If there’s one thing America agrees on, it’s a deep love for pizza. But not all slices are created equal. Whether you’re into thin crust, deep dish, wood-fired Neapolitan, or crispy New York-style pies, this list of top 15 pizza places in the USA for 2025 will have your mouth watering. These aren’t just tourist traps – they’re the pizzerias locals rave about, and I’ve either personally tried them or spent time digging deep into what makes each one unforgettable. So grab a napkin – you’re going to want to dive into this. 15 Best Pizza Places in New York City (2025) – Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
1. Lucali – Brooklyn, New York
Style: Classic New York-style, Brick Oven
Location: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Must-Try: Plain Pie with Fresh Basil & Garlic
Let’s start in the pizza capital: Brooklyn. Lucali isn’t your average slice joint. It’s a cozy, candle-lit spot where pizza is elevated to an art form. Mark Iacono, the founder, never had prior pizza-making experience – but somehow created one of the most iconic pies in America.
Locals will tell you this: get there early. There are no reservations, and lines start forming an hour before doors open. But once you’re in, that thin, crispy crust and perfectly balanced sauce-cheese ratio will prove it’s worth every minute.
2. Pequod’s Pizza – Chicago, Illinois
Style: Deep Dish with a Caramelized Crust
Location: 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Must-Try: Sausage Deep Dish with Extra Cheese
If you’re in Chicago and not going to Pequod’s, you’re seriously missing out. While many deep-dish spots fight for tourist attention, Pequod’s is where the locals go. The game-changer here is the caramelized crust – cheese baked into the edges of a cast-iron pan until it’s crispy and golden.
Every bite is rich, hearty, and filled with flavor. It’s the kind of pizza that sticks with you – literally and emotionally.
Why It Stands Out: Unlike many deep-dish places, Pequod’s balances the sauce, cheese, and toppings so you don’t feel overwhelmed after one slice.
3. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – San Francisco, California
Style: Authentic Neapolitan, New York, Detroit, Sicilian (yes, all!)
Location: 1570 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Must-Try: Margherita Napoletana or New Yorker
Tony Gemignani is a 13-time World Pizza Champion – and he’s not playing around. This place is a pizza lover’s paradise, offering over 10 different styles of pizza, each made in its own specialized oven. Whether you’re craving a Neapolitan baked in a 900°F wood-fired oven or a crisp Detroit square, this is your spot.
Local Insight: They only make a limited number of some pies daily, like the award-winning Margherita. Get there early or miss out.
4. Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Arizona
Style: Wood-Fired, Artisanal
Location: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Must-Try: Wiseguy (roasted onion, house-smoked mozzarella, fennel sausage)
Chris Bianco’s name is legendary in the pizza world. Even food critics like the late Jonathan Gold and celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel have called it the best pizza in the country. What makes Bianco’s pies stand out? Uncompromising ingredients – locally grown wheat, hand-stretched mozzarella, and vegetables from Arizona farms.
It’s rustic, elegant, and intensely flavorful. Every element on the pie has a purpose.
5. Joe’s Pizza – New York, New York
Style: Classic NYC Street Slice
Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Must-Try: Cheese Slice (keep it classic)
Joe’s is the quintessential New York slice. No fancy toppings. No artisanal frills. Just a crispy thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella that stretches perfectly with every bite.
This is the kind of pizza you grab on the go at midnight – and somehow, it still tastes perfect. Locals love it. Celebrities love it. Tourists line up for it. But somehow, Joe’s keeps it old school and consistent.
Hot Tip: Want to feel like a local? Fold your slice and eat it standing on the sidewalk. That’s how it’s done
6. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – New Haven, Connecticut
Style: New Haven-style Coal-Fired Pizza
Location: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
Must-Try: White Clam Pizza
You can’t talk pizza in America without bringing up Frank Pepe, the grandfather of the New Haven-style pie. Opened in 1925, this iconic coal-fired joint has earned legendary status for its thin, crispy, charred crust and simple, high-quality ingredients.
The White Clam Pizza (fresh clams, garlic, oregano, grated cheese, olive oil) might sound unusual, but it’s a national treasure. Locals swear by it, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Why Locals Love It: No-nonsense vibe, coal-fired flavor, and old-school charm. A piece of American pizza history.
7. Prince Street Pizza – New York, New York
Style: Sicilian, Thick Crust
Location: 27 Prince St A, New York, NY 10012
Must-Try: Spicy Spring Sicilian (Pepperoni & Hot Sauce)
If you love a thick, square slice with serious edge-crust crisp and a cheesy top that bubbles like a lava lamp — Prince Street Pizza is your jam. The Spicy Spring slice with thick-cut pepperoni cups and hot sauce has a cult following.
This isn’t your average Sicilian – it’s greasy, spicy, crunchy perfection. Expect a line, especially late-night, but the payoff is a slice you’ll crave long after you leave NYC.
Pro Tip: Grab a corner slice for max crunch.
8. Sally’s Apizza – New Haven, Connecticut
Style: New Haven-Style, Thin Crust
Location: 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511
Must-Try: Tomato Pie with Mozzarella
Sally’s Apizza, founded in 1938, is another New Haven icon that deserves national attention. Known for its long-fermented dough, tangy sauce, and smoky finish, Sally’s pies are as authentic and flavorful as they come.
While Frank Pepe gets more fame, true pizza nerds will tell you Sally’s is where it’s at. The tomato pie – light on cheese, heavy on sauce and flavor – is the most honest expression of this style.
Insider Note: The lines here are epic, so try visiting during weekday afternoons for a faster seat.
9. Apizza Scholls – Portland, Oregon
Style: Neo-New York Thin Crust
Location: 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
Must-Try: Tarte Flambée or Bacon Bianca
Apizza Scholls has quietly built a rep as one of the best pizza joints in the Pacific Northwest. Their hand-tossed dough is fermented for 24+ hours, yielding a perfect chew with just the right blister.
They’re strict about toppings (no half-and-halfs), and for good reason – each pie is designed to balance perfectly. The Tarte Flambée, with caramelized onions, bacon, and herbs, is divine.
Why It’s Special: Combines Portland’s food obsession with classic technique and quality.
10. Pizza Delicious – New Orleans, Louisiana
Style: New York-Style with NOLA Vibes
Location: 617 Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Must-Try: Margherita or weekly creative special
This Bywater gem started as a pop-up and quickly earned its place as NOLA’s most beloved pizza joint. Despite its name, Pizza Delicious is more than delicious – it’s experimental, authentic, and community-driven.
They serve crisp, foldable NY-style pies but always toss in local flair – think seasonal toppings, spicy house sausage, and creative specials that change weekly.
Why It Rocks: It’s casual, cool, and feels like eating pizza in your best friend’s backyard. Locals come for the food, stay for the vibe.
11. Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn, New York
Style: Classic Brooklyn, Old-School Italian
Location: 1424 Ave J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Must-Try: Regular Round Pie with Basil and Olive Oil Drizzle
Ask any Brooklynite where to get one of the best slices in the borough, and you’ll hear Di Fara on repeat. Founded by the late Domenico DeMarco in 1965, this family-run gem is all about tradition — hand-grated cheese, imported ingredients from Italy, and a perfect charred crust.
They finish each pie with a flourish: a handful of fresh basil and a swirl of extra virgin olive oil right out of the oven.
What Makes It Iconic: Dom made nearly every pie by hand until his final days. That legacy of care lives on.
12. Antico Pizza Napoletana – Atlanta, Georgia
Style: Authentic Neapolitan
Location: 1093 Hemphill Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Must-Try: San Gennaro (sausage, sweet peppers, bufala mozzarella)
Atlanta might not be the first city that comes to mind for pizza — but Antico will change your mind. This busy, communal-style spot dishes out wood-fired Neapolitan pies that taste like they were teleported from Naples.
With blistered crusts, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s both authentic and addictive. You’ll smell the dough the moment you turn the corner.
Local Insight: Grab a seat at one of the big communal tables in the back and watch the chefs at work.
13. Lou Malnati’s – Chicago, Illinois
Style: Deep Dish, Buttery Crust
Location: Multiple locations across Chicago
Must-Try: Malnati Chicago Classic (Sausage, cheese, tomato)
If Pequod’s is the edgy cousin, Lou Malnati’s is the classic Chicago deep dish that’s practically a rite of passage. Its buttery, flaky crust and thick layers of mozzarella and tomato sauce define the genre for many Chicagoans.
It’s rich, indulgent, and unapologetically bold — perfect for those who want the “real” deep-dish experience.
Pro Tip: Can’t make it to Chicago? Lou Malnati’s ships nationwide via Tastes of Chicago.
14. Paulie Gee’s – Brooklyn, New York
Style: Wood-Fired Artisan
Location: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Must-Try: Hellboy (hot honey, soppressata picante, fresh mozzarella)
Few pizza places have a vibe like Paulie Gee’s — part speakeasy, part wood-fired haven. The pies here are creative without being gimmicky. The Hellboy, drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey, balances sweet, spicy, salty, and chewy like magic.
What sets this spot apart is not just the pizza, but the ambiance: exposed brick, low lighting, and a Brooklyn coolness that feels curated, not commercial.
15. Mama’s Too! – Manhattan, New York
Style: Thick-Crusted Squares and Reimagined Slices
Location: 2750 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Must-Try: Upside Down Sicilian or Burrata Slice
A newer addition to the NYC pizza scene, Mama’s Too! burst onto the map thanks to its thick, focaccia-like crusts and bold, flavorful toppings. This isn’t just pizza — it’s Instagram-worthy pizza that delivers on taste as much as looks.
Expect a crisp undercarriage, tangy sauce, and luxurious toppings like stracciatella and chili oil. Locals say it’s the future of NYC slice culture.
🍕 Your Ultimate 2025 Pizza Bucket List: 15 Best Pizzerias in the USA
From the East Coast to the West Coast, deep dish to thin crust, these 15 pizzerias are a masterclass in American pizza culture. Each one brings something unique — a story, a style, or a slice that captures the hearts (and tastebuds) of locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a food traveler, road tripper, or just someone on the hunt for the perfect pie, this list will guide your next great bite.
FAQ – Best Pizza in the USA
Q: What state has the best pizza in the USA?
A: New York is often considered #1, but Chicago, California, and Arizona all give it serious competition. It really depends on your preferred style!
Q: Is deep dish pizza better than thin crust?
A: It’s a matter of taste! Deep dish is rich and filling, while thin crust offers a crisp, foldable bite. Both are delicious when made right.
Q: Can I order these pizzas online or for delivery?
A: Most of these places offer local delivery, and some like Tony’s and Bianco even ship nationwide through services like Goldbelly.
Related post you may like:
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.
