Top 10 Pizza Places in New York City in 2027

1. Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza ranks first because it is the most revered pizzeria in New York City, a family-run institution on Avenue J in Midwood since 1965. Each pie is handcrafted with imported San Marzano-style tomatoes, a blend of mozzarella and grana, and a drizzle of olive oil. The signature fresh-snipped basil is cut directly over the finished pie, creating a depth of flavor and char that is unmatched anywhere else.

This pizza is for the true pilgrim who wants the city's most legendary pie and is willing to wait for it. It trades away speed and value, as slices cost more than a typical corner shop and service is famously slow at peak times. Compared to Lucali, which offers a more romantic and intimate setting, Di Fara is a no-frills counter where the craft of the pizza itself is the entire draw.

2. Lucali

Lucali ranks second for its exquisite, blistered thin-crust pies and intimate, candlelit BYOB atmosphere on Henry Street in Carroll Gardens. Founder Mark Iacono's famously short menu of pizza and calzones is executed flawlessly, with a tender crust and bright sauce that have earned it a spot on national best-pizza lists. The room glows with candles and the line forms early due to limited reservations, making it a rare hyped spot that fully delivers on its reputation.

This pizzeria is for those seeking a special, romantic pizza night and are willing to be patient for a table. It trades away menu variety and convenience, as the tiny menu means little choice and the long waits are a known hurdle. Compared to Di Fara, which is a more casual counter-service institution, Lucali offers a more polished and intimate dining experience.

3. L&B Spumoni Gardens

L&B Spumoni Gardens ranks third as the best value in NYC pizza, a Bensonhurst institution since 1939 famous for its Sicilian square slice. This thick, airy focaccia-style base features cheese under the sauce, topped with a sweet, garlicky tomato and a dusting of grated cheese, all for just a few dollars. It is the best pizza-per-dollar on this list, offering a unique style found almost nowhere else.

This spot is for anyone who wants a delicious, no-frills, and incredibly affordable slice that is a pure joy to eat. It trades away sit-down comfort and a Manhattan location, as it is a cash-friendly counter service in a far-flung Brooklyn neighborhood. Compared to Lucali, which is a pricey and romantic sit-down affair, L&B is a loud, communal, and cheap counter experience.

4. Joe's Pizza

Joe's Pizza ranks fourth because it has set the standard for the classic New York plain slice since 1975 on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village. This thin, foldable, perfectly balanced triangle of crust, sauce, and mozzarella is served fast over the counter, with no seating to speak of at the original. It is cheap, consistent, and open late, making it the benchmark slice that every New Yorker measures others against.

This pizza is for the purist who wants the real, classic New York slice experience without any fuss. It trades away a sit-down meal and any atmosphere, as the original is a window-and-counter operation designed for eating on the go. Compared to L&B Spumoni Gardens, which offers a unique Sicilian square, Joe's is the definitive round, foldable slice.

5. John's of Bleecker Street

John's of Bleecker Street ranks fifth for its historic coal-fired brick-oven pies, a Greenwich Village landmark operating since 1929. The crisp, lightly charred crust is a signature, and the strict rule of whole pies only adds to its old-school charm. The carved-up wooden booths, decades of graffiti, and old-school waiters give it a timeless, lived-in feel that is a living piece of NYC pizza history.

This pizzeria is for those who want a traditional, sit-down coal-oven pie experience in a historic and atmospheric room. It trades away the convenience of slices and modern touches, as it is a cash-leaning, whole-pie-only operation. Compared to Joe's, which is a fast and cheap slice counter, John's offers a more substantial and immersive dining experience.

6. Prince Street Pizza

Prince Street Pizza ranks sixth for its viral "Spicy Spring" pepperoni square, a Sicilian-style slice loaded with cup-and-char pepperoni and a kick of chili. The thick, airy crust and deeply caramelized cheese edges have made it a Nolita icon, with the line out the door barely letting up since it went viral. It is a cheap, crave-worthy, and fast takeaway counter designed for grabbing a couple of squares and eating on the go.

This pizza is for anyone who wants a famous, indulgent pepperoni slice and doesn't mind a crowd. It trades away seating and a relaxed pace, as it is a minimal-seating takeaway spot with frequent lines. Compared to John's of Bleecker Street, which is a historic sit-down whole-pie experience, Prince Street is a modern, fast, and casual counter. It is the pepperoni square champion, offering a unique and highly craveable style that has earned its viral reputation.

7. Roberta's

Roberta's ranks seventh for its influential wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies and lively Bushwick compound that helped define modern Brooklyn pizza. The cult-favorite "Bee Sting" pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, chili, and honey, is a perfect sweet-spicy combo. The sprawling graffiti-and-greenhouse setting, complete with a backyard and cocktails, creates a fun and creative vibe. It is where the city's wood-fired-pizza movement got its swagger, and the pies still deliver on quality.

This pizzeria is for those seeking a trendy, lively pizza experience with quality ingredients and a fun atmosphere. It trades away the classic slice-shop simplicity and value, as it is pricier and attracts trendy crowds with weekend waits. Compared to Prince Street Pizza, which is a fast and cheap pepperoni counter, Roberta's is a sit-down destination with a full bar and a creative menu.

8. Una Pizza Napoletana

Una Pizza Napoletana ranks eighth as Anthony Mangieri's temple to strict Neapolitan pizza on the Lower East Side. The small menu of perfectly puffed, leopard-spotted pies is made from naturally leavened dough and top-tier ingredients, with only a handful of options like Margherita and Marinara. It is widely hailed as some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the country, a sit-down experience focused entirely on dough craft. For purists, the airy, charred cornicione is a revelation.

This pizza is for the Neapolitan purist who wants a master class in dough and char and is willing to splurge. It trades away variety and accessibility, as the very short menu and higher prices are a given, and it can sell out when the dough runs out. Compared to Roberta's, which offers a more casual and creative wood-fired scene, Una is a more serious and focused culinary experience.

9. Totonno's

Totonno's ranks ninth as one of the oldest continuously family-run pizzerias in the country, operating in Coney Island since 1924. Its coal-oven pies have a beautifully blistered, charred crust and fresh mozzarella that pulls cleanly, a standard-bearer for the coal-oven tradition. The room is gloriously unpretentious with checkered floors, limited hours, and a cash-friendly, run-on-its-own-schedule vibe.

This pizzeria is for those who want an authentic, no-frills old-school coal-oven pie in a historic setting. It trades away convenience and accessibility, as its limited days and hours and out-of-the-way Coney Island location are significant hurdles. Compared to Una Pizza Napoletana, which is a modern purist temple, Totonno's is a century-old survivor of a different tradition.

10. Juliana's Pizza

Juliana's Pizza ranks tenth for its outstanding traditional coal-oven pies served steps from the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO. Opened by Grimaldi's original founder Patsy Grimaldi, it serves pies that have topped national best-pizza lists, with a crisp, charred crust and fresh mozzarella. The unbeatable backdrop of the bridge and waterfront makes it a scenic and iconic dining spot.

This pizza is for those who want a classic coal-oven pie with an iconic, photogenic view and are prepared for tourist crowds. It trades away a quiet, local atmosphere, as the heavy crowds and long lines are a constant, and it is a whole-pies-only spot. Compared to Totonno's, which is a more remote and unpretentious old-school institution, Juliana's offers a more polished and scenic experience.

How we ranked these

We measured food quality (crust, sauce, cheese) at 30%, consistency and service at 20%, value at 15%, atmosphere at 15%, menu range at 10%, and local reputation at 10%. We synthesized published reviews from The Infatuation, Eater NY, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews, plus decades of local "Best Of" coverage.

We deliberately ignored viral fame, celebrity sightings, and fancy toppings as primary ranking factors. A perfect pie with inconsistent days, or a pretty room with a forgettable crust, was penalized. We focused on the balance of all six weighted criteria, not just a single standout feature, to identify spots that deliver reliably across the board.

Related questions

What is the best pizza place in New York City?

Di Fara Pizza in Midwood, Brooklyn, earns the top spot. The DeMarco family still makes each pie by hand, using imported ingredients and a fresh-snipped basil finish. It's the city's most revered pizzeria, a genuine bucket-list institution since 1965, known for both classic round and square pies.

Which NYC pizza is the best value?

L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst offers the best pizza-per-dollar. Their legendary Sicilian square slice, with cheese under the sauce, costs just a few dollars. It's a thick, airy focaccia-style base topped with sweet, garlicky tomato and grated cheese, best enjoyed at the outdoor counter.

Where can I get the classic New York slice?

Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village, open since 1975, is the benchmark for the classic New York plain slice. It's a thin, foldable, perfectly balanced triangle of crust, sauce, and mozzarella, served fast over the counter. It's cheap, consistent, and open late.

What is the most famous pepperoni pizza in NYC?

The "Spicy Spring" square at Prince Street Pizza in Nolita is the city's most famous pepperoni slice. It's loaded with crispy cup-and-char pepperoni that crisps into little spicy cups, plus a kick of chili. The thick, airy crust and caramelized cheese edges make it a non-negotiable stop.

Which NYC pizzerias have coal ovens?

Several classics here use coal ovens, including John's of Bleecker Street (1929), Totonno's in Coney Island (1924), and Juliana's/Grimaldi's in DUMBO. These spots are known for their crisp, charred crusts, a hallmark of the traditional coal-oven style that defined New York pizza.

Do I need to wait in line for these pizza places?

Often, yes. Lucali, Di Fara, and Prince Street regularly have lines. Going on a weekday or in the early afternoon is the best way to cut the wait dramatically. The line is part of the deal at these iconic spots, but off-peak visits make it much more manageable.

What is the best Neapolitan pizza in NYC?

Una Pizza Napoletana on the Lower East Side is widely hailed as some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the country. Anthony Mangieri's temple to strict Neapolitan style features a small menu of perfectly puffed, leopard-spotted pies made from naturally leavened dough and top-tier ingredients.

Which NYC pizza place is best for a romantic night?

Lucali in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, is the pick for a romantic, candlelit pizza night. It's a BYOB spot with a short menu of thin-crust pizzas and calzones, executed flawlessly. The intimate, candlelit atmosphere and blistered crust make it a magical experience, but arrive early and be patient.

FAQ

What is the best pizza place in New York City?

Di Fara Pizza in Midwood, Brooklyn, earns our top spot. The DeMarco family's hand-made pies, imported ingredients, and fresh-snipped basil finish make it the city's most revered pizzeria. It's a pilgrimage for pizza lovers, offering both classic round and square pies.

Which NYC pizza is the best value?

L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst delivers the best pizza-per-dollar. Their few-dollars Sicilian square slice, with cheese under the sauce, is a pure New York joy. Finish with a cup of house spumoni for the full experience.

Where can I get the classic New York slice?

Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street in Greenwich Village, open since 1975, is the benchmark for the foldable, fast, cheap classic New York plain slice. It's the quintessential street slice, perfect for a quick bite on the go.

What is the most famous pepperoni pizza in NYC?

The "Spicy Spring" square at Prince Street Pizza in Nolita, loaded with crispy cup-and-char pepperoni, is the city's most famous pepperoni slice. The thick, airy crust and caramelized cheese edges make it a crave-worthy, viral sensation.

Which NYC pizzerias have coal ovens?

Several classics here use coal ovens, including John's of Bleecker Street (1929), Totonno's in Coney Island (1924), and Juliana's/Grimaldi's in DUMBO. All are known for crisp, charred crusts, a signature of the traditional coal-oven style.

Do I need to wait in line for these pizza places?

Often, yes. Lucali, Di Fara, and Prince Street regularly have lines. Going on a weekday or in the early afternoon is the best way to cut the wait. The line is part of the experience, but off-peak visits make it much more manageable.

What is the best Neapolitan pizza in NYC?

Una Pizza Napoletana on the Lower East Side is widely hailed as some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the country. Anthony Mangieri's temple to strict Neapolitan style features a small menu of perfectly puffed, leopard-spotted pies made from naturally leavened dough and top-tier ingredients.

Which NYC pizza place is best for a romantic night?

Lucali in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, is the pick for a romantic, candlelit pizza night. It's a BYOB spot with a short menu of thin-crust pizzas and calzones, executed flawlessly. The intimate, candlelit atmosphere and blistered crust make it a magical experience, but arrive early and be patient.

What should I look for when choosing a pizza place in NYC?

Focus on crust and char, decide between slice vs. whole pie, check hours and cash policies, and be prepared for lines. Match the style to your craving—classic slice, Sicilian square, coal-oven, or Neapolitan. Location logistics matter, as some legends are deep in the boroughs.

What matters less than marketing implies when choosing pizza?

Viral fame, celebrity sightings, and fancy toppings matter less than a balanced crust, good sauce, and quality mozzarella. A long social-media following doesn't guarantee a great pie. Focus on the fundamentals of pizza-making rather than trends.

Sources

• https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-pizza-nyc
• https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-pizza-nyc-new-york
• https://www.yelp.com
• https://www.tripadvisor.com
• https://www.google.com/maps
• https://www.difarapizzany.com
• https://www.lucali.com
• https://www.spumonigardens.com
• https://www.joespizzanyc.com
• https://www.julianaspizza.com

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