Where To Find The Best Slice Of Pizza In New York City
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The Best Pizza in NYC: Where to Find the Ultimate Slices and Pies
New York City has long been the ultimate destination for pizza lovers, with iconic pizzerias scattered across the five boroughs serving up slices that have earned the city global renown.
But where should you start if you're on the hunt for the best? From thin, crisp crusts to bubbling cheese and just the right amount of sauce, these five legendary spots—San Matteo, Patsy’s, Joe’s Pizza, Luzzo’s Brooklyn, and Famous Original Ray’s Pizza—each offer a uniquely New York take on pizza. Here’s why each of these institutions deserves a spot on any pizza lover’s must-try list.
Joe’s Pizza: The Classic NYC Slice
Joe's Pizza, a Greenwich Village institution in New York City, cemented its status as a cultural icon when it was featured in Spider-Man 2 (2004). The pizzeria served as the workplace of Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire, who famously struggled to balance his job delivering pizzas with his superhero responsibilities.
This cameo put Joe’s Pizza on the global map, attracting fans of the franchise and pizza lovers alike to its modest storefront at Carmine Street. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for Spider-Man fans, who come to take pictures and enjoy a classic New York slice. The film immortalized Joe’s as more than just a pizzeria—it became a symbol of NYC’s charm, blending pop culture with the city’s iconic food scene.
With multiple locations across Manhattan, Joe’s Pizza is practically synonymous with the classic New York slice. Known for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Joe’s has been serving up pizza since 1975, making it a go-to spot for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The magic of Joe’s is in its consistency: every slice has that perfect ratio of cheese to sauce, with a thin crust that’s foldable yet sturdy. The cheese slice at Joe’s is quintessential New York, offering a savory and tangy bite that’s lightly greasy in the best way possible. Grab a slice to go, and enjoy it while wandering the streets of NYC—you’ll be eating like a true New Yorker.
Source: San Matteo
San Matteo: Authentic Neapolitan in the Heart of NYC
San Matteo was founded in 2010 by the two brothers Fabio and Ciro Casella. The first Location in the Upper East Side NYC at the corner of 2nd Ave and 90th Street and, after a few years at the corner of 2nd Ave and 81st St.
Nestled in the Upper East Side, San Matteo brings a slice of Naples to New York City. Known for its Neapolitan-style pies, this cozy spot takes pizza-making to an art form, using only the freshest Italian ingredients and baking each pizza in a wood-fired oven for that signature char and slightly chewy crust.
Their Margherita is a classic favorite, with creamy mozzarella di bufala, fragrant basil, and tangy tomato sauce that melds into a delicious, delicate bite. For something truly unique, try the Pizza con Salsiccia, topped with Italian sausage and friarielli, a bitter green vegetable that perfectly complements the pizza’s savory elements. San Matteo delivers an experience that feels authentically Italian while being very much at home in NYC’s pizza scene.
Luzzo’s Brooklyn: A New York Take on Italian Tradition
Luzzo’s Brooklyn combines the best of New York and Italian pizza-making, bringing together traditional Italian ingredients with the flair of NYC’s pizza style. Known for its brick-oven pies, Luzzo’s specializes in pizzas that are slightly charred and deeply flavorful, with a slightly chewy texture. Since 2004, Luzzo's has been baking pizzas in some of the few authentic 120-year-old coal ovens left in the city.
The crust at Luzzo’s Brooklyn has a delightful elasticity, a sign of the high-quality dough and careful fermentation process that goes into each pie. While Luzzo’s offers an Italian vibe, its location and approach have made it a favorite among Brooklynites who crave authentic yet inventive pies.
Source: Patsy’s
Patsy’s: An East Harlem Institution
When it comes to NYC pizza history, Patsy’s is one of the city’s oldest and most celebrated pizzerias. The Pizzeria was founded in East Harlem in 1933. When it first opened its doors, this establishment joined the ranks of New York City’s earliest pizzerias, standing alongside legendary names like Lombardi’s, Totonno’s, and John’s. These pioneering pizzerias were instrumental in introducing Neapolitan-style pizza to the city, laying the foundation for what would become an iconic part of New York’s culinary identity. Emerging at a time when Italian immigrants were reshaping the city’s food culture, these pizzerias quickly became beloved neighborhood fixtures, offering slices that blended Old World traditions with a distinctly New York flair. Together, they set the standard for what authentic New York pizza should be, creating a legacy that continues to inspire pizza makers and delight diners to this day.
Patsy’s has perfected the art of New York-style pizza over nearly a century, offering a thin, coal-fired crust that’s crisp and charred just enough to bring out the flavors of the sauce and cheese without overpowering them. The standout thing about Patsy’s is that their pizza is a good blend between the typical NYC slice and a Neapolitan slice
Patsy’s pies have a signature balance between sauce, cheese, and crust that keeps loyal customers coming back again and again. Don’t miss the classic plain cheese pie, which has a simplicity and depth that can only come from years of perfecting the craft. Patsy’s may not be flashy, but it’s a staple for anyone serious about NYC’s pizza heritage.
Famous Original Ray’s Pizza: A Slice of NYC Nostalgia
The legacy of Ray’s Pizza is as tangled as New York’s skyline, with multiple locations and even more imitators, but Famous Original Ray’s in Midtown stands as a true icon of NYC pizza. Famous for its hefty, foldable slices and generous cheese and sauce toppings, Ray’s has cemented itself as a slice shop where quantity and quality meet. A slice from Ray’s is a journey back in time; the crust is slightly thicker than that of most NY-style pies, providing a heartier foundation for a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and a sauce that leans just a little sweet. Whether you’re after a quick bite before a Broadway show or want a late-night slice, Ray’s delivers on that nostalgic, comforting NYC pizza experience.
The Verdict: Who Reigns Supreme?
The beauty of New York City’s pizza scene is in its diversity. San Matteo brings the delicate artistry of Neapolitan-style pizza, while Patsy’s honors NYC’s coal-fired tradition. Joe’s Pizza epitomizes the classic New York slice, while Luzzo’s Brooklyn serves up a distinctive brick-oven experience. And Famous Original Ray’s brings a touch of nostalgia with its rich, cheesy pies. Each of these pizzerias offers something unique, making it hard to crown just one as the best.
For the ultimate NYC pizza experience, why not try a slice at each?
