10 Best Pizzerias in the East Village, NYC
10 Best Pizzerias in the East Village NYC
A guide to the legendary slices and pies in Manhattan’s rock-and-roll neighborhood.
The East Village pulses with a raw, creative energy unlike anywhere else in Manhattan. With its roots in punk rock, avant-garde art, and counterculture movements, the neighborhood maintains a gritty authenticity. This spirit is perfectly reflected in its food scene: unpretentious, diverse, and exceptionally high in quality.
The pizzerias here are a mix of historic institutions and innovative newcomers, all serving a clientele that values authenticity above all else. From late-night slices that fuel the vibrant nightlife to world-class Neapolitan pies, the East Village offers a pizza experience for every palate.
This selection, a special curation by AZ New York, is your map to the best slices and whole pies in New York’s most energetic neighborhood.
You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations
| Location | Est. # of Pizzerias | Distance (from Tompkins Sq. Park) |
|---|---|---|
| Greenwich Village | Icons & Legends | ~0.8 miles |
| Lower East Side | Trendy & Classic | ~0.5 miles |
| NoHo | Upscale Options | ~0.6 miles |
| NoLita | Boutique Pizzerias | ~0.9 miles |
| Gramercy Park | Neighborhood spots | ~0.7 miles |
| SoHo | Trendy spots | ~1.2 miles |
4 Tips for Eating Pizza in the East Village
- Go Late Night: The East Village is a nightlife hub, and many of its best slice shops are open very late, making them the perfect stop after a concert or a visit to a bar.
- Explore St. Mark’s Place: This legendary street is the chaotic heart of the neighborhood. Wander its length to find historic slice shops nestled between punk rock clothing stores and bars.
- Bar Crawl & Pizza Pairings: The area has one of the highest concentrations of great bars in the city. Plan a night of hopping between classic dive bars, grabbing a slice in between.
- Cash is Still Useful: While most places now take cards, some of the smaller, old-school slice counters still appreciate or offer a discount for cash.
Keep an Eye On: The “Pizza Crawl” Culture. The East Village is arguably the best neighborhood in the world for a “pizza crawl”—a tour where you sample a single slice from multiple top-tier pizzerias. The high density of elite shops within easy walking distance makes it the perfect place to compare different styles and find your personal favorite, all in one afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes East Village pizza different?
The East Village is less about a single style and more about variety and quality. You’ll find elite Neapolitan pizzerias, classic slice shops, and places offering unique toppings, all within a few blocks. The common thread is authenticity.
Is the East Village a good neighborhood for a pizza tour?
It’s one of the best neighborhoods in the world for it. You can easily walk between 5 or 6 world-class pizzerias in under an hour, sampling a different slice or style at each one.
Are the pizzerias open late?
Yes. The neighborhood’s nightlife culture means that many of the top slice shops are open until 2 a.m. or even later, especially on weekends.
Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias in the East Village
Below, check out the ranking of the 10 best pizzerias in the region, in a special curation by AZ New York.
1. Motorino
Often cited as one of the pioneers of the Neapolitan pizza renaissance in NYC. Motorino serves beautifully crafted, wood-fired pizzas with a perfectly charred, chewy crust. Their creative toppings and cozy atmosphere make it a top destination.
Address: 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-2644
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: motorinopizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Margherita, Brussels Sprout (with pancetta).
2. Luzzo’s La Pizza Napoletana
A neighborhood institution, Luzzo’s is beloved for its authentic Neapolitan pies baked in a historic, coal-fired oven—a rare combination. The result is a unique crust that’s both tender and crisp.
Address: 211-213 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 473-7447
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: luzzospizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Bufala, Tartufata.
3. Joe & Pat’s
This Staten Island legend brought its famous, cracker-thin crust pizza to the East Village. It’s a completely different style from a classic NYC slice, incredibly crispy and light, with a sweet tomato sauce.
Address: 168 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 253-2470
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: joeandpatsnyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: The “Tie-Dye” (vodka, tomato, pesto), The “1758” (plain cheese).
4. Sauce Pizzeria
As the name suggests, Sauce is all about the sauce. They are famous for their delicious Grandma pie and a signature sesame seed crust. Their slice shop is modern, clean, and a great addition to the downtown pizza scene.
Address: 345 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (646) 918-6932
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: saucepizzerianyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.8 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Grandma Slice, The Upside Down.
5. Gnocco
A charming Italian restaurant with a beautiful back garden, Gnocco serves excellent wood-fired pizzas alongside its namesake fried dough pillows. A perfect spot for a sit-down dinner.
Address: 337 E 10th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: (212) 677-1913
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: gnocco.com
Distance: Approx. 0.1 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Gnocco (with truffle oil), Diavola.
6. Numero 28 Pizzeria
This location of the popular chain offers the same Roman-style, oval-shaped pies designed for sharing. The thin, crackly crust is a great base for their fresh toppings.
Address: 176 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 777-1555
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: numero28.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Numero 28, Tartufata.
7. Lil’ Frankie’s
A beloved, cash-only Italian spot known for its rustic, wood-fired dishes, including their delicious pizzas. The blistered, chewy crust and casual, energetic vibe make it a neighborhood favorite.
Address: 19 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 420-4900
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: lilfrankies.com
Distance: Approx. 0.7 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Pies: Pizza Marinara, Pizza Napoletana.
8. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
The original location of the now-famous chain. This is where the legend of the incredibly rich and creamy Artichoke Slice was born. It’s a must-try for its uniqueness and has become a modern NYC classic.
Address: 321 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 228-2004
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: artichokepizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.6 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Artichoke Slice, Crab Slice.
9. Stromboli Pizza
A classic, old-school slice shop on St. Mark’s Place. Stromboli has been serving the neighborhood for decades with reliable, delicious, and affordable slices. It’s an authentic piece of East Village history.
Address: 83 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 673-3691
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice.
10. Pie by the Pound
A unique concept where you pay for your pizza by weight. This spot is known for its Roman-style “al taglio” pizza, which is baked in large rectangular trays and cut with scissors. It allows you to sample many different toppings.
Address: 124 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 475-4977
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: piebythepound.com
Distance: Approx. 0.7 miles from Tompkins Square Park.
Must-Try Slices: Potato & Rosemary, Margherita.
All research and the final selection of the pizzerias in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.
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