New York City, a sprawling metropolis renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offers a cornucopia of culinary delights. Among these, the humble Margherita pizza stands out, akin to a culinary symphony harmonizing the rustic sweetness of tomatoes, the creamy embrace of mozzarella cheese, and the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil. Each slice is a portal to Italy, a gastronomic journey where tradition meets innovation, and local establishments in diverse neighborhoods craft their interpretations with unique flair. Herein lies a curated selection of ten exemplary pizzerias in the Big Apple, each distinguished by its address, contact information, and a digital portal for further exploration.
1. Lombardi’s Pizza
Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 941-7994
Website: firstpizza.com
The venerable Lombardi’s Pizza, established in 1905, is often heralded as America’s first pizzeria. Their Margherita pizza emerges from a coal-fired oven, resulting in a crispy, charred crust with a chewy interior, reminiscent of the artisanal techniques of yore. Each bite encapsulates the essence of Neapolitan tradition, making it a quintessential stop in Little Italy.
2. Motorino
Address: 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 777-2644
Website: motorinopizza.com
Motorino offers a modern twist on this classic dish with its charred, yet tender crust that invites patrons into a world where flavor dances with innovation. Located in the East Village, their Margherita is adorned with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, each ingredient selected for quality and sustainability, creating a vibrant gastronomic experience.
3. Roberta’s
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Contact: (718) 417-7600
Website: robertaspizza.com
In the heart of Bushwick, Roberta’s has transcended its pizzeria roots to become an emblem of Brooklyn’s culinary renaissance. Their Margherita pizza, with its organic flour crust, reveals a smoky flavor from the wood-fired oven, promising an unforgettable slice that honors the simplicity and richness of its Italian origins.
4. Paulie Gee’s
Address: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Contact: (347) 987-3500
Website: pauliegee.com
Paulie Gee’s, located in Greenpoint, beams with artisanal charm, marrying old-world techniques with locally sourced ingredients. Their Margherita pizza is an ode to basil and tomatoes, uniting the vibrant flavors into a slice that celebrates the earnestness of Italian cuisine while embodying the spirit of Brooklyn’s hip culinary scene.
5. John’s of Bleecker Street
Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 243-1680
Website: johnsbrickovenpizza.com
Established in 1929, John’s of Bleecker Street is a veritable legend in Greenwich Village. Their Margherita pizza emerges from a brick oven, resulting in an exquisitely balanced pie with a crispy exterior that encapsulates bursts of flavor from the basil, tomatoes, and substantial mozzarella. It’s a rustic and heartfelt offering amid the bustling streets.
6. Via Carota
Address: 51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 255-2000
Website: viacarota.com
Via Carota crafts its Margherita pizza akin to a painter’s brushstroke, with each ingredient carefully chosen and harmoniously combined. Nestled in the West Village, this trattoria prides itself on utilizing seasonal produce to enhance the classic Margherita, transforming it into a seasonal celebration that warms the spirit.
7. Emily
Address: 535 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 834-2540
Website: pizzaemily.com
In Fort Greene, Emily reimagines the Margherita experience with its signature twist. The pizza, with a crust that boasts a unique flavor profile, is overshadowed only by the quality of its tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella. Each pie is a testament to creativity, blending traditional techniques with a modern sensibility.
8. Juliana’s Pizza
Address: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact: (718) 596-6700
Website: julianaspizza.com
Juliana’s Pizza, an iconic establishment in Brooklyn Heights founded by pizza luminary Patsy Grimaldi, serves up its Margherita with a crust that is at once thin and airy. The marriage of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes results in a classic pizza that embodies a spirit of nostalgia while inviting new aficionados to revel in its brilliance.
9. Patsy’s Pizzeria
Address: 2287 1st Ave, New York, NY 10035
Contact: (212) 534-9783
Website: patsyspizzeria.com
Patsy’s, a staple since 1933, combines traditional recipes with a familial approach to hospitality. The Margherita here paves a fearless path, flaunting a robust flavor profile that harmonizes with their signature coal-fired crust. The establishment is more than just a pizzeria; it’s a beloved neighborhood institution.
10. Sal & Carmine’s Pizza
Address: 265 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Contact: (212) 769-9404
Website: salcarmine.com
Finally, nestled on the Upper West Side, Sal & Carmine’s manifests a welcoming atmosphere where the Margherita pizza takes center stage. With its fresh ingredients and generous, luscious mozzarella, every bite embodies a spirit of camaraderie, wrapped in a slice that feels like home—a slice of New York itself.
These ten pizzerias offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of New York’s Margherita pizza scene. Each establishment provides not merely a meal, but a narrative—each slice a story steeped in passion, tradition, and an unmistakable love for a timeless classic.
