You can’t visit NYC without partaking in the ritual of grabbing a slice from your local pizza joint. However, with thousands of pizzerias across the city, all claiming to be the best, it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your time. We’re making it easier for you with a cult pizza roundup of the top pizza in NYC.
Prince St. Pizza
Neighborhood: Nolita
Prince Street Pizza, in the heart of Nolita, has been a go-to NYC spot for slices and pies since its opening in 2012. Founded by Frank and Dominic Morano, the family pizzeria has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. The pizzeria is famously known for its “SoHo” squares – thick, square Sicilian slices, topped with pasta sauces. Their signature slice, Spicy Spring, has crisp, thick-cut pepperoni cups that hold pools of spicy oil over a creamy Fra Diavolo sauce. You’ll probably have to wait in line to get your hands on a slice, but it’s worth trying at least once.
Delivery: Uber Eats
Scarr’s Pizza
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Scarr’s Pizza on the Lower East Side is not just any New York pizzeria. An ode to neighborhood haunts of the 70s and 80s, Scarr’s looks more like a retro diner than a place to grab a slice. Opened in 2016 by native New Yorker Scarr Pimentel, Pimentel set out to create a slice that you could enjoy guilt-free. Scarr’s distinguishes itself in its commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. But more impressively, Scarr’s mills its own flour in-house every day, making its dough both tasty and nourishing, without any of the chemicals. Scarr’s is a favorite for those who appreciate both old-school charm, sustainable cuisine, and a good glass of natural wine. The result is a delicious thin-crust pizza that speaks to the care taken in its preparation.
Delivery: Uber Eats
L’Industrie Pizzeria
Neighborhood: Williamsburg + West Village
L’Industrie Pizzeria, like Scarr’s, stands out in the careful attention given to its preparation. L’Industrie uses both local ingredients and imported ingredients from Italy, and has a 72-hour fermentation process for its dough. Opened in 2017 in what was then a 250 square-foot space in Williamsburg, L’Industrie’s popularity quickly soared. Founder Massimo Laveglia, a Florentine native, has perfectly married classic NYC pizza with the taste of Italy. Order the burrata slice if you want heaping piles of creamy cheese drizzled in olive oil, or stick with the classic Margherita if you want to really taste the ingredients. The Brooklyn space has recently been renovated to include a patio, and you can now find L’Industrie in the West Village if you don’t feel like trekking to Brooklyn.
Delivery: Pickup Only
Mama’s TOO!
Neighborhood: Upper West Side + West Village
Mama’s Too! on the Upper West Side has perfected the square slice. Known for its charred crust and unapologetically generous toppings, this spot has amassed a cult following, especially among Columbia students. But fair warning, if you’re looking for a light, airy slice, Mama’s Too! might not be for you. Mama’s Too! serves some serious slices that will keep you full for hours. For a little heat, try the Angry Nonna, which features hot soppressata and hot honey. If you’re in the mood for something that feels like you’re eating a warm bowl of pasta, try the cacio e pepe. Luckily for us, Mama’s Too! has just opened a new West Village location. Conveniently, just a block away from L’Industrie, it’s the perfect excuse to make a pizza pilgrimage.
Delivery: Uber Eats
Una Pizza Napoletana
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Anthony Mangieri has been the undisputed king of Neapolitan pizza in NYC since he first introduced Una Pizza Napoletana to the East Village in 2004. Now nestled on the Lower East Side, Una Pizza Napoletana consistently ranks among the best Neapolitan pizza in the world. Despite its fame, walking into Una Pizza Napoletana feels like coming home. Mangieri is often behind the oven, carefully making each pie himself. If you’re all about the crust, Una Pizza Napoletana is the place for you. Their pies are simple, and the light toppings let the taste of the wood-fired dough shine through. Reservations can be hard to snag, but walk-ins are always welcome. It’s worth the short wait.
Delivery: Dine-in only
Lucali
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
If there is any spot on this list romantic enough for a date night, it’s Lucali. Tucked away in Carroll Gardens, this Brooklyn favorite has seen the likes of Beyoncé and Jay Z, Taylor Swift and Kelce Travis, and Bella Hadid. The candlelit dining room that seats only 30 is cozy, romantic, and simple. The menu is surprisingly limited, serving only one type of pie with your pick of toppings, along with calzones. Yet this simplicity is perfect for those of us with choice paralysis who want to savor the thin-crust, brick-oven pizza for what it is: perfectly delicious. Lucali doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line. And if Lucali wasn’t charming enough already, don’t forget to bring your own wine, because this establishment is strictly BYOB.
Delivery: Pickup only
Other Articles You’ll Like
Best Restaurants in NYC Now
Superiority Burger
Best NYC Neighborhood Italian Restaurants
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to go to Prince St. Pizza?
A: On weekends you can usually find a line out the door, so if you can, it’s best to go during the week.
Q: Does Scarrs take reservations? Does Una Pizza Napoletana take reservations?
A: Scarr’s Pizza and Una Pizza Napoletana both take reservations.
Q: Which of these spots has the biggest menu?
A: If you’re looking for variety, Scarr’s or Prince St. Pizza are your best bets.
