10 Best Pizza Places in New York You Have to Try
New York City is home to many of the best pizzas in the world. From the classic, thin New York-style slices to the chewy, thick pies that’ve become iconic, pizza history abounds in the city. Whether a long-time resident or visiting for the first time, checking out some of the best pizza hotspots in New York is on the bucket list of every foodie. From the most historic pizzerias to the trendiest new spots, something’s in store for every pizza lover. Here’s our guide to take you through 10 best pizza places in New York that you absolutely need to check out.
1. Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
You can’t have a list of the best pizza places in New York without including Di Fara Pizza. Tucked away within Brooklyn’s Midwood neighborhood, this legendary pizzeria is not only included among New York City’s best but among the best in the world. In fact, Di Fara has been whipping up fresh, handmade pizzas for more than five decades, with the master of it all, Dom DeMarco, still crafting each pie by hand. This thin, crispy crust smothered with fresh mozzarella, a spicy dollop of tomato sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil creates a pie that has won numerous awards and legions of loyal followers.
Must-Try:
- Classic Cheese pizza places : A perfect example of why Di Fara is legendary, this pizza takes simple ingredients and elevates them to perfection.
- Square Pizza: Go for the square pizza and its thick, soft center, crispy on the edges, Sicilian-esque feel.
2. Lombardi’s Pizza – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Founded in 1905, the title of America’s first pizzeria is held by Lombardi’s Pizza. This historical restaurant in Little Italy is still serving the same coal-fired, thin-crust pizzas after over a century with very little change. Fresh ingredients combined with the traditional coal oven give Lombardi’s pies a unique smoky flavor with a charred crust that pizza lovers can’t get enough of.
Must-Try:
- Margherita Pizza: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and a perfectly well-balanced tomato sauce-what more could you want?
- White Pizza: It also saves sans sauce and instead utilizes ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Roberta’s Pizza – Brooklyn
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Roberta’s Pizza in Bushwick, Brooklyn, is a modern darling, putting a fresh, inventive spin on classic methods for making pizza. This pizzeria primarily deals in wood-fired pies made with high-quality ingredients, including house-made mozzarella. Spicy sausage and seasonal vegetables are on hand in the topping options at Roberta’s, where every pizza is filled to the brim with bold, exciting flavors. Therefore, because of its ease-going tone from the place, it has risen to the top of Brooklyn’s pizza scene due to its strong cult following.
Must-Try:
- Bee Sting: Sweet and spicy make a nice pairing in this pizza of soppressata, honey, and chili flakes. A flavor bomb of a combo.
- Margherita Pie: Just classic but even more so with a beautifully charred crust at Roberta’s and fresh, flavorful mozzarella.
4. Joe’s Pizza – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Joe’s Pizza is the quintessential New York slice joint. Situated in Greenwich Village, Joe’s has been serving classic New York-style pizza since 1975. Famous for a crispy, thin crust and equally unremarkable yet tasty toppings, Joe’s has just the right slice that can be readily eaten on the run or at the counter. For locals and tourists alike, it’s an absolute must-see when trying a true New York slice.
Must-Try:
Plain Cheese Slice: Joe’s does the classic cheese, no-nonsense pizza that is fresh and perfectly crispy.
Pepperoni Slice: For those who like a little more flavor, the pepperoni slice is another crowd-pleaser at Joe’s.
5. John’s of Bleecker Street – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Another New York staple that has been part of the scene for years, John’s of Bleecker Street has its fame rooted in preparing genuinely delicious coal-oven pizza. This West Village restaurant serves large, thin, and somewhat crispy pies that are just begging to be shared. With their focus on quality ingredients and old-school coal oven, every pie cooked at this pizzeria provides a flavor that’s hard to top.
Must Try:
- The Meatball Pizza: Topped with homemade meatballs, this pizza is a hearty favorite that marries classic flavors with a touch of innovation.
- The Margherita: Any lover of classic pizzas should not miss this with fresh mozzarella and basil.
6. Patsy’s Pizzeria – East Harlem, Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Opened in 1933, this East Harlem pizzeria frequently gets the credit for inventing the New York-style pizza we know and love. Patsy’s pizza is uniquely a little thicker and chewy, baked to perfection with a gas-fired oven. Maintaining high standards after over 80 years of operation, the pizzeria qualifies as one of the favorite stops for locals and enthusiasts alike.
Must-Try:
- Cheese Pizza: Simple, yet great cheese pizza showcasing the quality of its products.
- Sausage and Peppers Pizza: Classic topping duo always fresh and well flavored.
7. The Pizza Project – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Situated in the heart of the Upper West Side, The Pizza Project incorporates a modern twist to the traditional art of pizza-making. They do classic pies, but it is mainly their innovative toppings and attention to detail that set The Pizza Project apart from other pizzerias. The pizzeria prides itself on its use of locally sourced ingredients and on making their dough fresh every day. The result is a pizza that’s both familiar yet excitingly perfect for those wanting to try something new.
Must-Try:
- The Umami Pie: Shiitake mushrooms, mozzarella, and a soy-based sauce top this pie. Its combination gives off an earthy, deep, savory flavor.
- The Margarita with Burrata: An advanced version of the classic Margherita but with creamy burrata instead of ordinary mozzarella.
8. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is widely regarded for serving super-rich slices with thick, cheesy goodness. One of the most popular pizzerias in Manhattan, the East Village-this artichoke pizza is one of the recent cult favorites. Rich, creamy artichoke dip coats a crispy, doughy crust to yield a pizza that is at once hearty and indulgent. From this popular pizzeria, there’s enough creative pies on offer besides the star-of-the-show artichoke.
Artichoke Pizza: A rich and creamy pizza loaded with artichoke hearts, spinach, and mozzarella-the slice that dares to be different. Crab Pizza: An inventive pie featuring crab meat, mozzarella, and a garlic cream sauce.
9. Keste Pizza & Vino – Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
For lovers of Neapolitan-style pizza, there’s Keste Pizza & Vino in the West Village. If there ever was a pizzeria that was traditional in every way-from its method of making pizza to ingredients used-then Keste is the place. From perfectly charred crusts to high-quality mozzarella, Keste is about as real as it gets. What really differentiates the pizzeria is not even in buying the ingredients but also in ensuring they source fresh, locally available items for use in every slice.
Must Try:
- Margherita DOC: With San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, this pizza is just about as perfect as you’ll get.
- The Diavola: A spicy pizza with spicy salami, mozzarella, and tangy tomato sauce.
10. Motorino – Brooklyn & Manhattan
Why It’s One of the Best Pizza Places:
This renowned pizzeria is greatly admired for its Neapolitan-style pies cooked in a wood-fired oven, for the perfectly crispy yet soft, chewy center. Whether in Brooklyn or Manhattan, be sure to have a superb pizza experience. Classic pies and a few creative options name the long list of offerings; Motorino is one of the must-visit pizzerias for all pizza lovers.
Must Try:
Margherita: Always classic, on point, fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, basil. The Brussels Sprouts Pizza is a unique take on pizza, with topping made from roasted Brussels sprouts, pancetta, and mozzarella.
Conclusion
Best Pizza Spots in New York
From classic slices to rich and decadent styles, New York City is a pizza lover’s dream. Whether one is the type that would love a simple slice of New York-style pizza or has a preference for richer and more decadent