NEW YORK CITY. A place where pizza is a food group, and every New Yorker will tell you we have the best pizza in the world. But where exactly you’ll find that pizza is a hotly contested subject here. I’ll start by saying that this is not a comprehensive list of New York’s best pizza. Instead, it’s a list of some of my favorite New York City pizza places. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a pizza connoisseur, I’m a fourth generation New Yorker who’s lived in the Big Apple for over a decade of my life and has tried hundreds of slices. From the $1 slice to the specialty coal and brick oven varieties, I’ve had a bit of everything, and I can confidently say that these are some of my favorite (oh, heck, YES, and best) slices in NYC.
This lower east side pizza shop resembles a diner but serves up some of New York’s best pies. Founded in 2016, Scarr’s has quickly risen to New York pizza stardom, and for good reason. The pie is crispy with well cooked crust and cheese and a flavorful sauce.
ADDRESS: 22 Orchard Street, New York, NY
PRICE RANGE: $
Located in Chelsea, Rocco’s is a classic New York pizza joint. It’s new location on 8th Ave features a 1950s diner aesthetic, but the pizza hasn’t changed one bit. They’re still serving up large, thin slices with fresh ingredients. This is an inexpensive slice that you can grab, fold, and go – in typical New Yorker fashion.
ADDRESS: 148 8th Avenue, New York, NY
PRICE RANGE: $
Located within walking distance of the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park, Barboncino serves up delicious Neapolitan-style pizza straight out of its wood-burning oven. With a chewy, yet not-too-soft crust and flavorful toppings, Barboncino does not disappoint.
ADDRESS: 781 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
PRICE RANGE: $$
Artichoke rose to New York fame with its namesake slice, a hearty slice with a white cream sauce and artichoke base. But it’s their Vodka Sicilian pizza that is truly to-die-for. With a unique vodka tomato sauce, this is a slice like no other. These heavy slices are not your standard NY pizza, but they are delicious and a perfect late night meal after a night out on the town.
ADDRESS: Locations across New York City
PRICE RANGE: $
This isn’t just a pizza place. It’s a gorgeous Italian restaurant and bar that happens to have some incredible pizza. Topped with a large fresh serving of burrata, the Loreto Pizza is absolutely heavenly. If you’re hungry on a weekday during happy hour, you can get a pie and a glass of wine for a great deal.
ADDRESS: 280 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, NY
PRICE RANGE: $$-$$$
John’s is a New York institution. With a gallery wall of every celebrity you can think of, John’s is a more than worthy place to try your first New York pizza. Open since 1929 and famously serving no slices, John’s accepts no reservations. On the weekends, the line at this West Village hotspot can get overwhelming. Instead, I would recommend ordering a pie in advance and heading a few blocks east to Washington Square Park, where you can enjoy pizza in the park.
ADDRESS: 278 Bleecker Street, New York, NY
PRICE RANGE: $$ (No Slices)
A fan favorite of celebrities, TV shows, and locals alike, Lucali serves up thin crust pizza made with the freshest ingredients. BYOB, cash only, and no reservations, don’t expect a ton of frills here, but bring a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while waiting for a table. It’s worth the wait.
ADDRESS: 575 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY
PRICE RANGE: $$-$$$
If you are in New York for one day and can only squeeze one slice in, make it Joe’s. Make sure you are at the right Joe’s on Carmine Street (there are others with the same name). This is a classically paper-thin New York slice with a crisp crust and just the right amount of gooey cheese topping. Large slices, quick service – Joe’s is a truly authentic New York experience.
ADDRESS: 7 Carmine Street, New York, NY
PRICE RANGE: $