The 10 Best Pizzerias in Greenwich Village: A Slice of NYC History
The 10 Best Pizzerias in Greenwich Village: A Slice of NYC History
Discovering the Iconic Pizzerias of New York’s Most Famous Neighborhood
Greenwich Village isn’t just the historic, bohemian heart of New York City; it’s a sacred pilgrimage site for pizza lovers. The neighborhood’s winding streets are home to some of the oldest, most revered pizzerias in the country, places where the quintessential NYC slice was perfected.
Much like São Paulo, another of the world’s great pizza capitals, New York has a pizza culture that is both historic and constantly evolving. Nowhere is this more true than in the Village, where 100-year-old coal ovens operate just blocks away from modern slice shops serving innovative creations.
This guide, curated by the food experts at AZ New York, takes you on a tour of the 10 essential pizzerias that define the flavor of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhood.
Pizzerias in Nearby Neighborhoods Worth Visiting
| Pizzeria | Neighborhood | Approx. Distance (from Wash. Sq. Park) | Why It’s Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince St. Pizza | SoHo | ~0.8 miles | The legendary “Spicy Spring” square slice. |
| Rubirosa Ristorante | NoLita | ~0.9 miles | Ultra-thin crust “Tie-Dye” pizza. |
| Lombardi’s Pizza | NoLita | ~1.0 miles | America’s first-ever pizzeria (1905). |
| Joe & Pat’s | East Village | ~0.8 miles | Staten Island-style super thin crust. |
| Scarr’s Pizza | Lower East Side | ~1.3 miles | Freshly milled grains for their dough. |
| Emmett’s | West Village | ~0.6 miles | Authentic Chicago-style deep dish. |
The Definitive Pizzeria Ranking for Greenwich Village
1. John’s of Bleecker Street
A true legend. Established in 1929, this cash-only institution serves perfectly blistered, thin-crust pizzas from its original coal-fired oven. There are no slices here—only whole pies, meant to be shared. The atmosphere is pure old-school New York, with names carved into the wooden booths.
Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Official Website: johnsofbleecker.com
Why It’s a Must-Visit: For the authentic taste of a historic, coal-oven New York pizza.
2. Joe’s Pizza
Often cited as the definitive, quintessential NYC slice. Founded by Joe Pozzuoli in 1975, this no-frills slice shop on Carmine Street serves a perfectly balanced slice with a crisp-yet-pliable crust, bright tomato sauce, and high-quality mozzarella. It’s the gold standard for a grab-and-go slice.
Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Official Website: joespizzanyc.com
Why It’s a Must-Visit: To experience the most iconic, perfectly executed cheese slice in New York City.
3. Bleecker Street Pizza
Consistently ranked among the city’s best, Bleecker Street Pizza is famous for its “Nonna Maria” slice, a rustic pie with fresh mozzarella, a flavorful sauce made from a family recipe, and fresh basil. The crust is thin and consistently crisp, making it a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Address: 69 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014
Official Website: bleeckerstreetpizza.com
Why It’s a Must-Visit: For the incredible flavor of the “Nonna Maria” and a top-tier slice experience.
“In New York, pizza is not just food; it’s a way of life, a constant, and a source of endless debate. And in Greenwich Village, you are at the heart of that debate.”
Tips for Your Greenwich Village Pizza Tour
- Bring Cash: Many of the most historic pizzerias, like John’s, are cash-only. It’s a part of their old-school charm.
- Know the Lingo: A “plain” or “regular” slice just means cheese. If you want a square, thicker-crust slice, ask for a “Sicilian.”
- Embrace the Fold: The proper way to eat a wide NYC slice is to fold it in half lengthwise. This prevents the tip from flopping and keeps the toppings in place.
- Be Prepared to Wait: The best places are famous for a reason. Expect a line, especially during lunch or dinner rushes. It’s always worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between a NYC slice and Neapolitan pizza?
A classic NYC slice is large, thin, and crispy-chewy, cooked in a very hot gas or coal oven and sold by the slice. Neapolitan pizza is smaller, with a soft, pillowy crust, cooked in a wood-fired oven, and is typically served as a whole personal pie.
2. Can I get just one slice at these pizzerias?
It depends. At “slice shops” like Joe’s Pizza and Bleecker Street Pizza, yes. At historic “pizzerias” like John’s of Bleecker Street, they only serve whole pies and do not sell individual slices.
3. Is it acceptable to eat pizza with a knife and fork in New York?
For a classic slice, no—you should fold it and eat it with your hands. For a sit-down Neapolitan or deep-dish pizza, using a knife and fork is perfectly acceptable.
Para conhecer as melhores pizzarias em outra capital mundial da pizza, confira: As 10 Melhores Pizzarias no Carrão (Vila Carrão), SP
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