New York City is renowned for its iconic pizza, showcasing styles from thin-crust Neapolitan to deep-dish Sicilian and everything in between. Here are some must-visit pizzerias that you should include on your NYC pizza bucket list.
1. Di Fara Pizza
Di Fara Pizza, located in Midwood, Brooklyn, is often hailed as the best pizza joint in New York City. With its traditional hand-tossed pizza, perfected by the legendary Dom De Marco, this is a must-visit for any serious pizza connoisseur. Get the Classic Pie for a true taste of Di Fara’s mastery.
2. Lucali
Nestled in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, Lucali offers a charming, rustic setting for some of the city’s best pizza. Their thin-crust pies are renowned city-wide, with a delicious balance of flavors. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of your favorite wine, as Lucali is a BYOB establishment.
3. Roberta’s Pizza
Roberta’s, a gem in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, is known for its innovative and deliciously unique toppings. The Bee Sting, a pizza with mozzarella, tomato, soppressata, chili, and a drizzle of honey, is a perennial favorite. Roberta’s also has a tiki bar and a bakery on-site.
4. L&B Spumoni Gardens
This historic Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, establishment has been serving its Sicilian-style pizza since 1939. Their thick, square slices, which are sauce-forward and topped with a light sprinkling of cheese, have achieved legendary status. Don’t leave without trying their namesake Spumoni dessert.
5. Paulie Gee’s
Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Paulie Gee’s is a beloved local hotspot known for its Neapolitan-style pies cooked in a wood-fired oven. They also offer a fantastic selection of vegan pizzas. For a twist on the classic Margherita, try their Hellboy pie which includes spicy honey.
6. Joe’s Pizza
Since 1975, Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village has been one of the city’s favorite spots for a classic New York slice. Simple, unpretentious, and always satisfying, a slice from Joe’s embodies the spirit of New York City pizza. The Original NY slice is a must-try.
7. Grimaldi’s
Under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO is Grimaldi’s, a coal brick-oven pizzeria. The establishment is famous for its thin crust and fresh mozzarella pies. Grimaldi’s doesn’t sell slices, so bring a friend and indulge in a whole pie.
8. Juliana’s
Interestingly, right next door to Grimaldi’s is Juliana’s, started by Patsy Grimaldi himself. Their Neapolitan-style pies are superb, each perfectly charred and deliciously cheesy. The No. 1 Margherita is a crowd favorite.
9. Prince Street Pizza
Located in Nolita, Manhattan, Prince Street Pizza is particularly famous for its Sicilian square slice, known as the “Spicy Spring,” topped with fra diavolo sauce, spicy pepperoni, and fresh mozzarella.
10. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, with multiple locations in Manhattan, serves up unique, rich slices, including the signature Artichoke Pie, which features artichoke hearts, spinach, cream sauce, mozzarella, and pecorino romano cheese.
Whether you’re a long-time local or a tourist seeking the best slices in town, this list should keep you well-fed and eager to explore the diverse world of NYC’s pizza scene.
