When it comes to pizza, Manhattan has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for a delicious meal or a visitor looking for the best of the best, you’ll find something to please all your favorite pizza cravings. From the traditional Neapolitan slices to world-renowned New York-style pies, whatever kind of pizza you’re most in the mood for, the city has many offerings to fulfill your pizza dreams.
In this guide, we’ll explore the many delicious pizza hotspots and dive into what makes these pizza parlors special. And to make it easier for you, we’ve also rounded up some lists to help you find the perfect spot for your next slice!
Overview of Pizza Types in Manhattan
Before we jump right into our list of best pizza hotspots, let’s take a quick look at the various types of pizza typically found in Manhattan. Understanding the difference between the various types of pizza can help you better assess where to go to satisfy your cravings.
Neapolitan-Style Pizza – Neapolitan-style pizza is a genuine Italian classic. These pies are baked in a wood-fired oven and feature a thin crust, light sauce, and a lightly crisped bottom. The dough is usually soft and chewy, so intense heat is necessary to get that perfect texture.
New York-Style Pizza – This type of pizza is known for its thin, large, foldable slices and crispy, charred edges. It is heavier and crispier than the Neapolitan-style and has less toppings and a thicker layer of cheese.
Chicago-Style Pizza – This hearty, deep-dish style is thought to have been invented in the 1940s. It traditionally has a buttery crust and is filled with lots of tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Sicilian-Style Pizza – This thicker-crusted variety is also known as “Old-Fashioned” pizza, and it’s usually cut into sixteen large square slices. The crust is usually thick and crunchy, and it’s usually served with a generous layer of sauce, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Best Pizza Spots in Manhattan
Now that you know a bit more about the various styles of pizza offered in Manhattan, let’s dive right in and list some of the best places to get your pizza fix!
John’s of Bleecker Street – This family-owned restaurant has been cooking up a delightful range of Italian food since 1929. Famous for their classic Neapolitan-style pizza, their pies feature the perfect balance of flavor with an excellent light crisp on the crust.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Founded in DUMBO, this classic pizzeria has become a beloved pizza mecca for locals. They specialize in classic coal-oven pizzas with a great combination of salty and sweet flavors.
Keste Pizza & Vino – With a spacious, inviting dining area and an attentive wait staff, this spot wins top points for its atmosphere. They also offer traditional Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven, along with an extensive wine list.
Joe’s Pizza – Serving classic, hand-tossed cheese and pepperoni pies since the 1960s, many locals consider Joe’s the benchmark of all NYC-style slices. Visit this legendary pie joint for a delicious and classic New York-style slice.
Famous Original Ray’s Pizza – If you want a classic slice of NY-style pizza that has been drawing in locals for decades, Famous Original Ray’s Pizza is for you! Enjoy a thin, crispy crust with a generous topping of your favorite ingredients.
Robbins Wolfe’s – This Michelin-starred restaurant is sure to please with their carefully crafted gourmet-style pies. Their Italian meats and fresh hand-stretched dough make their pizza a cut (or should we say, a slice!) above the rest.
Joe’s Pizza of Greenwich Village – Serving pies since 1975, this spot is one of New York’s oldest pizza joints. The classic thin-crust pie is cooked to perfection and topped with some of the freshest ingredients.
Lucali Pizza – This classic spot in Brooklyn serves one of the best pizza pies in the city. The signature thin-crust pies are cooked in a coal-fired oven. If you’re lucky, you can get a famous stuffed pizza!
No matter what your pizza cravings may be, you’re sure to find something to satisfy them in this guide. From classic slices of New York-style pizza to Neapolitan-style pies, Manhattan has it all. So, the next time you’re in the city and in the mood for pizza, consult this list to find the best pizza spots in Manhattan!
