Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Pizza Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Pizza Lovers
1. Di Fara Pizza
A pilgrimage-worthy Midwood counter where pies are handcrafted, basil is snipped fresh, and olive oil gets a final flourish for a slice that defines devotion.
✓ Why Go:
To taste a benchmark New York pie—balanced sauce, blistered crust, and incomparable herb aroma—made the old-fashioned way.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 2–4 pm to reduce wait times; weekends can see long lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a classic round with extra basil; if available, add a square slice to compare styles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Die-hards call it a holy-grail slice worth the trek and the queue.
2. Lombardi's
America’s first licensed pizzeria (1905) still turns out coal-oven pies with smoky char in the heart of Nolita.
✓ Why Go:
To bite into living pizza history where the margherita’s sauce, cheese, and coal-kissed crust still set the standard.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch on weekdays, roughly 2–4 pm, to avoid peak dinner crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a margherita and a white clam pie to sample two house signatures.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but timeless; many say the coal-oven flavor justifies the hype.
3. John’s of Bleecker Street
Greenwich Village institution serving coal-fired, whole-pie-only pizzas with charred bubbles and a lively, old-New-York vibe.
✓ Why Go:
For classic blistered crust and simple toppings that let the dough and oven do the talking.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 5–6 pm for an early dinner before the nightly rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
They don’t sell slices—order a whole pie and try half-and-half toppings to maximize variety.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for consistency and character; lines move quicker than they look.
4. Lucali
A candlelit Carroll Gardens shrine to ultra-thin pies and giant calzones, hand-rolled and baked before your eyes.
✓ Why Go:
For a special-occasion pizza experience where simplicity and technique make every slice memorable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive before opening to get on the list; early weeknights are most forgiving.
✓ Insider Tip:
Names are taken in person—come early and be flexible; the classic margherita with fresh basil shines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Near-reverence from fans; many call it their top NYC pizza experience.
5. Joe’s Pizza
The quintessential Village slice: thin, foldable, and perfectly balanced, served from a tiny counter since 1975.
✓ Why Go:
To calibrate your palate on the archetypal New York plain slice—simple, hot, and satisfying.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner; late-night lines move quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a plain cheese “regular” and eat it standing curbside, NYC-style.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Universally admired as the city’s no-frills gold standard.
6. L&B Spumoni Gardens
A Gravesend legend for sauce-on-top Sicilian squares with caramelized edges, plus creamy spumoni for dessert.
✓ Why Go:
To experience Brooklyn’s iconic square slice where it was born and still perfected.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm evenings for alfresco vibes; otherwise weekdays 3–5 pm to dodge crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a square with spumoni; the on-site parking makes this a convenient group stop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A nostalgic family favorite; fans crave the sweet-leaning sauce and airy crumb.
7. Roberta’s
Bushwick trailblazer melding airy, wood-fired pies with creative toppings in a lively, indoor-outdoor setting.
✓ Why Go:
For trendsetting flavor combos and a neighborhood hangout that helped redefine NYC pizza cool.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch to avoid peak evening waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Share a seasonal special; classics come and go, so ask what the oven team is excited about.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Still a scene—loved for pies, energy, and backyard charm.
8. Juliana’s Pizza
Patsy Grimaldi’s coal-oven comeback slings beautifully balanced pies steps from the Brooklyn Bridge waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
For textbook New York pizza with just-right char and high-quality ingredients in a classic setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays to skip DUMBO crunch times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit by the window if you can, then walk to the nearby promenade for skyline views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently called worth the trip; many prefer it to neighboring options.
9. Prince Street Pizza
SoHo stalwart famed for thick, crunchy-edged squares crowned with cupped, spicy pepperoni.
✓ Why Go:
To tackle the city’s most copied square and see what the fuss is about.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Right at opening for faster service, or mid-afternoon between rushes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Spicy Spring; seating is limited, so plan to eat on the go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Addictive and indulgent; lines are common but rarely deter repeat visits.
10. Rubirosa
Nolita favorite for razor-thin, crackly pies and the beloved tie-dye with vodka sauce and pesto.
✓ Why Go:
A sit-down essential where lively service and shareable pies make for a perfect pizza night.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid long evening waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Go half tie-dye, half classic to sample the spectrum; great with a simple salad.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, buzzy, and consistently delicious—many list it as their go-to downtown pie.
