Where to Find the Best Pizza in Each NYC Borough: Top Pizzerias to Try
Look, we all know the drill. You land in NYC, you drop your bags, and your stomach immediately starts growling for cheese and dough. It’s a rite of passage. And honestly? It’s overwhelming. There are thousands of spots claiming to serve the most famous NYC pizza, and half of them are just “okay” dollar slices that satisfy a 2 a.m. craving but won’t change your life.
But you aren’t here for “okay.” You want the holy grail.
From crispy, charred crusts to cheese that stretches for miles, I’ve broken down the heavy hitters in all five boroughs. So, stop wandering around aimlessly staring at Yelp. Just follow this list. It’s time to eat.
Where to Find the Best Pizza in Each Borough of NYC
Staten Island
Most tourists never leave Manhattan. And that’s a mistake. Because if you want the real-deal, old-school pies, you hop on that ferry.
Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern
A true Staten Island institution since 1937. Denino’s isn’t trying to be trendy. They are just trying to feed you the best thin-crust pizza of your life. It’s made fresh daily with family recipes passed down forever. And it shows. Located on Richmond Avenue, this is also the spot for classic Italian dishes. The Chicken Parmigiana? Incredible. But you’re here for the pizza.
- Price: $$
- Location: 524 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY
- Phone: 1 718-442-9401
Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Established in 1953, this place is legendary. Joe & Pat’s is a longstanding family favorite known for super thin-crust pies and an authentic Neapolitan recipe that just hits different. If you’re craving a simple cheese pizza or a hearty pasta dish, this is the spot. It has earned its place in Staten Island’s pizza scene for a reason.
- Â Price: $$
- Location: 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY
- Phone: 1 718-981-0887
Brother’s Pizzeria
Serving locals since 1975, Brother’s Pizzeria is renowned for its Sicilian squares and thin-crust pizzas. If you’re grabbing a quick slice or looking to enjoy a full meal, their variety of pies and sandwiches, like the famous Pan Pizza, make it a go-to spot for Staten Island residents.
- Price: $$
- Location: 750 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY
- Phone: 1 718-442-2332
Bronx
The Bronx doesn’t get enough credit. But head up to Arthur Avenue and tell me it isn’t pizza heaven.
Louie & Ernie’s Pizza
Since 1959, Louie & Ernie’s has been serving traditional thin-crust pies in a cozy, basement-style setting. It feels like you walked into a time capsule. Located in Pelham Bay, this place continues to draw crowds for its authentic Italian flavors and deliciously crispy crust. The sausage slice here is arguably the best in the city.
- Price: $$
- Location: 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx, NY
- Phone: 1 718-829-6230
Full Moon Pizza
Nestled near the heart of Arthur Avenue. Full Moon Pizza has become a favorite late-night spot for pizza lovers who know what’s up. Known for its classic New York-style pizza with a perfect balance of crispy crust and rich sauce, it’s the ideal place to grab a bite after a stroll through the Bronx’s Little Italy.
- Price: $$
- Location: 600 East 187th Street, Bronx, NY
- Phone: 1 718-584-3451
Zero Otto Nove
If you’re looking for something a little different, Zero Otto Nove in the Bronx is a must-try. This spot serves pizzas in the Sorrento style. Think puffy yet crispy crusts, fresh mozzarella, and unique toppings like butternut squash puree and spicy pancetta. It’s a perfect blend of traditional and innovative.
- Price: $$
- Location: 2357 Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY
- Phone: 1 718-220-1028
Queens
Queens is the borough of food diversity, and the pizza game is strong.
Milkflower
For pizza lovers in Astoria, Milkflower is the place to go. It’s got a vibe. This wood-fired pizzeria serves gourmet pies with top-quality ingredients and pairs them with an excellent selection of craft beers. The rustic, hip atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends.
- Price: $$
- Website: www.milkflowernyc.com
- Location: 34-12 31st Ave, Astoria, NY
- Phone: 1 718-204-1300
Louie’s
Louie’s in Elmhurst offers simple, classic Italian-American comfort food. But the star? The beloved Grandma slice. With a commitment to homemade pasta and pizza made from family recipes, this family-owned gem feels like home.
- Price: $$
- Location: 81-34 Baxter Ave #1, Elmhurst, NY
- Phone: 1 718-440-9346
Amore Pizza
In Flushing, Amore Pizza is known for its perfectly thin slices and generous cheese toppings. And listen, it’s cash-only. So bring bills. The service is fast and friendly, and their house special is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy authentic, flavorful pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Price: $$
- Location: Whitestone Expressway Plaza, 30-30 Stratton St, Flushing, NY
- Phone: 1 718-445-0579
Rizzo’s Pizza
Located in Astoria, Rizzo’s serves both round and Sicilian-style pizzas. Each comes with a light, thin crust and big bursts of tomato flavor. With over 20 specialty pies to choose from, you’ll find something that works, whether it’s a classic cheese or a more adventurous topping.
- Price: $$
- Location: 30-13 Steinway St, Astoria, NY
- Phone: 1 718-721-9862
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is where the hype lives. But these spots actually live up to it.
Di Fara Pizza
Di Fara Pizza in Midwood is often hailed as the absolute king. Famous for its use of premium ingredients like bufala mozzarella and hand-cut pepperoni, this no-frills spot has built a loyal following over the decades. Yes, there is a line. Yes, it is expensive. But the flavor-packed slices are a must-try for any pizza aficionado.
- Price: $$
- Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY
- Phone: 1 718-258-1367
Lucali
In Carroll Gardens, Lucali has earned its reputation for upscale, thin-crust pizzas made with high-quality toppings. You might see a celebrity here. Seriously. The ambiance is cozy, the menu is simple, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven that smells like heaven.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY
- Phone: 1 718-858-4086
L&B Spumoni Gardens
L&B Spumoni Gardens, a Brooklyn landmark since 1939, is famous for its squares. The sauce goes on top of the cheese here. It sounds wrong, but it’s so right. Served alongside delicious spumoni, this spot remains a staple for pizza lovers in the borough, especially in the summer.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 2725 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY
- Phone: 1 (718) 449 1230
Manhattan
Okay, here we go. This is the battleground. If you look up the best pizza in Manhattan Reddit threads, you will see people fighting to the death over their favorites. It gets intense. While some people are busy chasing the hype of Mano’s pizza NYC or debating the merits of best pizza NYC L’Industrie, we are sticking to the absolute legends on this list.
You might be searching for the best NYC pizza near Central Park, but trust me, you want to head downtown for the heavy hitters.
John’s of Bleecker Street
A historic pizzeria in Greenwich Village, John’s of Bleecker Street serves up quintessential New York coal-fired pizza. No slices here. Whole pies only. Since 1929, its crispy, slightly charred crust and fresh toppings have made it one of the most iconic pizzerias in Manhattan. It often tops the Barstool best pizza NYC discussions for good reason.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 278 Bleecker St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-243-1680
Rubirosa
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Rubirosa offers a unique twist. Known for its super thin-crust pies, including the signature Tie Dye pizza (vodka sauce and pesto), it’s a go-to spot. It’s perfect if you are looking for best pizza NYC Ceres style quality but with a lively, sit-down atmosphere.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 235 Mulberry St, New York
- Phone: 1 212-965-0500
Joe’s Pizza Broadway
If you’re craving a classic New York-style slice, Joe’s Pizza on Broadway is the place. It’s the best pizza in New York Manhattan for a grab-and-go scenario. Famous for its thin, crisp crust and flavorful sauce, Joe’s Pizza has been serving residents and visitors since 1975. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and it’s delicious.
- Price: $ – $$
- Location: 1435 Broadway, New York
- Phone: 1 646-559-4878
Each borough in New York City brings its twist on pizza, from the crispy, thin crusts of Staten Island to the hearty Sicilian pies of Brooklyn. No matter where you are, there’s always a pizzeria nearby serving up a slice of New York’s best.
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