Best Pizza NYC: A Food Lover’s Tour of Iconic New York Pizzerias
New York City may be a culinary wonderland, but we all know what food we really think of when this city comes to mind: pizza!
New York City is a haven for pizza lovers, featuring everything from the traditional New York pie to the innovative sourdough pizza NYC style.
Here, the pizza pie isn’t just a meal; it’s a piece of culinary history, from the oldest pizzeria in America to the bustling best pizza in Times Square. Whether you’re sampling the historic flavors at Don Antonio New York or capturing the 1929 pizza and wine photos, each spot offers a unique slice of the city’s rich pizza tapestry.
Embark on a tantalizing tour of the best NYC pizza places, where each restaurant, from Flutter by Pizza Pie to the iconic Pizza Pie USA establishments, showcases the city’s deep-rooted love affair with pizza.
These esteemed eateries not only reflect decades of gastronomic excellence but also continuously reinvent the classic dish, securing their spots as top destinations for pizza enthusiasts around the world.
Joe’s Pizza NYC
Since its inception in 1975, Joe’s Pizza has become the gold standard for the best pizza in NYC. It’s one of the oldest pizza in NYC. A true Greenwich pizza USA where the art of the perfect New York slice is revered. This corner shop has become a culinary landmark, capturing the essence of New York’s pizza culture with its cash-only, selling pizza by the slice approach.
The constant crowd, a blend of regulars and globe-trotting tourists is a testament to the timeless allure of Joe’s thin-crust pie—a masterpiece of crispy crust, vibrant tomato sauce, and just the right amount of melted cheese.
Joe’s Pizza NYC epitomizes the diversity of the Big Apple, presenting a slice as varied as the people who line up for it. More than just a pizzeria; it’s a place where the city comes together. Each bite from the renowned pizza place pays homage to the legacy of Italian immigrants and celebrates the unspoiled joy of a quintessential New York slice.
Grab a legendary New York slice at Joe’s Pizza, with multiple locations including 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014.
Paulie Gee’s
At Paulie Gee’s, nestled within the vibrant streets of the East Village, pizza is not just food—it’s a creative expression. This place is where the old-world charm of Italian culinary tradition meets a modern twist, creating a unique dining experience.
The pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens are the cornerstone of its mastery. Ensuring every pizza has the iconic charred edges and a sublime balance between a crispy bite and a tender chew. Here, the dough transforms into an artful base. Ready to be adorned with an array of gourmet toppings, from the sweet allure of hot honey to the robust homemade sausages bursting with flavor.
Beyond just the inventive toppings, Paulie Gee’s commitment to quality and technique is evident in every slice. The carefully curated menu reads like a food lover’s fantasy. Each item promises a new adventure for your taste buds. The restaurant itself, a space that captures the East Village’s eclectic character, offers an atmosphere that’s as inviting as its dishes.
Patrons don’t just come here for the best pizza in NYC, but they also come for the experience. Here is where the ambiance, the service, and the exquisite wood-fired pizzas combine. All to make Paulie Gee’s a destination that’s emblematic of the city’s dynamic food scene. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Paulie Gee’s ensures that each pizza is a culinary work of art.
Savor creative wood-fired pizzas at Paulie Gee’s, 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (multiple branches).
Lombardi’s Pizza NYC
Lombardi’s Pizza in NYC is a place where they’ve been baking pizzas the same way since they started over a hundred years ago. Inside Lombardi’s, everything from the smell of the pizzas cooking to the old photographs on the walls tells the story of New York’s love affair with pizza.
The crust here is special – it’s crisp on the edges but still soft enough to fold, all thanks to the old coal ovens they’ve used since the doors first opened. The cheese melts just right, and the sauce, made with tomatoes and a mix of herbs, makes every pizza rich and full of flavor.
Every pizza at Lombardi’s is a nod to the city’s past, made with care and ingredients that stand out. Whether it’s the zing of spicy soppressata or the timeless appeal of pepperoni. Don’t just look at Lombardi’s New York pizza photos, savor them! Experience America’s oldest pizzeria at Lombardi’s, 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012.
John’s of Bleecker Street
Johns of Bleecker Street is like a trip back to the 1920s. It’s a place that’s all about the classic New York pizza experience. When you walk in, you’re surrounded by old-school decor that takes you back in time. They’ve been making pizza the same way since they opened – by selling whole pies that are known for their great taste.
The coal oven at John’s Pizza Manhattan is what makes their pizza special. It’s been around since the beginning, and it gives the pizza a smoky flavor and a crust that’s just the right kind of crispy. They stick to simple, good-quality ingredients, which is why people keep coming back.
Even though New York City keeps changing, John Pizzeria NYC is like a piece of history that stays the same, serving up slices that remind you of the good old days. Enjoy classic New York pies at John’s of Bleecker Street, 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014.
Little Italy Pizza NYC
Little Italy Pizza NYC brings Naples to New York, thanks to Italian immigrants who shared their pizza expertise. Nestled in a corner that echoes Naples, the pizza bursts with authentic flavors and textures. Their tangy, herby sauce pizza NYC captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes.
Their famously stretchy mozzarella pulls satisfyingly with each bite, atop a crust crispy on the edges yet soft inside. It’s a slice of Italian heritage right in Little Italy, NYC—ideal for a quick lunch or a nostalgic dinner.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or settling in for a meal, each bite is filled with care and history. Pizza lovers rejoice in the quality and tribute to Neapolitan excellence at Little Italy Pizza. It stands as a culinary beacon in NYC’s Little Italy, celebrating Italian culture and the art of pizza.
Taste authentic Naples flavors at Little Italy Pizza, with locations including 55 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036.
Louie and Ernie’s Pizza
In the bustling borough of the Bronx, Louie & Ernie invites you to fall in love with a slice of authentic New York pizza. The establishment lays down the groundwork with a dough that’s all about balance and soul.
Generous with their toppings yet never straying from the classic New York style, every pizza from Louie & Ernie’s delivers a crust that crackles just so, a sauce that’s lively and tangy, and a cheese pull that’s the stuff of Instagram legend. It’s the neighborhood gem that the whole city has come to celebrate. Delight in traditional New York pizza at Louie & Ernie’s, 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY 10461.
L&B Spumoni Gardens
The Sicilian pies at L&B Spumoni Gardens are nothing short of a multisensory spectacle. Each pizza begins with dough that’s been allowed to rise to perfection, leading to a crust that’s undeniably crisp on the bottom while maintaining a fluffy softness within.
The innovation of cheese beneath the sauce ensures each square slice is a decadent delight, and the vibrant, freshly spiced tomato sauce seeping into the airy dough creates a burst of flavor with every bite. L&B Spumoni Gardens, truthfully, is a destination where every square slice is a square meal and a slice of history.
Try iconic Sicilian slices at L&B Spumoni Gardens, 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza in NYC is a place where the simple pizza slice gets a big twist. The famous pizza NYC is their artichoke pizza – a rich and tasty mix of artichoke hearts, a creamy sauce, and lots of cheese on top of a crust that’s just the right kind of chewy and crispy.
It’s the kind of spot you have to check out if you’re looking for a pizza that’s a bit different and totally delicious. At Artichoke Basille’s, making pizza is about making something special and full of flavor, and that’s why people say it’s one of the best pizza places in the city.
Here, each pizza is made with care, and you can tell with every bite. They take the idea of an artichoke pizza nyc and add their own twist that makes it extra special. Whether you go for the famous artichoke pizza or try one of their other tasty kinds, you’re in for a treat. Artichoke Basille’s has made a name for itself as a spot where pizza is not just food – it’s an experience.
Indulge in the famous artichoke pizza at Artichoke Basille’s, multiple locations including 321 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003.
Best Pizza in NYC FAQs
Why Do People Say New York Pizza is the Best?
People say New York Pizza is the best because it gets its distinguishing crust from the high-gluten bread flour with which it is made, creating that perfect chewy yet crispy texture. Coupled with its ideal balance of sauce, cheese, and toppings, it's no wonder this pizza has earned its legendary status!
What is the First Pizza Place in New York City?
Lombardi's holds the title of America's First Pizzeria, serving up slices in New York City since 1905. This historic spot ignited the nation's love affair with pizza, turning a simple Italian dish into a New York City icon!
Your Saucy Sojourn Through NYC Awaits
This culinary journey across New York City isn’t merely a taste tour. Rather, it’s an expedition into the heart of New York City’s pizza heritage. From the traditional East Side establishments to the modern innovators in the bustling streets, the best pizza NYC has to offer is a veritable mosaic of history, community, and unending love for the cherished slice.
And whether you’re a fan of drizzling your slice with a touch of olive oil, indulging in the sweetness of hot honey, or relishing in the simplicity of a traditional Sicilian pie, the city’s pizza scene caters to every preference. It’s as diverse and delightful as New York City’s own melting pot of cultures.
What Did We Miss?
Have a pizzeria to add to our list? Leave us a comment below!
