Can we all just agree that pizza should be the official food of New York City?
Seriously, I can’t even think of an occasion where pizza would be inappropriate.
Good pizza may be hard to come by elsewhere in the States, but definitely not in New York City. It's where traditional, old school Italian style meets local, urban flair to create one huge pizza mecca.
One thing is for sure: whatever your taste in 'za may be, NYC has definitely got a spot in one of its five boroughs that will cater to your craving.
Best of Manhattan
Artichoke Basille’s (328 East 14th Street)
What NYC pizza guide would be complete without Artichoke Basille’s?
We’ve all been there. It’s the pizza we’ve all loved for better or worse, for late-night drunken pizza sprees and sober comfort. The signature artichoke slice is a cheesy, savory classic that you can always count on being delicious.
[anad]
John’s of Bleecker Street (278 Bleecker Street)
Bring your appetite because John’s is a real no-nonsense pizzeria that sells their ‘za by the pie only.
But the pizza is thin, fresh, and delicious, so that pie-only policy shouldn’t be a problem.
Motorino (349 East 12th Street)
If you're bored by traditional pizza, then you definitely need to check out Motorino.
Their pizzas are adventurous to the tune of a pie brussel sprouts and pancetta (don't knock it until you try it), and not to mention a brunch pizza during weekend hours. Innovative, right?
Patsy's Pizza (2287 1st Avenue)
Check out this slice of history (see what we did there?): Patsy's has been an East Harlem gem since the 1930s, and regular customers have included musical legend Frank Sinatra and renowned Yankee catcher Yogi Berra.
Classic, authentic--and not to mention delicious-- Italian pizzas and dishes have made this place a beloved New York City treasure for generations.
Joe's Pizza (7 Carmine Street)
Look no further than Joe's for an original, no-frills New York style pizza. Nothing pretentious or overly organic here, just good old cheesy, saucy, greasy deliciousnesss.
Luzzo's Pizza (213 1st Avenue)
Consistently awarded the most authentic Neapolitan style pie in the entire city, this quaint, cozy joint is a favorite amongst most New Yorkers. A definite must-try on any true pizza lover's bucket list.
Best of Brooklyn
Grimaldi’s (1 Front Street)
Situated across the Brooklyn Bridge is the place that reinforces why New York has the best pizza in America.
Grimaldi’s is adored by vegetarians and meat lovers alike, with warm, gooey mozzarella that will dangle off your chin before melting into your mouth and bring you to pizza paradise.
And if you can't get in here, try Juliana's right across the way. Both are the cream of the crop when it comes to Brooklyn pizza.
Best Pizza (33 Havemayer Street)
With a name like Best Pizza, would you expect this pizza to be anything but the best?
An awesome selection of toppings (where have you been all my life, bacon pizza?) and a choice between white or classic cheese help this cool spot life up to its name.
Paulie Gee’s (60 Greenpoint Avenue)
You definitely won’t be tempted towards a classic slice of pizza when you hit up Paulie Gee’s.
Who would have ever thought of brisket or Eggs Benedict on a pizza?
Paulie Gee’s also offers a pretty impressive variety of vegan pizzas if that’s your thing, but this place is an awesome and unique must-taste for pizza lovers of all backgrounds.
,Lucali (575 Henry Street)
What's not to love about a Neapolitan style pizza loaded with fresh toppings that are grown in Lucali's own backyard?
And if pizza's not your thing (which it obviously is), then try one of their cheesy homemade calzones.
Roberta's (261 Moore Street)
Here's a place to try if you dabble on the eccentric side of pizza.
Roberta's offers specialty pies with unexpected but epic topping combinations, such as the Bee Sting with sopressata, chili, and honey.
Or the Cheesus Christ (oh pizza, you make me laugh) with a holy trinity combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and cream plus black pepper and taleggio.
Keep an eye on the menu, though, because Roberta's rotates their specialties. You may never know what awesome pies they'll be serving up, but we'd say they're all definitely worth a try.
Di Fara Pizza (1424 Avenue J)
Some might say that Di Fara makes one of the best pizzas in all of New York City, and well, they're right.
These pizzas are handcrafted and perfected the right way through generous toppings of cheese and fresh basil. While it's certainly not the cheapest pizza in the city, it's one of the best and most authentic you can get for the price.
Totonno's (1524 Neptune Avenue)
Totonno's is another NYC pizzeria that doesn't mess around with new flavors and twists on an old classic.
Originality is key here. Have you ever challenged yourself to eating an entire pizza by yourself? Totonno's can help you achieve this goal, as pizza by the slice is simply not an option here.
L&B Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th Street)
L&B Spumoni Gardens is the home of the arguably the best Sicilian slice in the entire city.
Doughier, thicker, and heavier than the usual thin crust New York slice, the Sicilian here will always have you coming back for more. Bottom line is, Sicilian slices will have Chicago-style deep dish pizzas shaking in their boots.
Best of Queens
Sunnyside Pizza (40-01 Queens Boulevard)
This Long Island City favorite offers a good variety and helping of toppings and generously-sized slices. The margarita pizza has a sesame seed crust that is a local favorite-- and not to mention to die for!
Boardwalk Pizza (68-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard)
The two keywords here are speciality pies. With a name reminiscent of enjoying pizza during a summer beach trip, Boardwalk Pizza has some interesting spins that put Italian classics like chicken parmesan and chicken marsala on top of their pies.
I mean really, who wouldn’t love penne alla vodka baked on top of their pizza?
Nick’s Pizza (108-26 Ascan Avenue)
A traditional pairing of thin crust, kick-ass sauce, and fresh mozzarella makes Nick’s a beloved Queens pizza joint.
Customers also rave about their cannoli, which is the best way to wash down any pizza.
Best of Staten Island
Joe and Pat’s (1758 Victory Boulevard)
Joe and Pat’s could top the best lists in a multitude of categories.
From the best thin crust to the heavier and softer Sicilian slice, you might want to consider hopping aboard the ferry just to check this place out.
,Denino’s Tavern (524 Port Richmond Avenue)
Denino’s is a family-oriented pizza joint that gives you a look back in the time of Staten Island.
The name of the game here is cheesy thin crust pizza and the usual suspects in terms of toppings.
It’s a classic and old-school joint that certainly doesn’t stray far from its family roots and traditions.
[anad]
Best of the Bronx
Zero Otto Nove (2357 Arthur Avenue)
Arthur Avenue is lined with several pizzerias, but the real kicker that sets Zero Otto Nove apart is the authentic Neapolitan style that you won’t find at any other location.
With paper thin crust, a soft, slightly chewy center, and plenty of original topping combinations, this pizza is definitely worth venturing uptown to the Boogie Down Bronx.
Louie and Ernie’s Pizza (1300 Crosby Avenue)
You’ll find Louie and Ernie’s inside a little brick house, and it will certainly have you chanting that the Bronx does it best.
Check out the sausage slice, a best-seller piled with hunks of meaty sausage from local establishments.
Best Dollar Slice
2 Bros. Pizza (32 St Mark's Place)
We would absolutely hate to encourage you to get dollar pizza in this city, but we realize that desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures.
With just one location left on St Mark's Place, a slice here is a dollar, but if you’re really hungry, go for the special: two slices plus a can of soda for $2.75.
Best “6th Borough” Specialty Slice
Tony Boloney’s (263 First Street - Hoboken, New Jersey)
Okay, so this is not a spot in NYC, but let’s satisfy our neighbors in New Jersey for just a second.
Tony Boloney’s recently opened a location in Hoboken where they’re serving up specialty pizzas that are just as epic as their names.
The must-have here is the Pigface Killa, a white slice smothered in applewood smoked barbecue sauce and topped with savory pulled pork.
Best Non-Pizza Creation
Pugsley’s (590 East 191st Street - the Bronx)
The chicken roll is the perfect hybrid between chicken parmesan and a pizza, with delicious breaded chicken cutlet, marinara, and mozzarella stuffed inside a pizza dough pocket. Perfect for those times when you’re not quite in the mood for a slice.
Best Dessert Pizza
Max Brenner (841 Broadway - Manhattan)
Do you need something sweet to wash your pizza down with?
Look no further than a chocolate pizza from Max Brenner, featuring Nutella, marshmallows, and all the chocolate you could ever hope for layered on top of a pizza crust.