You’ve explored New York’s pizza scene, where spots like Lombardi’s deliver crisp, traditional slices and Di Fara’s coal-oven mastery stands out for its authenticity. Yet, not all pies hit the mark—some lack that perfect balance of flavor. Wonder what’s next on our list of the top 25? You’ll want to see what makes the cut.

Joe’s Pizza

If you’re exploring New York’s iconic pizza scene, Joe’s Pizza delivers a slice that’s hard to beat, with its thin, crispy crust and perfectly balanced tomato sauce that captures the city’s no-nonsense vibe.

You’ll appreciate Joe’s Pizza history, starting in 1975 under Joe Pozzuoli, blending old-school techniques with fresh ingredients.

Experiment with Joe’s Pizza toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms; they add bold flavors without masking the classic base, ensuring every bite critiques and elevates your experience.

Lombardi’s

Lombardi’s claims the crown as New York’s oldest pizzeria, serving coal-oven pies since 1905 that blend Neapolitan tradition with Big Apple flair.

You’ll uncover Lombardi’s history, from its 1905 Manhattan origins to its evolution as a pizza icon.
Immerse yourself in Lombardi’s menu, where fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes shine in classics like Margherita.
Critically, while the coal oven creates blistered perfection, some pies lack bold seasoning.
Knowledgeably, it invites you to taste history’s depth in every slice, balancing authenticity with NYC innovation.

Grimaldi’s

Grimaldi’s, a Brooklyn landmark under the iconic bridge, delivers coal-fired pizzas that capture the essence of New York tradition with its thin, crispy crusts and simple toppings.

As you explore Grimaldi’s history, dating back to 1930, you’ll appreciate its menu’s focus on classics like Margherita and pepperoni, though critics note the limited variety can feel restrictive for bold tastes.

Di Fara Pizza

One of New York’s legendary pizzerias, Di Fara Pizza, crafts Neapolitan-style pies with fresh, hand-selected ingredients that deliver an authentic taste of Italy.

You’ll love how Di Fara’s history, rooted in 1965 Brooklyn tradition, elevates its craft, while Di Fara’s ingredients—sourced daily—ensure unparalleled quality.

Dive into Di Fara’s history: This family-run spot’s decades-long legacy reflects true artisanal passion, making you feel part of pizza’s evolution.
Taste Di Fara’s ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes burst with flavor, critically outshining mass-produced options for an authentic bite.
Experience the wait: Lines build for a reason; you’ll savor the hands-on preparation that demands patience and rewards richly.
Critique the perfection: While pricey, its pies’ balance of simplicity and depth hooks you, demanding repeat visits for that Italian essence.

Patsy’s Pizzeria

Patsy’s Pizzeria, a coal-oven staple since 1933, delivers thin-crust pies that blend New York’s pizza heritage with fresh, time-honored ingredients for an unforgettable bite.

You’ll appreciate Patsy’s history, rooted in its 1933 origins as a family-run icon, where tradition meets innovation.

Their menu boasts classics like the simple Margherita and robust meat-loaded options, though some pies lack bold flavor innovation, demanding your discerning taste.

John’s of Bleecker Street

John’s of Bleecker Street, a coal-oven legend since 1929, serves thin-crust pizzas that capture New York’s authentic flavor with fresh, time-tested ingredients.

You’ll appreciate its rich history and specialties that define NYC pizza:

Explore its history: Established in 1929, it pioneered coal-oven techniques for that signature char.
Savor the specialties: Thin-crust pies with fresh mozzarella and basil, emphasizing authentic simplicity.
Critically, the crust’s crispiness elevates flavors, though portions might feel modest.
Knowledgeably, it’s a must-visit for its enduring quality and historical pizza legacy.

Juliana’s

Juliana’s, a Brooklyn gem since 2012, fires up wood-oven pizzas with blistered crusts and fresh, premium ingredients that redefine Neapolitan style.

You’ll taste innovative pizza toppings like spicy salami or creamy burrata, expertly layered for bold flavors that demand attention.

The restaurant ambiance, with its intimate, brick-walled charm, immerses you in a vibrant yet cozy vibe, though it buzzes with energy that heightens every bite.

Rubirosa

While Rubirosa has been a Nolita staple since 2011, it masterfully crafts New York-style pizzas with thin, crispy crusts and bold toppings that elevate classic flavors.

In Rubirosa history, you’ll find it started in 2011, drawing from owner Aj’s Italian heritage, blending tradition with NYC flair.
The Rubirosa menu features standout items like the tie-dye pizza and spicy vodka sauce pies that tantalize your taste buds.
You’ll actively savor the fresh, high-quality ingredients that make every bite critically acclaimed.
Critically, it’s great but watch for smaller portions that might leave you wanting more.

Roberta’s

Roberta’s, a Bushwick favorite since 2008, brings Brooklyn’s pizza scene to life with its wood-fired ovens and inventive toppings that push boundaries beyond tradition.

You’ll soak in Roberta’s ambiance, where industrial chic meets cozy vibes, fostering a vibrant, community-driven energy that enhances every bite.

Roberta’s toppings dazzle with bold, experimental flavors like charred kale or fiery salumi, offering innovation that critics praise, though they might challenge purists’ expectations.

Prince Street Pizza

Prince Street Pizza, a Nolita legend since 1964, delivers bold Sicilian-style slices that command attention with their thick, crispy crusts and fiery vodka sauce.

You’ll love how these slices stand out in NYC’s pizza scene.

Immerse yourself in the pepperoni squares’ spicy, caramelized edges that add a fiery kick to every bite.
Experience the spicy vodka sauce’s bold heat, perfectly balancing rich tomatoes and cream.
You’ll appreciate the generous toppings that make each slice a meal in itself.
Don’t overlook the crust’s satisfying crunch—it’s what keeps you coming back for more.

Artichoke Basille’s

Artichoke Basille’s brings a fresh twist to NYC’s pizza game with its signature artichoke pie, blending creamy hearts, garlic, and cheese into a crave-worthy slice that’s as indulgent as it’s inventive.

You’ll savor the prominent artichoke flavors that define each bite, paired with unique toppings like spinach or basil for added depth.

It’s a knowledgeable pick for adventurers, but its richness demands moderation.

L&B Spumoni Gardens

L&B Spumoni Gardens captures Brooklyn’s pizza heritage with its thick, square Sicilian slices that boast a crispy crust and generous layers of melted cheese and tangy sauce.

You’ll learn about L&B’s history from the 1930s and savor Spumoni flavors like chocolate and pistachio for a flavorful twist.

Explore L&B’s rich history for authentic vibes.
Taste diverse Spumoni flavors that enhance your meal.
Critically, note the sauce’s tangy balance on each slice.
Experience why it’s a Brooklyn pizza staple you’ll crave.

Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitano

Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitano, a Coney Island gem since 1924, fires up coal-oven pizzas that capture Neapolitan tradition with their blistered, thin crusts and simple, fresh toppings.

You’ll explore Totonno’s rich history through its menu, featuring authentic pies like marinara and cheese that use premium ingredients for a true taste.

It’s critically beloved, though you’ll face lines; plan your visit wisely.

Lucali

Lucali, Brooklyn’s iconic pizzeria since 2006, serves coal-fired pies that blend Neapolitan roots with fresh, top-tier ingredients for a crispy, flavorful crust.

As you visit, you’ll appreciate Lucali’s ambiance and menu in depth:

You’ll savor Lucali’s menu, featuring simple, high-quality pies with artisanal toppings that elevate every bite.
Immerse yourself in Lucali’s ambiance, a cozy, candlelit space that fosters intimate gatherings.
Critically, the menu’s focus on freshness guarantees flavors pop without overwhelming the crust.
Knowledgeably, it’s a must-try for its authentic vibe and precise execution.

Motorino

Motorino, a standout East Village gem, crafts Neapolitan-style pizzas with wood-fired precision that delivers blistered crusts and bold flavors.

When you explore the Motorino menu, the wood fired pizza options shine with fresh, seasonal toppings that elevate every bite.

It’s a knowledgeable choice for authentic taste, though portions feel modest, so you’ll want to add sides for satisfaction.

Co. Pizza

Co., a coal-fired favorite in Chelsea, delivers New York-style pizzas with a smoky char that enhances every slice’s texture and taste.

You’ll explore co. pizza styles, from classic thin-crust to innovative variations, while savoring co. pizza toppings that add depth.

Savor co. pizza toppings like fresh mozzarella and spicy pepperoni for bold, layered flavors.
Discover co. pizza styles blending traditional and modern twists for a personalized pie.
Critique the perfect char that elevates crust without overwhelming toppings.
Experience how these elements create pizzas you’ll crave, balancing authenticity with creativity.

Don Antonio

Don Antonio, a Neapolitan gem in Hell’s Kitchen, crafts authentic pizzas with dough that’s fermented for days, yielding crusts so light and blistered they redefine your expectations.

In Neapolitan style, you’ll savor pizza toppings like creamy buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes that burst with flavor, offering a knowledgeable critique of traditional tastes, ensuring every bite keeps you hooked.

Scarr’s Pizza

Scarr’s Pizza in Manhattan’s Lower East Side delivers a quintessential New York-style slice that’s crisp, foldable, and topped with fresh ingredients like tangy sauce and premium mozzarella.

You’ll love Scarr’s history, dating back to 2015’s revival of classic pies.

Explore Scarr’s history for authentic vibes in its iconic location.
Savor Scarr’s menu with premium toppings and daily specials.
Soak up Scarr’s atmosphere; prices are competitive.
Check Scarr’s reviews for its popularity and reliable delivery.

Una Pizza Napoletana

Una Pizza Napoletana in Manhattan’s East Village crafts exceptional Neapolitan pies that embody Italian tradition with their light, charred crusts and premium ingredients.

You’ll appreciate their masterful Neapolitan techniques and authentic ingredients, baked in traditional ovens echoing pizza history.

Experience regional variations in topping combinations and culinary influences through extended dough fermentation, plus serving styles that immerse you in vibrant pizza culture.

Emily

Emily in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood delivers bold, inventive pizzas that fuse New York and Detroit styles into crave-worthy creations.

You’ll discover Emily’s favorite pizza toppings that add unexpected flair, making you crave more.

Bold Toppings: Emily’s favorite combinations, like spicy soppressata and pickled jalapeños, deliver a fiery kick you won’t forget.
Crisp Crusts: Their Detroit-inspired squares offer a perfect crunch, contrasting New York’s foldable slices for your ideal bite.
Flavor Fusion: Innovative toppings push boundaries, critiquing traditional pies while honoring roots—you’ll taste the evolution.
Must-Try Pairs: Experiment with unique toppings that balance sweet and savory, elevating your pizza game critically.

Paulie Gee’s

Paulie Gee’s in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood crafts pizzas that blend classic Neapolitan techniques with bold, unconventional toppings, drawing crowds who seek a fresh take on New York’s pizza scene.

You’ll bite into the wood fired crust, offering a crispy yet chewy texture that elevates unique toppings like spicy Hellboy or vegan options.

It’s critically praised for innovation, though some bold flavors might overwhelm your palate.

Brooklyn Pie Co

Brooklyn Pie Co in Brooklyn’s vibrant Williamsburg area delivers New York-style pizzas that emphasize thin, foldable crusts and fresh ingredients, drawing loyal fans with classics like the pepperoni pie.

You’ll savor Brooklyn Pie Co’s crust for its crisp, foldable perfection, while critiquing its toppings for bold flavors that sometimes overpower.

Brooklyn Pie Co’s crust delivers a thin, authentic snap that elevates your slice.
Brooklyn Pie Co’s toppings feature fresh, high-quality ingredients for a vibrant burst.
It’s critically balanced, offering traditional pies with modern twists you’ll appreciate.
Knowledgeably, it stands out for consistent quality in New York’s pizza scene.

Famous Original Ray’s

Famous Original Ray’s in Manhattan churns out massive New York-style slices with a thick, chewy crust that’s ideal for on-the-go bites.

Yet you’ll notice the grease can overwhelm the fresh toppings. When you explore Famous Original Ray’s history, you’ll discover its 1970s origins as a Manhattan staple.

Their menu features classic slices like pepperoni and cheese, but the excess oil critically detracts from the flavors, leaving you wanting better balance.

Angelo’s Pizza

Angelo’s Pizza in Greenwich Village fires up authentic Neapolitan-style pies in a blazing coal oven, delivering a perfectly blistered crust that’s crisp yet tender.

You’ll appreciate Angelo’s history, rooted in 1960s traditions, while critiquing its fresh toppings for bold flavors.

Explore Angelo’s history for its family legacy and coal-oven heritage.
Savor Angelo’s toppings like spicy pepperoni and basil, balancing simplicity with zest.
Critique the mozzarella’s melt for enhancing every bite’s authenticity.
Knowledgeably pair it with a beer to elevate your pizza adventure.

Two Boots

Two Boots innovates on New York pizza by blending bold Cajun influences with its East Village vibe, delivering slices that pack a flavorful punch without losing the city’s signature fold.

You’ll encounter unique toppings like alligator sausage or crawfish, adding spicy depth that excites your palate.

Critically, while innovative, some overpower; balance them wisely for the ultimate, non-traditional New York experience.

Final Thoughts

You’ve explored New York’s top 25 pizza gems, from Lombardi’s timeless thin-crust mastery to Roberta’s daring innovations and Di Fara’s coal-fired authenticity. It’s critical to appreciate how these spots blend tradition with bold flavors, elevating every slice. Don’t miss out—you’ll crave that perfect pie; immerse yourself, taste the difference, and let NYC’s pizza scene redefine your expectations in this unbeatable culinary playground.

25 Best Pizza Places in New York City