10 Best Pizzerias in Chinatown NYC
A guide to the hidden slices and border gems in this iconic neighborhood.
Chinatown is a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells—a vibrant, bustling neighborhood that stands as one of New York City’s most historic and culturally rich enclaves. While justly famous for having some of the world’s best dumplings, noodles, and dim sum, you might be surprised to find that great pizza is never far away.
The pizza scene here is one of discovery. It’s about finding hidden, no-frills slice shops that have served the community for years and knowing which legendary pizzerias sit just across the border in neighboring areas, a dynamic seen in many of the world’s great food cities.
This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your map to finding fantastic pizza in and around the energetic heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown.
You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations
| Location | Est. # of Pizzerias | Distance (from Canal & Mott St) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower East Side | Trendy & Classic | ~0.4 miles |
| NoLita | Boutique Pizzerias | ~0.4 miles |
| SoHo | Trendy spots | ~0.6 miles |
| TriBeCa | Upscale Options | ~0.8 miles |
| Financial District | Neighborhood spots | ~1 mile |
4 Tips for Eating Pizza in Chinatown
- Look on the Borders: The best pizza is often found on the edges where Chinatown meets Little Italy, NoLita, and the Lower East Side. Streets like Mulberry, Mott, and Orchard are key.
- Cash is Very Useful: Many of the small, unassuming shops in and around Chinatown are cash-only. It’s always best to be prepared.
- A Perfect Lunch Break: A quick slice is the perfect, affordable break from a day of exploring Chinatown’s busy markets and unique shops.
- Don’t Expect the Fancy: The pizza here is about substance over style. Expect classic, no-frills slice shops that have been part of the neighborhood fabric for years.
Keep an Eye On: The “Pizza Speakeasy” Effect. Finding great pizza in Chinatown feels like discovering a secret. The best spots are often unassuming storefronts that you could easily walk past.
This experience of finding hidden culinary gems is universal in great food cities, a reminder that the best food isn’t always in the fanciest, most obvious places.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there actually any good pizzerias inside Chinatown?
While the highest concentration of elite pizzerias is on its borders, there are several solid, old-school slice shops within Chinatown proper that serve the local community and offer an authentic, no-frills NYC slice.
What is the most common pizza style found here?
The style is overwhelmingly classic New York slice shop. These are places focused on quick, reliable, and delicious slices—primarily cheese, pepperoni, and Sicilian—meant to be eaten on the go.
Can I find artisanal or Neapolitan pizza here?
For more specialized styles like Neapolitan, you’ll need to walk a few blocks north into NoLita or west into SoHo, where you’ll find world-class options like Rubirosa and Lombardi’s.
Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias in & Around Chinatown
Below, check out the ranking of the 10 best pizzerias serving the region, in a special curation by AZ New York.
1. Scarr’s Pizza
Located just on the edge of Chinatown and the LES, Scarr’s is a modern icon. Famous for milling its own flour for a uniquely flavorful crust, it combines an old-school vibe with an artisanal approach, making it a top pizza destination for the entire city.
Address: 22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 334-3481
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: scarrspizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: The Plain Cheese Slice, The Hotboi (with pepperoni & jalapeños).
2. Manero’s Pizza
Situated on the border of Chinatown and Little Italy, Manero’s is a fantastic slice shop serving a perfectly executed classic New York slice. It’s a no-frills spot with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a perfectly balanced crust.
Address: 113 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 476-3232
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: manerospizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Vodka Slice.
3. Little Italy Pizza
A quintessential NYC slice shop serving the area for years. This is where you go for a reliable, satisfying, and quick slice. They offer a huge variety of toppings behind the glass, ready to be heated up to perfection.
Address: 111 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 227-7077
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.9 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Pepperoni Slice, Chicken Bacon Ranch.
4. Champion Pizza
Located right on the border with NoLita, Champion is known for its creative specialty slices and solid quality. It’s a popular spot for a quick lunch, especially their pesto and margherita slices.
Address: 17 Cleveland Pl, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 226-3777
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: championpizzanyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Pesto Slice, Margherita Slice.
5. Sal’s Pizza
A classic, unassuming slice shop right in the heart of Chinatown. Sal’s is a neighborhood staple, serving the local community with hot, fresh, and affordable slices. It’s an authentic, no-frills New York experience.
Address: 341 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 925-5022
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Plain Cheese Slice, Sausage Slice.
6. Nolita Pizza
Another excellent neighborhood spot located just a few steps from Chinatown. It’s a go-to for locals for a quick, delicious slice and their famous garlic knots.
Address: 158 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 941-8699
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Grandma Slice.
7. Rosario’s Pizza
A long-standing slice shop on the border with the Lower East Side. Rosario’s is a neighborhood institution, beloved for its traditional slices and Sicilian squares. It’s a taste of old New York.
Address: 173 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 777-9813
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.5 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Sicilian Slice.
8. Marinara Pizza
While a bit further north, Marinara Pizza is known for its high-quality slices and creative options that are worth the short walk. Their vodka margherita and pesto slices are particularly popular.
Address: 1392 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021 (multiple locations, this one is closest to the area)
Phone: (212) 772-2200
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: marinarapizza.com
Distance: Delivery and takeout serve the area.
Must-Try Slices: Vodka Margherita Slice, Pesto Slice.
9. Pizza Palace
An unassuming name for a solid neighborhood pizzeria. Pizza Palace has been serving the community for years with reliable, classic NYC pizza. It’s a great example of a local spot that focuses on quality and consistency.
Address: 123 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 219-9231
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.1 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Cheese Slice, Mushroom Slice.
10. Joe’s Pizza on Broadway
A bit of a walk, but this location of the legendary Joe’s Pizza serves the southern part of the area. It’s worth including because the quality and consistency of a Joe’s slice make it a benchmark for all other pizzerias.
Address: 124 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Phone: (212) 267-0860
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: joespizzanyc.com
Distance: Approx. 0.9 miles from Canal & Mott.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Fresh Mozzarella Slice.
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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