10 Best Pizza Places in New York City

There are no generalizations when it comes to pizza. Opinions on what makes a good pie are just that—totally subjective—with as many variations as there are pie toppings. Heck, some folks don’t even like pizza.

But if you’re a pie lover who considers a day without a large pepperoni a day without sunshine, and you happen to find yourself in Manhattan, here’s a list of 10 pizza places you won’t want to miss.

Lombardi’s

Located in the heart of Little Italy for more than 100 years, Lombardi’s claims not only to be the Big Apple’s first pizzeria, but the first in the United States! Drop in for the tradition—as in, pies baked in a coal oven, tables covered with red-and-white-checked cloths, and photos of the area way back when—and peruse the celebrity photo gallery while you eat.

Motorino

If you’re partial to Neapolitan-style pizza, Motorino might be you pizzeria of choice. With locations in the East Village and South Williamsburg, this place offers unique delicacies like Brussels Sprouts Pizza or the oh-so-spicy Soppressata Piccante. They even offer a pizza brunch ($14) on weekends!

Patsy’s Pizzeria

The thinnest of coal-fired crusts and a delicious array of specialty pies has kept Patsy’s in business since the restaurant first opened in East Harlem in 1933. You can even dress your own pizza by choosing a plain and picking your faves from an assortment of toppings that come in between $3–$5.50. Just hungry enough for a slice? Pick one up for a mere $1.75 cash at Patsy’s takeout counter a few doors down.

Williamsburg Pizza

If you like your pizza on the hip side, head to Broome Street in the Lower East Side. Williamsburg Pizza has got you covered with offerings like the Tartufo, dressed in mushrooms and white truffles, or the Apple Bacon, which includes crushed walnuts and gorgonzola. Four bucks will get you a hearty traditional slice.

Pizza Suprema

Known for it’s first-class, “Real New York” $3 plain slices, this Midtown pizzeria was built in 1964 and has been owned by the same Italian family ever since. Three pizza sauces are made fresh every morning. The mozzarella cheese is also made in house. According to the owner, “Pizza here at NY Pizza Suprema is not just another item on a long Diner’s style menu… it pretty much is our menu.”

Joe’s Pizza

Over in West Greenwich Village, Joe’s Pizza has been providing New York street slices for over 37 years. As a matter of fact, the original owner, now a spry 75 years old, still owns and operates the place. Although the owners pride themselves on keeping it basic—“no fancy pants pies”—Joe’s slices have been praised in publications like New York Magazine and GQ.

Sal & Carmine

If you’re looking for atmosphere, try this Broadway pizzeria and neighborhood institution. Sal is no longer with us, but his gruff partner, Carmine, carries on the fifty-some-year tradition of providing delicious, plain New York slices for $3.

Percy’s Pizza

Down on Bleeker Street in the Village, Percy’s serves up what The New York Post calls the best $1 slice in the city. That’s right, pizza lovers, you can get a thin, tasty slice for a single buck. Hand over an extra dollar you can get toppings!

Keste Pizza & Vino

Ever dined on pizza made by a Master Pizziaolo—and national pizza consultant—trained in Naples? Well, here’s your chance! Offering everything from homemade mozzarella to vegan and gluten-free pizzas, this West Village pizzeria promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience. (They also offer lighter fare “for diners who prefer to lead a joyless life.”)

Marta

Marta has gotten rave reviews from no less than the food critics at The New York Times. The Roman-style pizza has a tissue-thin, crackery, crunchy crust, and the toppings are far from run of the mill. Think Carbonara with potatoes, guanciale, black pepper, pecorino, egg, tripe, mint, pecorino, and chili, and you’ll get the mouthwateringly unique idea!

Honorable Mention: Ray’s

Which pizzeria are we talking about here? Famous Ray’s? Famous Original Ray’s? Original Ray’s? Ray Bari? Just plain Ray’s? It seems that some years ago the “original” most famous of the group actually closed down (located previously on Prince Street). A few eateries have come and gone since then in that location. Because it can be oh-so-confusing, Ray’s gets an honorable mention here, mostly because the confusion is sometimes referenced in television and movies, but also because if the pizza wasn’t very good, people wouldn’t care enough to try and “out-Ray Ray’s” if you know what we mean.