10 Best Pizzerias in the Lower East Side NYC
10 Best Pizzerias in the Lower East Side NYC
A guide to the trendiest slices and pies in a historic downtown hub.
The Lower East Side (LES) is a neighborhood defined by its dynamic energy. It’s a place where historic tenement buildings stand next to trendy art galleries, and old-school delis share the block with fashionable cocktail bars. This constant blend of grit and glamour makes the LES one of the most exciting areas in New York City.
The pizza scene here is a perfect reflection of this identity. It’s home to some of the most talked-about new-wave pizzerias in the country, spots that focus on high-quality, freshly milled grains and artisanal techniques, all while maintaining the neighborhood’s cool, unpretentious vibe.
This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to the best pizza in this vibrant corner of Manhattan.
You might be interested in Pizzerias in these nearby locations
| Location | Est. # of Pizzerias | Distance (from Essex & Rivington) |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Dozens of options | ~0.5 miles |
| NoLita | Boutique Pizzerias | ~0.7 miles |
| Chinatown | Hidden gems | ~0.4 miles |
| Two Bridges | Neighborhood spots | ~0.8 miles |
| Williamsburg | Artisanal pies | ~1.5 miles |
4 Tips for Eating Pizza in the Lower East Side
- Explore Orchard and Ludlow Streets: These are the main arteries of the neighborhood’s nightlife and dining scene, where you’ll find many of the top pizzerias nestled among bars and boutiques.
- Look for the Speakeasy Vibe: Many of the best spots have a low-key, almost hidden feel. Don’t be fooled by a simple storefront; some of the best pizza in the city lies within.
- Perfect for a Late-Night Slice: The LES is a premier nightlife destination. Many pizzerias stay open late to serve the post-bar crowd, making it a perfect final stop on a night out.
- Visit the Essex Market: This historic market is a foodie paradise. While there, you can grab a slice and explore dozens of other artisanal food vendors.
Keep an Eye On: The Focus on Flour. The Lower East Side is at the forefront of a movement that prioritizes the quality of the dough above all else. Pizzerias like Scarr’s and Una Pizza Napoletana are famous for using freshly milled, high-quality grains, treating the crust not just as a base, but as the star of the show. It’s a testament to the neighborhood’s dedication to craft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the Lower East Side a top pizza destination?
The LES is a top destination due to its high concentration of critically acclaimed, new-wave pizzerias. It’s where you’ll find chefs who are obsessively focused on perfecting their craft, attracting pizza connoisseurs from all over the world.
Is it easy to get into the pizzerias in the LES?
It depends. For slice shops like Scarr’s, you can expect a line but it moves quickly. For acclaimed sit-down restaurants like Una Pizza Napoletana, getting a table can be very difficult and may require lining up before they open.
Is the Lower East Side just for trendy pizza?
While it’s famous for its modern, artisanal spots, you can still find classic, old-school New York slice shops throughout the neighborhood, offering a taste of tradition alongside the innovation.
Ranking: 10 Best Pizzerias in the Lower East Side
Below, check out the ranking of the 10 best pizzerias in the region, in a special curation by AZ New York.
1. Scarr’s Pizza
A modern icon with an old-school soul. Scarr’s is famous for milling its own flour in-house, resulting in a slice with a uniquely flavorful and wholesome crust. The retro, 1970s-style decor and consistently perfect slices have made it a favorite of locals and critics alike.
Address: 22 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 334-3481
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: scarrspizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Slices: The Plain Cheese Slice, The Hotboi (with pepperoni & jalapeños).
2. Una Pizza Napoletana
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of Neapolitan pizza in the United States. Chef Anthony Mangieri is a purist, dedicated to the art of naturally leavened dough. The menu is small, the pizzas are perfect, and it’s a true destination restaurant for pizza obsessives.
Address: 175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: Not available.
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: unapizza.com
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Pies: Margherita, Filetti (cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil).
3. Sauce Pizzeria
The second location of this popular pizzeria brings its signature Grandma pies and sesame-seed crusts to the LES. It’s a modern, bright space serving consistently delicious and creative slices.
Address: 84 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 228-8488
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: saucepizzerianyc.com
Distance: Located in the heart of the LES.
Must-Try Slices: Grandma Slice, The Upside Down.
4. Pizza Beach
A fun and quirky spot with a laid-back, surf-shack vibe. Pizza Beach serves delicious, thin-crust pizzas with creative, California-inspired toppings in a colorful, energetic setting. A great spot for a group dinner.
Address: 167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (646) 852-6476
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: pizzabeach.com
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Pies: The Prosciutto & Arugula, The Spicy Ham & Pineapple.
5. Rizzo’s Fine Pizza
While its original location is in Queens, Rizzo’s LES outpost brings its famous thin, square-crust pizza to Manhattan. It’s a lighter, crispier take on the Sicilian slice, served in a cozy, welcoming space.
Address: 17 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (646) 454-1262
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: rizzosles.com
Distance: Approx. 0.4 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Pies: The A’matriciana Square, The classic “Rizzo”.
6. Forcella
An authentic Neapolitan pizzeria known for its “Montanara,” a pizza with a lightly fried dough base before being topped and baked. This technique results in a uniquely light and flavorful crust.
Address: 334 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 466-3300
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: forcellaeatery.com
Distance: Approx. 0.8 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Pies: Montanara, Margherita.
7. Rosario’s Pizza
A classic, no-frills neighborhood slice shop that has been serving the LES community for decades. This is the place for a traditional, delicious, and affordable New York slice without any pretension.
Address: 173 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 777-9813
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: Not available.
Distance: Approx. 0.2 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Sicilian Slice.
8. Speedy Romeo
This acclaimed pizzeria’s LES location serves high-quality, wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings. They are also known for their delicious non-pizza dishes cooked in the wood oven. A great choice for a full sit-down dinner.
Address: 63 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 529-6300
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: speedyromeo.com
Distance: Approx. 0.3 miles from Essex & Rivington.
Must-Try Pies: The St. Louie, The Kind Brother.
9. Williamsburg Pizza
Despite the name, this popular Brooklyn-based slice shop has an outpost on the Lower East Side. They are known for their high-quality ingredients and a crust that strikes a perfect balance between chewy and crispy.
Address: 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018 (Note: Location is near, not in LES)
Phone: (212) 730-4900
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: williamsburgpizza.com
Distance: This location serves the area, others are available.
Must-Try Slices: The Grandma Slice, The Tartufo.
10. Nonna’s Pizzeria
Located inside the historic Essex Market, Nonna’s serves classic slices and square pies that are perfect for a quick bite while exploring the market’s many vendors. A solid choice with a taste of old-school New York.
Address: 88 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 560-0901
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: essexmarket.nyc/nonnas-pizzeria
Distance: Located in the heart of the LES.
Must-Try Slices: Classic Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Square.
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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