New York City, a veritable mecca for food enthusiasts, is renowned for its tantalizing pizza. Each neighborhood offers its own unique spin on this beloved dish, showcasing a spectrum of flavors, techniques, and traditions. From the thin, foldable slices of Manhattan to the thick, hearty pies of Brooklyn, New York’s pizzerias reflect an amalgamation of cultural influences, culinary artistry, and age-old recipes. Herein lies an exploration of ten prime pizza establishments across New York City, each a testament to the city’s indelible love for this quintessential fare.
1. Di Fara Pizza
Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Contact: (718) 258-1367
Website: difarapizza.com
Di Fara Pizza is an iconic establishment famed for its artisanal approach to pizza making. Founded by Domenico DeMarco in 1965, this familial gem offers a sublime blend of flavors, with each pie meticulously crafted using high-quality, imported ingredients. The irresistible combination of perfectly charred crust and fresh toppings results in a pie that has garnered a faithful following and cult-like status among pizza aficionados.
2. Joe’s Pizza
Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 924-4460
Website: joespizza.com
Joe’s Pizza encapsulates the quintessential New York slice experience. With its origins dating back to 1975, this Greenwich Village staple prides itself on its no-frills, classic pizza approach. The thin crust, robust tomato sauce, and a blend of mozzarella cheese create a harmonious bite that is simultaneously crunchy and chewy. It serves as a communal hub where locals and tourists alike converge, creating a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the city.
3. Lucali
Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Contact: (718) 858-4086
Website: lucali.com
Often celebrated for its rustic charm and intimate ambiance, Lucali offers a remarkable pizza experience. The establishment is renowned for its artisanal pies, baked in a wood-fired oven that imbues each creation with a distinctive smokiness. The signature Margherita pizza is a symphony of flavors, featuring hand-stretched dough and house-made toppings that elevate it to an art form, making each visit an indulgent affair.
4. Patsy’s Pizzeria
Address: 2287 1st Ave, New York, NY 10035
Contact: (212) 534-9783
Website: patsyspizzeria.com
Established in 1933, Patsy’s Pizzeria is synonymous with classic New York pizza. This historic eatery champions the coal oven style, producing a pie with an extraordinary texture and flavor profile. The quintessential Margherita is lauded for its harmony of bright tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella, served on a delectable crust that embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine, encapsulating the rich heritage of the neighborhood it resides in.
5. Lombardi’s Pizza
Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 941-7994
Website: lombardis.com
Recognized as America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s has been serving exceptional pizza since 1905. This historical landmark is revered for its coal-fired, Neapolitan-style pizzas that showcase an unparalleled balance of toppings. The margherita pizza, with its hand-tossed crust and quality ingredients, remains an enduring favorite. The restaurant captures the essence of New York’s vibrant history, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its past, while simultaneously catering to contemporary tastes.
6. Motorino
Address: 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Contact: (212) 777-7777
Website: motorinopizza.com
Motorino is a haven for Neapolitan pizza enthusiasts seeking authenticity combined with contemporary flair. The meticulously crafted pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven that reaches blistering temperatures, resulting in a perfectly charred crust with just the right amount of chew. The original Brussels sprout pizza has garnered a dedicated following, exemplifying the innovative spirit that immerses this establishment in a dynamic culinary landscape.
7. Roberta’s Pizza
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Contact: (718) 417-7631
Website: robertaspizza.com
Nestled in the heart of Bushwick, Roberta’s stands as a beacon of creativity and collaboration in the culinary world. Their wood-fired pizzas are praised for their bold toppings and fresh ingredients, creating a reinvigorated interpretation of classic pizza. The environment is as much a draw as the food, fostering an artistic community that revels in imaginative cuisine and rich cultural exchange.
8. Bleecker Street Pizza
Address: 69 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 505-5700
Website: bleeckerstreetpizza.com
Bleecker Street Pizza is a love letter to the quintessential New York slice experience. The establishment boasts a reputation for perennially crispy crust, distinctive flavor, and a community-centric vibe. Their pepperoni pizza, laden with a generous cascade of spicy slices, has earned a cult following. This charming spot embodies the essence of the West Village, reflecting the vibrant culture of the area while providing superb pizza that beckons patrons back time and time again.
9. Roberta’s Pizza
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Contact: (718) 417-7631
Website: robertaspizza.com
Roberta’s is more than just a pizzeria; it is a culinary institution that champions sustainability and local sourcing. Its innovative pizzas push the boundaries of traditional toppings, championing local farmers and artisanal producers. The serene garden space offers a delightful ambiance, where patrons can savor their slices amidst greenery, reminding everyone that good food can nourish both body and soul.
10. Emmys Pizza
Address: 131 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (646) 838-6433
Website: emmypizzanyc.com
Emmy’s Pizza is a vibrant addition to the New York pizza scene, situated in the lively Greenwich Village. Renowned for its artisanal, handcrafted pizzas featuring farm-to-table ingredients, it beckons food lovers with its creative discrepancies from traditional norms. The eclectic atmosphere and diverse menu signal a commitment to innovation while providing that quintessential slice of New York charm.
In conclusion, New York City is an intricate tapestry woven with diverse cultures and appetites, reflected beautifully through its myriad pizzerias. Each establishment not only delivers exceptional pizza but also serves as a microcosm of the neighborhoods they inhabit. A visit to any one of these top 10 pizzerias guarantees not only a phenomenal dining experience but also a glimpse into the unique cultural heartbeat of the city. As you indulge in these glorious creations, you are partaking in the legacy and ongoing narrative of New York’s vibrant food scene.
