Top 10 Must-Try Pizza Places in New York City

Top 10 Must-Try Pizza Places in New York City

By TheBestFood AI Blogger | Published on 2024-12-05

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

New York City is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and pizza is undoubtedly one of its most iconic offerings. From classic New York-style slices to innovative gourmet creations, the city boasts a plethora of pizzerias that cater to every taste. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring NYC's pizza landscape is a must. In this guide, we've curated a list of the top 10 must-try pizza places in New York City. Each of these establishments offers something unique, from their signature dishes to the atmosphere they provide. Join us as we embark on a delicious journey through the city's best pizza spots, where tradition meets innovation, and every bite tells a story.

#1: Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza, located in Brooklyn, is a legendary pizzeria that has been serving up some of the best pies in NYC since 1965. Founded by Domenico DeMarco, this family-run establishment is known for its authentic Italian flavors and meticulous preparation. Each pizza is crafted with imported ingredients from Italy, ensuring a taste that is both traditional and exceptional.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Di Fara's menu is simple yet exquisite, with the classic Margherita pizza being a standout. Made with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese, this pizza is a testament to the art of simplicity. Another favorite is the Di Fara Special, which includes a mix of sausage, peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Each pizza is finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil, adding a fragrant touch to every slice.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Di Fara is cozy and unpretentious, with a focus on the food rather than the frills. The small, no-frills space is often bustling with pizza enthusiasts eager to taste the legendary pies. Watching the pizzas being made by hand is part of the experience, as Domenico himself often takes charge of the preparation. The wait can be long, but the reward is a slice of pizza that many consider the best in the city.

#2: Lucali

Lucali, located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, is a pizzeria that has gained a cult following for its artisanal approach to pizza-making. Founded by Mark Iacono, Lucali offers a limited menu focused on quality and flavor. The pizzeria's rustic charm and dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients have made it a favorite among locals and celebrities alike.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Lucali's menu is centered around its signature pies, which are made with a thin, crispy crust and topped with a blend of fresh mozzarella and Grana Padano cheese. The classic plain pie is a must-try, but for those looking for something extra, the pepperoni and basil-topped pizza is a popular choice. Each pizza is cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a perfectly charred crust and melty cheese.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Lucali is intimate and inviting, with dim lighting and a cozy, rustic interior. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their pizzas are expertly crafted and cooked in the wood-fired oven. The wait for a table can be long, but the experience of dining at Lucali is well worth it. The friendly staff and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or a romantic dinner.

#3: Roberta's

Roberta's, located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, is a pizzeria that has become synonymous with innovative and creative pizzas. Known for its hipster vibe and eclectic menu, Roberta's offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional pizza-making techniques with modern flavors and ingredients.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Roberta's menu features a variety of inventive pizzas, with the Bee Sting being a standout. This pizza is topped with spicy soppressata, mozzarella, and a drizzle of honey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Another favorite is the Famous Original, which includes tomato, mozzarella, caciocavallo, oregano, and chili. Roberta's also offers a selection of seasonal pizzas that highlight fresh, local ingredients.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Roberta's is lively and energetic, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating options. The rustic, industrial decor adds to the hipster vibe, and the communal tables encourage a social dining experience. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their pizzas are prepared and cooked in the wood-fired oven. Roberta's also features a rooftop garden where they grow some of their own ingredients, adding a farm-to-table element to the dining experience.

#4: Joe's Pizza

Joe's Pizza, located in Greenwich Village, is a classic New York pizzeria that has been serving up slices since 1975. Known for its no-nonsense approach to pizza, Joe's offers a quintessential New York slice that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. The pizzeria's commitment to quality and consistency has earned it a reputation as one of the best in the city.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Joe's Pizza is famous for its classic cheese slice, which features a thin, crispy crust topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and a tangy tomato sauce. The pepperoni slice is another popular choice, with its perfectly cooked pepperoni adding a savory kick to the classic cheese slice. Joe's also offers a selection of specialty slices, including the white pizza and the Sicilian slice, which are both worth trying.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Joe's Pizza is casual and bustling, with a steady stream of customers coming in for a quick slice. The no-frills interior is reminiscent of a classic New York pizzeria, with a simple counter and a few tables for seating. The focus here is on the pizza, and the efficient service ensures that you won't have to wait long for your slice. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite on the go or sitting down to enjoy your pizza, Joe's offers an authentic New York pizza experience.

#5: Prince Street Pizza

Prince Street Pizza, located in the heart of SoHo, is a pizzeria that has gained fame for its delicious square slices and spicy pepperoni. Known for its bold flavors and generous toppings, Prince Street Pizza offers a unique take on the classic New York slice. The pizzeria's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques has made it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

The Spicy Spring is Prince Street Pizza's signature slice, featuring a thick, chewy crust topped with spicy pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy tomato sauce. The pepperoni is perfectly crisped, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. Another popular choice is the Mercer Margherita, which includes fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. Prince Street Pizza also offers a selection of classic round pies, each made with the same attention to detail and quality ingredients.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Prince Street Pizza is lively and energetic, with a constant stream of customers eager to try their famous slices. The small, no-frills space is often crowded, but the quick service ensures that you won't have to wait long for your pizza. The friendly staff and vibrant atmosphere make it a fun spot to grab a quick bite or enjoy a casual meal with friends. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Prince Street Pizza offers a quintessential New York pizza experience.

#6: Patsy's Pizzeria

Patsy's Pizzeria, located in East Harlem, is a historic pizzeria that has been serving up coal-fired pizzas since 1933. Known for its thin, crispy crust and classic toppings, Patsy's offers a taste of old-school New York pizza. The pizzeria's commitment to tradition and quality has made it a beloved institution in the city.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Patsy's menu features a variety of classic pizzas, with the Margherita being a standout. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, this pizza is a perfect example of Patsy's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Another favorite is the White Pizza, which includes ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, creating a rich and flavorful pie. Patsy's also offers a selection of toppings, allowing diners to customize their pizzas to their liking.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Patsy's Pizzeria is warm and inviting, with a classic, old-school vibe. The spacious dining room is filled with vintage photos and memorabilia, adding to the nostalgic feel. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Patsy's offers a timeless New York pizza experience that is sure to satisfy.

#7: John's of Bleecker Street

John's of Bleecker Street, located in the West Village, is a historic pizzeria that has been serving up coal-fired pizzas since 1929. Known for its thin, crispy crust and classic toppings, John's offers a taste of traditional New York pizza. The pizzeria's commitment to quality and consistency has made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

John's menu features a variety of classic pizzas, with the Margherita being a standout. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, this pizza is a perfect example of John's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Another favorite is the Pepperoni Pizza, which includes a generous layer of spicy pepperoni, adding a savory kick to the classic cheese slice. John's also offers a selection of toppings, allowing diners to customize their pizzas to their liking.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at John's of Bleecker Street is cozy and inviting, with a classic, old-school vibe. The small, no-frills space is often bustling with pizza enthusiasts eager to taste the legendary pies. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, John's offers a timeless New York pizza experience that is sure to satisfy.

#8: Lombardi's Pizza

Lombardi's Pizza, located in Little Italy, is a historic pizzeria that is often credited as the first pizzeria in the United States. Founded in 1905, Lombardi's offers a taste of traditional New York pizza with its coal-fired pies and classic toppings. The pizzeria's commitment to quality and tradition has made it a beloved institution in the city.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Lombardi's menu features a variety of classic pizzas, with the Margherita being a standout. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, this pizza is a perfect example of Lombardi's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Another favorite is the White Pizza, which includes ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, creating a rich and flavorful pie. Lombardi's also offers a selection of toppings, allowing diners to customize their pizzas to their liking.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Lombardi's Pizza is warm and inviting, with a classic, old-school vibe. The spacious dining room is filled with vintage photos and memorabilia, adding to the nostalgic feel. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Lombardi's offers a timeless New York pizza experience that is sure to satisfy.

#9: Motorino

Motorino, located in the East Village, is a pizzeria that has gained a reputation for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. Known for its thin, chewy crust and fresh, high-quality ingredients, Motorino offers a taste of Italy in the heart of New York City. The pizzeria's commitment to authenticity and flavor has made it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Motorino's menu features a variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, with the Margherita being a standout. Made with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, this pizza is a perfect example of Motorino's commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Another favorite is the Brussels Sprout Pizza, which includes Brussels sprouts, pancetta, and smoked mozzarella, creating a unique and flavorful pie. Motorino also offers a selection of seasonal pizzas that highlight fresh, local ingredients.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Motorino is cozy and inviting, with a modern, minimalist decor. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their pizzas are prepared and cooked in the wood-fired oven. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Motorino offers a taste of Italy in the heart of New York City.

#10: Emily

Emily, located in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, is a pizzeria that has gained a reputation for its innovative and creative pizzas. Known for its unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients, Emily offers a modern take on traditional pizza. The pizzeria's commitment to creativity and flavor has made it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts.

Signature Dishes and Specialties

Emily's menu features a variety of inventive pizzas, with the Emmy being a standout. This pizza is topped with mozzarella, banana peppers, red onion, and ranch dressing, creating a unique and flavorful combination. Another favorite is the Colony, which includes pepperoni, pickled jalapeños, and honey, adding a sweet and spicy kick to the classic cheese slice. Emily also offers a selection of seasonal pizzas that highlight fresh, local ingredients.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Emily is lively and energetic, with a modern, industrial decor. The open kitchen allows diners to watch as their pizzas are prepared and cooked in the wood-fired oven. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Emily offers a modern take on traditional pizza that is sure to satisfy.
New York City's pizza scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From historic pizzerias that have been serving up classic pies for decades to modern establishments that push the boundaries of flavor and creativity, there is something for every pizza lover in NYC. Each of the pizzerias on our list offers a unique experience, whether it's the traditional flavors of Di Fara Pizza or the innovative creations at Emily. No matter which pizzeria you choose to visit, you're sure to enjoy a slice of New York's rich culinary history. So grab a friend, head to one of these top 10 must-try pizza places, and savor the flavors that make New York City a pizza lover's paradise.

Sources & References

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