Asking “what’s the best pizza in New York?” is a question of existential proportions for most locals and one that encompasses a wide range of feelings and deeply-held beliefs. From beloved slice joints to dimly lit sit-down palaces of invention, choices abound. Here are seven you shouldn’t miss.
Paulie Gee
Exterior of Paulie Gee (Photo: Katie Sokolar)
Located in a dimly lit warehouse space on a quiet street in Greenpoint, Paulie Gee wows with inventive pizza combinations like the Cherry Jones: an unlikely combination of fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, prosciutto di parma, dried bing cherries, and orange blossom honey. There are also more than half a dozen vegan pizza options and dessert pizza.
60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn
Best Pizza
Humbly named Best Pizza takes the classic slice joint to the next level with toppings like Calabrian Chili and caramelized onions. Open till at least midnight each night, it’s an ideal stop after seeing a show in Williamsburg. Generous 20” pies add to the appeal.
33 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn
John’s Pizzeria
John’s Pizzeria in lights (Photo: John’s Pizzeria)
Not to be confused with the chain in Times Square, John’s Pizzeria in Greenwich Village is a little time capsule of the neighborhood’s ramshackle bohemian past. The awning proudly displays a longstanding history: “since 1929,” and this brick oven joint has no plans of leaving. Sold by the pie with a focus on fresh and simple ingredients, bring a few friends and then head across the street for a few beers at famed craft beer spot Blind Tiger.
278 Bleecker Street
Artichoke
There’s nothing subtle about the thick creamy slices that Artichoke serves up, making it perfect to sop up a night of drinking. Their signature namesake slice is akin to the heartiness of an Alfredo sauce and portions are generous. Staying open till 5 a.m. is a nod to their healthy post-bar crowd.
328 East 14th St and multiple locations
Don Antonio by Starita
Margherita Pizza at Don Antonio by Starita (Photo: Don Antonio)
Located in the heart of the theater district and just west of Times Square, Don Antonio turns out top-notch wood-fired Neopolitan style pies in a warm atmosphere of exposed brick and long communal tables. The star of the menu is the lightly fried pizza, Montanara Starita, which has an irresistibly smoky flavor that’s as delicate as it is decadent. If you need another reason to stop by, they make their own mozzarella.
309 West 50th Street
Di Fara
Di Fara is arguably the most lauded slice joint in Brooklyn with the long lines and prices to boot. Waits of several hours are the norm and a regular slice is $5. This doesn’t deter the many devotees of Domenico DeMarco, who still makes the coveted pies by hand.
1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn
Dani’s House of Pizza
Located in the leafy Kew Gardens neighborhood deep into Queens but only an 18-minute ride from Penn Station on the Long Island Railroad, this slice joint is known for the addictively sweet sauce and large thin slices that are often served piping hot straight out of the oven. An extensive collection of bottled craft beers completes this distinctively New York experience.
81-28 Lefferts Boulevard, Queens