New York is famous for its pizza, and finding the best spots can be a challenge with so many choices. I’ve spent time exploring the city’s pizzerias to highlight the places that stand out for quality and taste.
This article will help you discover five top pizza places in New York that offer some of the best slices and pies you can find in the city. Whether you want a classic slice or something with a unique twist, these spots deliver consistently.
1) Joe’s Pizza Broadway
I recently stopped by Joe’s Pizza Broadway, a spot known for classic New York-style slices. The place feels modern but stays true to its roots with simple pizza made fresh. It’s a no-frills counter service where you can grab a quick, tasty slice.
The pizza crust is thin and crisp, with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. You can tell the recipes have been refined over the years. I tried the plain slice, and it was flavorful without being greasy.
The location on Broadway is convenient if you’re near Times Square or in the theater district. It was busy, but service was quick, perfect for a fast bite during a busy day.
If you want to eat in or get delivery, they do both. It’s a solid choice when you want an authentic New York slice without waiting long.
Rating: 4.5 (21591 reviews)
Location: 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Contact: (646) 559-4878
Website: Visit Website
2) Rubirosa
I stopped by Rubirosa for a casual pizza dinner in a cozy spot on Mulberry Street. The place feels warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying simple Italian-American food. Their thin-crust pizzas are the highlight, especially the Tie Dye pizza, which mixes different cheeses and colors on one pie.
The menu has more than just pizza. I tried some hand-made pasta that was fresh and tasty, showing they take care with all their dishes. It’s a good choice if you want gluten-free options or just a solid Italian meal without fuss.
Ordering for takeout was quick and easy. They offer pickup and delivery, which helps if you want to enjoy their food at home. The staff was friendly and managed a steady flow of customers without delays.
I can see why Rubirosa is often crowded. The mix of classic flavors and casual vibe works well for both quick bites and small group meals.
Rating: 4.6 (5083 reviews)
Location: 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-0500
Website: Visit Website
3) John’s of Bleecker Street
I visited John’s of Bleecker Street and was impressed by their classic brick-oven pizza. The crust is thin and crisp, which gives each slice a nice crunch without being too stiff. The pizza is only sold whole, not by the slice, so you get a full pie to enjoy.
The place has a lively, casual vibe. It felt like sitting down to a family dinner with the noise and energy around me. The pizza recipe has been refined over many years, dating back to 1929, which you can taste in the flavor and texture.
John’s started elsewhere in Greenwich Village but moved to Bleecker Street while keeping their coal-fired brick oven tradition alive. They also offer takeout and delivery, and you can order nationwide through Goldbelly if you’re not in New York.
Rating: 4.6 (7044 reviews)
Location: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 243-1680
Website: Visit Website
4) Kesté Pizza e Vino
When I stepped into Kesté Pizza e Vino, I noticed it was a very small and cozy spot. The space feels tight but comfortable, which suits the style of their Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas. I appreciated the simple, no-frills setting where the focus is really on the food.
The pizzas are thin and soft with a slight char from the wood fire. I tried their special pizza of the month, which had slow-cooked lamb, eggs, and potatoes with pecorino cheese. The flavors were balanced and rich without being heavy. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, which is a good choice for different dietary needs.
One thing I liked was their focaccia di Recco, a thin bread filled with soft stracchino cheese. It’s a unique dish that pairs well with their wine selection. The service was friendly and efficient, even with the place being quite busy.
Rating: 4.6 (2993 reviews)
Location: 77 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
Contact: (212) 243-1500
Website: Visit Website
5) NY Pizza Suprema
When I walked into NY Pizza Suprema, I immediately noticed the smell of freshly baked pizza. The place has been serving New Yorkers since 1964, and it shows in the classic, no-frills style of their slices. The crust is thin and crispy, just the way I like it, with a good balance of cheese and sauce.
I tried a few slices, and each had a nice, cheesy texture that wasn’t too greasy. The sauce was flavorful but not overpowering, making every bite simple and tasty. It feels like a spot where locals come for a quick, satisfying meal.
The location near Madison Square Garden makes it easy to stop by before or after an event. The staff was friendly but quick, keeping the line moving during a busy lunch hour. It’s a good place if you want an authentic New York slice without any fuss.
Rating: 4.6 (7777 reviews)
Location: 413 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Contact: (212) 594-8939
Website: Visit Website
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions I get about New York pizza. I’ll cover popular must-visit spots, where to find the most authentic slices, and what places get the highest praise. I also talk about Midtown options, famous customers, and how Times Square pizza stacks up.
What pizzerias do New Yorkers consider must-visit in NYC?
New Yorkers often recommend Joe’s Pizza Broadway for a classic slice. Rubirosa is praised for its thin crust and creative toppings. John’s of Bleecker Street is loved for its old-school style and coal oven bake.
Which pizza restaurant in NYC is known for the most authentic New York slice?
Joe’s Pizza Broadway is widely seen as the go-to for an authentic New York slice. It has a simple, thin crust with foldable slices, which is what many locals expect from a real NYC slice.
Where in Midtown Manhattan can you find the best pizza?
Rubirosa is a top pick located in Midtown Manhattan. It offers great thin-crust pizza and a cozy atmosphere that stands out in the busy Midtown area. It’s a good spot if you want quality without leaving the center of the city.
What are the top-reviewed pizza places in New York City according to food critics?
John’s of Bleecker Street and Kesté Pizza e Vino both receive strong reviews from food critics. John’s is praised for its classic taste, while Kesté offers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, well-regarded for fresh ingredients and thin crust.
Which pizza spots in Manhattan are famous for their celebrity customers?
Joe’s Pizza Broadway and Rubirosa are known to attract celebrity visitors. Both places have a strong local reputation and have been mentioned in pop culture, making them popular spots among famous people.
How do the pizza restaurants in Times Square compare to those throughout NYC?
Pizza spots in Times Square tend to be more tourist-focused, often higher priced and less authentic. The best pizza places like Joe’s or John’s are usually outside this area, offering better quality and a more traditional NYC experience.
For more details on top spots, see the list of best pizza places in New York right now.
