23 Best Pizzas in Manhattan to Try in 2024
New York and Pizza have a deep-rooted love affair that always sparks locals into intense debates about defining which is the best pizza in Manhattan. Some live by the local 99¢ pizza joint near their house; others prefer high-end trattorias.
The truth is that you can get cheesy and crusty pizzas all over Manhattan. Pizza has become a signature dish that is a must for those who want to immerse themselves in the city’s culinary landscape.
So, what is the best pizza in Manhattan? We did our research, exploring different pizzerias, and here’s the final roundup of 23 pizza restaurants that will make you understand why New York is known as the “pinnacle of pizza.”
Making the Best Pizza in Manhattan
While it’s impossible not to find a good pizza spot in Manhattan, a fun and unique experience is to learn how to make it yourself, especially if you want to learn to cook something that everyone loves, and you can think of it as an experience souvenir or fun New York gifts for friends.
Pizza making classes in NYC can be a valuable experience where you'll learn from talented local chefs all the techniques, ingredients and secrets to making an authentic NYC-style pizza anytime, anywhere. Pair this with photography classes in NYC so that you can capture your creations to post on Insta.
Top 23 Best Pizza Places in Manhattan
1. Patsy’s Pizzeria
Many locals consider Patsy’s Pizza NYC to be the best pizza on the Upper East Side. Founded in 1933 by Pasquale “Patsy” Lancieri, it is credited as one of the original pizzerias in the United States.
What makes this pizzeria unique is the use of coal-fired ovens to bake its pies. With the heat of the oven, the pizza has the perfect balance between a crispy base and perfectly melted toppings.
What to Order:
While there are different delicious options, the traditional Margherita pizza is exceptional. Its fresh tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, basil leaves and olive oil make it a classic representation of Neapolitan pizza.
Patsy’s Pizzeria | 2287 First Ave., New York, NY, 10035 | $$
2. Joe’s Pizza NYC
What is considered the best pizza in New York? Joe’s Pizza NYC definitely tops the list for the best pizza in Manhattan. This popular pizzeria has been around since 1975, and as the years go by, it still maintains the same quality and taste, making it a favorite among the locals.
Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or even a late-night snack, as it's a 24-hour pizza in NYC, Joe’s pizza is a must.
A fun fact about this pizzeria is that it makes a famous appearance in Spider-Man 2, as it is the place where Peter Parker works as a delivery boy.
What to Order:
Enjoy a classic but tasty mozzarella New York-style slice. Its thin crust, with the tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, is too good to miss.
Joe’s Pizza | 7 Carmine St., New York, NY, 10014 | $
3. Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s is not only the best pizza in Little Italy NYC, but also the oldest! It was established in 1905 and holds the distinction of being one of the first pizzerias in the country that shaped pizza culture.
Lombardi’s pizzas are characterized by their simplicity and quality ingredients. They are made with coal-fired ovens that give a distinct flavor and texture, making them an iconic choice for those looking for the best pizza in Manhattan.
What to Order:
Classic Margherita is definitely one of their best options. The fresh mozzarella and basil, with the exquisite tomato sauce, make you want to eat more than a few slices.
Lombardi’s | 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 | $$
4. Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s is known to have some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in New York. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures giving a crispy yet tender texture, making them some of the best pizzas in Manhattan.
One of the characteristics of Paulie Gee’s pizzas is its unique toppings that feature high-quality cheeses, artisanal meats and fresh vegetables.
What to Order:
Ordering at Paulie Gee’s is a fun experience as the options are creative and spark curiosity. One of the most recommended specialties is the “Hellboy” pizza that has a hot honey drizzle and the “Anise and Nephew” with anisette cream.
Paulie Gee’s | 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 | $$
5. Prince Street Pizza
One of the finalists when it comes to the best pizza in midtown Manhattan is Prince Street Pizza. It is known for its iconic “SoHo Square” slices that feature a thick and pillowy crust with a crispy bottom and generously served toppings.
The pizzeria is perfect for a slice to go or for a quick lunch, as it has limited counter seats and a simple setup.
What to Order:
The SoHo square, which for many is the best pizza slice in NYC, is definitely the signature pizza, made with homemade tomato sauce, abundant mozzarella cheese and pepperoni cups that crisp during baking, which makes it an amazing combination of flavors and textures.
Prince Street Pizza | 27 Prince St A, New York, NY 10012 | $
6. PizzArte
PizzArte offers a different proposal than traditional pizzerias. As the names suggest, the restaurant fuses “Pizza” and “Arte” (translates to art). The pizzeria celebrates the artistry of pizza making and other Italian culinary traditions but with a modern approach.
PizzArte has a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere that makes it suitable for diverse occasions. If you're seeking places to celebrate a birthday dinner in NYC, then one of the best pizzas in Manhattan is definitely worth considering.
What to Order:
Tartufata pizza is definitely worth trying; it includes truffle-infused cream sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms and prosciutto.
PizzArte | 69 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 | $$
7. Kesté Pizza e Vino
Founded by Pizzaiolo Roberto Caporuscio, Kesté Pizza e Vino has gained the reputation of being the best pizza in lower Manhattan. Its high-quality pizzas, with its extensive wine selection, keep growing and solidifying its reputation.
What sets the restaurant apart and labels it as one of the best pizzas in Manhattan is the fact that they import many of its ingredients from Italy, such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella.
What to Order:
The classic Margherita pizza is a hallmark of Kzsté Pizza e Vino due to its ingredients and simplicity.
Kesté Pizza e Vino | 77 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038 | $$
8. Upside Pizza
Among the best indoor activities in NYC, you’ll find eating the best pizza in Manhattan one of your favorites. Upside Pizza is a great option to explore an elevated version of the classic New York-style pizza.
If you ask any local, they’ll tell you that the best pizza in Manhattan should have at least generous cheese and a good tomato sauce. Upside pizza offers innovative flavors, always preserving a thin crust, fresh tomato sauce and lots of cheese.
What to Order:
The honey truffle slice is delicious as it combines the earthy truffle flavor with the right amount of sweetness. Another popular option is the vodka sauce pizza made with a cream and tangy vodka sauce and cheese.
Upside Pizza | 598 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018 | $
9. Famous Ben’s Pizza
Famous Ben’s Pizza came to life in 1979. It was founded by Ben and Debbie Aliotta, with recipes that came from Ben’s Sicilian immigrant parents.
They focus on serving the highest quality products, and while it has one of the best pizzas in Manhattan, the restaurant also offers pasta dishes and calzones. The pizzeria has consistently ranked among the top five pizza stores by the New York Post.
An interesting fact is that Famous Ben’s Pizza has made movie appearances in Men in Black 2 and Sex in the City, making it the best pizza in Manhattan for movie lovers to try.
What to Order:
One of the best pizzas in Manhattan is here, named “Palermo” in honor of the capital of Sicily; it is covered with a thick topping of olive oiled and browned bread crumbs with a puree of onions underneath.
Famous Ben’s Pizza | 177 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 | $
10. Una Pizza Napoletana
Wondering who won the best pizza in New York City? The official award for best pizza in Manhattan went to Una Pizza Napoletana. The recognition is given by the Italian brand-sponsored guide Top 50 Pizza that gave Una Pizza Napoletana first place in the U.S.
If you’re seeking original date ideas in NYC, why not try the best pizza in Manhattan with your loved one? It will definitely be an experience none of you will forget.
An interesting fact about this pizzeria is that it adheres to the strict guidelines set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Therefore, they use specific ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and a wood-fired oven.
What to Order:
The star of the pizzeria is the Margherita pizza. Its high-quality ingredients are what makes the difference when comparing it to other pizzerias. For many locals, the best pizza in Manhattan is a slice of Margherita from Una Pizza Napoletana, so it’s worth the visit.
Una Pizza Napoletana | 175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 | $$$
11. Made in New York Pizza
The top-rated Made in New York Pizza can be found at multiple locations around Manhattan, including the West Village, the Upper West Side and Midtown West, making this best pizza in Manhattan option one of the easiest to access.
Their goal is to serve the most authentic New York pizza, and they pride themselves on making a pizza that is consistently true to its New York style.
What to Order:
The chicken, bacon and ranch pizza is topped with crispy crumbled bacon bits and drizzled with a creamy ranch sauce that is a satisfying and unique topping choice for one of the best pizzas in Manhattan.
Made in New York Pizza | 421 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 | $$
12. Patzeria Perfect Pizza
What is the best pizza in Times Square? Patzeria Perfect Pizza is a great quick option with one of the best locations as it is near Times Square and Broadway theaters.
It offers a diverse range of pizzas and Italian-American dishes that are perfect for visitors looking for a quick but delicious meal. Their pizzas are popular mainly due to their thin and foldable crust, with its classic flavors.
What to Order:
The classic cheese slice is a must for those who want to experience what a NYC pizza truly tastes.
Patzeria Perfect Pizza | 231 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 | $
13. Rubirosa
For some locals, the best pizza in lower Manhattan is in Rubirosa. This popular Italian-American restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that both locals and tourists love.
One of the characteristics of its pizza, and the reason why it's one of the best pizzas in Manhattan, is because of its cheese. They produce their own mozzarella, which gives pizzas and other dishes an amazing fresh flavor.
What to Order:
One of the signature pizzas at Rubirosa is the “Vodka Pie'' made with mozzarella cheese, tangy tomato sauce, vodka sauce and pecorino romano cheese.
Rubirosa | 235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012 | $$
14. NY Pizza Suprema
NY Pizza Suprema is located in the heart of New York City, close to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It offers the classic New York-style pizza featuring a thin, foldable crust, tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
For tourists and locals, and even celebrities (such as Jimmy Fallon), NY Pizza Suprema is the best pizza in midtown Manhattan, and it has received recognition categorizing the place as the perfect “go-to-spot” for authentic New York Pizza.
What to Order:
The classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas are worth the hype and a must-try if you visit the pizzeria.
NY Pizza Suprema | 413 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | $
15. Artichoke Basille’s
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is another great spot to try one of the best pizzas in Manhattan. The pizzeria focuses on having rich and flavorful toppings, with a little bit of creativity in their pizza-making process.
What to Order:
If you’re looking for the best pizza slice in NYC with a unique flavor, then their signature “Artichoke Pizza” is a must-try. The slice has a creamy and rich sauce made with artichokes, spinach, cream and cheese.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza | 114 10th Ave Corner of 17th Street, New York City, NY 10011-4704 | $
16. Scarr’s Pizza
Known as one of the best pizzas in lower Manhattan, Scarr’s Pizza offers high-quality and locally sourced ingredients to prepare its New York-style pizza.
Scarr’s Pizza takes pride in making its own dough and using fresh ingredients that come from local farmers. Besides its classic pizza options that are popular among locals, the restaurant also offers a selection of homemade beverages.
What to Order:
The best pizzas in Manhattan can be as simple as Scarr’s classic cheese pizza. It has just three components but an outstanding flavor.
Scarr’s Pizza | 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, EE. UU. | $
17. B Side Pizza Bar
When looking for the best pizza in midtown Manhattan, B Side Pizza Bar definitely enters the list. With its rustic decor and friendly atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes tourists and locals to enjoy its delicious artisanal pizzas.
B Side Pizza Bar offers both traditional Italian pizzas as well as some new creations based on seasonal ingredients. Pizzas are made in a wood oven, which gives them a delicious taste and texture.
What to Order:
Their Killer Bee pizza is an exquisite option. It has house marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, sopressata, garlic puree, chili oil and honey, creating an explosion of flavors.
B Side Pizza Bar | 370 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019 | $$
18. Sofia Pizza Shoppe
Labeled as the best pizza in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Sofia Pizza Shoppe does not disappoint. This innovative restaurant uses traditional techniques but provides innovative combinations that are too good to be true.
Among its famous pizzas, you’ll find three all-time favorites: The classic cheese pizza, the seasonal grandma pizza made with homemade plum tomato vodka sauce and pepperoni and the grandma pizza with fresh mozzarella and pecorino romano cheese. The pizzeria also offers gluten-free options.
What to Order:
The seasonal grandma pizza is definitely a must-try. Besides its fresh and tasty tomato vodka sauce, you’ll also enjoy fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of Mike’s hot honey, which makes this one of the best pizzas in Manhattan if you love spicey and sweet flavor combinations.
Sofia Pizza Shoppe | 989 1st Ave., New York, NY 10022, EE. UU | $
19. Zia Maria Little Italy
Zia Maria is a family-owned Italian restaurant that offers one of the best pizzas in Little Italy NYC.
They produce Italian classic dishes, as well as authentic quality pizza that has the perfect crisp crust. You can also have a delicious cup of wine or refreshing beverages.
What to Order:
Their fig and prosciutto pizza is an absolute delight. Made with preserved figs, gorgonzola cheese, fresh arugula, and prosciutto di parma, the pizza balances flavors perfectly.
Zia Maria | 138 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 | $$
20. Motorino
Motorino is a clear example of how you can respect tradition but also give it a modern twist. The pizzeria is known for its Neapolitan-style pizza, but it offers unexpected flavor combinations, making it a delightful and exciting dining experience.
The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives them a smoky flavor and a slightly charred and blistered crust.
What to Order:
If you want to have the full Motornino experience, then you should order one of its signature pizzas, the Brussels sprout pizza.
It might sound a bit too exotic for some, but the combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked pancetta, garlic, pecorino cheese and olive oil creates one of the best pizzas in Manhattan for anyone who likes to experiment with pizza toppings.
Motorino | 349 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003 | $$
21. Don Antonio by Starita
Don Antonio by Starita is a renowned pizzeria popular for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas. It has a partnership with the acclaimed pizzeria in Naples called "Pizzeria Starita," and it has garnered recognition for maintaining traditional techniques and using the best ingredients.
For many, this is the best pizza in Times Square and a must-visit if you’re around the area. Besides the traditional option, it has a standout option which is its “Montanara pizza,” which is prepared by flash-frying the dough before adding the toppings and finishing it in the wooden oven. As a result, you have a crispy yet soft pizza.
What to Order:
Montanara pizza is definitely worth adding to your list of the best pizzas in Manhattan to try. However, when visiting Don Antonio by Starita, you should also opt for classics such as Margherita or Marinara.
Don Antonio by Starita | 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019 | $$
22. Mama’s TOO!
When planning to visit the best pizzas in Manhattan, then Mama’s TOO should also be on your list. This popular pizzeria is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
It's known for its oversized, square and crispy crust pizzas that have unique toppings and flavor combos. And they also offer delicious side dishes like garlic knots and fresh salads.
What to Order:
The Grandma Square slice is too good to miss. It has a thick square slice with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, garlic and herbs.
Mama’s TOO! | 2750 Broadway New York, NY 10025 | $
23. John’s of Bleecker Street
Another of the best pizzas in Manhattan is John’s of Bleecker Street. Located in Greenwich Village, the pizzeria dates back almost a century. In 1929 it first opened its doors, and to this day, it has maintained a high reputation among its visitors.
One of its hallmarks is its coal-fired pizza which gives it the classic New York-style crust. Its menu is simple and traditional, focusing on using quality ingredients.
What to Order:
Classic Margherita pizza is a solid option when visiting John’s Pizza. For those looking for a heavier flavor, the sausage and peppers pizza is also a delicious option that combines savory with sweet flavors.
John’s of Bleecker Street | 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014 | $$
Whether it's in Little Italy or near Madison Square Garden, one thing is for sure, the best pizza in Manhattan can be anywhere. From traditional Neapolitan pizzerias to innovative and modern restaurants that offer unique flavors, trying pizzas in New York is an experience worth the try.
For even more fun things to do in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
