From classic New York-style slices to coal-fired pies and modern takes on tradition, this guide covers the best pizza places in NYC that are worth adding to your itinerary.
If you’re planning your trip to New York City, this is one of those experiences you’ll want to build into your days—right alongside the city’s major sights.
What Makes NYC Pizza So Special?
New York-style pizza is known for its thin, foldable crust, balanced sauce, and generous cheese. But what really sets it apart is variety. Every neighborhood has its own favorite spot, and no two slices taste exactly the same.
Some places stick to decades-old traditions, while others experiment with new flavors and techniques. That’s what makes exploring pizza in NYC feel less like eating and more like discovering.
Joe’s Pizza
Price: $
Best for: First-time visitors
Our recommendation: Classic cheese slice
Joe’s Pizza is one of the most recognizable slice shops in New York City and is often considered a benchmark for traditional NYC pizza. The focus here is simplicity, with consistently well-made slices that represent the classic New York style.
This is not a gourmet experience, but rather a reliable and authentic example of what locals often eat on a regular basis. It’s especially popular with visitors because it gives a quick introduction to NYC pizza culture.
Good to know: Expect a steady line during peak hours, but service is fast since the menu is very limited and focused on slices.
150 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
(Has multiple locations)
Di Fara Pizza
Price: $$
Best for: Authentic old-school experience
Our recommendation: Regular pie with fresh basil
Di Fara Pizza is widely respected as one of the most traditional pizza spots in New York. Each pie is prepared with careful attention, often using fresh ingredients added by hand during preparation.
The experience here feels slower and more personal compared to typical slice shops, which is part of its appeal. Many visitors consider it a “destination pizza” rather than a quick meal stop.
Good to know: Waiting times can be long because each pizza is made individually, so this is best planned as part of a relaxed Brooklyn visit.
Lucali
Price: $$-$$$
Best for: Date night or slow evening
Our recommendation: Margherita pizza
Lucali has a strong local reputation for offering high-quality, simple pizzas in a relaxed and intimate setting. The restaurant is small, and the atmosphere is low-key, with candles often used instead of bright lighting.
The focus here is not speed, but experience. The dough is thin and well-balanced, and the pizzas are often shared, making it a popular choice for couples or small groups.
Good to know: The restaurant does not accept reservations, so arriving early is important, especially in the evening.
Prince Street Pizza
Price: $
Best for: Instagram-worthy food
Our recommendation: Spicy pepperoni square slice
Prince Street Pizza is known for its thick, square slices topped with crispy pepperoni cups and a rich, slightly spicy flavor profile. It has become one of the most photographed pizza spots in the city due to its bold appearance and texture.
Despite its popularity, it remains focused on fast service and takeaway-style dining. The slices are rich and filling, making them a popular choice for a quick meal in downtown Manhattan.
Good to know: Peak hours can get crowded, especially in the afternoon, so visiting earlier in the day helps avoid long waits.
Lombardi’s – America’s First Pizzeria
Price: $$
Best for: Historic dining experience
Our recommendation: Coal-fired Margherita
Lombardi’s is widely recognized as the first pizzeria in the United States, with roots dating back to the early 1900s. The restaurant maintains a traditional coal-fired oven method that gives the pizza a distinct smoky flavor.
It attracts both tourists and locals who want to experience a piece of NYC food history. The atmosphere is classic and slightly old-fashioned, matching its long-standing heritage.
Good to know: Its location in Little Italy makes it easy to combine with a walking tour of nearby neighborhoods.
Roberta’s Neapolitan Pizza
Price: $$
Best for: Foodies and modern pizza lovers
Our recommendation: Bee Sting (sweet & spicy)
Roberta’s is a well-known Brooklyn pizzeria that helped shape the modern food scene in Bushwick. It is popular for combining traditional wood-fired techniques with creative topping combinations.
The space itself feels casual and slightly industrial, reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic atmosphere. It’s a place where people often spend time rather than just eat and leave
Good to know: It can get busy in the evenings, especially on weekends, so timing your visit earlier helps avoid long waits.
261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States
(Has multiple locations)
Patsy’s Pizzeria
Price: $$
Best for: Traditional NYC pizza lovers
Our recommendation: Classic tomato pie
Patsy’s is known for its coal-oven baking style, which creates a slightly charred crust and strong, smoky flavor. It represents a more traditional side of New York pizza culture.
The restaurant has a long history and remains popular among those looking for a classic, no-frills pizza experience away from major tourist areas.
Good to know: This is a good stop when exploring Harlem, especially for travelers looking to avoid busy downtown spots.
206 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
(Has multiple locations)
Scarr’s Pizza
Price: $-$$
Best for: Authentic slice experience
Our recommendation: Cheese slice or pepperoni
Scarr’s Pizza stands out because it takes quality seriously, even while keeping a simple slice-shop style. One unique detail is that they mill their own flour in-house, which gives the dough a distinct texture and flavor.
The space is small and nostalgic, with a design that reflects old-school New York pizza culture. It feels local and unfussy, which is part of its charm.
Good to know: Popular slices can sell out later in the day, so earlier visits offer better selection.
Juliana’s Pizza
Price: $$
Best for: Post-sightseeing meal
Our recommendation: Classic Margherita
Juliana’s is located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, making it a convenient stop after walking between Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is known for its consistent quality and balanced pizzas.
The atmosphere is lively but organized, and it often attracts a mix of tourists and locals. Its location makes it one of the most practical pizza stops in the city.
Good to know: Sunset hours are especially busy due to nearby sightseeing traffic.
L’Industrie Pizzeria
Price: $-$$
Best for: Less touristy experience
Our recommendation: Burrata slice
L’Industrie has gained popularity for its high-quality ingredients and crisp, thin slices. It remains relatively small compared to more famous spots, which gives it a more local feel.
The focus is on simplicity and execution rather than variety, which is why many locals consider it one of the best slice shops in Williamsburg.
Good to know: It often sells out of popular slices later in the day, especially on weekends.
254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
(Has multiple locations)
