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 indescribable “wow” factor that makes a slice unforgettable.
So loosen your belt, 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 | Filamina’s | 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 G’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.
#6 Paulie G’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 and you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled to an old-school pizzeria. Opened in 2018, it serves the most competently executed classic New York slice you can find: thin, crisp crust, perfectly cupped pepperoni, and just enough char. It’s a no-nonsense masterpiece.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#2 Filamina’s
This Sunnyside gem won me over instantly. The balance here is chef’s kiss: salty, tangy, and delightfully crispy. The raw tomato sauce adds brightness, while the charred crust gives it that smoky depth we all crave. A true standout slice that defines Queens’ underrated pizza scene.
#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.
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
Prince Street Pizza
Famous for its spicy pepperoni square slice, Prince Pizza NYC is an icon. It’s thick, crunchy on the bottom, and loaded with fiery, cupped pepperoni. Tourists and locals alike line up for this one, and for good reason.
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.
Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s Pizza—America’s first pizzeria since 1905 | Photo by Megan (Markham) Bucknall on Pexels
Known as America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s offers a taste of history with each bite. Its charred crust and fresh basil make it a must-try on any NYC pizza crawl.
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.
Fini Pizza
Brooklyn’s Fini Pizza blends new-school craftsmanship with that old-school NYC heart. It’s a modern favorite with creative toppings and a chewy crust that rivals the classics.
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.
- Try a guided experience like Klook’s Greenwich Village Food Tour or the Best of Brooklyn Food and Culture Tour to taste top slices!
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 pizzas in New York
What’s the difference between a New York-style pizza and a Neapolitan pizza?
New York-style pizzas are larger, thinner, and crispier, while Neapolitan pizzas are smaller, softer, and baked at a higher temperature for a chewy texture.
Which New York pizzeria is the oldest?
That honor goes to Lombardi’s, established in 1905, the first licensed pizzeria in the U.S.!
Where can I find the best slice of New York pizza?
For the best overall slice, F & F tops our list. But for variety, head to the West Village or Brooklyn for an unforgettable pizza crawl.
Is New Haven or New York pizza better?
New Haven fans swear by the charred crust, but nothing beats the foldable perfection of a New York slice.
What is the most famous pizza in New York?
It’s hard to beat the reputation of Prince Pizza NYC and John’s of Bleecker St, both must-visits for any pizza lover.
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 wandering through the West Village, every slice tells a story—crispy, cheesy, and unmistakably New York.
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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