Key Takeaways:
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a pizza lover’s paradise, boasting a diverse scene rooted in strong Italian heritage and modern culinary innovation.
- Discover a variety of styles, from classic New York-style slices and authentic Neapolitan pies to hearty Detroit-style squares and beloved Grandma slices.
- Iconic spots like L’Industrie Pizzeria, Ace’s Pizza, Fini Pizza, and Best Pizza consistently rank among local favorites.
Welcome to Williamsburg, a Brooklyn neighborhood where the Pizza scene is as vibrant and diverse as the area itself. Known for its incredible food and strong Italian roots, Williamsburg offers some of the best slices in NYC. Whether you’re craving a classic New York slice, a crispy Detroit square, or something uniquely modern, this local’s guide will navigate you through the must-visit Pizza joints for the ultimate Eat & Drink experience.
Understanding Williamsburg’s Pizza Styles
Before diving into specific spots, let’s break down the delicious variety you’ll find:
- New York-Style: The quintessential NYC slice. Thin, foldable crust, often sold by the slice. Find it at: Fini Pizza, Best Pizza.
- Grandma Slice: Typically rectangular, baked in a pan with a thinner, crispier crust than Sicilian. Toppings often applied with sauce over cheese. Find it at: Best Pizza, Williamsburg Pizza.
- Detroit-Style: Thick, rectangular pizza with a chewy crust and famously crispy, cheesy edges (frico). Sauce is often ladled on top after baking. Find it at: Ace’s Pizza.
- Neapolitan: Originating from Naples, Italy. Characterized by a soft, thin crust with a puffy, charred edge (cornicione), cooked quickly in a very hot oven. Find it at: Juliana’s (nearby).
- Hybrids & Fusions: Many spots blend techniques, like L’Industrie’s NY-Italian fusion or Leo’s NY-Neapolitan hybrid.
Established Favorites: The Go-To Spots
These pizzerias have earned their reputation as Williamsburg staples:
1. L’Industrie Pizzeria
- Style: NY-Italian fusion
- Why Visit: Often cited as one of Brooklyn’s best, known for its thin, crispy yet chewy crust (long fermentation) and high-quality Italian toppings. Expect lines, but it’s worth it. No seating, just standing tables for that authentic NY slice experience.
- Must-Try: Burrata & Prosciutto slice
- Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM daily
2. Ace’s Pizza
- Style: Detroit-style
- Why Visit: Famous for its thick, square pies with incredibly crispy edges and gooey centers. A unique offering in the neighborhood.
- Must-Try: Cheeseburger Pizza
- Hours: Typically 11 AM – 10 PM (check ahead)
3. Fini Pizza
- Style: Modern New York-style
- Why Visit: A straightforward spot focusing on high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared classic NY slices. Great for a no-frills, top-notch slice.
- Must-Try: Pepperoni slice
- Hours: Generally 11 AM – 11 PM (check ahead)
4. Best Pizza
- Style: NY & Grandma slices
- Why Visit: Backed by Roberta’s pedigree, known for consistently great whole pies and especially their fantastic Grandma slices. Multiple locations offer convenience.
- Must-Try: Grandma slice
- Hours: Typically 11 AM – 11 PM (check ahead)
5. Leo’s
- Style: NY-Neapolitan hybrid
- Why Visit: A cozy spot perfect for a sit-down dinner. Features sourdough crust with a pleasant tang, blending NY and Neapolitan textures.
- Must-Try: Garlicky clam pizza
- Hours: Usually 12 PM – 10 PM (check ahead)
6. Williamsburg Pizza
- Style: Grandma pies
- Why Visit: Helmed by award-winning chef Nino Coniglio, this spot is famous for its expertly crafted Grandma pies with thin, crispy crusts.
- Must-Try: Grandma pies
- Hours: Generally 11 AM – 11 PM (check ahead)
7. Bamonte’s
- Style: Classic Italian-American
- Why Visit: An old-school institution offering a nostalgic atmosphere and hearty, traditional Italian-American fare, including pizza. Great for generous portions and classic flavors.
- Must-Try: Traditional pizza
- Hours: Typically 12 PM – 10 PM (check ahead)
8. Juliana’s (Nearby Mention)
- Style: Neapolitan
- Why Visit: While technically not in Williamsburg (located in DUMBO), it’s a highly regarded spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza with a soft, charred crust and quality toppings. Worth the trip if you’re a Neapolitan purist.
- Must-Try: Classic Margherita or other Neapolitan specialties
- Hours: Usually 12 PM – 10 PM (check ahead)
New & Notable Pizza Spots
Williamsburg’s pizza scene is always evolving. Keep an eye on these newer additions:
- 🍕 Stretch Pizza: (Opening late 2024 near Domino Park) A collaboration between innovative chef Wylie Dufresne and Breads Bakery, promising creative NY-style pies with unique flavors like dan dan chicken.
- 🍕 Lala’s: (Opened early 2024) Located on the rooftop of Grimm Artisanal Ales, serving New Haven-inspired pizzas in a unique setting.
- 🍕 Rome to Brooklyn Pizza: (Opened Oct 2024 in nearby Greenpoint) Blending Roman and New York styles, worth checking out for enthusiasts near the border.
Operating Hours & Late-Night Bites
Need pizza late? Here’s a look at typical operating hours:
Late Night Options: Based on typical hours, Fini Pizza, Best Pizza, and Williamsburg Pizza are your best bets for grabbing a slice until 11 PM. Always double-check current hours before heading out, especially late.
Conclusion
Williamsburg’s Pizza scene truly offers something for everyone. From the authentic NY Style slices at Fini Pizza and Best Pizza to the unique Detroit-style creations at Ace’s Pizza and the highly-acclaimed pies at L’Industrie Pizzeria, you’re guaranteed a delicious experience. Use this guide to explore the diverse Local Cuisine, find your new favorite slice, and enjoy the vibrant Eat & Drink culture of this iconic Brooklyn neighborhood.