{above slices are from Joe’s Pizza. Photo by Keith}
New Yorkers take their pizza seriously. Very, very seriously. In fact, I’ve heard almost as many heated debates about “the best pizza places in New York..” as I have about the Mets VS Yankees. I happened to be married to a self proclaimed “pizza connoisseur,” but of course, these are just our personal opinions. We haven’t tried every single pizza place in all 5 boroughs, but we’ve tried a lot. Here are the favorites:
{Domenick, also known as ‘Dom,’ working his magic}
Di Fara
A true Brooklyn institution and easily in our top three slices of all time. When I asked my personal Facebook feed what their #1 favorite pizza was, the debate (as expected) was taken seriously, but Di Fara’s was picked the most above all. This is also coming from a group of native Brooklynites/New Yorkers.The same owner for over 45 years, Domenico De Marco, puts his heart and soul into the pizza using only the freshest ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, grated Parmigiano, the best Italian olive oil all topped with fresh basil, which he cuts by hand. If you don’t come right at opening, be prepared to wait even longer than usual. Wait times can vary between 30 minutes-2 hours. Also, don’t be shocked when you’re asked to fork over about $5 for each slice, but personally, I think it makes more sense to get a pie ($28)!
Few more things: They’re closed Monday and Tuesday. They’re closed between 4:30-6:30pm every day and it’s cash only.
Tip: if you do happen to get a seat inside (we often get our slices and eat in the car – very classy!) it’s BYOB! Pizza and wine? Sign me up.
Paulie Gee’s
This place has become a regular Sunday evening spot for many of my friends. It’s cozy with the perfect atmosphere, but most importantly, the variety of pizza toppings and combinations is to-die-for. Also, where Di Fara’s is considered a real pizza joint, this is what we call “fancy pizza..” it’s a sit down place with $15-$18 pies, but dollars and calories aside, it’s so worth it. My friends and I often have friendly debates about what our favorite pies are, but all pretty much agreed that the Hellboy (a bit spicy!) and Cherry Jones are our top two.
Joe’s
7 Carmine Street, West Village
As Keith said to me: “This is my “I could eat this damn pizza everyday” pizza. Located in what we call pizza row, in the Village. Keep your eyes peeled because you could be eating pizza next to any random celebrity in disguise, just to get a taste of this pizza gem. Thin crust, and tangy sweet tomato sauce. This is where you come for a real, no-frills, authentic NYC slice.
Tip: Known for their fresh mozzarella and plain slice. Also, cash only.
Totonno’s
One of the few charcoal pizza places left in New York, in the heart of Coney Island. There have been a ton of imitators, but no one can match the simplicity and taste of Totonno’s. The plain and white pies are our personal favorites and another added bonus, bottled soda. My favorite combination!
Luzzo’s
Personally speaking, I like this place better than Grimaldi’s (which don’t get me wrong, is still great), so Luzzo’s won that spot on the list. Have to narrow it down somewhere, right? This place has one of the best Neapolitan style pies in the city with the bufala being my personal favorite!
L&B Spumoni Gardens
Not only a pizza place, but a true Brooklyn landmark, with hand’s down, the best square slice, ever. The signature pie has a thick crust, and is most famous for having the cheese underneath the sauce.
If you end up getting one slice, make sure you get an edge so you can try the crust. Also, you cannot leave without getting some spumoni for dessert. Their other signature!
Tip: If you come here during warm weather months, there’s great outdoor seating.
New Park
Growing up in the Rockaways (a short ride away from Howard Beach), I’ve been eating New Park since I’ve been a teenager. My friends and I would always take a little drive to get what I still consider, one of the best slices in all of New York. I asked Keith his opinion and he completely agrees. Made in a brick oven, with crust that’s the perfect combination of crispy and chewy, a sauce that’s slightly tangy, and topped with the perfect amount of melty mozzarella. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Unfortunately, this place is sort of out of the way. However, if you’re either on some sort of NYC pizza tour or determined to visit the best places the city has to offer, then this place is highly recommended.
50 comments
Sasa Zoe
I love Joe's. Have to try the rest of them:) XO
http://www.shallwesasa.com
May 9, 2014Nadia
Noted! For when i visit
xx
http://www.nadianawal.com
May 9, 2014Mira Devils
Wow looks sooo yummy!
xx Mira
http://www.glamdevils.com
May 9, 2014Natali
Gotta try out all of these placed which you've mentioned next time I'm in NYC. So far, my favourite was Two Boots pizza.
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
May 9, 2014MODE LAB
It looks so delicious, i wanna visit all right now but im so far far away!
xoxo
May 9, 2014MODE LAB editor
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Chrissabella
This looks soooo delicious!
chrissabella.blogspot.com
May 9, 2014Adrienne Scott-Trask
Yummmm!!
Looks amazing!
-Adrienne. xo
Citizen of the World
May 9, 2014Citizen of the World
THK
The mushroom pizza at Luzzo's may be my favorite in the city!
tesskonter.blogspot.com
May 9, 2014Liz || Shopping My Closet
I'll have to try out some of these recs! Definitely love Grimaldi's!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
May 9, 2014ravenlocks
I love a good pizza! Thanks for sharing this…I'm pinning it 🙂 Hope I get to visit these places sometime soon!
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
May 9, 2014Melissa Tierney
Such a great post idea! New York always has the best pizza!
May 9, 2014xo,
Melissa
MissyOnMadison.com
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Kacie Cone
Yum that looks like good pizza!
http://www.shygirlloudvoice.com
May 9, 2014fran
I really need to try alll
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Alicia Marcinkowski
Luzzo's, L&B, and New Park are also a few of my favorites. I'm totally a Grimaldi's fan too.
May 9, 2014Salvatore's Pizza in Port Washington, Long Island is also amazing. Not only there pizza, but their stromboli is the best! Well worth the drive to LI.
Alela Sirah
They all look amazing!!!
May 9, 2014http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2014/05/keychain-diy.html
Emma Fox
I grew up in Rockaway for a short while too so I totally agree on New Park!!
http://poorgirlrichlifeblog.com
May 9, 2014Stephanie Gille
Mmm getting hungry when I see this.
May 9, 2014What a good you must have had!
xx
Stephanie
http://www.stephaniegille.blogspot.com
Michelle
Thank you so much for this! Hopefully, my friends and I can go on a pizza tour in NYC one day!
May 9, 2014Anonymous
Hey I love your NYC tips! I love the big apple and can't wait to travel there once again. Will definitely try out some of those pizza places then! Lots of love from Scandinavia!
I'm a medical student by day and a fashion blogger by night.
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May 9, 2014Kelsey
I need to try Luzzo's in the East Village! Have you ever tried Keste in the West Village? That's my favorite – def check it out!
xx Kelsey – tortoiseinthesun.com
May 9, 2014NET-A-DRESSER
When next in the City will definitely look this one up?! xx
May 9, 2014Cindy Yang Lee
My stomach is jealous.
May 9, 2014Daniella C
love!
May 9, 2014xx
daniella
simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com
feliciasadeli
Oh my gosh! These making me SOOO hungry! LOL
feliciasadeli.wordpress.com
May 9, 2014Haley Valerie
It looks so yummy!
Haley
May 10, 2014haleyvalerie.com
gracekelle at leangirlsclub.com
Trattoria del Arte in midtown has great thin crust pizza if that's your thing. Who doesn't love pizza?!?!?!
May 10, 2014PS Lily Boutique
All looks so delicious! 🙂
xx,
May 10, 2014Lily
http://pslilyboutique.com
Kells
Wow I really like this post about restaurant reviews. I love how it has your personal touch as well. I never knew about any of these places because my Dad is also a pizza connoisseur so I always prefer his pizza above all the others. I really do want to try these when I move back to Brooklyn.
http://kelformity.blogspot.com/
May 10, 2014Laiyin
Always love some great posts with restaurant recommendations!!
Love from Munich, L
THE STYLE CIRCUS
May 10, 2014Jenni // Byjenni
What a great post. Can't wait to go some of those pizza places. A Brooklyn city guide could also be a great thing. Maybe places to shop or go. I have only been to Williamsburg and shortly in Dumbo but I don't know where all the good places are 🙂
May 10, 2014Orange You Classy
i've only tried joe's, but i loved it! im excited to go back to nyc and try the rest!
xo, Liz
May 10, 2014http://oyouclassy.com
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Laura
Have you tried Artichoke pizza? 🙂 I'm in love, love, love with their pizza!
May 11, 2014CoolAllure
I love pizza and I really think NY pizza is much better than any kind of pizza!
May 11, 2014Evi
Such a yummy post!!!
Evi xoxo
The Notebook of a Fashion Lover
May 11, 2014Caitlin
All great choices but Lucali in Carroll Gardens has got to be added to the list!
May 11, 2014Sofia Donatelli
Thanks for sharing. I love finding new places to eat in NYC, especially pizza. I'm weak for their pizza. I love Joe's pizza, but I haven't tried your other suggestions. My favorite is Lombardi's in SOHO, white pizza. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Love,
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
May 12, 2014Love Sanchez
This post made me drool! I totally wish I had this guide when I was in the city! Can't wait to go back and try some out 🙂
aboutamor.com
May 12, 2014Ana Alves
I liked your post, but I have to be honest I was really disappointed by the pizza in NY. I had such high hopes! But at least now I have a better starting point for next time I visit.
May 12, 2014The Slow Pace
Good tips! We save them for our visit to NY! 😀
P.
http://theslowpace.com
May 12, 2014Emily
This has me craving pizza! Great post! XO
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May 13, 2014Fortune Tarantola
I'll have to try! My boyfriend & I recently moved to Manhattan & are dying to find the best pizza place!
http://www.fortunetellerfashion.com
May 13, 2014xxFTF
Alexandra
Co. in Chelsea also has amazing pizza. Most of their pizzas are not traditional but super creative and unique instead. Try it 🙂
May 14, 2014Kier Mellour
MUST TRY PATSY'S on 23rd!
May 14, 2014Sarah
What a wonderful list! I'll definitely use this the next time I'm up in the city.
– Sarah 🙂
May 18, 2014http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Bonniewill
I grew up in the Rockaways as well and New Park Pizza is great.
May 22, 2014brautkleid
What a wonderful list! I I recently moved to Manhattan & are dying to find the best pizza place! And i love pizza !!!! thanks for sharing your best food
May 23, 2014Katzi Roman
Yum! I love New York Pizza more than most things in life and this makes it even more apparent that I HAVE to make my NYC Pizza Tour dream come true!
May 25, 2014Thank you for sharing!
kelle
After viewing this, I would like to try to make pizza myself.
July 3, 2014Jamal Owens
It's Friday night and we all know that means pizza! I live for Friday nights because that's when my buddies and I go out for some awesome pizza and arcade games. Childish I know, but its a way to keep the kid alive in us.
http://www.cicerocountrypizza.com
December 5, 2014RoyallyPink
I'm from Howard Beach, have lived here all my life, and I couldn't agree more with New Park! I also was secretly hoping it was on the list and so happy it appeared! Also, L&B is LIFE but I need to try your other recommendations 🙂
January 25, 2016