New York City and pizza. It's a love story as old as time, a culinary romance that has fueled countless late-night cravings and lunchtime debates. From the foldable, thin-crust slices to the thick, square Sicilian pies, NYC pizza is a cultural icon, a food group in its own right. But with so many pizzerias vying for your attention (and your appetite), how do you find the best pizza in New York City? That's where this guide comes in. Consider this your curated roadmap to the most delicious slices in the Big Apple, a foodie's adventure through the cheesy, saucy, and utterly irresistible world of NYC pizza. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey you won't soon forget!
A Slice of History: Understanding NYC Pizza
Before we dive into the best spots, let's take a quick bite out of NYC pizza history. Pizza arrived in New York with Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, quickly becoming a beloved and affordable street food.
Navigating the NYC Pizza Landscape: Different Styles to Explore
New York City isn't a one-pizza town. While the classic slice reigns supreme, you'll find a delightful array of styles to explore:
- The Classic New York Slice: This is the pizza you picture when you think of NYC pizza. Thin, foldable, and typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your choice of toppings. Perfect for a quick bite on the go.
- Neapolitan Pizza: A taste of Italy in NYC! Neapolitan pies are known for their soft, chewy crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
They're cooked quickly in wood-fired ovens, resulting in a slightly charred and incredibly flavorful pizza. Learn more about the nuances of Neapolitan pizza from the experts at the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana https://www.pizzanapoletana.org/. - Sicilian Pizza: Thick, rectangular, and often topped with a generous amount of sauce and cheese, Sicilian pizza offers a different textural experience.
It's a hearty and satisfying option, perfect for sharing. - Grandma Pizza: Similar to Sicilian but often thinner and baked in a rectangular pan, Grandma pizza is characterized by its tangy sauce, often with garlic and onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the crust.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: While not originally from NYC, Detroit-style pizza has gained popularity.
It's a thick, rectangular pizza with a crispy, caramelized crust and often features a "racing stripe" of sauce on top. For a deep dive into Detroit-style pizza.
The Best Pizza in NYC: Our Top Picks:
Now for the moment you've been waiting for: our curated list of some of the best pizzerias in NYC. This isn't an exhaustive list (because honestly, that would be impossible!), but it's a great starting point for your pizza pilgrimage.
Classic New York Slices:
- Joe's Pizza (Multiple Locations): A true NYC institution, Joe's is a must-try for a classic, no-frills slice. Their perfectly balanced sauce and cheese, combined with a crisp crust, make it a consistent winner.
https://www.joespizzanyc.com/ - Lombardi's (Nolita): America's first pizzeria, Lombardi's has been serving up coal-fired, thin-crust pizzas since 1905.
Their history and quality make them a must-visit. https://www.firstpizza.com/ - Prince Street Pizza (Nolita): Known for their square slices, particularly the Spicy Spring, Prince Street is a popular spot for a unique and delicious take on the classic slice.
https://princestreetpizza.com/
Neapolitan Pizza Perfection:
- Lilia (Williamsburg): While Lilia is known for its pasta, their wood-fired pizzas are equally impressive.
The crust is perfectly charred, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. https://lilianewyork.com/ - Roberta's (Bushwick): A Bushwick staple, Roberta's serves up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in the city.
Their Bee Sting pizza, with spicy soppressata and honey, is a must-try. https://www.robertaspizza.com/ - Motorino (Multiple Locations): Motorino's Neapolitan pizzas are consistently excellent, with a perfectly chewy crust and high-quality ingredients.
https://motorinopizza.com/
Sicilian and Grandma Pizza Delights:
- Emmy Squared (Multiple Locations): Famous for their Detroit-style pizza, Emmy Squared also offers delicious Sicilian and Grandma slices.
Their Colony pizza, with pepperoni and pickled peppers, is a standout. https://www.emmysquaredpizza.com/ - Upside Pizza (Multiple Locations): Upside is a relative newcomer but has quickly gained a following for its excellent Grandma slices. Their focus on quality ingredients and perfect execution makes them a top contender.
https://www.upsidepizza.com/
Beyond the Basics:
- Lucali (Carroll Gardens): Lucali is a legend in the NYC pizza scene, known for its massive, thin-crust pies cooked in a wood-fired oven.
The simplicity and quality of the ingredients make it a truly special experience. (Note: Lucali is often cash-only and has long waits.) - Artichoke Basille's Pizza (Multiple Locations): If you're looking for something a little different, Artichoke Basille's artichoke slice is a must-try. It's rich, creamy, and utterly decadent.
https://www.artichokepizza.com/
Tips for the Ultimate NYC Pizza Experience:
- Go during off-peak hours: Avoid the lunch and dinner rushes to minimize wait times.
- Embrace the slice: Eating pizza by the slice is a quintessential NYC experience.
- Don't be afraid to try new places: There are countless pizzerias in NYC, so don't be afraid to venture beyond the well-known spots.
- Consider a pizza tour: Several companies offer guided pizza tours, which can be a fun and informative way to explore the city's pizza scene.
Scott's Pizza Tours https://www.scottspizzatours.com/ - Most importantly: be hungry!
The Search Never Ends: Start Your Pizza Adventure Today!
This guide is just a starting point. The beauty of NYC pizza is that the search for the "best" slice is a personal and ongoing journey. What I consider the best might be different from your preferences. So, get out there, explore, and discover your own favorite slice of NYC pizza heaven. Now, tell us in the comments below: What's YOUR favorite NYC pizza spot and why? Share your recommendations and help fellow pizza lovers discover new gems! Happy eating!
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