Ranking The Best Neapolitan Pizzas In New York City
Dough meets fire in a delicate balance that turns simplicity into perfection. The edges blister, airy and charred, while the center stays soft beneath just the right amount of sauce and cheese.
Neapolitan pizza is more than food in NYC it’s a ritual, a bridge between Naples tradition and the city’s restless energy.
Across the boroughs, ovens burn hot and steady, turning out pies that honor old-world craft while embracing modern flair, each one a fleeting masterpiece meant to be savored in the moment.
1. Motorino
Both East Village and Williamsburg locations draw crowds for consistently excellent pies. The brussels sprout pizza might sound unusual but has developed cult status among New York City pizza aficionados.
The secret lies in the perfectly balanced dough – thin in the center, puffy at the edges. Each location maintains the same high standards while fostering a distinct neighborhood vibe that keeps locals coming back weekly.
2. Song’ E Napule
Tucked away in Greenwich Village, this authentic spot feels like being transported to a backstreet pizzeria in Naples. The Montanara – a flash-fried then baked pizza – offers a unique texture experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Run by Neapolitan expats, every detail from imported flour to the hand-built oven creates an atmosphere of culinary authenticity that pizza purists treasure in New York City.
3. Ribalta
Steps from Union Square, Ribalta bridges traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. Their dough undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process, creating exceptional digestibility and flavor depth.
The spacious dining room with communal tables makes this an ideal spot for larger groups. Sports fans appreciate the Italian football matches playing on screens while enjoying pizzas made with imported Campanian buffalo mozzarella.
4. Don Antonio
Midtown Manhattan might seem an unlikely spot for authentic Neapolitan pizza, but Don Antonio defies expectations. Founded by pizza royalty Roberto Caporuscio and his mentor Antonio Starita, their combined 80+ years of experience shines through every pie.
The Montanara Starita – lightly fried before being topped and baked – represents pizza innovation at its finest. Theater district location in New York City makes it perfect for pre-Broadway dining.
5. Pasquale Jones
Nolita’s wood-fired haven pairs exceptional pizzas with an impressive wine program. The littleneck clam pie with cream, garlic and lemon zest offers a sophisticated twist on Neapolitan traditions.
Open kitchen design lets diners watch the pizza-making spectacle. The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between upscale dining experience and comfortable neighborhood spot – reservations recommended as the small space fills quickly every night.
6. Luzzo’s
New York City institution Luzzo’s stands out by using a century-old coal oven – a rarity for Neapolitan pizza. This unique heat source creates a distinctive char pattern and flavor profile unlike other spots on this list.
The cramped, casual space adds to its charm. Pizza enthusiasts debate whether coal-firing qualifies as truly Neapolitan, but nobody argues about the results – especially when sampling their perfect Bufala pie with imported cheese.
7. San Matteo
Upper East Side residents treasure this neighborhood spot serving authentic Salerno-style pies. Their panuozzo – a pizza dough sandwich stuffed with Italian ingredients – provides a unique alternative to traditional round pies.
Family recipes and imported ingredients create flavors that transport diners straight to Southern Italy. The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere and friendly service make it feel like dining in someone’s home rather than a restaurant.
8. Zero Otto Nove
Arthur Avenue’s Italian food paradise houses this authentic Salerno-style pizzeria. Named after Salerno’s area code (089), the restaurant brings regional Southern Italian specialties to the Bronx’s Little Italy.
The La Riccardo pizza with butternut squash cream and smoked mozzarella showcases their willingness to experiment while respecting tradition. The cavernous space with faux Italian village décor creates a charming, transportive dining experience in New York City.
9. Una Pizza Napoletana
Anthony Mangieri’s legendary Lower East Side establishment treats pizza-making as sacred ritual. The dough ferments for days before meeting the 900-degree wood-fired oven.
No fancy toppings here – just perfect marinara, margherita, and a few seasonal specials. The result? A crust with that magical combination of crisp exterior and pillowy interior that defines true Neapolitan excellence.
10. Marta
Danny Meyer’s NoMad hotspot blends Neapolitan techniques with Roman thinness. Their cracker-crisp crusts topped with innovative ingredient combinations create a distinct New York City-Italian hybrid style.
The stylish hotel restaurant setting elevates the pizza experience. Open kitchen with copper-clad wood-burning ovens provides dinner theater while you wait. The mushroom pizza with fontina, thyme, and pecorino has developed a devoted following among Manhattan pizza connoisseurs.
11. Keste Pizza & Vino
Roberto Caporuscio creates pizza magic in this Greenwich Village gem. As president of the U.S. branch of the Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, he’s literally a guardian of authentic Neapolitan tradition.
The menu features over 40 creative variations alongside classics. First-timers should try the namesake Keste pie with prosciutto di Parma, buffalo mozzarella, and arugula – a perfect introduction to Naples’ flavors.
