New York and pizza go together like…well, New York and pizza.
From classic coal-fired pies to cheesy, sauce-loaded slices, this state has mastered the art of turning dough, sauce, and cheese into something legendary.
Some spots have been slinging pies for over a century, while others are newer but just as obsessed with making the perfect pizza.
We’re talking secret family recipes, bubbling-hot wood-fired ovens, and even a place that serves its pizza upside down.
Whether you love thin and crispy or thick and cheesy, these are the spots that make New York one of the greatest places for pizza on the planet.
1. Di Fara Pizza
Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Di Fara Pizza is a tiny, no-frills spot in Brooklyn’s Midwood neighborhood, where pizza legend Dom DeMarco hand-made pies for over 50 years, tossing dough, ladling sauce, and snipping fresh basil on every slice.
Even after his passing in 2022, his family continues to run the pizzeria, keeping his legacy alive.
Their New York-style pizza is famous for its crispy-yet-chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, and a glorious blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and hand-grated Grana Padano, all drizzled with olive oil straight from Italy.
People wait in line for hours just to get a slice, and trust me, it’s worth it—this is old-school, life-changing, “how is this even real?” kind of pizza.
2. Lombardi’s Pizza
Address: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Lombardi’s Pizza isn’t just any pizzeria—it’s recognized by the Pizza Hall of Fame as the first pizzeria in the U.S.
It’s been serving up coal-fired perfection in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood since 1905.
Their signature pies come out of the oven with a perfectly charred, smoky crust, topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and big, beautiful basil leaves.
It’s got that classic New York pizza magic, but with an old-school twist—eating here feels like biting into a delicious piece of pizza history.
3. Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria
Address: 2872 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217
Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria might be in Buffalo, but don’t expect thick, saucy wings—this place is all about masterfully crafted Neapolitan and Detroit-style pies.
Their Neapolitan pizzas have that leopard-spotted crust, airy and blistered from a high-temperature wood-fired oven.
Alternatively, try one of their Detroit-style slices with crispy, cheesy edges and pillowy dough that dreams are made of.
It’s the kind of pizza that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate how ridiculously good it is—Buffalo might be famous for wings, but Jay’s proves it’s got a serious pizza game too.
4. Una Pizza Napoletana
Address: 175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Located in Manhattan, Una Pizza Napoletana is where Anthony Mangieri has perfected the art of Neapolitan pizza with almost monk-like dedication.
Each pie is a minimalist masterpiece, made with naturally leavened dough, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and a delicate drizzle of olive oil.
All pies are then baked in a wood-fired oven until the crust is light, airy, and beautifully charred.
There are no slices and no shortcuts—just pure, authentic Neapolitan pizza, crafted with quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
It’s the kind of pie that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about perfection.
5. Ribalta
Address: 48 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Ribalta brings a full-on Italian pizza party to the heart of NYC, serving up Neapolitan pies with a side of serious passion and energy.
Their dough is made with imported Italian flour and natural yeast, creating a light, puffy crust that’s chewy in the middle and crispy on the edges.
With a menu full of classic and creative toppings, this place is all about big flavors, lively vibes, and pizza that tastes like it came straight from Italy.
6. O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria
Address: 614 Bleecker St, Utica, NY 13501
O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria in Utica isn’t just old-school—it’s legendary as they’ve been serving up their signature upside-down pizza since 1914.
This Utica classic flips the script by layering the toppings first, then baking the pizza with cheese before finishing it with a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkling of grated cheese, creating a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
It’s messy, saucy, and totally unique—one bite, and you’ll understand why this upstate icon has been winning over pizza lovers for more than a century.
7. Toss & Fire Wood-Fired Pizza
Address: 315 N Main St, North Syracuse, NY 13212
Toss & Fire Wood-Fired Pizza started as a food truck in Syracuse and blew up so fast they had to open multiple locations—because, yeah, the pizza is that good.
Their wood-fired pies have a beautifully blistered crust, melty mozzarella, and creative toppings, like their famous “Cuse Salt Potato” pizza, inspired by upstate New York’s love for salt potatoes.
It’s the perfect mix of artisan technique and local flavors, proving that Syracuse isn’t just about snow—it’s also home to some seriously tasty pizza.
8. Bocce Club Pizza
Address: 4174 Bailey Ave, Amherst, NY 14226
Bocce Club Pizza is Buffalo-style pizza at its finest—thick, fluffy crust, sweet tomato sauce, tons of cheese, and those signature cup-and-char pepperoni that curl up into crispy little flavor bombs.
They’ve been serving up this hometown favorite since 1946, baking every pie to perfection and cutting their pizzas into either squares or traditional pie-shaped slices.
If you’ve never had Buffalo-style pizza before, Bocce Club is the place to start—just be warned, once you try it, you might never go back to regular pizza again.
9. Lucali
Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Lucali in Brooklyn is the kind of place that turns a simple pizza night into a full-blown event—no reservations, cash only, and a wait that can stretch for hours.
But once you get that first bite of their thin, perfectly charred, brick-oven pizza topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil, you get it—this is pizza at its most pure.
It’s got that old-school, candlelit, bring-your-own-wine charm, and with Mark Iacono himself often stretching dough in the open kitchen, eating here feels like you’re part of something special.
Related Posts
