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10 Best Pizzerias near Central Park NYC

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10 Best Pizzerias near Central Park NYC

A guide to the top slices and artisanal pies bordering New York City’s most iconic green space.

Central Park is the magnificent, sprawling green heart of Manhattan, drawing millions of visitors and locals every year. Because its southwestern corner literally touches Columbus Circle, the park begins exactly at New York City’s official ground zero and stretches 2.5 miles north. Exploring its vast lawns, historic bridges, and winding paths naturally builds up a serious appetite, making nearby dining options critical for any park itinerary.

When evaluating the pizzeria segment bordering the park boundaries (Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Midtown South), there are an estimated 25 highly rated, dedicated pizza establishments.

This heavy density reflects the unique geography of the park: it is flanked by some of the most affluent, densely populated residential neighborhoods in the world, while simultaneously serving massive tourist foot traffic.

As a result, the pizza scene here seamlessly blends ultra-premium, sit-down Italian dining with fast, high-quality, old-school slice shops perfect for an impromptu picnic.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to the best pizza just steps away from the park.

“Embrace the incentive to pair a world-class pizza slice with a stroll through the city’s greatest green space, while prudently planning your lunch outside peak tourist hours.”

You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations

Location	Est. # of Pizzerias	Distance (from Park Borders)
Upper West Side	Classic & Family	~0.1 miles
Upper East Side	Upscale & Slices	~0.1 miles
Columbus Circle	Trendy & Quick	~0.0 miles
Midtown Manhattan	Icons & Tourist Spots	~0.5 miles
Harlem	Coal Oven Legends	~0.2 miles (from North Woods)
Hell’s Kitchen	Artisan & Late Night	~0.8 miles

Pizzeria Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Eating Pizza near Central Park

The Ultimate Park Picnic: Getting a pie to go is the best way to experience Central Park dining. Grab a box from the Upper West Side and head straight to Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn for a memorable outdoor meal.
East Side vs. West Side: The Upper West Side generally offers more classic, fast-casual slice shops, while the Upper East Side leans slightly more toward sit-down, Neapolitan, and brick-oven dining experiences.
Avoid the Immediate South Border Traps: The streets immediately south of the park (59th Street towards Times Square) are packed with overpriced tourist traps. Walking just a few blocks north along the east or west borders yields vastly superior pizza.
Know Your Entrances: Central Park is huge. Always identify which street you are exiting from (e.g., 72nd Street, 86th Street) to find the closest highly rated pizzeria without having to walk miles out of your way.

“Let the vast lawns of Central Park incentivize your outdoor dining experience, but act with prudence by taking all your trash with you to protect the park’s ecosystem.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it easy to find good pizza right next to Central Park?

Yes. The neighborhoods bordering the park (Upper West Side and Upper East Side) are heavily residential and boast some of the most reliable and highly rated neighborhood pizzerias in Manhattan.

2. Can I get a pizza delivered directly into Central Park?

Generally, no. Delivery drivers cannot navigate into the park’s pedestrian paths to find you. You must order your pizza for pickup and carry it in, or meet a delivery driver at a specific park entrance on the street.

3. Which side of the park has better pizza?

Both sides are excellent, but they cater to slightly different tastes. The Upper West Side has incredible, historic slice shops (like Sal & Carmine), while the Upper East Side offers fantastic upscale Neapolitan spots.

4. Are there any pizzerias actually inside Central Park?

No. While there are cafes, the famous Tavern on the Green (just outside), and boathouse restaurants, there are no dedicated slice shops or full pizzerias located within the park’s actual boundaries.

5. Where can I grab a quick slice near Columbus Circle?

If you are at the southwest corner of the park, walking slightly north into the Upper West Side or visiting the Turnstyle Underground Market offers the best quick slice options avoiding tourist crowds.

6. What is the best pizza near the Central Park Zoo?

The Zoo is located on the southeast corner near 64th Street. Walking out onto the Upper East Side towards Lexington Avenue will lead you to fantastic spots like Mariella Pizza.

7. Can I find vegan pizza near the park?

Yes. Many of the artisanal and Neapolitan spots bordering the park can prepare high-quality cheeseless Marinara pies, and several modern slice shops now offer vegan cheese options.

8. Are these nearby pizzerias family-friendly?

Absolutely. Because the neighborhoods bordering the park are highly residential, almost all the pizzerias are very accustomed to serving families and children, offering relaxed environments and highchairs.

9. How far do I have to walk to avoid tourist trap pizza?

If you are at the southern edge of the park (59th Street), simply walking two or three avenues east or west, or heading north of 65th Street, will drastically improve the authenticity and price of your pizza.

10. Is it safe to carry food into the park at night?

While the park is beautiful at sunset, it closes at 1:00 AM, and it gets very dark. It is highly recommended to enjoy your pizza picnics during daylight hours or early evening.

Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias near Central Park

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 best pizzerias bordering the park, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Patsy’s Pizzeria (Upper West Side)

Located a short walk from the park’s west side, this outpost of the legendary East Harlem institution offers incredibly thin, coal-oven style pizza with a fantastic, historic New York pedigree.
Address: 61 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 579-3000
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: patsyspizzeria.com
Must-Try Pies: Classic Margherita, Traditional Cheese Pie.

2. Angelo’s Pizza

Situated near the southern border of the park, Angelo’s utilizes a coal-fired brick oven to create a beautifully charred, crispy crust. It is a premium, sit-down option very close to Columbus Circle.
Address: 117 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 333-4333
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: angelospizzany.com
Must-Try Pies: Coal Oven Margherita, White Pie.

3. Motorino (Upper West Side)

A brilliant Neapolitan option located blocks from the park. Motorino is widely respected for its beautifully blistered, wood-fired crusts and high-end Italian ingredients served in a cozy setting.
Address: 510 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 579-1566
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: motorinopizza.com
Must-Try Pies: Brussels Sprout Pie, Soppressata Piccante.

4. Mariella Pizza

When exploring the Upper East Side or leaving the Central Park Zoo, Mariella is the ultimate destination for a classic, heavy, and satisfying old-school New York slice. It is a beloved local secret.
Address: 965 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
Phone: (212) 737-3606
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Must-Try Slices: Regular Cheese Slice, Sicilian Square.

5. Made in New York Pizza

Located on the Upper West Side, this fast-casual spot serves up high-quality, quintessential NYC slices. It is the perfect place to grab a quick box before heading to the Great Lawn.
Address: 421 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (646) 657-0105
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: madeinnewyorkpizza.com
Must-Try Slices: Spicy Pepperoni Square, Classic Round Slice.

6. Cafe Fiorello

Sitting directly across from Lincoln Center (very close to the park’s southwest border), this upscale Italian cafe is famous for its ultra-thin, Roman-style personal pizzas and fantastic outdoor seating.
Address: 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 595-5330
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: cafefiorello.com
Must-Try Pies: Margherita (Roman Style), Prosciutto e Rucola.

7. Sal & Carmine Pizza

If you are exploring the northern end of Central Park, this is a mandatory stop. It is a historic, stubbornly traditional slice shop serving one of the most respected classic slices in Manhattan.
Address: 2671 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Phone: (212) 666-9888
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Must-Try Slices: Plain Cheese Slice.

8. San Matteo Pizza Espresso Bar

Located on the Upper East Side, near the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It is a cozy, highly authentic Neapolitan spot offering fantastic wood-fired pizzas and an incredible Italian espresso experience.
Address: 1559 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Phone: (212) 861-2434
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: sanmatteopanuozzo.com
Must-Try Pies: Bufalina, Ortolana.

9. Champion Pizza

With a location conveniently nestled in the Upper West Side corridor, Champion provides fun, creative, and oversized slices. It is incredibly popular for a fast and satisfying grab-and-go meal.
Address: 187 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 362-0600
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: championpizzanyc.com
Must-Try Slices: Margherita Square, Buffalo Chicken.

10. Koronet Pizza

For those visiting the very top of Central Park (North Woods), Koronet is famous for its absurdly massive, “jumbo” slices. It is a fun, highly affordable experience that students and locals love.
Address: 2848 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Phone: (212) 222-1566
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: koronetpizzany.com
Must-Try Slices: The Jumbo Cheese Slice.

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

Special Location Guides

Legal Notice: The information presented in this guide is based on research conducted in February 2026 and may be subject to changes in hours, prices, and availability. AZ New York has no direct commercial relationship with the establishments mentioned, acting solely as an informative guide.

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1000 Best Pizzerias in New York

NYC Pizzeria Financial Engine

Authorship by AZNewYork.com

1. Monthly Fixed Costs (Burn Rate)

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2. Sales Mix Strategy

Slices (High Volume): 70% Pies (High Ticket): 30%

3. COGS & Operational Waste

Ingredients (COGS) (%)

Daily Waste & Spoilage (%)

Tax & Merchant Fees (%)

Breakeven Monthly Revenue

$ 0.00

Monthly sales needed for operational survival.

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Daily Goal

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84 / 100

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10 Best Pizzerias near Central Park NYC

A guide to the top slices and artisanal pies bordering New York City’s most iconic green space.

You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations

4 Tips for Eating Pizza near Central Park

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it easy to find good pizza right next to Central Park?

2. Can I get a pizza delivered directly into Central Park?

3. Which side of the park has better pizza?

4. Are there any pizzerias actually inside Central Park?

5. Where can I grab a quick slice near Columbus Circle?

6. What is the best pizza near the Central Park Zoo?

7. Can I find vegan pizza near the park?

8. Are these nearby pizzerias family-friendly?

9. How far do I have to walk to avoid tourist trap pizza?

10. Is it safe to carry food into the park at night?

Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias near Central Park

1. Patsy’s Pizzeria (Upper West Side)

2. Angelo’s Pizza

3. Motorino (Upper West Side)

4. Mariella Pizza

5. Made in New York Pizza

6. Cafe Fiorello

7. Sal & Carmine Pizza

8. San Matteo Pizza Espresso Bar

9. Champion Pizza

10. Koronet Pizza

Explore Our Guides to New York City

Special Location Guides

SEO Keywords

NYC Pizzeria Financial Engine

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10 Best Pizzerias near NYC Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)

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