By Abigail Warwick By Abigail Warwick | September 29, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
If there's one thing that all New Yorkers have in common, it's that we all have a favorite pizza place that we vehemently defend. We enlisted the help of our readers via Instagram to narrow down the best of the best, once and for all, and the results did not disappoint. Here are the 16 best pizza places in New York, according to Gotham’s readers.
See also: The 19 Best Pizza Slices in NYC
Multiple locations / Website
A New York City favorite, Joe’s Pizza is definitely a spot you’ll want to try if you haven’t already. Joe’s has many locations in the city with its flagship being in Greenwich Village. While Joe’s has a very simple menu, you can’t go wrong with a classic piece of pizza.
Multiple locations / Website
With lots of menu options and lots of locations, you can’t go wrong with Little Italy. From barbecue chicken pizza to Sicilian slices or calzones, there’s something to satisfy any pizzeria cravings. Frequent customers say the garlic knots are to die for, so make sure to add some to your next order!
384 Grand St. / 646.918.6194 / Website
The most popular spot among Gotham readers, Grand Street Pizza is always a favorite for New Yorkers. Although it’s another one with a short menu, Grand Street’s pizza is done so well that it doesn’t need any more items than the classics. Enjoy a slice sitting in the restaurant with some drinks and friends in this Lower East Side joint, or order a whole pie to go.
35 Orchard St. / 212.334.3481 / Website
This newer, modern spot has quickly become a favorite in the Lower East Side. Scarr’s takes a vintage, street pizza vibe into its restaurant for customers to taste the critically acclaimed pizza. Enjoy a cocktail and try a dine-in pie with some friends or take out a classic pizza.
Multiple locations / Website
Fini is a great Brooklyn spot if you’re looking for something tasty and modern. There’s even Italian ice and gelato on the menu, in case you want something sweet after your slice. Fini also has a location in East Hampton, so you know you can count on a great pie even on your weekend getaways.
68 Kenmare St. / 315.870.1758 / Website
Nolita is an authentic treasure among Manhattanites. Readers cite the vodka slice as their favorite from this spot in the Nolita neighborhood. Hit up this classic location for dinner or your next late-night bite.
Multiple locations / Website
This contemporary joint is newer to the New York pizza scene, yet has gained popularity quickly. There’s lots to choose from at Zazzy’s, you can even get a personal-sized pizza if you’re feeling hungrier than just a slice. With multiple locations across Manhattan, Zazzy’s is definitely a spot to try if you’re looking for something new.
27 Prince St. / 212.966.4100 / Website
Prince Street Pizza, the home of the “SoHo Square,” is a Lower Manhattan staple. The pizzeria’s philosophy is “ “if you can put it on pasta then you can put it on pizza,” according to its website, which is apparent through the sauce options on the menu. Customers can even purchase sauces separately. Prince Street also offers snack-sized options, including “Mozza Balls” and “Pizzettas.” If you’re looking for a quick bite, a whole pizza or to grab some sauce to make your own pizza at home, check out Prince Street Pizza!
Multiple locations / Website
Marinara is a popular modern spot for people who want to get adventurous with their pizza. Try out a chicken Caesar salad slice or a spicy rigatoni slice, a Gotham reader favorite. Marinara can be found all across Manhattan, so you are sure to find a location near you!
2725 86th St., Brooklyn / 718.449.1230 / Website
L&B Spumoni Garden is an authentic, historic pizza spot in Brooklyn. Started in 1939, L&B has been a favorite among Brooklynites for ages for pizza and other Italian dishes. Both round and Sicilian pies are available, but no toppings, because all you need with this fan-favorite pizza is the classic crust, sauce and cheese.
575 Henry St., Brooklyn / 718.858.4086 / Website
A popular spot among celebrities and influencers, this exclusive Brooklyn pizzeria tops many people’s favorites. Lucali takes no reservations, but is known to be a go-to for Beyoncé and Jay-Z. The joint was also among the top five in Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza list.
686 5th Ave., Brooklyn / 718.499.3857 / Website
Luigi’s is another authentic option, started in 1973. Choose your own toppings or pick one of the curated options, like a Grandma’s Pie. You can’t go wrong with anything while trying out this award-winning, acclaimed Brooklyn spot.
278 Bleecker St. / 212.243.1680 / Website
John’s of Bleecker Street is another historic favorite among New Yorkers. Enjoy a classic pie or one of John’s specialties if you want to change things up, like a Boom Pie. Dine in at this restaurant filled with character to enjoy a classic Italian dish or order a pie to go!
960 Bloomingdale Rd., Staten Island / 718.227.4444 / Website
Head to Staten Island for this next fan favorite! Rossville Pizza has endless menu options, order your favorite niche pizza or try out something new, like a Chicken Marsala pan slice.
Multiple locations / Website
Di Fara is a popular spot, with its original location that opened in 1965 standing in Brooklyn and another in Manhattan. Di Fara tops many people’s lists of favorite pizza spots in New York, so it’s an essential for any pizza connoisseur to check out.
Multiple locations / Website
If you’re looking for something a little different than your average pizza place, check out Artichoke Pizza. You can order the restaurant’s signature menu item, an artichoke slice, or even a crab pizza. Plus, if you can’t get enough of Artichoke, a cookbook from its founders is available so you can try out their signature recipes!
Photography by: James Andrews / Getty Images