The Big Apple is renowned worldwide for its pizza, and as a seasoned New Yorker, I’m here to help you navigate the delicious maze of pizzerias.
With a rich history dating back over a century, the Big Apple has become synonymous with some of the best pizzas in the world.
Let’s dive right into finding the best pizza in NYC and guide you on how to choose the best one!
Here we go!
Table of Contents
The History of Pizza in NYC
1. The Origin of Pizza in the USA
Pizza arrived in New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with Italian immigrants.
Lombardi’s, established in 1905, is often considered the oldest pizzeria in the United States. Located in Manhattan, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of pizza.
2. Italian Pizza in NYC
Several renowned Italian pizzerias have opened branches in NYC. Names like Eataly’s La Pizza & La Pasta, and Kesté Pizza & Vino offer an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Manhattan.
3. Pizza Preferences in the USA
Pizza is a beloved food across the United States, with each state having its favorite style. New York-style pizza is iconic in the Northeast, while Chicago deep-dish reigns in the Midwest. Californians prefer thin-crust and innovative toppings.
Why NYC is the Pizza Capital of the World
New York City isn’t just a place; it’s a pizza haven.
But what makes NYC pizza so special?
- Thin crust;
- Perfect ratio of cheese to sauce;
- Unmistakable New York attitude.
So it’s simply a combination of several factors.
2023 Pizza Awards
In 2023, the pizza scene in NYC continues to evolve.
While traditional New York-style pizza remains a favorite, there’s also a surge in popularity for Neapolitan-style and artisanal pizzas.
That’s why “Una Pizza Napoletana” in New York has been named the Best Pizzeria in The USA in 2023.
Local pizzerias like Di Fara Pizza and Roberta’s are gaining recognition for their unique flavors.
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17 Best Pizza Places in NYC
Overall, there are around 2000 pizza places in NYC. I’ve chosen the best pizza spots for you, most of them I’ve been to personally:
1. Babbo
Babbo is one of the best pizza places in NYC. It’s an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of Italian dishes, including pizza. The pizzas include fresh ingredients and are cooked in a wood-fired oven.
2. Di Fara Pizza
Di Fara Pizza is a pizzeria in Midwood, Brooklyn, that has been serving pizza since 1965. The pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked in a coal-fired oven.
3. Grimaldi’s
Grimaldi’s is a pizzeria in Brooklyn that is known for its coal-fired pizzas. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
4. Joe’s Pizza
Joe’s Pizza is a pizzeria with multiple locations throughout NYC that is known for its classic New York-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and your choice of toppings.
5. Lombardi’s Pizzeria
Lombardi’s pizzeria is not only one of the best pizza places in NYC but also the oldest pizzeria in NYC. It’s been serving pizza since 1905. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
6. Lucali
Lucali is a pizzeria in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, that is known for its Neapolitan-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
7. L’Industrie Pizzeria
This pizza place is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that serves Neapolitan-style pizzas. The pizzas at L’Industrie are made with a sourdough crust and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
8. Prince Street Pizza
“Prince Street Pizza” is a pizzeria in Soho that is known for its Sicilian-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thick crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and your choice of toppings.
9. Razza
Razza is one of the best pizza places in NYC. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, which is known for its Neapolitan-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a wood-fired oven and are certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana association.
10. Rubirosa
Rubirosa is a pizzeria in Nolita that is known for its Neapolitan-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
11. Sal’s Pizza
You can find this pizzeria in the East Village which is known for its classic New York-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and your choice of toppings.
12. Scarr’s Pizza
Scarr’s Pizza spot is located on the Lower East Side that is known for its classic New York-style pizza. The pizzas are made with a thin crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and your choice of toppings.
13. Una Pizza Napoletana
“Una Pizza Napoletana” is indeed one of the best pizza places in NYC. It’s in the West Village that serves Neapolitan-style pizzas. The pizzas are made with a wood-fired oven and are certified by the Vera Pizza Napoletana association.
14. Upside Pizza
Upside Pizza is a pizzeria at 598 8th Ave. that serves pizzas made with fresh mozzarella, plus sundaes & milkshakes.
15. Paulie’s Pizza
Paulie’s Pizza is a pizzeria with multiple locations in Brooklyn that is known for its creative pizzas. The pizzas are made with a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and even Nutella.
16. Benny’s Best Pizza
Benny’s Best Pizza is a pizzeria in the Bronx that is known for its grandma pie. The grandma pie is a Sicilian-style pizza that is made with a thick crust and topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and your choice of toppings.
17. Chrissy’s Pizza
Chrissy’s Pizza is a pizzeria in the East Village that is known for its crispy, well-done crust. The pizzas are made with a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and even artichoke hearts.
Celebrities Spotted Eating Pizza in New York City
Here are some of the celebrities who have been spotted at the restaurants mentioned in the search results:
- Lucali: Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
- Morandi: Taylor Swift, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
- Rao’s: Bill Clinton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jimmy Fallon.
- Balthazar: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston, and Gigi Hadid.
- Bar Pitti: Rihanna, Bradley Cooper, and Justin Bieber.
- Carbone: Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, John Mayer, Kanye West, and Julia Fox.
- Fanelli Cafe: Robert De Niro and Drew Barrymore.
- Locanda Verde: Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
- The Spotted Pig: Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kim Kardashian, and Kayne West, and Taylor Swift.
- Gemma: Taylor Swift, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Know What Types of Pizza to Order
1. Neapolitan Pizza
Transport yourself to Naples, Italy, without leaving NYC by indulging in Neapolitan pizza. This style boasts a thin, soft, and chewy crust, crowned with fresh and high-quality ingredients. It’s cooked in a wood-fired oven at scorching temperatures, resulting in a delightful charred finish.
Must-Visit Neapolitan Pizzerias
Experience a slice of Italy at pizzerias like Kesté, where the Margherita pizza reigns supreme, or Roberta’s, known for its creative Neapolitan-inspired pies.
2. Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza is a hearty delight characterized by its thick, rectangular crust, and a generous layer of tomato sauce. The cheese is often underneath the sauce, creating a unique texture and flavor profile.
Best Spots for Sicilian Slices
For a taste of Sicily in NYC, head to places like Prince Street Pizza (mentioned above), where the Spicy Spring square slice is legendary, or L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn, renowned for its Sicilian pies.
3. Artisanal & Gourmet Pizzas
Artisanal pizza in NYC is all about pushing the boundaries of traditional toppings and flavors. It’s where culinary creativity meets pizza perfection.
Top Picks for Artisanal Pizzas
Discover gourmet gems like Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint, offering unique combinations like the Hellboy, or Emmy Squared in Williamsburg, known for its Detroit-style pies with unconventional toppings.
4. Gluten-Free & Vegan Options
Even those with dietary restrictions can savor NYC’s pizza culture. Gluten-free pizza has gained popularity, with dedicated pizzerias offering delicious options for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Pizza for Everyone
The vegan pizza scene in NYC is thriving, with pizzerias like Screamer’s Pizzeria and Double Zero offering plant-based pies that rival their traditional counterparts.
5. International Flavors
NYC’s international influence extends to its pizza scene. Explore exotic flavors and ingredients from around the world, from Indian-inspired toppings to Middle Eastern spices.
Exotic Pizza Hotspots
Visit places like Bombay Pizza Co. for a fusion of Indian and Italian flavors or Manousheh for a Lebanese spin on pizza (although this pizzeria is temporarily closed, hopefully it will be reopened soon).
NYC Pizza vs. Italian Pizza
While NYC has undoubtedly left its mark on the global pizza scene, Italian pizza remains a gold standard. American pizza, including New York-style, competes with Italian pizza in its own right.
However, the two styles are distinct, and preferences vary widely.
What is the Biggest Pizza at the Big New Yorker?
“The Big New Yorker” is not typically associated with a specific pizzeria or pizza size, but rather it has been used as a marketing term by various pizza chains and restaurants.
So I would say there isn’t a standardized “biggest pizza” associated with “The Big New Yorker.”
What is the Most Popular Pizza Topping in NYC?
As for the most popular pizza topping in NYC, pepperoni is a classic favorite. New Yorkers are known for their love of traditional New York-style pizza, which often features a thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni.
However, the popularity of pizza toppings can vary widely among different pizzerias and individuals.
Other popular toppings in NYC include mushrooms, sausage, onions, and bell peppers, but the simplicity of a plain cheese pizza is also highly regarded in the city.
Ultimately, the choice of pizza toppings is a matter of personal preference, and you can find a wide variety of options to suit your taste in the diverse pizza scene of New York City.
As for me, I like some spicy taste so I prefer “pepperoni” one.
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How to Choose the Best Pizza in NYC?
Here are 10 steps to choose the best pizza pot in NYC:
- Determine your pizza preferences: Before choosing a pizza pot, consider what type of pizza you prefer, such as thin crust, deep dish, or Neapolitan.
- Research pizza pots in NYC: Look up pizza pots in NYC online, read reviews, and ask locals for recommendations.
- Check the menu: Look at the menu to see if the pizza pot offers the type of pizza you prefer and if they have other menu items you might like.
- Check the price: Consider the price of the pizza pot and whether it fits your budget.
- Check the location: Consider the location of the pizza pot and whether it is convenient for you to get to.
- Check the hours: Make sure the pizza pot is open when you want to eat.
- Check the atmosphere: Consider the ambiance of the pizza pot and whether it fits your style.
- Check the service: Look for reviews that mention the service and whether it is good or bad.
- Check for specials: Look for specials or deals that the pizza pot might offer.
- Visit the pizza pot: Once you have done your research, visit the pizza pot and try their pizza to see if it meets your expectations.
Conclusion
In a city that never sleeps, pizza is a way of life. Truly!!
So whether you’re a local or a tourist, NYC’s pizza scene offers something for everyone.
NYC’s pizza culture continues to captivate both locals and visitors, solidifying its place as one of the best pizza destinations in the world.
Try it yourself and you’ll make sure of it!! 😉
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