Where to Find NYC’s Best Pizza by Neighborhood
Pizza isn’t just a food in New York City; it’s a cultural institution. Every neighborhood has its local favorites, and debates over the best slice can get heated. From the classic, foldable slice to artisanal Neapolitan pies, the city offers a pizza style for every craving. Here’s a guide to finding the best pizza across different NYC neighborhoods.
Greenwich Village: The Classic Slice at Joe’s Pizza
A pilgrimage for pizza lovers. **Joe’s Pizza** on Carmine Street is the gold standard for the quintessential New York slice. It’s simple, perfectly balanced, and has been serving legions of fans since 1975. It’s also a reliable spot for late-night eats.
SoHo: The Sit-Down Pie at Prince Street Pizza
Famous for its “Spicy Spring” slice, **Prince Street Pizza** is a SoHo icon. Their square, Sicilian-style slices are thick, doughy, and loaded with flavor. The Spicy Spring, covered in crispy, curling pepperoni cups that hold pools of savory oil, is a must-try. Be prepared for a line, but it’s worth it.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn: The Neapolitan Pie at Roberta’s
Roberta’s put Brooklyn’s modern pizza scene on the map. Located in a nondescript, graffiti-covered building in Bushwick (bordering Williamsburg), they serve incredible wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas. The “Bee Sting,” topped with soppressata, chili, and honey, is a legendary combination of spicy and sweet.
Midwood, Brooklyn: The Legendary Pie at Di Fara Pizza
For many pizza purists, Di Fara is the best of the best. For decades, the late Dom DeMarco crafted each pie by hand with ingredients imported from Italy. Today, his family continues the tradition. Each pizza is a work of art, finished with fresh basil snipped over the top. It’s a journey to get to, but it’s a taste of pizza history.
West Village: The Artisanal Slice at L’Industrie Pizzeria
Quickly becoming a modern classic, **L’Industrie** serves slices that are a perfect hybrid of New York style and Italian artisanship. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings are high-quality and creative, like their famous burrata slice. It’s a top contender for the best slice in the city right now.
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn: The Clam Pie at Lucali
Famous for its celebrity clientele (including Jay-Z and Beyoncé) and its incredible pizza, **Lucali** is a tiny, cash-only, BYOB spot with a legendary wait. The menu is simple: pizza and calzones. The pies are thin, crispy, and enormous. While their classic pie is phenomenal, they are also known for their unique clam pie, a must-try for adventurous foodies.
