There’s something magical about pizzas in New York. Maybe it’s the thin, foldable crust that crunches just right, or the tangy tomato sauce balanced perfectly with creamy mozzarella. Whatever it is, New York City has turned pizza into an art form.
We recently embarked on what we can only describe as a pizza pilgrimage, trekking through the boroughs, taste-testing slices from classic institutions to buzzy newcomers. From Brooklyn’s wood-fired perfection to Manhattan’s old-school charm, we ranked the very best pizzas in New York based on flavor, texture, and that “wow” factor.
So grab some napkins, and get ready because we’re counting down our subjective but highly satisfying ranking of the best pizzas in New York City.
NYC pizza ranking summary table
Rank | Pizzeria Name | Location | Slice Style | Top Score |
#1 | F & F | Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn | Oversized slice, cupped pepperoni | 9.9 |
#2 | Philomena's Pizza | Sunnyside, Queens | Raw tomato sauce, perfect char | 9.7 |
#3 | La Flor | Crown Heights, Brooklyn | Creamy mozzarella, bold flavors | 9.4 |
#4 | Scarr’s Pizza | Lower East Side, Manhattan | House-milled flour, chewy crust | 9.4 |
#5 | L’Industrie | Williamsburg & West Village | Smoky pepperoni, thin crust | 9.3 |
#6 | Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop | Greenpoint, Brooklyn | Old World-style, spicy peps | 9.2 |
#7 | Juliana’s | DUMBO, Brooklyn | Deep flavor, fresh sauce | 9.1 |
Our ranking of the best pizzas in New York
#7 Juliana’s
The iconic storefront of Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO, Brooklyn | Photo from Wgreaves on Wikimedia
Juliana's in DUMBO offers that perfect end-of-day slice: chewy, peppery, and full of depth. The sauce is bright and flavorful, giving every bite a zesty punch. It's a great example of how Brooklyn blends tradition with modern flair.
If you're already exploring the DUMBO area, given its proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge, plan your visit alongside the Brooklyn Bridge Dumbo food tour to cover both the sights and the best bites in one go!
Address: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#6 Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
A perfect duo of classic and square slices from a New York pizzeria | Photo from Rhododendrites on Wikimedia
Step into Paulie G's in Greenpoint and you'll feel like you've traveled back to a classic NYC pizzeria. Opened in 2018, it serves one of the most competently executed classic New York slices you can find: thin, crisp crust, perfectly cupped pepperoni, and just enough char. It's a no-nonsense masterpiece that holds its own against spots that have been around for decades.
This is also a great starting point for exploring the best pizza in Brooklyn. If you want to go deeper into the borough's food scene, go on the Brooklyn neighborhood food tour for the full borough experience.
Address: 110 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#5 L’Industrie
L’Industrie has earned cult status for a reason. With spots in both Williamsburg and the West Village, this slice is pure artistry: high-charred edges, a paper-thin base, and pepperoni that delivers a smoky crunch. It’s a refined take on the New York slice, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after I left.
The West Village location makes it especially convenient if you're also exploring Union Square and lower Manhattan. Grab a slice to go and make an afternoon of it; the neighborhood has plenty to keep you busy between bites!
Address: 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
#4 Scarr’s Pizza
Down on the Lower East Side, Scarr’s is redefining the slice game. They mill their own flour, creating a chewy yet tender crust that sets them apart. Every slice feels nostalgic but new at the same time—like the perfect marriage of classic NYC flavor and culinary innovation.
Down on the Lower East Side, Scarr's is redefining the best pizza in Manhattan. They mill their own flour in-house, creating a chewy yet tender crust that sets them apart from every other spot in the city. Every slice feels nostalgic but new, like the perfect marriage of classic NYC pizza flavor and culinary craft!
Address: 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
#3 La Flor
La Flor in Crown Heights serves what I can only describe as a bold, unapologetic flavor bomb. The mozzarella tastes like cream, the pepperoni packs heat, and the raw tomato sauce ties it all together. It’s a slice that dares you to take another bite—and then another.
La Flor in Crown Heights serves what can only be described as a bold, unapologetic flavor bomb. The mozzarella tastes like cream, the pepperoni packs heat, and the raw tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. This is one of the best NYC pizza restaurants for people who want a slice with actual personality.
Address: 766 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
#2 Philomena’s Pizza
This Sunnyside gem won us over instantly with its balance of salty, tangy, and crispy. The raw tomato sauce adds real brightness, while the charred crust delivers that smoky depth that makes a great NY pizza slice. Philomena's Pizza is a true standout that defines Queens' seriously underrated pizza scene.
Address: 41-16 Queens Blvd, Sunnyside, NY 11104
#1 F & F
F & F is pure pizza perfection. Oversized slices loaded with oregano, Parmesan, and cupped pepperoni so crispy they practically curl into flavor explosions. Each bite feels engineered for joy. I can confidently say,it’s the best pizza in New York, hands down.
Address: 459 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
How we ranked them
We didn’t take this ranking lightly. Our list is based on a blend of expert opinions, local foodie reviews, and some very full bellies.
Here’s what we looked for:
- Crust: The perfect fold, char, and chew that defines true New York craftsmanship.
- Sauce: Preference went to those using raw or uncooked tomato sauce for freshness.
- Balance: No single element, cheese, sauce, or grease, should dominate.
- Ingredients: We valued creativity without losing that classic New York essence.
- Consistency: The best pizzas deliver greatness slice after slice.
After all, when it comes to pizzas in New York, excellence is in the details, and the dough.
Honorable mentions
John’s of Bleecker Street
Caption: Photo from Shannon McGee on Wikimedia
A true institution, John’s of Bleecker St. has been baking perfection since 1929. You can’t buy a single slice here—it’s whole pie only—but that just means more of their tart, sauce-forward magic to share.
Joe’s Pizza
Savoring a classic slice at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village.
This is the quintessential New York street slice. Grab it, fold it, and eat it on the go. It's simple, satisfying, and exactly what makes NYC pizza legendary. Joe's Pizza is also a regular stop on the Greenwich Village Food Tour, which is a great way to taste your way through the neighborhood.
Tips for foodies & travelers
Happy foodies enjoying a fresh slice of New York pizza
When to go:
- Visit top spots like L’Industrie or F & F right when they open to avoid long lines.
- Expect waits of up to 3 hours at popular places like Lucali (worth it if you’re patient!)
How to explore:
- Use the subway and your appetite to hop across boroughs—it’s easy and fun.
Pizza etiquette:
- Always fold your slice in half; it’s the New York way.
- Don’t be afraid to eat standing up. The best slices are meant to be devoured curbside!
FAQs about the best pizza in NYC
What is the most famous pizza place in New York City?
A few names come up consistently: Lombardi's (America's first pizzeria, est. 1905), Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, and Lucali in Carroll Heights. Each has a devoted following and represents a different side of the NYC pizza tradition. Based on our taste test, F & F in Carroll Gardens takes the top spot for the best overall slice.
What makes New York pizza different from other styles?
New York-style pizza is defined by its large, hand-tossed crust that’s thin in the middle, slightly thicker at the edges, and designed to be folded in half for eating on the go. The high-gluten flour, New York water, and coal or gas ovens all contribute to its distinctive crunch and chew. Compare that to Neapolitan pizza (smaller and softer) or best deep dish pizza (thick and Chicago-style).
Where do locals eat pizza in New York City?
Locals tend to skip the most Instagrammed spots and stick to neighborhood favorites. Scarr's on the Lower East Side, F & F in Carroll Gardens, and Philomena's in Sunnyside are all regulars on the local circuit. For the best pizza in Manhattan, head downtown where the real cult spots are below 14th Street and across the river in Brooklyn.
What is the best borough for pizza in New York?
Brooklyn consistently punches above its weight, with F & F, La Flor, Paulie G's, and Juliana's all calling it home. But Queens is seriously underrated, Philomena's in Sunnyside is proof of that. For the best pizza in Manhattan, Scarr's and L'Industrie's West Village location are strong contenders.
How much does a pizza slice cost in New York City?
A standard slice at most NYC pizza restaurants runs between $4–$6, while specialty slices at spots like L'Industrie or Scarr's can go up to $7–$9. A whole pie typically costs $20–$35 depending on toppings and the pizzeria. It's one of the most affordable and satisfying meals you can have in the city.
Ready to taste the best pizzas in New York?
From the smoky charm of L’Industrie to the unapologetic flavor of F & F, each pizzeria brings something special to New York’s legendary food scene. Whether you’re joining a Brooklyn food tour or exploring through the West Village, every slice tells a story!
So grab a plate, fold that slice, and sample the city’s tastiest obsession. Trust me—your pizza journey in NYC is just getting started. 🍕
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