New York City is renowned for its pizza, and with so many pizzerias to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Whether you’re a fan of classic New York-style slices, deep-dish pizza, or artisanal pies, this guide will help you find some of the best pizza spots in the city. Here’s a detailed list of must-visit pizzerias across various neighborhoods, each offering a unique slice of New York’s pizza scene.
1. Di Fara Pizza
- Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
- Neighborhood: Midwood
- Specialty: Classic New York-style pizza with fresh ingredients. Di Fara is famous for its handmade pies and the use of high-quality toppings, including imported Italian cheeses and fresh basil.
- Notable Feature: The pizzeria has been a Brooklyn institution for decades, with the legendary Dom DeMarco still making pies himself.
- Website: Di Fara Pizza
2. Joe’s Pizza
- Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
- Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
- Specialty: Traditional New York-style pizza known for its classic thin crust, simple toppings, and authentic taste.
- Notable Feature: Joe’s Pizza is a favorite among locals and celebrities alike. It’s been serving pizza since 1975.
- Website: Joe’s Pizza
3. Lombardi’s Pizza
- Location: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
- Neighborhood: Nolita
- Specialty: Known as America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s serves classic coal-oven pizza with a crisp crust and flavorful toppings.
- Notable Feature: Lombardi’s uses a coal-fired oven, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor to the pizza.
- Website: Lombardi’s Pizza
4. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
- Location: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
- Specialty: Coal-fired pizza with a crisp, thin crust and rich tomato sauce. Grimaldi’s is renowned for its delicious pies and long lines.
- Notable Feature: The original location under the Brooklyn Bridge has become iconic for its traditional pizza-making methods.
- Website: Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
5. Prince Street Pizza
- Location: 27 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
- Neighborhood: Nolita
- Specialty: Known for its Sicilian-style pizza, especially the Spicy Spring Slice, which features pepperoni and a zesty sauce.
- Notable Feature: Prince Street Pizza has gained a reputation for its square slices and bold flavors.
- Website: Prince Street Pizza
6. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
- Location: 328 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Specialty: Unique pizzas with rich and creamy toppings, such as their famous Artichoke Pizza, which features a creamy artichoke sauce.
- Notable Feature: Artichoke Basille’s is known for its hearty, indulgent slices and inventive toppings.
- Website: Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
7. Motorino
- Location: 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
- Neighborhood: East Village
- Specialty: Neapolitan-style pizza with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a wood-fired oven.
- Notable Feature: Motorino offers a more refined pizza experience with a variety of artisanal toppings and a chewy, flavorful crust.
- Website: Motorino
8. John’s of Bleecker Street
- Location: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
- Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
- Specialty: Classic New York-style pizza with a crispy, thin crust, baked in a coal-fired oven.
- Notable Feature: A historic pizzeria that’s been serving delicious pies since 1929, known for its authentic taste and classic New York atmosphere.
- Website: John’s of Bleecker Street
9. Roberta’s
- Location: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
- Neighborhood: Bushwick
- Specialty: Innovative pizzas with creative toppings and a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Roberta’s is known for its unique and flavorful pies.
- Notable Feature: A trendy spot with a vibrant atmosphere, Roberta’s has gained a reputation for its culinary creativity.
- Website: Roberta’s
10. Lucali
- Location: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
- Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
- Specialty: Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza with simple, high-quality ingredients. Lucali is praised for its artisanal approach to pizza-making.
- Notable Feature: The pizzeria is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious, hand-crafted pies. Reservations are recommended.
- Website: Lucali
Tips for Enjoying New York Pizza
- Timing: Popular pizzerias can have long lines, especially during peak hours. Visiting during off-peak times can improve your chances of a shorter wait.
- Cash: Some traditional pizzerias may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you.
- Toppings: New York-style pizza is often enjoyed with just a few classic toppings. Consider trying a plain slice to fully appreciate the quality of the dough and sauce.
Conclusion
New York City offers a diverse and exciting pizza landscape, with each pizzeria bringing its unique flair to the classic dish. Whether you’re seeking a traditional slice, an artisanal creation, or a deep-dish delight, these top spots will provide you with an unforgettable pizza experience. Enjoy exploring New York’s pizza scene!