New York City is known for having some of the best pizza in the world, but ask any local about their favorite joints and the answers are bound to differ. Here's a roundup of the 10 best NYC pizza spots that everyone can agree on.
LessRubirosa is a classic New York pizza joint beloved by locals and visitors alike, for good reason -- they have perfected the art of marinara sauce and the pizza shines. Where to start with the pizza? It's perfect by all standards. The crust is perfectly charred and thin, the sauce is on the light side and the generous globs of cheese are as chewy as they should be. All of these factors, when executed with this level of precision, result in a pizza you won't soon forget -- a true masterpiece.
Julianna’s history is interesting in and of itself. The founder, Patsy Grimaldi, also founded legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. He sold that establishment and opened Juliana’s two decades later right next to Grimaldi’s! Since then, there’s a constant debate between who has the best pizza. It's tough to top Juliana’s white pie. The fresh ingredients shine through in the most memorable ways. The crust is perfectly thin — just enough to provide a delightful foundation without intruding.
John's of Bleeker Street is an iconic New York City pizza shop that was founded in 1929. Much like the walls adorned with photos of countless celebrities and windows dressed in awards, this pizza will keep you coming back time and time again. They only sell whole pizzas (no slices), which are served fresh out of the oven so you can expect a hot pie made fresh to order. Local's Tip: Pies can be split 50/50, so if you can't deicide on a topping, feel free to split.
Known for being Beyoncé and Jay Z's favorite pizza, Lucali is one of the most popular pizzerias in New York City and has the long lines to prove it. The restaurant doesn't accept reservations, which means the only way to get a pie is by waiting in line (usually for 1+ hours). Serving some of the best thin crust pizzas in New York City, guests are welcome to bring their own beer and wine to cap off the meal properly. Local's Tip: This is a cash-only establishment.
Located in Little Italy, Lombardi's is an iconic NYC pizza shop that boasts an incredible achievement -- it's officially the first pizzeria in America. In fact, Lombardi's is credited with developing New York Style pizza. The crust is perfectly charred in a coal oven and the exciting toppings complement the chewy dough while letting all the flavors shine. Local's Tip: If you're into classics, order the marinara. But if you're feeling adventurous, the clam pie is the only way to go.
Opened in 2012, Prince Street Pizza is beloved by locals, visitors and celebrities. This place seems to be on everyone's list of the best pizza in NYC. The star of the show is the square pepperoni slice, which boasts double layers of pepperoni on an airy bed of dough that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. If you're looking for vegetarian options, don't sleep on the Mercer Margherita. Local's Tip: The photos on the walls are full of celebrities - you're bound to see a familiar face.
If there's one thing all New Yorkers can agree on, it's this: Joe's serves the quintessential New York slice. Nothing fancy but always fresh, the slices are hot and delicious. The crust is nicely charred and the pie boasts the perfect ratio of sauce to toppings. Simply put, it always hits the spot, which is why a line is practically guaranteed regardless of when you visit (plus, they're open until 4am).
Famed for being Frank Sinatra's favorite pizza spot in NYC, Patsy's has been around since 1933. Unlike most of the other places mentioned on this list, Patsy's is actually an Italian restaurant that just so happens to serve pizza. As such, they don't sell pizza by the slice but it'd be a mistake to order anything less than a full pie. Local's Tip: The star of the show is the sausage basil pizza, though a classic cheese seems to hit the spot too.
The wood-fired pizza at Roberta's is made in an oven that churns out thousands of pies a week. The pizza crust is expertly charred and the Bee Sting pie is the perfect union of flavors (tomato, mozzarella, sopressata, chili, basil, honey). The Little Stinker is a great order too. They have three locations in NYC, but the Brooklyn locale is your best bet during spring and summer. The outdoor patio swells with locals during warm days, everyone eager to catch up over pizza and beer.
Opened in 2016, Scarr's Pizza is the new kid on the block, but that doesn't stop them from serving some of the best pizza in New York City. Known for square Scilian pies and classic New York style slices from an unfussy old-school storefront, this pizza is everything a pizza should be – simple and delicious. Extra points for the great customer service. In a city where good food sometimes comes at the expense of good service, Scarr's stands a mile above the rest.