New York City and pizza go hand in hand. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, there’s something magical about grabbing a slice from a corner shop or discovering a hidden spot tucked away on a quiet street. In 2025, NYC’s pizza scene is hotter than ever — with old-school legends still thriving and new gems gaining cult followings. After countless slices, late-night cravings, and tip-offs from real locals, I’ve rounded up 15 of the absolute best pizza places in NYC. These picks aren’t just tourist traps — they’re places New Yorkers actually eat at. Whether you’re into crispy thin crust, bubbling Neapolitan pies, or classic fold-and-go slices, there’s something on this list for you. Pizza with Lemonade is the best choice to combined. Top 15 Best Pizza Places in the USA (2025) – Must-Try Pizzerias Loved by Locals!
1. Lucali – Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
A true Brooklyn legend. Lucali doesn’t take reservations, doesn’t deliver, and only accepts cash — but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of NYC’s most beloved pizza spots.
🍕 What to order: The classic Margherita pizza. Simplicity at its best — fresh basil, San Marzano tomatoes, house-made dough, and just the right amount of char.
📍 Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
💡 Insider tip: Get there 30–60 minutes before it opens to secure a table. Bring wine — it’s BYOB!
2. Scarr’s Pizza – Lower East Side, Manhattan
Scarr’s is a throwback to classic NYC slice shops, but with an upscale twist. They mill their own flour in-house — a rare move that makes their crust standout-level good.
🍕 What to order: The Pepperoni slice or the Vegan slice (yes, even non-vegans rave about it).
📍 Address: 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
👀 Vibe check: Neon signs, old-school wood paneling, and a back room that feels like a cool dive bar.
3. L’industrie Pizzeria – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
What started as a quiet neighborhood shop has exploded into a foodie destination. L’industrie nails the thin, crispy crust game and isn’t afraid to experiment — but always with balance.
🍕 What to order: Burrata Slice (seriously, it’s unforgettable) or the Fig & Prosciutto when available.
📍 Address: 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
🧑🍳 Why it stands out: They focus heavily on dough fermentation and cheese quality — and it shows
4. Joe’s Pizza – Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Since 1975, Joe’s has been serving classic New York slices to generations of hungry New Yorkers, tourists, and celebrities. It’s not fancy — but that’s the point.
🍕 What to order: Plain Cheese Slice. Hot, greasy, foldable perfection.
📍 Address: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014 (multiple locations, but this is the OG)
⏰ Best time to go: Late-night or post-bar crawl — it hits differently at 1 AM.
5. Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop – Greenpoint, Brooklyn
This isn’t the sit-down Paulie Gee’s that does wood-fired pies — this is the slice shop version, and it’s just as incredible. With a retro vibe and rotating slice specials, it’s a true neighborhood gem.
🍕 What to order: Hellboy slice (with Mike’s Hot Honey) — sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.
📍 Address: 110 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
🛸 Fun fact: They offer vegan options and square slices that rival anything in the city.
6. Rubirosa – Nolita, Manhattan
Rubirosa is a sit-down spot with cozy vibes and some of the best thin-crust pizza in Manhattan. It’s popular with locals and always packed — for good reason.
🍕 What to order: The Vodka Pizza — creamy, tangy, and ridiculously crave-worthy.
📍 Address: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
💡 Local tip: Make a reservation or come for lunch when it’s less crowded.
7. Mama’s TOO! – Upper West Side, Manhattan
This spot redefines what a corner slice shop can be. With Sicilian squares that balance crunch and chew, and flavor combos that just work, Mama’s TOO! is a standout on the Upper West Side.
🍕 What to order: The Pep in a Cup — cupping pepperoni on a crispy Sicilian crust with spicy honey.
📍 Address: 2750 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
🧠 What makes it unique: The dough is cold-fermented for flavor and texture that stands out
8. F&F Pizzeria – Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Run by the teams behind Frankies 457 and Franks Wine Bar, F&F Pizzeria takes ingredients seriously — from San Marzano tomatoes to imported cheeses and naturally leavened dough.
🍕 What to order: The Tomato Pie or the White Pie with Ricotta and Garlic.
📍 Address: 459 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
🍷 Pro tip: Grab a slice, then walk next door to Franks Wine Bar with it.
9. Leo – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Leo is low-key one of the best pizza spots in NYC for sourdough crust lovers. It’s cool without trying too hard and delivers pizza with depth, thanks to slow fermentation and quality ingredients.
🍕 What to order: Anchovy Pie or the seasonal Squash Blossom & Burrata when available.
📍 Address: 123 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
🍷 Bonus: An impressive natural wine list curated to match the pies.
10. Emily – Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Yes, Emily’s Emmy Burger gets the headlines, but their pizza deserves just as much love. Known for their hybrid Detroit- and New Haven–inspired pies, the crust is buttery, chewy, and beautifully crisped.
🍕 What to order: The Colony – pepperoni, pickled chili, and honey. It’s a flavor bomb.
📍 Address: 919 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
🍳 Not just pizza: Their brunch is also underrated.
11. John’s of Bleecker Street – West Village, Manhattan
Operating since 1929, John’s is one of NYC’s oldest and most beloved pizzerias. No slices here — just whole pies cooked to perfection in coal-fired brick ovens.
🍕 What to order: Plain Cheese Pie or Sausage and Onion Pie.
📍 Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
🔥 What makes it special: Crispy crust, charred edges, and that unmistakable coal-oven flavor.
12. Ops – Bushwick, Brooklyn
Ops has developed a cult following for their sourdough Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Everything is made with organic, seasonal ingredients — and you can taste the care in every bite.
🍕 What to order: Cicero – mozzarella, potatoes, garlic, rosemary.
📍 Address: 346 Himrod St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
🥂 Bonus: Killer natural wines, small plates, and a cozy interior.
13. Best Pizza – Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Opened by Frank Pinello (also known for his role on Vice’s The Pizza Show), Best Pizza combines East Coast slice shop energy with culinary know-how.
🍕 What to order: White Pie (ricotta, mozzarella, caramelized onions) or Grandma Slice.
📍 Address: 33 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
🍽️ Good to know: Grab a seat out back — the picnic tables and mural wall set the scene.
14. Motorino – East Village, Manhattan
Motorino has been one of the city’s best Neapolitan spots for years — and it’s still going strong. The wood-fired crust has the perfect mix of chew and char, with rich, balanced toppings.
🍕 What to order: Brussels Sprout Pizza (trust me) or Margherita DOC.
📍 Address: 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003 (multiple locations)
🇮🇹 Why visit: Classic Italian flavors, cozy vibes, and perfect wine pairings
15. Koronet Pizza – Morningside Heights, Manhattan
A Columbia University staple, Koronet is famous for huge slices that hang off the paper plate. Is it fancy? Not at all. Is it NYC comfort food at its best? Absolutely.
🍕 What to order: Plain Cheese Slice (big enough to fold twice) or Buffalo Chicken Slice.
📍 Address: 2848 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
💸 Bonus: One of the most budget-friendly pizza joints on this list.
Final Slice
New York pizza isn’t just food — it’s part of the city’s DNA. And in 2025, the scene is more exciting than ever. From legendary slice shops to new-age pizzerias, these five places reflect what makes NYC’s pizza culture so rich, diverse, and delicious.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or you’re a local rediscovering your city, these are the pizza spots worth craving.
Let me know in the comments — did your favorite NYC pizza place make the list?
FAQs
Q: What’s the best time to visit these pizza places?
Weekday afternoons or early evenings usually mean shorter lines, especially at popular spots like Lucali or Scarr’s.
Q: Are any of these pizza spots good for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes! Scarr’s and Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop both offer delicious vegan options.
Q: Can I visit all 5 spots in one day?
Technically yes, but your stomach might protest. We recommend spreading them out over 2–3 days for maximum enjoyment.
I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
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