Before we run down the best pizza places in NYC (New York City), let’s get one thing straight: There’s a reason why New Yorkers always brag about their pizza. For one, it’s incredibly delicious. Another reason is that it’s hard to find a bad slice of pie in the city, in any of the boroughs. But don’t take SELECT’s word for it. Instead, visit one of the 10 pizzerias on this list which include many of the best pizza places in NYC, and find out for yourself. Patsy’s, Rosa’s Pizza, Louie and Ernie’s, and Joe and Pat’s offer great slice and pie options. However, if you’re looking for more elevated dining to take your pizza to new heights, check out a couple new places, such as Roberta’s or Motorino. Either way, you can’t go wrong, as both you and your stomach will be pleased when you swing by the following destinations.
| Name | Location | Description |
| Patsy’s Pizzeria | 2287 1st Avenue | Patsy’s Pizzeria first opened back in 1933. Although the prices aren’t the same as on opening day, you can still get a pretty good bargain here. A slice will only cost you $1.75, and a generously sized pie is only $12. Here, you’ll get the traditional NYC pizzeria experience, too. There are other equally delicious eats as well, like chicken parmesan heroes, ziti al forno, and penne alfredo. |
| Motorino | Multiple Locations | With locations in Hong Kong and Manila, the farthest you’ll have to travel for Motorino’s scrumptious pizza in the five boroughs is Williamsburg, the East Village and the Upper West Side. All three locations specialize in Neapolitan-style pies: Their classic Margherita with pecorino is a solid choice, but if you’re looking for something different you can try one of the white pies, like the prosciutto di parma or Brussel sprouts and smoked pancetta. |
| Roberta’s | 261 Moore St, Brooklyn | Roberta’s made eating pizza a lot more trendy. A lot. Take a seat at the picnic tables in the backyard area and order some drinks from the Tiki bar while you wait for your food to come out. You can’t come here without trying the Speckenwolf, however, which has homemade mozzarella, slices of speck and mushroom. If you’re with a group of people, get the meat plate with prosciutto and finocchiona to share as an appetizer. |
| Joe and Pat’s | 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island | The vodka pizza at Joe and Pat’s is definitely worth the trip to Staten Island. This mom-and-pop pizzeria is a favorite among locals for its amazing pies, naturally, and its equally stellar service. All the pizzaat Joe and Pat’s is made with a thin crust and lots of gooey cheese — as New York as you can get. |
| Sam’s | 238 Court St, Brooklyn | Even though the neighborhood has changed, Sam’s retains its old-school vibe, with leather booths and checkered table cloths. Its menu features classic pasta dishes like ravioli, ziti and spaghetti. But the star of the show is the coal-fired pizza — made with a thin, crispy crust that simply can’t be beat. |
| Louie and Ernie’s | 1300 Crosby Ave, Bronx | The sausage pizza at Louie and Ernie’s is what’ll have you coming back for more in this Bronx spot. For only $4, you’ll get a slice topped with generous portions of tasty meat from the local butcher. Everything about it is just right: The crust isn’t too crunchy; the cheese-to-sauce ratio isn’t overwhelming; and the added spices give the pizza a nice extra kick. |
| Rosa’s Pizza | 55-26 69th St, Maspeth | Located in Queens, Rosa’s Pizza will pleasantly surprise pizza lovers. The Grandma and Sicilian pies are what to order: There are tons of toppings available, like vegetables, meat, pasta, sausage and more. But when in Rosa’s Pizza, try a specialty slice like ravioli, buffalo chicken, and chicken bacon ranch. You’ll be very very glad you did. |
| New Yankee SK Pizza | 1616 Westchester Ave, Bronx | This Bronx pizzeria is small, and embodies the whole “fold-and-go” philosophy. So, while you’re taking that order to go, rest assure that you’re getting your money’s worth, as its slices are massive. More bang for your buck, basically: Two slices and a can of soda will only cost you only about $6. |
| L&B Spumoni Gardens | 2725 86th St, Brooklyn | A New York pizza tour would be incomplete without a trip to L&B. Skip the wait at the traditional indoor restaurant, though, and place your order at the window for some of the best square slices your taste buds have ever experienced. If you’re with a group, order a family-style half-tray and dive in. Be aware: The pizza is made with the sauce on top of the cheese, which is definitely conducive to some messy yet delicious eating. Complete your L&B experience with a Spumoni for dessert. |
| Keste’s Pizza & Vino | Multiple Locations | The owner of Keste’s comes straight from Naples, so you know that this place is the real deal. Here, you’ll find pies made with a Neapolitan pizza maker and topped with homemade mozzarella. What sets Keste apart from all the rest, though, is the fact that there are a surprising number of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, such as pistachio and sausage or (if you want a side dish with your pizza), a lentil salad. |
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Intrepid intern Christina Elia is currently pursuing her BA in Art History Communications at Fordham University, and writes about various topics ranging from arts and culture to practical tips and how-to advice. She has been published on online platforms such as The Odyssey. You can follow her on Twitter via @stinaelia
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