimed restaurants earning recognition from the Michelin Guide. From upscale dining experiences to casual eateries, the city offers a diverse array of authentic and innovative Mexican cuisine across Manhattan and the boroughs.
3,523
Los Angeles’ Best Breakfast Spots: From Trendy Cafes to Classic Diners
Los Angeles boasts a diverse array of breakfast spots, from trendy cafes to classic diners, offering everything from artisanal pastries to hearty breakfast burritos. According to TimeOut, République, known for its Californian-French cuisine and historic charm, tops the list of the city's best breakfast destinations.
5,280
Los Angeles Top Bakeries: Where to Find the Best Bread and Sweets
Los Angeles boasts a diverse array of exceptional bakeries, from traditional French patisseries to long-standing local institutions. From flaky croissants and artisanal sourdough to decadent cakes and colorful macarons, the city's bakery scene offers a delightful range of options for carb enthusiasts and dessert lovers alike.
4,806
Best Restaurants Opening in NYC This Fall
As New York City's culinary scene gears up for the fall season, a diverse array of exciting new restaurants is set to open, offering everything from Mexican comfort food to innovative Southeast Asian cuisine and upscale steakhouses, according to recent reports.
3,512