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10 Best Pizzerias in NYC

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10 Best Pizzerias in NYC

By: AZ New York Editorial Team

In a city with a pizzeria on nearly every corner, finding the “best” is a lifelong quest. From historic, century-old institutions to modern, artisanal slice shops, NYC is the undisputed pizza capital of the world. Start your journey with our definitive guide:
10 Best Pizzerias in NYC — featuring the iconic, the innovative, and the unmissable pies that define this city’s culinary landscape.

Greenwich Village, Manhattan: The Historic Heart of NYC’s Pizza Culture

Greenwich Village, or “The Village,” is one of Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods. A global center for bohemian culture, art, and culinary innovation, it operates under the jurisdiction of the City of New York—an official .gov entity.

With a population of approximately 29,000 residents (US Census, 2025) and a high median individual income of $147,400, The Village is a dense, high-energy neighborhood. It is known for its 19th-century townhouses, winding streets, and the intellectual hub of New York University (NYU).

The neighborhood’s food scene is legendary. It is arguably the birthplace of the classic NYC slice, with some of the city’s oldest and most famous pizzerias still operating on its historic streets. The area is a magnet for food tourists and locals alike.

Transit is comprehensive: the A, B, C, D, E, F, M subway lines at West 4th St–Washington Square and the 1 line at Christopher Street provide rapid access to the entire city. The M8 and M20 buses cross-town and run north-south.

The Village’s culinary density is staggering: it features 15+ pizzerias (from $1 slice shops to historic sit-down restaurants), 40+ cafés, 5 independent bookstores, and countless historic music venues and comedy clubs.

Iconic Pizzeria Hubs in NYC
Area / Neighborhood	Est. Iconic Pizzerias	Primary Pizza Style
Greenwich Village, Manhattan	~ 15+	Classic NY Slice / Coal Oven
Midwood, Brooklyn	~ 5+	Legendary NY Slice (Di Fara)
Williamsburg, Brooklyn	~ 20+	Artisanal / Neapolitan
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn	~ 10+	Date Night Pies (Lucali)
East Harlem, Manhattan	~ 8+	Historic Coal Oven (Patsy’s)
Coney Island, Brooklyn	~ 3+	Landmark Coal Oven (Totonno’s)
Nolita, Manhattan	~ 10+	Thin Crust / Vodka Sauce
Greenpoint, Brooklyn	~ 12+	Creative Pies / Vegan Options
Lower East Side, Manhattan	~ 15+	Hipster Slice Shops (Scarr’s)
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn	~ 10+	Sicilian / Square Pie

3 Common NYC Pizza Scenarios

The Classic NY Slice Quest
The Situation: A visitor arrives in Manhattan and needs the quintessential, foldable, cheese-pulling NY slice immediately.
The Solution: Go directly to a classic slice shop like Joe’s Pizza. Order a “plain slice” or pepperoni, stand at the counter, and fold it lengthwise to eat.
The “Date Night” Pizza
The Situation: You want world-class pizza, but in a restaurant setting with a great atmosphere, wine, and appetizers.
The Solution: You need a sit-down pizzeria. Book a (very) hard-to-get reservation at places like Lucali or Rubirosa for a full-service experience.
The “No Slices” Surprise
The Situation: A tourist walks into John’s of Bleecker Street or Lombardi’s and asks for “one slice to go.”
The Solution: They are politely (or not-so-politely) told “We don’t sell slices. Pies only.” These historic coal-oven pizzerias are dedicated to the whole pie experience.

Curiosity: Is It Really the Water That Makes NYC Pizza So Good?
It’s the city’s most enduring food myth. NYC tap water is “soft,” with low concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which supposedly makes the dough soft and sticky. While science shows this has a “Goldilocks” effect on gluten, most pizzaiolos agree the *real* secret is the decades of practice, fermentation techniques, and the high-heat, gas- or coal-fired ovens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

NY Style vs. Neapolitan: What’s the difference?: A NY Style pizza has a thin, firm, and foldable crust, designed to be eaten by the slice. A Neapolitan pizza has a very soft, chewy, and blistered crust, is typically smaller, and is eaten with a knife and fork.
What is a “Coal Oven” pizza?: This is the original method used by America’s first pizzerias (Lombardi’s, Totonno’s, John’s). The intense, dry heat of the coal oven (800°F+) creates a uniquely crisp, charred, and smoky crust.
Do I need a reservation?: For a slice shop (like Joe’s or Scarr’s), no. For a sit-down restaurant (like Lucali or Rubirosa), yes—and you often need to book 30+ days in advance.
Why is there a line for one slice of pizza?: Welcome to New York. For legendary shops like Di Fara or Joe’s, the line is part of the experience. It moves fast, and it’s always worth it.

Ranking: The 10 Best Pizzerias in NYC

The AZ New York selection is based on historical importance, ingredient quality, and overall contribution to the city’s pizza culture. (Cash only & no-slice rules are noted!)

1. John’s of Bleecker Street

Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 243-1680
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 11:30AM–11PM
Website: johnsofbleecker.com
Services: Coal-Fired Pies, Sit-Down Dining (No Slices, Cash Only)
Justification: A Greenwich Village landmark since 1929. This is the quintessential coal-oven pizzeria, famous for its thin, crisp, beautifully charred crust. A non-negotiable stop for any pizza purist.

2. Di Fara Pizza

Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Phone: (718) 258-1367
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Thurs–Sun 12PM–8PM (Hours vary)
Website: originaldifarapizza.com
Services: Legendary Slices & Pies (Cash Only)
Justification: For decades, this was a one-man show by the late Domenico DeMarco. His children continue the legacy, creating a unique hybrid of NY and Neapolitan style, finished with fresh basil cut with scissors.

3. Lucali

Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 858-4086
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Thurs–Mon 5PM–11PM (Line up by 4PM)
Website: lucalibrooklyn.com
Services: Sit-Down Pies, Calzones, BYOB (No Slices, Cash Only)
Justification: The hardest reservation in pizza. Mark Iacono’s Carroll Gardens spot is a beautiful, candle-lit restaurant serving one thing: a perfect, thin-crust, basil-topped pie.

4. Joe’s Pizza

Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014 (Multiple Locations)
Phone: (212) 366-1182
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 10AM–4AM
Website: joespizzanyc.com
Services: The Classic NY Slice, Pies, Open Late
Justification: Founded in 1975, this is the benchmark for the classic New York slice. Perfectly balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio, a crisp-yet-foldable crust, and zero pretension.

5. Lombardi’s

Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 941-8404
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 12PM–10PM
Website: lombardisoriginal.com
Services: Coal-Fired Pies, Sit-Down Dining (No Slices)
Justification: America’s “First Pizzeria” (1905). While the location has moved, it still uses a coal oven to produce a smoky, classic pie, defined by its bright tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella.

6. Patsy’s Pizzeria

Address: 2287 1st Ave, New York, NY 10035
Phone: (212) 534-9783
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 11AM–11PM
Website: thepatsyspizza.com
Services: Coal-Fired Pies & Slices, Sit-Down Dining
Justification: An East Harlem icon since 1933 and one of the few coal-oven spots to sell slices. Patsy’s is famous for its paper-thin crust that’s impossibly light and crisp.

7. Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana

Address: 1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Phone: (718) 372-8606
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Sat–Sun 12PM–5:30PM (Hours are limited)
Website: totonnosconeyisland.com
Services: Historic Coal-Fired Pies (No Slices, Cash Only)
Justification: A Coney Island pilgrimage site, open since 1924. This is a protected piece of history, serving a minimalist, perfectly executed pie from a century-old coal oven.

8. Rubirosa Ristorante

Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 965-0500
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 12PM–11PM
Website: rubirosanyc.com
Services: Sit-Down Dining, Ultra-Thin Crust Pies, Vodka Sauce Pie
Justification: Famous for its 57-year-old family recipe, Rubirosa’s crust is crackly, ultra-thin, and legendary. Their “Tie-Dye” pie (vodka sauce, tomato, pesto) is a modern classic.

9. Paulie Gee’s

Address: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 389-0107
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sun 5PM–10:30PM
Website: pauliegee.com
Services: Creative Wood-Fired Pies, Extensive Vegan Menu, Sit-Down Dining
Justification: The king of creative, Neapolitan-style pizza in Greenpoint. Paulie Gee is known for inventive pies like the “Hellboy” (spicy honey) and the best vegan pizza menu in the city.

10. Scarr’s Pizza

Address: 22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 334-3481
WhatsApp: Not Available
Hours: Mon–Sat 12PM–10PM
Website: scarrspizza.com
Services: Classic Slices, House-Milled Flour, Retro Vibe
Justification: A new-school legend with an old-school soul. Scarr’s sets itself apart by milling its own flour in-house, creating a flavorful, robust crust for its perfectly executed classic slices.

And you—what’s your top pizzeria in NYC? Share your essential slice in the comments and help other pizza lovers find their new favorite!

Explore More “Best of NYC” Guides:

Keywords for Your Next Search:

best pizza NYC, best pizzerias in NYC, iconic NYC pizza, best slice NYC, John’s of Bleecker Street, Di Fara Pizza, Lucali Brooklyn, Joe’s Pizza NYC, coal oven pizza NYC, NY style pizza, Rubirosa, Paulie Gee’s, Scarr’s Pizza, Lombardi’s, Totonno’s

10 Best Pizzerias in NYC

Greenwich Village, Manhattan: The Historic Heart of NYC’s Pizza Culture

3 Common NYC Pizza Scenarios

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ranking: The 10 Best Pizzerias in NYC

1. John’s of Bleecker Street

2. Di Fara Pizza

3. Lucali

4. Joe’s Pizza

5. Lombardi’s

6. Patsy’s Pizzeria

7. Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana

8. Rubirosa Ristorante

9. Paulie Gee’s

10. Scarr’s Pizza

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Keywords for Your Next Search:

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