In the heart of the bustling metropolis that is New York City, there exists a world of pizza that transcends the ordinary. It's a place where cheesy dreams are made, and taste buds embark on culinary adventures like never before. This city, known for its iconic skyline, frenetic energy, and diverse culture, is also celebrated as the best pizza in NYC capital of America. So, grab your appetite and let's explore the slices of this extraordinary city.
Speedy Romeo: The Maverick of NYC Pizzas
Credit: Speedy Romeo
In a city where pizza joints abound, Speedy Romeo dares to be different. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lower East Side and Brooklyn, this pizzeria redefines the pizza experience. The St. Louis style pizza they serve challenges convention with its ultra-thin, crispy crust. Folding it? Good luck! And the secret to its unique flavor? Provel Cheese, a blend of cheddar, provolone, and Swiss that's an absolute delight for your taste buds.
Speedy Romeo doesn't stop at pizza, though. Their menu boasts an array of other delights like burgers and steaks, making it a one-stop-shop for culinary indulgence. It's no wonder they are considered one of the best pizza places in NYC. The only way to truly understand why is to experience it for yourself.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Lower East Side: The Ludlow Hotel – A chic and luxurious boutique hotel that offers a perfect blend of style and comfort. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the city, it's the ideal place to stay while exploring NYC's pizza scene.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Brooklyn: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – This eco-friendly hotel offers breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. It's a serene oasis in the midst of the city, providing a perfect contrast to the bustling pizza joints.
Di Fara Pizza: Where Tradition Meets Perfection
Credit: Di Fara
Di Fara Pizzeria stands as a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of its owner, Dom DeMarco. With over four decades of experience, Dom creates each pie by hand, and almost all of his ingredients are imported from Italy. The result? A taste that's nearly impossible to replicate. Locals and tourists alike flock to Di Fara, making it a must-visit destination in Midwood.
Dom's commitment to his craft is evident as he personally crafts up to 150 pies a day in his retro oven. The wait may be long, but witnessing this legend in action is an experience like no other. Di Fara Pizzeria is not just a pizza joint; it's a slice of pizza history and unquestionably one of the best pizza places in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Midwood: The Tillary Hotel – Located near Di Fara Pizza, this contemporary hotel offers modern amenities and a convenient location. After indulging in pizza perfection, retreat to this comfortable oasis.
Joe's Pizza: Keeping it Classic
Credit: Joe's Pizza
Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and Joe's Pizza embodies this philosophy. Joe Pozzuoli, the man behind this classic “NYC Slice” joint, has been serving top-quality pies since 1975. What sets Joe's Pizza apart is its commitment to authenticity and quality. There's no glossy corporate backing, no gimmicks—just the real deal.
New York Magazine dubbed Joe's Pizza as the “Best of New York,” and GQ Magazine listed them among the “Best 25 Pizzas on Earth” in 2009. If you're in search of the quintessential plain-and-simple pie, look no further. Joe's Pizza is a slice of New York history that will never disappoint, making it one of the best pizza slices in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in the West Village: The Jane Hotel – A charming boutique hotel with a vintage flair, located near Joe's Pizza. It offers a unique and cozy atmosphere for your NYC adventure.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Midtown Manhattan: The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue – If you're exploring Joe's Pizza and other Midtown attractions, this luxury hotel provides elegance and comfort in the heart of the city.
Lucali's Pizzeria: Pizza and Star Sightings
Credit: Lucali's
Lucali's Pizzeria is more than just a pizza place; it's a celebrity hotspot. Superstars like Beyonce and Bella Hadid have been spotted here, making it a favorite among the A-listers. But the real star of the show is the pizza itself. The owner, Mark Icon, believes that the calzones are even better than the pies, but that's a debate you'll have to settle for yourself.
The popularity of Lucali's pizzas has earned it a place among the best pizza restaurants in NYC. However, be prepared to wait, as lines can stretch for hours. But as they say, the proof is in the sauce, and you're likely to agree that it's worth every minute of the wait. Lucali's is undoubtedly one of the best pizza places in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Carroll Gardens: The Baltic Hotel – Located in the charming neighborhood of Carroll Gardens, this boutique hotel offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after indulging in Lucali's famous pizza.
Pizza Beach: A Slice of Sunshine in the City
Credit: ​Pizza Beach
Escape the urban hustle and bustle and step into the sunshine at Pizza Beach. This pizzeria brings a refreshing beach vibe to the streets of New York. Its bright and vibrant decor sets it apart from traditional NYC pizza joints. But it's not just the ambiance that's unique; their pies are unconventional too. From pink vodka pie to taco slices, Pizza Beach offers a delightful twist on classic flavors.
But the surprises don't end with pizza. Their menu includes tropical-inspired drinks and desserts, as well as more traditional options like burgers and meatballs. Pizza Beach's California-themed shop is a slice of paradise in the heart of the city and truly offers some of the best pizza in NYC or at least one of them.
Highly-Rated Hotel in the Lower East Side: The Ludlow Hotel – A chic and luxurious boutique hotel that offers a perfect blend of style and comfort. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the city, it's the ideal place to stay while exploring NYC's pizza scene.
Highly-Rated Hotel in the Upper East Side: The Mark Hotel – For those exploring Pizza Beach and other Upper East Side attractions, this elegant and sophisticated hotel provides a luxurious retreat.
Margot's Pizza: A Hidden Gem
Credit: Margot's
Margot's Pizza is a hidden gem that operates as a pop-up inside Emily in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. This ticketed pop-up appears only once a month, and tickets sell out quickly. But the wait is well worth it. The owner, Adam Kuban, believes that every pizza should be served with a drink, so your $25 ticket gets you a full pie and a drink.
Their most popular creation is the Ranchero, a pie topped with a blend of Kublend cheese, pickled jalapeños, and buttermilk ranch. Many claim Margot's to make the best pizza in NYC, and it's a foodie's dream come true. If you're in search of unique flavors and a hint of exclusivity, Margot's Pizza is the place to be.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Clinton Hill: The Condor Hotel – Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this modern and stylish hotel is a perfect match for your Margot's Pizza adventure. It offers comfort and convenience in a trendy neighborhood.
Motorino: The Global Pizza Sensation
Credit: Motorino
Motorino Pizza is a global sensation with its wood-burning ovens and endless topping options. With locations in Upper West Side, East Village, and Williamsburg, Motorino has taken the world by storm. They don't accept reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table. But the wait is worth it, as chefs and fans worldwide rave about Motorino's pizzas.
One standout option is the smoked pancetta pie with Brussel sprouts, offering a unique and irresistible flavor combination. Motorino takes pizza to a whole new level, proving that creativity knows no bounds when it comes to this beloved dish. It's undoubtedly one of the best pizza places in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in the Upper West Side: The Arthouse Hotel – Located near Motorino's Upper West Side location, this hotel provides a stylish and artistic atmosphere for your stay in the city.
Highly-Rated Hotel in the East Village: The Standard, East Village – If you're exploring the East Village and Motorino's East Village location, this trendy and contemporary hotel offers a prime location and comfort.
&Pizza: Thinking Outside the Pizza Box
Credit: ​&Pizza
Hailing from Washington D.C., &Pizza has brought its innovative approach to pizza to the Boroughs of NYC. Their pies are crafted into large ovals, breaking away from the conventional circle or square. For those seeking a flavor explosion, try the “Gnarlic” or the unique “Moonstruck.”
If you prefer tradition, the “OG” offers the classic combination of mozzarella, tomato, olive oil, and basil. &Pizza proves that there are endless ways to reinvent pizza while maintaining its delicious essence. It's undoubtedly one of the best pizza slices in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in NoMad: The NoMad Hotel – Located in the NoMad neighborhood, this luxurious and sophisticated hotel provides a perfect base for your &Pizza adventure.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Greenwich Village: The Marlton Hotel – For those exploring &Pizza and other Greenwich Village attractions, this charming and historic hotel offers a unique and memorable stay.
Screamer's Pizza: The Vegan Revelation
Credit: Screamer's
In the city that never sleeps, Screamer's Pizza is a revelation for vegans and meat-eaters alike. Every slice here is entirely vegan, from the crust to the toppings. The creativity doesn't stop at being vegan; their toppings have quirky names like “bbq jackfruit” and “Canadian fake'n.” Surprisingly, they taste as good as the real deal, even to meat enthusiasts.
Next door, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan ice cream from Van Leeuwen's. Screamer's Pizza has created a devoted following, proving that pizza doesn't need animal products to be delicious. Whether you're a committed vegan or just curious, Screamer's is a must-visit for a unique pizza experience and one of the best pizza places in NYC.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Greenpoint: The Henry Norman Hotel – Located in the trendy neighborhood of Greenpoint, this boutique hotel offers a stylish and comfortable retreat near Screamer's Pizza.
Highly-Rated Hotel in Williamsburg: The William Vale – If you're exploring Williamsburg and Screamer's Pizza, this modern and luxurious hotel provides stunning views and a luxurious experience.
The Verdict: NYC – A Pizza Wonderland
In a city as diverse as New York, there's a pizza for everyone, whether you're seeking an inexpensive classic slice or an upscale sit-down pizzeria. These pizzerias offer some of the best pizza in NYC, but the options are truly endless. Having explored these slices of heaven in the pizza capital, it's safe to say that no other city compares.
New York excels in many culinary aspects, but if there's one thing it does with absolute excellence, it's pizza. So, on your next trip to the Big Apple, make sure to savor a slice or two from these top-notch pizzerias. The debate for the best pizza in NYC will forever endure, but one thing is certain: the journey to find your favorite is a delicious adventure in itself. So, which pizza shop do you think sells the best pizza in NYC? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let the pizza debate continue!
