The Best Pizzerias in New York City
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links; more info here.
When you think of New York City, of course, a million things come to mind. But I guarantee, one of the first is, and will always be, pizza. The problem for many visitors, though, is not knowing where or how to find the best pizzerias in New York City. We’re about to solve that problem!
Pizza is a huge part of the culture in New York. It’s something we’re famous for. Just like tacos in Los Angeles, curry in India, and dumplings in China. Pizza and New York City go hand in hand.
But New Yorkers have a different level of respect for good pizza. They are relentless pizza critics that know which qualities each slice must possess to make it in the City. Through and through, New York City is a city of tradition, pride, and history when it comes to pizza. So without further ado, let’s discuss what the 7 best pizzerias in New York City are.
The Best Pizzerias in New York City
Lombardi’s Coal Oven Pizza
World-famous New York City pizza was born when Lombardi’s Coal Oven Pizza opened its doors in 1905. As America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s set the standard for New York City pizza. And let’s face it, if you’ve been in business for over a hundred years, you must be doing something right.
Lombardi’s keeps it simple with Neapolitan pizzas, a cash-only policy, and neighborhood vibes.
As you walk through the maze that is Lombardi’s, you’ll see the history written all over its walls. Lombardi’s is an overall great experience that brings you back to the early 20th century. And the pizza is the real deal!
Where: 32 Spring St, New York (Nolita)
OTHER NEW YORK CITY POSTS:
Roberta’s
Roberta’s is a newish neighborhood spot in hipster Bushwick, which has quickly gained the reputation as one of the best pizzerias in New York City.
Although its historic record doesn’t stretch as far back as some of its counterparts’, Roberta’s is among the best pizzerias in New York City.
The small-town vibe Roberta’s exudes will make you feel like a regular who gets the best possible treatment. With huge pizza ovens, the freshest of ingredients, and a combination of flavors that all complement each other, the pizza is outstanding. Just be ready to try something new, yet wonderfully delicious.
No basic pies are allowed at Roberta’s!
Where: 261 Moore Street, Brooklyn (Bushwick)
Di Fara Pizza
When you walk into Di Fara Pizza, the first thing you’ll notice is the jolly old man behind the counter: Domenico DeMarco. Among New Yorkers and pizza fanatics alike, this guy is famous. And that’s because Dom is seriously passionate about making great pizza.
You might have to wait 20, or even 30, minutes for Dom’s carefully crafted, and simply delicious pies. And you might even have to take it to-go, if the place is too packed to find a seat. But no matter what, making the journey into Brooklyn for Di Fara is worth it.
Some say this is the absolute best place to grab a pie in New York City, and we can’t say we disagree.
Where: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn (Midwood)
Best Pizza
With the addition of Best Pizza, Williamsburg finally got what it lacked: a pizzeria that is considered one New York City’s best.
Although the pizza joint is rather new, it feels like your mom and dad used to frequent it. But then, when you see the hipsters, the kale, and hear the music playing, you’ll realize that Best Pizza is as modern as it can get.
There’s a sense of love here that will capture you and make your mushroom, caramelized onion, and extra cheese pizza seem like comfort food you’ve always missed.
Just like its name implies, Best Pizza will be some of the best you’ve ever had!
Where: 33 Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Prince St. Pizza
Prince St. Pizza is often called New York City’s best slice.
When it comes to pizza, they have everything you’d want in a tiny family owned establishment but the real gem here is their Sicilian style square slices that just can’t be matched anywhere. The family recipe has been making customers happy since they opened the joint; out-the-door lines and backed-up delivery orders are common because they’re so busy.
Your absolute best bet here is to go with the Spicy Spring square slice with perfectly cupped and crisp pepperonis.
Where: 27 Prince Street, New York (Nolita)
Motorino
Motorino focuses on bringing simplicity to a city that makes everything complex. And what a refreshing quality that is! Motorino steams its mussels in white wine, chars its brussels sprouts perfectly, and most importantly, bakes its pizza the way that it should be done. No tricks here, which is why we love Motorino so much; it’s as consistent as any restaurant we’ve ever been to, but at a level that no other place could match.
The prosciutto di parma is to die for; it’s so awesome that I’m pretty sure your kids’ kids will get the opportunity to try it. Motorino is never, ever going out of business. What makes Motorino so special is its balance of ingredients and flavors, along with the restaurant’s casual vibes.
Where: 349 East 12th Street, New York (East Village)
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is the wildcard of the bunch. This is New York City pizza that you’ve never imagined could exist, but will be so thankful to have heard about. True to its name, their most popular pies are the artichoke pizzas; they’re huge, and pack a punch of flavor that you’ll never get tired of!
Artichoke Pizza’s namesake pie has to be one of the greatest creations offered in the city. For dinner and a show, make sure that you hit the Greenwich Village location; the abundance of college kids and residents who frequent this joint serve as great over-pizza entertainment!
Where: 111 MacDougal Street, New York (Greenwich Village)
Did you know…
When you book travel or purchase something through our links, we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you? Your support enables Maddy’s Avenue to keep producing helpful travel content. Thank you!
OTHER NEW YORK CITY POSTS:
Have you eaten at any of our picks for the best pizzerias in New York City? If not, which pizzerias are your favorites in New York City? In general, what’s your favorite kind of pizza?
📩 Save this post?
We'll email this blog post to you so you can read it later!
Man… I am lactose intolerant but can’t resist such deliciousness!!!
Note: the sharing buttons above bring you back to this site with an “unknown url” error message. You might want to take a look at that. ;)
yummy all of these pizza places look so good
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
They are, indeed! :)
I love this post!! Thanks for sharing. I have just updated my Blog, you should check it out!
Kisses,
Mai
https://ohiamiht.blogspot.com.au
Thanks! Will do.
All of these pizzas have me practically drooling over my computer! We had the chance to eat at Lombardi’s when we were in NYC, and we loved it so much!
It was hard to write and edit this post; it made us so hungry! Lombardi’s is so good!
I am salivating and counting down the days til I visit NYC! Everything looks so delightfully delectable!
xx
An Unblurred Lady
So true! Are you visiting soon? You’ve got to at least visit one of these pizzerias when you go!
These pizza places all look amazing! Going to save this for the next time we are in NYC. :)
They sure are!
Yes, do it! You won’t regret it :)
I love pizza. So delicious.
Who doesn’t?!
Motorino is great but I also love Two Boots :)
Alexander @ Mr Essentialist
Maybe we’ll have to check out Two Boots!
Everything looks so delicious! I love how each pizza looks like a unique combination of toppings, makes me want to get creative with my pizza next time. I’ll have to remember these spots next time I’m in NYC. Have a great Wednesday :)
https://www.mintnotion.com
Totally agree! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Always good to know where to find good pizza! :)
Thanks for sharing!
Tara & Vic
http://www.capecoconut.com
Definitely! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Now I’m hungry! Thanks for sharing :)
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Aaaaah pizza ! Love this article haha.
I don’t know any of those restaurant since I just grab a pizza in a random restaurant when in NYC but I’ll definitely take a closer look next time :)
I hope you’ll do the same time of article next time but for ……… burgers (since I’m a HUGE fan)
Great article !!
Kenza from https://travelwithkenza.blogspot.com/
Thanks, so glad you like it!
Oh yes, great idea! We will do a NYC burgers post soon then! :)
Everything looks delicious. Yummy!
Good vibes, Fox
check out my latest Vlog
-www.rochellefox.com.au
Thanks for stopping by!
Yummy! Thanks for sharing about these pizzerias. Have a great day ahead!
http://www.reviewwali.com
Pizza is my FAVE! I haven’t tried any of these spots, am definitely bookmarking this!
You haven’t?! That’s actually SO surprising! Check them out ASAP!! :)
There really isn’t anything else quite like New York-style pizza. *Love* all the pizza photos (no surprise there haha). Great post!
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
So true, there really isn’t! Thanks for stopping by. :)
What a unique post, just got my mouth watered.
Rewind to Classics – The ‘new’ Vintage https://vogueradar.com/the-new-vintage/
Thanks for stopping by!
You got my mouth watered girl.great post
Rewind to Classics – The ‘new’ Vintage https://vogueradar.com/the-new-vintage/
All pizzas look very delicious to me. Sure they taste even better!
They sure do!
What about Grimaldi’s? When I last visited NYC, I really enjoyed a scrumptious pizza at the location near the Brooklyn bridge. Now I’ll have to try these places when I next visit. Lobe NY pizza!
There are so many great places for pizza in NYC! These are the ones we think are the best, though. If you get a chance, definitely check them out on your next visit! Thanks for your comment :)
The pizzarias listed here are good but they definitely just went with hot, hip spots. Totonnos and Di Fara are better than these spots but not as cool. Unless you judge cool by the best pizza.
We’ve never been to Totonnos before, but you’re absolutely right about Di Fara. We will update our list! Thanks for your comment.
how about JOHN-S NO SLICES PIZZA–YOU MISSED THE BEST——BOB C.
In Times Square? As a general rule, we like to steer clear of Times Square/Midtown (unless we’re seeing a show, of course) and all of the restaurants in the area… We believe there are much better places to eat and get New York-style pizza in the city.
However, it’s great that you’ve found a favorite NYC pizza place that you can go back to every time you visit!
Thanks for your comment.
I have been to Best Pizza and it was pretty awesome. Their prices are decent but the quality and taste of pizza are good.