New York is known around the world for its classic pizza. The city has thousands of shops, but only a few are truly special. These places are famous for their long history, handmade recipes, and delicious slices that people remember for years.
If you are visiting New York or already live there, this guide will help you find the best pizza place in New York that suits your taste.
1. Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
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Founded: 1975
Known for: Classic New York-style slices
Joe’s Pizza is one of the most iconic pizza shops in New York City. It was started by Pino “Joe” Pozzuoli, an Italian immigrant from Naples. For almost 50 years, Joe’s has served the same simple and perfect slice: thin crust, light tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
It is the place most New Yorkers recommend when someone asks, “Where should I get my first New York slice?”
What makes Joe’s Pizza special
- Very thin, foldable crust
- Fresh ingredients prepared daily
- No heavy toppings — simple and clean flavor
- Featured in movies like Spider-Man
- Always busy, but the line moves fast
Joe’s now has multiple locations, but the Greenwich Village shop is the original and most loved.
2. Di Fara Pizza (Midwood, Brooklyn)
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Founded: 1965
Known for: Handcrafted pies made with premium ingredients
Di Fara Pizza is not just a pizza shop — it is a legend. For decades, the founder Domenico DeMarco made almost every pizza by hand. He used ingredients imported from Italy, including cheese, olive oil, and tomatoes. After baking, he always added fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil on top.
People from all over the world have visited Di Fara, and many food critics have called it the best pizza in New York.
What makes Di Fara Pizza special
- Handcrafted, old-school pizza
- Fresh basil cut directly onto every pie
- High-quality olive oil
- Rich, deep flavors
- Famous square Sicilian pies
The shop is small and usually crowded, but the pizza is worth the wait.
3. Prince Street Pizza (Nolita, Manhattan)
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Founded: 2012
Known for: Thick Sicilian pepperoni squares
Prince Street Pizza became famous very quickly because of its “SoHo Square” slice — a thick, crunchy slice topped with small, spicy “cup and char” pepperoni. These pepperoni slices curl up when baked, creating tiny cups filled with flavor.
The shop is located on Prince Street, and there is almost always a line outside.
Why people love Prince Street Pizza
- Crispy, thick Sicilian-style crust
- Bold tomato sauce
- Spicy “cup and char” pepperoni
- Hot, fresh slices all day
- Strong, unforgettable taste
If you like strong flavors and a crunchy bite, this is one of the best pizza places in New York for you.
4. Lombardi’s Pizza (Little Italy, Manhattan)
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Founded: 1905
Known for: America’s first pizzeria
Lombardi’s is officially recognized as the first pizzeria in the United States. It opened in 1905 and still follows many original traditions. The pizza is baked in a coal-fired oven, which gives it a smoky, crispy crust that you cannot find everywhere.
Lombardi’s uses fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and a thin base that melts in your mouth.
What makes Lombardi’s Pizza special
- Oldest pizza shop in America
- Coal-oven baked crust
- Classic Italian taste
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Historic location in Little Italy
Lombardi’s is perfect for people who want both history and amazing flavor.
5. John’s of Bleecker Street (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
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Founded: 1929
Known for: Brick-oven pizzas served whole (no slices)
John’s of Bleecker Street opened in 1929 and still uses a large brick oven to bake its pizzas. The shop is famous for its rule:
No slices — only whole pies.
This means every customer receives a fresh, hot pizza straight from the oven. The crust is thin and charred at the edges, the cheese melts evenly, and the sauce is full of flavor.
Why John’s of Bleecker is loved
- Brick-oven baked
- Thin, charred crust
- Fresh cheese and sauce
- Cozy old-style dining room
- Great for groups and families
Many locals say this is one of the best pizza places in New York for a classic dine-in experience. If you’re visiting the city soon, our guide on cheap flights to New York can help you plan your trip better.
Other Great Pizza Places Worth Trying
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New York has many more excellent pizza shops. These are also highly rated:
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
- Famous for its creamy artichoke slice
- Thick and rich flavor
- Popular late-night spot
Roberta’s (Brooklyn)
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Modern toppings and fresh ingredients
- Very popular in the food community
Juliana’s (Brooklyn)
- Founded by the same family that started Grimaldi’s
- Soft, chewy crust
- Beautiful Brooklyn Bridge location
Patsy’s (East Harlem)
- Opened in 1933
- Famous for coal-oven slices
- Classic New York old-school style
Conclusion
Finding the best pizza place in New York can feel difficult because the city has so many amazing options, but the spots in this guide truly stand out. Each one has its own story, flavor, and style that makes it special. Whether you want a thin and foldable slice from Joe’s Pizza, a handmade pie from Di Fara, a spicy pepperoni square from Prince Street Pizza, or a classic coal-oven pizza from Lombardi’s or John’s of Bleecker Street, you will always find something delicious.
Trying pizza in New York is more than just eating — it is a part of the city’s culture. So when you explore the city, make sure you visit at least one of these famous shops. It will help you enjoy the real New York taste and experience the true meaning of the best pizza place in New York.
FAQs About the Best Pizza Place in New York
1. What is the No. 1 pizza place in New York?
There is no official single “No. 1,” but Joe’s Pizza, Di Fara Pizza, and Prince Street Pizza are the most commonly searched and recommended by locals and visitors.
2. Where can I get the best New York-style slice?
Joe’s Pizza is known for the classic New York-style slice. It is thin, simple, and full of flavor.
3. Which pizza place in New York is the oldest?
Lombardi’s Pizza, opened in 1905, is the oldest pizzeria in the United States.
4. What pizza place in NYC has the best pepperoni slice?
Prince Street Pizza is famous for its spicy “cup and char” pepperoni squares. This is one of the most searched pepperoni slices in NYC.
5. Where can I find the best deep-dish or thick pizza in New York?
For thick Sicilian-style slices, Prince Street Pizza is the most popular choice.
6. What is the best pizza place in Brooklyn?
In Brooklyn, Di Fara Pizza and Roberta’s are the top choices. Both are highly rated and widely searched.
7. Do any of these pizza shops sell whole pies only?
Yes. John’s of Bleecker Street sells whole pies only and does not sell slices.
8. Can I find vegetarian pizza in New York?
Yes, almost every shop has cheese and vegetarian options. Roberta’s and Joe’s have great vegetarian pies.
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