10 New York Pizza Slices That Define Perfection According To Locals

New York City’s pizza scene is legendary, with locals fiercely defending their favorite slices. From century-old establishments to modern artisanal spots, each pizzeria offers something unique.

These iconic slices represent what New Yorkers consider the pinnacle of pizza perfection, combining thin crusts, quality ingredients, and that special NYC magic.

1. Scarr’s Pizza’s Signature Slice

Milled in-house flour creates a crust with character; crispy exterior giving way to pillowy interior. The sauce strikes that elusive sweet-tangy balance locals crave.

What sets Scarr’s apart is their commitment to organic ingredients and old-school technique. The Lower East Side spot might look retro, but their approach to quality is thoroughly modern.

2. Joe’s Pizza Classic Slice

Quintessential New York in every bite, thin enough to fold yet sturdy enough to hold its toppings. The crust snaps then yields, while cheese and sauce merge in perfect harmony.

This Greenwich Village institution draws celebrities and cab drivers alike. No seats, no frills; just pizza that epitomizes what makes New York slices legendary.

3. Di Fara’s Handcrafted Masterpiece

Each slice emerges with slightly charred edges and basil snipped fresh with scissors. The blend of imported cheeses creates depth that borders on transcendent.

Watching pizza being made here is like witnessing performance art. The methodical preparation explains the legendary lines at this Midwood institution where patience isn’t just virtuous; it’s necessary.

4. L&B Spumoni Gardens’ Sicilian Square

Revolutionary reverse-order construction; cheese first, then sauce on top; creates a unique texture profile. The thick, airy dough provides the perfect foundation for sweet tomato sauce.

Generous slices served on paper plates in the sprawling outdoor seating area feel like Brooklyn summer distilled. The corner piece, with two crispy edges, remains the most coveted prize.

5. Louie & Ernie’s Sausage Slice

Hidden in a residential Bronx neighborhood, this slice represents pizza as community cornerstone. The homemade sausage; fennel-flecked and perfectly distributed, elevates everything.

The thin crust somehow manages to maintain structural integrity despite generous toppings. Locals protect this spot like a secret, though its reputation has spread well beyond Pelham Bay.

6. NY Pizza Suprema’s Upside-Down Slice

Defying proximity to Penn Station (typically a culinary wasteland), this slice achieves the impossible; tourist-spot location with local-approved quality. The reversed layering technique puts sauce atop cheese.

Each bite reveals surprising depth from long-fermented dough. The slice stays crisp from tip to crust, making it ideal for commuters seeking quality without sacrificing convenience.

7. Mama’s TOO! Square Slice

Pushing boundaries while respecting tradition defines this Upper West Side gem. Their squares feature caramelized cheese edges that crackle between your teeth; a textural revelation.

The focaccia-like base carries toppings with authority. House-fermented dough creates complex flavors that evolve with each bite, making this newer establishment feel instantly classic.

8. Sal & Carmine’s No-Nonsense Classic

Family recipes spanning generations create magic through simplicity. The distinctive tang in their sauce cuts through rich, melted cheese with precision.

The Upper West Side institution maintains quality through stubborn consistency. Watching the same hands make your slice the same way for decades feels increasingly rare and precious in an ever-changing city.

9. Best Pizza’s Wood-Fired Wonder

Hipster aesthetics meet serious pizza credentials at this Williamsburg staple. The wood-fired oven creates leopard-spotted crusts with complex smoky notes.

Toppings change seasonally, highlighting local producers. The white slice with ricotta and caramelized onions demonstrates how innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully in New York’s pizza landscape.

10. Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop Pepperoni

Cup-and-char pepperoni creates tiny pools of spicy oil across the surface – a textural and flavor jackpot. The retro slice shop aesthetic completes the experience.

Unlike the sit-down flagship, this Greenpoint offshoot embraces grab-and-go culture. The crust achieves that magical middle ground between crisp and chewy that defines great New York pizza.