14 New York Pizza Spots Worth The Drive (Even Here)

A single slice can stop conversations, silence a crowded sidewalk, and remind anyone why this city sets the standard for great pizza.

New York City turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable, blending tradition, attitude, and decades of neighborhood pride.

Coal-fired crusts crackle with intensity while corner shops serve slices that fold effortlessly in one hand.

Thin, chewy dough meets tomato sauce with just the right tang, and toppings range from old-school favorites to bold, creative combinations.

Every borough adds its own flavor, every block holds a story, and every oven carries the history of cooks who treat pizza not as a dish but as a craft.

NYC continues to shape how the rest of the country thinks about pizza, one irresistible slice at a time.

1. Joe’s Pizza Broadway

Since opening its doors in 1975, this Greenwich Village legend has been serving what many consider the definitive New York slice.

The crust strikes that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, with just enough flop to fold in half for that authentic street-eating experience.

Sauce is tangy without being overwhelming, and the cheese melts into a golden blanket that never slides off.

Lines often stretch out the door during lunch and late-night hours, but the wait moves quickly.

Located at 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018, this spot delivers exactly what visitors hope for when they picture NYC pizza.

2. Di Fara Pizza

Domenico DeMarco opened this Midwood treasure in 1965 and spent decades personally crafting each pie until his passing.

Every pizza receives meticulous attention, from hand-grated cheese to fresh basil snipped with scissors right onto the hot pie.

The result is a slice that feels more like edible art than fast food, with flavors that linger long after the last bite.

Patience is required here, as pizzas take time to prepare properly, but the reward is worth every minute.

Find this Brooklyn institution at 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230.

3. Juliana’s

Patsy Grimaldi returned to pizza-making in 2012 with this DUMBO gem, bringing decades of expertise to every pie.

The coal-fired oven creates those signature charred bubbles on the crust while keeping the center tender and airy.

Toppings are high-quality and thoughtfully chosen, letting each ingredient shine without overwhelming the delicate balance.

Tables fill up fast, especially on weekends, so arriving early or during off-hours may help avoid the longest waits.

Juliana’s calls 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 home, with stunning waterfront views nearby.

4. New Park Pizza

Operating since 1962 in a parking lot setting, this Howard Beach staple has built a devoted following for its distinctive style.

Pies come out well-done with a satisfying crunch, and the slightly salty flavor profile sets them apart from typical New York slices.

Locals know to request extra crispy for maximum texture, creating edges that shatter pleasantly with each bite.

The casual outdoor seating adds to the neighborhood charm, making it feel like a true community gathering spot.

Visit at 156-71 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414 for this unique Queens experience.

5. Roberta’s

This Bushwick pioneer helped spark Brooklyn’s modern pizza renaissance when it opened in 2008.

Wood-fired pies feature creative topping combinations that respect tradition while embracing innovation, from seasonal vegetables to house-cured meats.

The crust develops beautiful leopard spotting in the high-heat oven, creating complex flavors that complement rather than compete with the toppings.

The vibrant atmosphere includes a garden area and adjoining radio station, making it more than just a meal destination.

Roberta’s operates at 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206, in the heart of Bushwick’s artistic community.

6. L&B Spumoni Gardens

Family-owned since 1939, this Bensonhurst institution flips tradition by placing cheese directly on the dough, then adding sauce on top.

The Sicilian square slice features a thick, airy crust that stays remarkably light despite its substantial appearance.

Sauce is sweet and bright, creating a flavor combination that converts skeptics into regulars after just one bite.

Spumoni ice cream makes the perfect dessert pairing, staying true to the restaurant’s name and Brooklyn’s Italian heritage.

The restaurant sits at 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available year-round.

7. Prince Street Pizza

This Nolita spot gained cult status for its spicy spring square, a Sicilian-style pie loaded with pepperoni that cups and crisps in the oven.

Cheese extends to the edges where it caramelizes against the pan, creating a crunchy perimeter that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

The spicy sauce adds a gentle kick without overwhelming those who prefer milder flavors.

Limited seating means most customers grab slices to go, perfect for exploring nearby neighborhoods while eating.

Prince Street Pizza serves from 27 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, in the heart of Nolita’s bustling streets.

8. Lucali

Mark Iacono transformed a former candy store into this Carroll Gardens destination where reservations are essential and worth the planning.

Each pizza is hand-rolled and topped to order, emerging from the oven with a thin, crispy crust that supports toppings without becoming soggy.

The intimate, candlelit atmosphere creates a dining experience that feels special and unhurried.

Cash-only policy and BYOB approach keep the focus squarely on the food rather than extras.

Lucali operates at 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, where lines form early for those without advance bookings.

9. Patsy’s Pizzeria East Harlem

Opening in 1933, this East Harlem original predates most of the city’s famous pizza spots and continues using coal-fired ovens.

The intense heat creates a crust with distinctive char marks and a slightly smoky flavor that modern gas ovens cannot replicate.

Toppings stay traditional, letting the quality of ingredients and cooking method take center stage.

Several locations now bear the Patsy’s name, but the original maintains a special authenticity that pizza historians appreciate.

Find this historic location at 2287 1st Ave, New York, NY 10035, in Spanish Harlem’s vibrant neighborhood.

10. Paulie Gee’s

This Greenpoint pizzeria opened in 2010 with a mission to elevate pizza through quality ingredients and creative thinking.

Wood-fired pies feature unexpected combinations like hot honey with pepperoni or ricotta with cherry tomatoes that somehow feel both innovative and comforting.

The crust achieves that coveted balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior that makes each slice memorable.

Vegan options receive equal attention, proving that dietary restrictions need not mean compromising on flavor.

Paulie Gee’s calls 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 home, with a welcoming atmosphere that encourages experimentation.

11. John’s Of Bleecker Street

Since 1929, this Greenwich Village landmark has refused to sell slices, insisting that pizza should be enjoyed as a whole pie fresh from the oven.

Coal-fired cooking produces a crust with beautiful charred spots and a complex flavor that develops from the high heat.

The no-slice policy might seem strict, but it ensures every pizza arrives at the table in peak condition.

Original ovens still operate after nearly a century, creating a direct connection to New York’s pizza heritage.

John’s serves at 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, where the aroma draws crowds daily.

12. Totonno’s

Anthony Totonno opened this Coney Island pizzeria in 1924, making it one of America’s oldest continuously operating pizza restaurants.

Coal-fired ovens have been baking pies the same way for generations, producing a thin crust that crackles when cut.

The approach remains refreshingly simple, focusing on quality mozzarella, tomato sauce, and perfectly blistered dough.

Limited hours and occasional closures make planning ahead essential, but the reward is tasting pizza history.

Totonno’s operates at 1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, near the famous boardwalk and beach.

13. Rubirosa

This Nolita restaurant gained fame for its tie-dye vodka pizza, where pink sauce swirls create an Instagram-worthy appearance.

Beyond the visual appeal, the vodka sauce delivers a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the thin, crispy crust.

Regular pies also shine, proving that the kitchen handles classic preparations with equal skill.

The cozy Italian-American atmosphere makes it equally suitable for date nights or casual dinners with friends.

Rubirosa welcomes guests at 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012, in the heart of Little Italy’s northern edge.

14. Scarr’s Pizza

Opening in 2016, this Lower East Side newcomer quickly earned respect by milling its own organic flour and making everything from scratch.

The commitment to quality ingredients shows in every bite, from the flavorful crust to the balanced sauce and cheese ratio.

Slices maintain that classic New York style while incorporating modern attention to sourcing and preparation.

Reasonable prices make it accessible for regular visits rather than special occasions only.

Scarr’s Pizza operates at 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, bringing fresh energy to the neighborhood’s evolving food scene.