A good slice of pizza is synonymous with New York City. While bagels are a popular favorite food, pizza may truly be the official symbol of New York City. There are iconic pizza joints all across the boroughs and everyone has their personal favorites that they deem the best of the best.
But what is New York Style pizza? Because there really is a specific kind of pizza that represents NY. It should be a thin slice, a large slice, with a crispy crust and that is foldable. New Yorkers fold their pizza. Period. It’s what we do. A pizza evolution thanks to Italian immigrants who brought this iconic dish to the city in the early 1900s.
There’s also a few things to know about New York and its pizza. If you want to get a slice of pizza, it’s just referred to as a “slice”. And if you want a whole pizza, it’s just called a “pie”. So you may hear someone say “should we get a pie or just a slice” and yes, they are talking about pizza, not apple pie.
The thing that makes New York City pizza the best, is once again, the water. Like the bagels here in the city, it’s the water that makes them delicious. New York is known for it’s delicious tap water that plays a role in how the dough tastes.
These hot slices of pizza are served up usually hot out of the oven on a flimsy paper plate. Grab a few napkins, a fountain drink and you are set for the perfect NYC meal. Here’s some of my favorite New York City pizza slices, and ones that are still on my want to try list.
Best Pizza In New York City
Joe’s Pizza
A classic slice of New York City pizza, Joe’s serves up a variety of toppings with fast service. This is on the expensive side for a slice of your typically NYC pizza. But I really like it and it’s one of my favorites. The crust is crusty and slightly charred from the pizza oven, and the toppings are always delicious. There are many locations throughout the city. I would avoid the Times Square one if you don’t have to be there.
Scarr’s Pizza
Get a slice and stand around, or grab a seat at Scarr’s Pizza in the Lower East Side. This is one of my favorites in NYC. They also offer sandwiches too. I love the Hot Boi slice that has pepperoni, jalapenos and hot honey drizzled on top. Note to self, hot honey on pizza is the best!
L’Industrie Pizza
The original location is in Williamsburg, and they recently expanded to the West Village. L’Industrie pizza may be one of my absolute favorites for the quality of the crust. It has a bit of a sweetness to it and it’s absolutely delicious. Plus, their toppings are a bit more elevated than your classic pizza joint. From spicy salami, fig and bacon, to their new pesto spicy sausage (a favorite).
Don’t forget to grab a dessert here like one of their rotating flavors of soft serve, or a stunning Italian dessert in their dessert display. There’s often a line here but it moves quickly.
Prince Street Pizza
Prince Street Pizza will be serving up square Sicilian slices in NoLita. The Hot Girl Pie is a favorite with pepperoni and jalapenos, and also the Spicy Vodka and Spicy Spring are a favorite here. If you want a more classic slice of pizza, Prince Street does offer Neopolitan style, thin and round. They’re great, but if you’re heading to Prince Street for some shopping, grab the Sicilian slice, trust me!
2 Bros Pizza
When I think of NYC pizza, I think of a 2 slice deal with a soda for under $5. They’re hard to come by but 2 Bros Pizza has some of the best slices at unbeatable prices. There are several locations throughout the city. Grab a slice, stand at a high top table with your napkins and paper plate, and dig in.
Famous Original Ray’s Pizza
Another simple and classic pizzeria is Famous Original Ray’s Pizza. There are several locations throughout the city. These slices are massive too, which is exactly how a slice should be. Fold it in half, or don’t, you do you, and enjoy this classic taste of NYC pizza.
Slicehaus
A newer spot to grab a slice in the West Village, Slicehaus is whipping up unique combinations like the panna ham and corn pie, or try the shishito and sausage (my favorite). The pizza is made with flour flown in from Italy to ensure the best quality pizza.
Pizza Places On My List To Try
My Google Map list has hundreds of spots I want to visit. It’s ever-growing, and I am slowly chipping away at it. These are a few pizza spots that are still on my must try list thanks to recommendations from friends.
Fini
Located in Williamsburg, this is a Brooklyn favorite. Try a Sicilian slice or classic NYC slice. And I have to try the lemon Italian ice for dessert.
Mama’s Too!
Mama’s Too! has two locations, the Upper West Side and West Village, and serves up pizza but also incredible sandwiches. Everything I’ve seen here looks delicious and it is at the top of my to-try list.
John’s Of Bleecker Street
Located in the West Village, John’s of Bleecker Street is a classic. They do not offer slices, only pies. So this is a spot you’ll want to go with a couple of people to enjoy.
East Village Pizza
A no-frills pizza joint in the heart of the East Village. This spot is open super late if you need a slice after being out on the town.
New York City has what feels like a pizza spot on every corner. You can get a $1 slice at tiny hole in the wall pizza spots throughout the city. And honestly? It’s all delicious. You really can’t go wrong.
