When you think of New York, what springs to mind? Is it the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, yellow cabs, vibrant people or fascinating art? Or is it the gooey yet doughy, thin yet generous street corner pizza that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world? Our mouths are watering just thinking about it. Prepare to feel peckish after reading our guide on where to find the best pizza in New York City:
Joe’s Pizza
7 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014
“New York is teeming with by-the-slice pizza joints, but Joe’s is truly the upper crust when it comes to getting your fix of cheesy goodness,” says Milly from Mini Adventures. “The original Greenwich Village Joe’s Pizza opened in 1975, and now has five locations across the Big Apple. Regularly hitting top ten lists and with countless celebrity fans, their New York-style slices are loved by locals and visitors alike.
“With a variety of toppings available daily, the portion sizes are impressive and affordable. If you’re looking for the real deal when it comes to authentic New York pizza, you’ll find it at Joe’s.” For more delicious recommendations, read Milly’s guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner - the imagery will leave your mouth watering!
L&B Spumoni Gardens
2725 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223
As you wander the busy streets of New York you’re sure to spot many pizzerias boasting the title of ‘family-owned.’ But none of them are quite like L&B Spumoni Gardens, the real family deal. In 1917 Ludovico Barbati arrived in the US from Torella dei Lombardi, Italy. He learned to make pizza in a garage in Brooklyn which he then sold by peddling on a horse and wagon. In 1939 L&B Spumoni Gardens was born. During its 80 years, the restaurant has seen four generations of family ownership and has perfected its very particular style of Sicilian pizza.
Where traditional New York pizza is thin and triangular, Sicilian pizza is thick and rectangular and reverses the cheese-above-sauce arrangement. At L&B, they lay mozzarella directly onto the dough - the end result is a gooey, almost lasagne-like slice of deliciousness. Many request a slice of the corner or edge of the pizza but the centre is, in our opinion, the best bit - just don’t forget the napkins! If you can manage dessert, we highly recommend the Italian spumoni.
Lucali Brooklyn
575 Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Mark Iacono opened the doors to Lucali in 2006 having never made pizza. He built the majority of the restaurant himself, including the oven used to make the pizzas. The experience here is part dining, part theatre, largely thanks to the layout of the restaurant. Guests can watch the talented chefs make each pizza on the marble top which separates the kitchen from the dining area - it’s truly mesmerising! The menu is simple, it’s pizza at it’s most basic and yet there’s nothing basic about it. Pizza’s come in one size and are topped with fresh basil - there are no pre-set pizzas, they start with a plain base and guests add their chosen toppings such as pepperoni, onions and peppers.
A “cosy neighbourhood restaurant that every neighbourhood should have,” Lucali’s is very popular with locals. Because of this, the restaurant gets busy! Luckily, Lucali’s have recently introduced a reservations system but as the restaurant only seats 30 people, spaces go quickly. Go early and prepare to wait!
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
110 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Sick and tired of working in IT, Paul Giannone decided to give it all up in pursuit of his one true passion: pizza. Paulie Gee’s soon followed. The cosy and welcoming atmosphere is what the chain is known for, that and the exceptional pizza! The extensive menu of wood-fired pizzas features inventive combinations using delicious locally-sourced ingredients. There’s also a long list of vegan options and a secret pizza list hidden on the back of the menu.
If you can’t get into the original Paulie Gee’s restaurant on Greenpoint Avenue, head round to Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop on Franklin Street for the most perfect street corner slice. And it’s exactly that - perfect! Paul has been recreating classic slices of street corner pizza from the very beginning. While here, why not pick up some beer, a pot of Mike’s Hot Honey or some Paulie Gee’s merchandise for your loved ones at home?
Prince Street Pizza
27 Prince Street A, New York, NY 10012
A bonafide Manhattan institution, Prince Street Pizza stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to square pizza. The hole-in-the-wall style pizza shop is famous for its thicker square ‘pies.’ And the proof is in the pudding - they truly are phenomenal! The most popular no-frills slice is the spicy pepperoni square with its fresh mozzarella, spicy red sauce and the biggest pepperoni slices you’ll ever lay eyes on, it’s a crunchy, doughy delight. Prince Street Pizza could never be accused of skimping on toppings!
Queues form outside from as early as midday but we promise you it’s worth it. Your hands will get greasy, you will get oil everywhere and you will need a huge pile of napkins to clean yourself up but one thing’s for certain - you will walk away content!
