11 Top Pizza Spots In New York City You Can’t Afford To Miss
New York City and pizza go together like cheese and tomato sauce—it’s a love story that never gets old.
From coal-fired ovens to classic corner slices, the city’s pizza scene is legendary, and trust me, every bite tells a story.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, tracking down the best pies is practically a rite of passage.
Get ready to explore eleven unforgettable spots that will make your taste buds sing.
1. Lucali
Walking into Lucali feels like stepping into someone’s home, and in many ways, that’s exactly what it is.
Owner Mark Iacono has turned this cozy Carroll Gardens gem into one of Brooklyn’s most beloved pizza destinations.
The atmosphere is intimate, the lighting is dim, and the pizza?
Absolutely unforgettable.
You’ll find Lucali at 575 Henry Street in Brooklyn, tucked away in a neighborhood that radiates old-school charm.
The dough is rolled out by hand right in front of you, topped with the freshest ingredients, and baked to perfection in a brick oven.
Each pie comes out crispy, chewy, and dripping with flavor.
What makes this spot truly special is the personal touch—Mark often greets guests himself, and there’s no phone for reservations, so you’ll need to show up and wait.
But trust me, every minute is worth it.
The calzones here are legendary too, stuffed generously and baked until golden brown.
2. Di Fara Pizza
For decades, Di Fara has been the gold standard of New York pizza, and it all comes down to one man: Domenico DeMarco.
Watching him craft each pie with meticulous care is like witnessing an artist at work.
He hand-cuts fresh basil with scissors, drizzles imported olive oil, and never rushes a single pie.
Located at 1424 Avenue J in Midwood, Brooklyn, this unassuming shop has drawn pizza pilgrims from around the world.
The wait can be long—sometimes over an hour—but the result is pure magic.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and that signature basil finish.
Di Fara isn’t just about pizza; it’s about tradition, passion, and dedication.
Domenico has been doing this for over fifty years, and his commitment to quality has never wavered.
The crust is perfectly charred, the cheese melts like a dream, and the flavor lingers long after you’ve finished your slice.
3. Joe’s Pizza
If there’s one slice that defines New York pizza culture, it’s the classic fold-and-go slice from Joe’s Pizza.
This Greenwich Village institution has been serving up no-nonsense, delicious pies since 1975.
There’s nothing fancy here—just perfectly executed pizza that hits every single time.
You’ll spot Joe’s at 7 Carmine Street, right in the heart of the Village, where the line often stretches out the door.
The secret is simplicity: thin crust, tangy sauce, gooey mozzarella, and just the right amount of grease.
Grab a plain slice, fold it in half, and take that first bite—you’ll understand why this place is legendary.
Joe’s has become a cultural landmark, featured in movies and loved by celebrities and locals alike.
But despite the fame, the quality has never dipped.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or a late-night snack, Joe’s delivers every time with consistency and flavor that never disappoints.
4. Prince Street Pizza
Square slices might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New York pizza, but Prince Street Pizza is here to change that.
Their signature spicy spring slice has achieved cult status, and one bite will tell you why.
The crispy, airy crust paired with tangy sauce and spicy pepperoni creates an explosion of flavor.
Head over to 27 Prince Street in Nolita, and prepare for a slice that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
The pepperoni cups up as it bakes, creating little pools of spicy oil that add an extra punch.
The crust is thick but never doughy, with a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese.
What started as a small family operation has grown into one of the city’s most talked-about pizza spots.
The lines can get long, especially on weekends, but the wait moves quickly.
Grab a spicy spring, maybe add a plain square for comparison, and enjoy your slices right there on the street.
5. John’s of Bleecker Street
Coal-fired pizza is an art form, and John’s of Bleecker Street has been perfecting it since 1929.
The intense heat of the coal oven creates a crust that’s charred, crispy, and impossibly flavorful.
This is old-school New York pizza at its finest, served in a space that oozes history and character.
Located at 278 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, John’s operates in a former church, complete with stained glass windows and wooden pews.
The atmosphere alone is worth the visit, but the pizza is the real star.
Each pie emerges from the oven with a blistered crust, bubbling cheese, and a smoky aroma that fills the room.
John’s only serves whole pies—no slices here—so come with friends or a serious appetite.
The classic margherita is a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to explore their toppings.
Everything tastes better when it’s been kissed by coal fire, and John’s proves that with every single pie they serve.
6. Roberta’s
Bushwick might not be the first neighborhood you think of for world-class pizza, but Roberta’s has put it firmly on the map.
This trendy spot combines creative toppings with traditional techniques, resulting in pies that are both innovative and deeply satisfying.
The vibe is casual and cool, with an outdoor garden that’s perfect for warm evenings.
Find Roberta’s at 261 Moore Street in Brooklyn, where the industrial-chic setting matches the adventurous menu.
The Bee Sting pizza—topped with soppressata, chili, and honey—is a fan favorite that balances sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
The crust is thin and crispy, with just enough chew to hold up to the bold toppings.
Beyond pizza, Roberta’s has expanded into a full culinary experience, with a radio station, tasting menu, and even a rooftop garden.
But the pizza remains the heart of the operation, drawing crowds who appreciate quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Whether you stick with a classic or try something wild, you won’t be disappointed.
7. Scarr’s Pizza
Scarr’s Pizza is proof that you can honor tradition while doing things your own way.
Owner Scarr Pimentel mills his own flour and makes his own mozzarella, ensuring every ingredient meets his exacting standards.
The result is a slice that tastes both familiar and somehow elevated, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere.
You’ll find Scarr’s at 22 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, in a neighborhood that’s seen countless pizzerias come and go.
What sets Scarr’s apart is the commitment to quality at every step.
The dough ferments slowly, developing complex flavors, and the sauce is bright and tangy without being overpowering.
The slices here are generous, with a thin but sturdy crust that holds up beautifully.
Whether you grab a plain cheese or try one of the daily specials, you’re getting pizza made with care and passion.
Scarr’s has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, and once you try it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
8. Emily
Emily brings a modern twist to the New York pizza scene with their signature Detroit-style pies.
The square, thick-crusted pizzas are baked in special pans that create a crispy, caramelized edge that’s downright addictive.
But don’t let the non-traditional style fool you—this is serious pizza made by people who truly understand the craft.
Located at 919 Fulton Street in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, Emily has become a neighborhood hotspot for good reason.
The Emmy burger pizza—yes, you read that right—tops a pizza with burger toppings like pickles, onions, and a special sauce.
It sounds wild, but it works beautifully, delivering comfort food in pizza form.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a date night.
Beyond the creative pies, Emily also serves excellent salads, appetizers, and even a burger that rivals the best in the city.
But make no mistake: you’re here for the pizza, and Emily delivers with bold flavors and perfect execution every time.
9. Una Pizza Napoletana
Anthony Mangieri is obsessed with pizza, and that obsession has resulted in Una Pizza Napoletana, one of the most acclaimed pizzerias in the entire country.
This isn’t just food—it’s a philosophy.
Every ingredient is carefully sourced, every pie is crafted with precision, and the results speak for themselves.
Visit Una Pizza Napoletana at 175 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, where minimalism meets mastery.
The menu is intentionally small, focusing on a handful of classic Neapolitan pies made with imported Italian flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
The crust is soft and pillowy, with a charred, leopard-spotted bottom that’s the hallmark of a true Neapolitan pizza.
Mangieri works the oven himself, and watching him is mesmerizing.
Each pizza bakes for just ninety seconds in a wood-fired oven, emerging perfectly blistered and aromatic.
The flavors are pure and simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.
It’s pizza stripped down to its essence, and it’s absolutely stunning.
10. Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s has become a Greenpoint institution, known for creative topping combinations and a wood-fired oven that produces perfectly charred crusts.
Owner Paulie Gee Giannone started this place as a passion project, and that passion shines through in every pie.
The menu is playful, with pizzas named after friends and family, each one offering something unique.
Head to 60 Greenpoint Avenue in Brooklyn, where the exposed brick walls and friendly atmosphere make you feel right at home.
The Hellboy pizza—topped with fresh mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, sopressata picante, and honey—is a customer favorite that balances heat and sweetness beautifully.
The crust is thin and crispy, with just the right amount of char from the wood-fired oven.
What makes Paulie Gee’s special is the sense of community.
This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to gather, share stories, and enjoy great pizza with friends.
The vegan menu is surprisingly robust, proving that plant-based pizza can be just as delicious as the original.
11. Tottono’s
Totonno’s is a piece of living history, serving coal-fired pizza in Coney Island since 1924.
This family-run establishment has stayed true to its roots, using the same recipes and techniques that founder Antonio Totonno Pero brought from Naples over a century ago.
Eating here feels like stepping back in time, and the pizza tastes just as good as it did generations ago.
Located at 1524 Neptune Avenue in Brooklyn, Totonno’s operates in a charming, old-fashioned space that hasn’t changed much over the decades.
The pies are thin, crispy, and beautifully charred, with a simplicity that highlights the quality of the ingredients.
The margherita is a must-try, showcasing the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crust.
Totonno’s only accepts cash, and they’re only open certain days, so plan accordingly.
But the effort is absolutely worth it.
This is pizza history you can taste, made by a family that’s been perfecting their craft for nearly a hundred years.
It’s a true New York treasure that deserves your attention.