10 Best Pizzerias in Union Square NYC
10 Best Pizzerias in Union Square NYC
A guide to the top slices near the iconic park and market.
Union Square is one of Manhattan’s most vital public spaces. A bustling transportation hub, home to a famous Greenmarket, and a constant stage for protests, performances, and city life, it sits at the energetic intersection of several iconic downtown neighborhoods. The area vibrates with activity from dawn till late at night.
Reflecting its role as a crossroads, the pizza scene around Union Square is incredibly diverse and caters to everyone. You’ll find legendary slice shops serving commuters, upscale pizzerias for pre-theater dining, fast-casual spots for students, and everything in between. It’s a true microcosm of New York’s vast pizza landscape.
This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to the best pizza in the immediate vicinity of this dynamic Manhattan hub.
You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations
| Location | Est. # of Pizzerias | Distance (from Union Square Park) |
|---|---|---|
| Flatiron District | Variety of options | ~0.4 miles |
| Gramercy Park | Neighborhood spots | ~0.4 miles |
| East Village | Dozens of options | ~0.5 miles |
| Greenwich Village | Icons & Legends | ~0.6 miles |
| Chelsea | Neighborhood spots | ~0.8 miles |
4 Tips for Eating Pizza in Union Square
- Perfect Greenmarket Pairing: On market days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), grab a slice from a nearby shop and enjoy it in Union Square Park while soaking in the atmosphere of the famous Greenmarket.
- Explore 14th Street: This major crosstown street forms the southern border of the park and is lined with numerous quick-service restaurants and slice shops.
- Pre-Theater / Event Option: Union Square is close to several off-Broadway theaters and event venues. A pizza dinner is a perfect, quick option before a show.
- Utilize the Subway Hub: With multiple subway lines converging here (L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6), Union Square is incredibly accessible, making it easy to grab a great slice even if you’re just passing through.
Keep an Eye On: The Importance of Consistency.
In a high-traffic area like Union Square, consistency is king. The best pizzerias here aren’t necessarily the most experimental; they are the ones that deliver a perfect, reliable slice every single time, day after day.
Chains like Joe’s Pizza thrive in this environment precisely because they have mastered the art of consistency. For the thousands of commuters, students, and shoppers passing through, knowing they can always count on a great slice is paramount. It highlights that in the world of pizza, reliability can be just as important as innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Union Square more known for slice shops or sit-down pizzerias?
It has an excellent mix of both. You’ll find iconic slice shops like Joe’s Pizza right on 14th Street, as well as high-quality sit-down Neapolitan pizzerias on the surrounding blocks.
What makes the Union Square Greenmarket special?
Established in 1976, it’s one of the largest and most famous farmers’ markets in NYC. Regional farmers, bakers, and artisans sell their products directly to the public, offering incredible quality and variety. It’s a must-visit NYC experience.
Are the pizzerias around Union Square open late?
Yes, many of the slice shops, especially along 14th Street, stay open late to cater to the evening crowds and commuters passing through the busy subway station.
Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias in Union Square
Below, check out the ranking of the 10 best pizzerias in the region, in a special curation by AZ New York.
1. Joe’s Pizza (Union Square)
This location of the legendary slice shop is a cornerstone of the Union Square food scene. It serves the same iconic, perfectly balanced classic NYC slice that makes Joe’s a city-wide benchmark. Expect a line, but it moves fast.
Address: 150 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (646) 559-4878
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: joespizzanyc.com
Distance: Located right on 14th Street, south side of the park.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Fresh Mozzarella Slice.
2. Ribalta
Located just a couple of blocks south of Union Square, Ribalta is one of the city’s most acclaimed Neapolitan pizzerias. They are known for their light, digestible dough and high-quality ingredients imported from Italy. A top choice for an authentic sit-down experience.
Address: 48 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-7781
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: ribaltapizzarestaurant-nyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Margherita STG, Pistacchio e Salsiccia.
3. Numero 28 Pizzeria (Union Square)
This location brings Numero 28’s signature Roman-style, oval-shaped pies to the Union Square area. The thin, crispy crust and lively atmosphere make it a great spot for sharing multiple pizzas with friends.
Address: 156 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (646) 559-2410
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: numero28.com
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Numero 28, Tartufata.
4. Una Pizza Napoletana (nearby)
While technically in the Lower East Side, the legendary Una Pizza Napoletana is worth the short walk for serious pizza aficionados. Chef Anthony Mangieri’s dedication to perfect Neapolitan pizza is unparalleled.
Address: 175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: Not available.
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: unapizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.9 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Margherita, Filetti.
5. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza (MacDougal St)
The original location in nearby Greenwich Village is easily accessible and serves the iconic, creamy Artichoke slice that has become a modern NYC classic. Perfect for a unique late-night bite.
Address: 111 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 278-6100
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: artichokepizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.6 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Artichoke Slice, Crab Slice.
6. Vinny Vincenz Pizza
A classic, reliable slice shop just off Union Square. Vinny Vincenz serves large, satisfying New York slices with a good selection of toppings. It’s a go-to spot for NYU students and locals.
Address: 231 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 260-1744
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: vinnyvincenz.com
Distance: Approx. 0.5 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Chicken Parm Slice.
7. Pizza Booth
An unassuming but solid slice joint right on University Place. Pizza Booth offers classic NYC slices and pies, making it a convenient and affordable option for a quick bite near the park.
Address: 12 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 598-9000
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice.
8. Pizza Mercato (Flatiron)
Located a short walk north in the Flatiron district, this spot in the Hudson Eats food hall serves Roman-style pizza “al taglio” by weight, allowing you to try various creative toppings.
Address: 225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281
Phone: (212) 978-8120
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: brookfieldplaceny.com
Distance: Approx. 0.6 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Pepperoni, Mushroom & Truffle.
9. Bravo Pizza
Another reliable local chain with a location near Union Square. Bravo offers consistent classic NYC slices and pies, a convenient choice for commuters and shoppers.
Address: 873 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 253-1234
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: bravopizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.1 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Cheese Slice, Veggie Slice.
10. Non Solo Piada
While specializing in piadinas (Italian flatbread sandwiches), this cozy spot also serves excellent thin-crust, Roman-style pizzas. A hidden gem for an authentic Italian bite near the square.
Address: 29 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (646) 669-8238
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: nonsolopiadanyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Union Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Margherita, Prosciutto e Funghi.
All research and the final selection of the pizzerias in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.
Explore Our Guides to New York City
Pizzeria Guides
- Bushwick
- Chelsea
- Chinatown
- East Village
- Financial District
- Flatiron District
- Greenwich Village
- Lower East Side
- Meatpacking District
- NoLita
- SoHo
- TriBeCa
- Union Square
- West Village
- Williamsburg
For insights into another global city’s iconic public squares, you can also explore the complete guide to Praça da Sé in São Paulo.
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