The Ultimate Guide to NYC Pizza

Highlights of Part 1

• The Gold Standard: Joe’s Pizza.
• Coal Oven Classic: John’s of Bleecker Street.
• Famous Squares: Prince Street Pizza.
• Cult Favorites: Rubirosa and Scarr’s.

Address: 7 Carmine St

The quintessential New York slice. Famous for appearing in Spider-Man, this spot serves thin, crispy, and perfectly balanced cheese slices.

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Address: 278 Bleecker St

A strictly “no slices” establishment. This historic pizzeria uses a coal-fired brick oven to create crispy, charred, and delicious whole pies.

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Address: 27 Prince St

Home of the famous “Spicy Spring” square slice. Known for its thick, fluffy crust loaded with curling pepperoni cups.

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Address: 235 Mulberry St

Famous for their “Tie-Dye” pizza (vodka, tomato, pesto) and incredibly thin, cracker-like crust. A must-visit in Nolita.

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Address: 35 Orchard St

A retro-style shop on the Lower East Side that mills its own flour, resulting in a light, flavorful crust that is considered one of the best in the city.

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Address: 32 Spring St (Little Italy)

Recognized as America’s first pizzeria. A historic coal-oven spot serving smoky, crisp pies in a classic setting.

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Address: 132 W Houston St

Authentic Neapolitan experience with imported ingredients. The crust is pillowy, soft, and charred to perfection.

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Address: 309 W 50th St (Hell’s Kitchen)

Famous for their “Montanara” pizza (lightly fried dough) and gluten-free options. A standout in the Theater District.

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Address: 77 Fulton St (FiDi)

A haven for pizza purists. Roberto Caporuscio serves traditional wood-fired pies in a rustic, cozy setting.

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Address: 117 W 57th St

Located near Carnegie Hall, this upscale spot serves crisp, coal-fired pies in a more elegant dining room setting.

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Address: 413 8th Ave (Near Penn Station)

Often called “the best slice in Midtown.” Despite its unassuming location next to Madison Square Garden, the Upside Down slice here is legendary.

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Address: 135 4th Ave (Union Square)

Known for Roman-style square slices with creative, gourmet toppings like Burrata and Truffle. Famous for their barter system story.

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Address: 547 9th Ave (Hell’s Kitchen)

A cozy, rustic spot serving wood-fired thin crust pizzas that feel like they came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

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Address: 464 9th Ave

Classic NYC street food combination: a crispy cheese slice followed by a refreshing Italian ice. Fast, cheap, and high quality.

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Address: 200 W 41st St (Times Square)

Located right in the Theater District, this is one of the best places to grab a quick, high-quality slice before a Broadway show.

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Address: 69 7th Ave S (West Village)

A West Village staple famous for its “Nonna Maria” slice. The crust is sturdy, and the sauce is sweet and tangy. Open late.

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Address: 2287 1st Ave (East Harlem)

One of the original coal-oven dynasties of NYC. This location is historic and one of the few places to get a coal-oven slice (not just whole pies).

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Address: 3 Greenwich Ave (West Village)

While known as a full-service Italian restaurant, their wood-fired pizza is exceptional. The ambiance is vibrant, perfect for outdoor dining.

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Address: 384 Grand St (Lower East Side)

A neighborhood gem offering thin, crispy round pies and squares. A great, less crowded alternative to nearby hype spots.

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Address: 473 Lexington Ave

The quintessential NYC experience on a budget. Hot, fresh, and incredibly cheap cheese slices that hit the spot.

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Address: 1290 6th Ave

High-quality, fast-casual Neapolitan pizza in the heart of Midtown. Known for exceptionally clean ingredients and fluffy crust.

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Address: 227 Malcolm X Blvd

A hidden gem in Harlem serving state-of-the-art wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas in a cozy, welcoming setting.

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Address: 178 Lexington Ave (Murray Hill)

Famous for their super-thin, cracker-like crusts and diverse topping combinations.

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Address: 260 W 44th St

Located in a deconsecrated gospel church with a massive stained-glass ceiling. A spectacular setting for coal-fired pizza.

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See No Evil Pizza

Address: 210 W 50th St Concourse #1

A modern subway-station pizzeria offering highly-rated artisan pies in a unique underground location.

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