Top 10 Best Pizza Places in New York City

Emily has cracked the code on Detroit-style pizza in New York, serving up thick, rectangular pies with impossibly crispy, caramelized cheese edges that could convert the staunchest thin-crust devotees. The Emmy burger—a cheeseburger-topped pizza that sounds gimmicky but tastes transcendent—has achieved legendary status, while the West Village location's cozy, date-night vibe makes it more than just a pizza joint. It's innovative comfort food executed with precision and soul.

Williamsburg's Best Pizza is anything but a generic name—it's a statement of intent backed by supremely balanced pies that showcase seasonal toppings. The white pizza with sausage and pickled chilies is a masterclass in flavor layering, while the airy, slightly tangy crust suggests a dough-maker who truly understands fermentation. The no-frills space and Brooklyn attitude keep the focus squarely on what matters: exceptional pizza.

Authentic Neapolitan pizza meets Hell's Kitchen at this sleek, modern spot overseen by a true pizzaiolo from Naples. The crust achieves that coveted cornicione—puffy, airy edges framing a tender center—while toppings like San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella are flown in directly from Italy. The full bar and spacious layout make it ideal for groups looking to turn pizza into a proper evening out.

Claiming the title of America's first pizzeria (since 1905), Lombardi's is less a restaurant and more a pilgrimage site for pizza devotees worldwide. The coal-oven pies emerge with a beautifully blistered, slightly sweet crust that's unmistakably old-school, though some purists argue the recipes have evolved over the decades. History aside, there's something undeniably magical about eating pizza where the American pizza story began.

This compact Nolita corner spot punches well above its weight class, delivering wood-fired pizzas with a tender, beautifully charred crust that rivals spots twice its size. The prosciutto and arugula pie strikes that perfect sweet-salty-peppery balance, while the minimalist space ensures the pizza remains the undisputed star. It's where Manhattanites go when they want quality without the scene.

Conveniently located steps from Madison Square Garden, this family-run operation has been the pre-game ritual for Knicks and Rangers fans since 1964. The secret is in the sauce—bright, herb-forward, and ladled generously over a crispy-yet-pliable crust that folds like a dream. Despite its prime location, prices remain shockingly reasonable, making it a true people's pizza parlor.

Hidden in the East Village, this unassuming spot has quietly built a devoted following thanks to its perfectly balanced Neapolitan-style pies and ingredients sourced straight from Italy. The vodka pizza is revelatory—creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive—while the airy, leopard-spotted crust achieves that elusive combination of char and chew. With sky-high ratings and a neighborhood feel, it's the kind of place New Yorkers guard jealously.

This Nolita gem has achieved cult status for its thin-crust pies that balance crispness with just enough chew, crowned by a perfectly tangy sauce. The Tie Dye pizza—a swirl of red and white sauces with fresh mozzarella—is an Instagram darling, but the classic Margherita proves why simplicity reigns supreme. Expect lines out the door and a buzzing, energetic vibe that captures the essence of downtown Manhattan.

Step into this Greenwich Village coal-oven legend and you're transported to old New York, with checkered tablecloths and the unmistakable aroma of pies baking at 700 degrees. Since 1929, John's has been turning out blistered, smoky-crusted pizzas that demand to be eaten with a knife and fork—no slices here, only whole pies. The brick-walled, candlelit atmosphere makes it equally perfect for a casual date or a family dinner.

A Times Square institution that's been slinging no-frills, classic New York slices since 1975, Joe's Pizza is where tourists and locals surprisingly agree. The thin, foldable crust with just the right char and grease-to-cheese ratio has made this spot a cultural landmark—even Spider-Man couldn't resist stopping by. It's proof that sometimes the simplest approach yields the most satisfying results.