Few foods evoke more memories and emotion than pizza. Eating a slice is a reminder of birthday parties, Friday-night takeout with family, and of course, pizza parties with friends. Everyone has their own favorite type and toppings, but in New York City, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: the absolute best pizza in NYC.
Home to some of the best pizza makers in the country, there are endless options for the perfect slice. From classic New York-style pies to inventive artisanal options, the best pizza in NYC is just around any corner. Here is your guide to the absolute best pizza in NYC.
The Classics: New York-Style Pizza
No list of the best pizza in NYC is complete without featuring the classic: the New York-style slice. There’s a reason pizza is synonymous with the city; it’s the perfect combination of thin crust, delicious sauce, and savory cheese.
Here are just a few of the top places to find the classic New York-style pizza:
• Di Fara Pizza: This iconic pizza parlor has been celebrated for its classic pies since 1964. Making pizzas the same way for over 60 years, Di Fara’s is the definition of a classic slice.
• Totonno’s: Serving up slices since 1924, Totonno’s is widely considered the gold standard for New York-style pizza. The Margherita pies are especially renowned.
• Joe’s Pizza: Ideal for a post-bar snack, this Village staple has been serving up slices since 1975.
Gourmet Pies for Pizza Aficionados
Looking for something with just a bit more panache than your average New York slice? NYC’s artisanal pizzerias offer a range of gourmet pies sure to satisfy any pizza aficionado.
• Paulie Gee’s: With three locations in Brooklyn and one in the Lower East Side, Paulie Gee’s offers a range of delicious pizzas, including the famed Crazy Larry, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Italian fennel sausage, and Parmesan.
• Emmy Squared: Emmy Squared is a playful take on the classic Detroit-style pizza, serving up thick-crust beauties with creative toppings.
• Ribalta: This Lower East Side pizzeria has been serving up original pizzas made with traditional Italian recipes since 2013.
• Prince Street Pizza: Prince Street sets itself apart from other pizzerias with unique slice options topped with delicious ingredients. Some of the more popular choices include sausage and broccoli rabe, pepperoni and honey, and tomato and garlic.
Upscale Pizza Without the Upscale Price Tag: Budget-Friendly Options
For those looking to enjoy an elevated pizza experience without breaking the bank, these spots offer everything from classic slices to gourmet pies at budget-friendly prices.
• Joe’s Pizza: Available for less than $2.50 a slice, Joe’s is the perfect late-night snack for no-frills pizza.
• L’Industrie Pizza: Located in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, L’Industrie combines classic flavors with creative ingredients for inexpensive artisanal pizzas.
• Lombardi’s Pizza: This is the go-to spot for tourists looking for a taste of the classic New York slice. At just $3.50 a slice, it’s the perfect place to satisfy your craving without blowing your entire budget.
• Bufalina Pizza: Bufalina Pizza serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas made with Caputo ’00 flour, organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and deep flavor of the wood-burning oven. Perfect for a budget-friendly dining experience.
Grab-and-Go Pies
New Yorkers are always on the go. Luckily, there are plenty of grab-and-go pizza options in the city that are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
• Two Boots: This iconic spot has become widely known for its creative, eclectic specialty pizzas. Perfect for a slice on-the-go.
• Williamsburg Pizza: Williamsburg Pizza is an institution in the Brooklyn neighborhood, offering made-to-order coal-fired slices with unique topping combinations
•uzzo Pizzacone: Specializing in flaky, flavorful pizzacones filled with delicious ingredients, this is the ideal option for those looking for a unique snack.
• Roberta’s: Roberta’s offers delicious takeout barbecue slices and classic pies, making it a perfect option for those who are always on-the-go.
Vegan Pizza: Dairy-Free Options
There are plenty of options for those looking for dairy-free pizza, too. Here are some of the top spots around NYC.
• Screamer’s Pizzeria: This vegetarian-friendly spot offers some of the best vegan pizzas in the city, with plenty of vegan topping combinations and a wide variety of dairy-free cheese options.
• Double Zero: Double Zero offers a menu of creative vegan pizzas, crafted with innovative Vegan Mish “Mozz” cheese.
• Viva Herbal Pizzeria: This all-vegan pizzeria offers a huge menu full of delicious dairy-free slices, including the popular Quattro Formaggi.
• Champs Family Bakery: Champs offers classic vegan slices made with vegan Daiya cheese. Perfect for a quick pizza snack.
The Perfect Pizza Experience in NYC
From classic slices to elevated gourmet pies, NYC’s pizzerias offer something for everyone. Whether you’re taking a slice to-go or settling in for a perfect pizza experience, there are plenty ofoptions for the best pizza in NYC.
