Pizza is always a good idea—here our favorite places to go around New York with the kids whether its for a slice or a whole pizza pie
What’s the best pizza in NYC? That, of course, is a matter of opinion, preference, and hot debate. But in the battle of the best pizza places in NYC, some slices and pies continually come out on top. We’ve rounded up our picks for the best pizza in NYC, including newcomers, old school favorites, spots in Little Italy, Brooklyn, and beyond. Tourists and locals alike flock to DiFara’s to stand on the long awaited line. When you think an original pizza isn’t possible, you meet Paulie Gee’s and your tastebuds are blown away by the creativity. After a square pie instead of round? Rizzo’s all the way. Looking for a great NYC pizza delivery option? Lots of these pizzerias will come to you. (One final note: In many cases, you need to buy a whole pizza, but that’s not so bad.)
Or maybe you are in search of the best pizza in . . . the world? That title goes to Una Pizza Napoletana, which was named the best pizza in the world from Top 50 Pizza—a world-wide guide to the best pizza. They’re only open Thurs.-Sun. from 5 p.m. until the dough is sold out—and we imagine it’s going to get a lot busier now. Dig in!
Una Pizza Napoletana
This is actually the sixth iteration of chef Anthony Mangieri’s pizzeria. Since the beginning of Una, the focus has been on the naturally-leavened, wood-fired pizzas. Complemented with a few appetizers and made-daily ice cream and seasonal sorbetto, families will enjoy sitting in the dining room surrounded by one-of-a-kind pieces of art while watching cooks work the dough by hand and carefully bake only three pizzas at a time in the oven.
175 Orchard St.
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Online: unapizza.com
DiFara Pizza
One of the tell-tale signs of great pizza in New York City is the lines, and DiFara Pizza has them. In fact, many trek to the original location in the Midwood section of Brooklyn to get the full experience. Since 1965 Domenico DeMarco has been personally hand-crafting legendary pies that draw crowds and high praise from native New Yorkers and culinary luminaries. Anthony Bourdain, for one, was a big fan. Expect waits, and to pay for the experience (a slice is $5, a pie is $30), but know that many people say the delicious pizza is worth it.
108 South St.
South Street Seaport, Manhattan
100 Lincoln Ave.
Staten Island
1424 Ave. J.
Midwood, Brooklyn
Online: difarapizzany.com
Roberta’s
Although Roberta’s is a youngster compared to many of the other establishments on this list (it opened in Bushwick in 2008), many people have declared its pies as the best pizza in NYC. The ultra hip restaurant crafts wood-fired pizza both classic and inspired with the freshest of ingredients, and its tasting menu restaurant Blanca was awarded two Michelin stars. People love the Bee Sting pizza, made with tomatoes, mozzarella, soppressata, chili, basil, and honey. If you’re lucky enough to live in the surrounding area of Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, or East Williamsburg, they’ll deliver to you from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week. Out of the area? You can order some frozen ones online to have on hand whenever the craving hits.
261 Moore St.
Bushwick, Brooklyn
6 Grand St.
Domino Park, Brooklyn
240 Fort Pond Rd.
Montauk
Online: robertaspizza.com
Related: The Best NYC Restaurants Where You Can Let the Kids Run Wild
Paulie Gee’s
Looking for extreme creativity in a pizza? Look no further than Paulie Gee’s, which attracts quirky crowds with its original combinations. They offer nearly two dozen varieties, including an Edith’s Pastrami Reuben that contains swiss, sauerkraut, pastrami, caraway seeds, and Russian dressing. Favorites include A Whiter Shade of Kale (fresh mozzarella and nut-free kale pesto) and the Monte Cristo, with mild gouda, sliced Canadian bacon, and a pure maple syrup drizzle. They also do vegan pizza here, but you must dine in at the Greenpoint Avenue location. Need pizza to go? The Slice Shop at 110 Franklin Street offers pick up.
Paulie Gee’s is known for its creative (and delicious) pizzas and the crowds they attract. Examples include A Whiter Shade of Kale (fresh mozzarella and nut-free kale pesto) and the Monte Cristo, with mild gouda, sliced Canadian bacon, and a pure maple syrup drizzle. Need pizza delivery? The pizzeria offers classic pies from a delivery and takeout-only location (via Caviar) at 110 Franklin Street, also in Greenpoint.
60 Greenpoint Ave.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
110 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Online: pauliegee.com
L&B Spumoni Gardens
Home to a Sicilian square slice with chewy dough, cheese on the bottom, and sweet sauce on top, this Gravesend institution was founded in 1939 by Ludovico Barbati—who rightfully claims that making pizza is an art. You can also get round pies here, as well as the namesake spumoni, a molded gelato, typically made with three flavors and candied fruits and nuts. Can’t make it to Gravesend? The popular restaurant is opening a location in Dumbo, coming soon.
2725 86th St.
Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Online: spumonigardens.com
Rizzo’s Fine Pizza
Rizzo’s is the home of the “Original Thin Crust Square” pizza, a Sicilian pizza made with just cheese and sauce—no toppings). The establishment has also been family-owned and operated for more than 60 years. They now also turn out ultra-thin Neopolitan pies and specialty pizzas as well.
30-13 Steinway St.
Astoria, Queens
Online: rizzosfinepizza.com
Related: Chow, Baby! Where to Eat Brunch With Kids in NYC
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John’s of Bleecker Street
Famous for its comfortable, old-school ambiance, the charm of John’s is in its tile floors, tin ceilings, and wooden booths etched with the names of customers. Fun fact: this pizza joint was actually established in 1929 on Sullivan Street, until founder John Sasso lost his lease and dismantled the coal-fired brick oven of his shop and moved it to the restaurant’s current location. You can’t get a slice here (pies only), but the zesty sauce and charred crust will make you want to eat a whole pizza here anyway. John’s does take credit cards and also offers pizza delivery.
278 Bleecker St.
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Online: johnsbrickovenpizza.com
Joe’s Pizza
Another Greenwich Village staple that tops the charts for unbeatable taste is Joe’s, named after Naples-born Joe Pozzuoli, who still owns and operates the restaurant since it opened in 1975. It only accepts phone orders at its original location on 7 Carmine St., but it’s expanded to several spots across Manhattan with a Brooklyn location in Williamsburg. A classic pie starts at $24. Bring cash, and expect standing room only!
Various location s across Manhattan and Brooklyn
Online: joespizzanyc.com
Prince Street Pizza
Not far from Little Italy and NYC pizza royalty Lombardi’s, Prince Street Pizza is known for delicious pizza (the Spicy Spring Pie, with fra diavolo sauce, spicy pepperoni, and fresh mozzarella is a favorite), late nights (they are open until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), and pepperoni cooked into cup-shaped perfection, perfect for holding drops of savory oil. Need pizza delivery downtown? Prince Street Pizza is the way to go. Round pies start at $22, but order ahead to avoid the long line!
27 Prince St.
Nolita, Manhattan
Online: princestreetpizzanyc.com
Don Antonio
No list of the best pizza places in NYC would be complete without midtown restaurant Don Antonio. Established by partners Roberto Caporuscio (owner of the popular Kesté Pizza & Vino), and Antonio Starita, the third-generation owner of one Naples’ oldest and most revered pizzerias, Don Antonio’s reigns have been passed down to Roberto’s daughter, Giorgia Caporuscio, whose culinary experience is leading to what many believe is “La Mecca” of pizza. This spot serves more than 40 classic and creative takes on pizza—including vegan and gluten-free—made in the Neapolitan tradition. The pies are wood-fired and the mozzarella is made in-house. Many people say the lightly fried pizza, the “Montanara Starita,” is a must.
309 W. 50th St.
Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan
Online: donantoniopizza.com
—additional reporting by Wai Sze Zara
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