The 25 Best Pizza Places in NYC

Image via Complex Original

Neighborhood: Belmont, Bronx
Address: 2342 Arthur Ave.
Website: mariosrestarthurave.com

Family-owned for five generations, this old-fashioned, charming restaurant has attracted people to Arthur Avenue for decades. The pie is light and crisp, always covered with a fresh, delicious sauce. But don't take our word for it—The Sopranos filmed here, which is a truly remarkable compliment to pay to a classic pizzeria. Can't stop, won't stop.

Neighborhood: Midtown, Upper East Side, and West Village
Address: 260 West 44th St.; 408 East 64th St.; and 278 Bleecker St.
Website: johnspizzerianyc.com

Incredible, tasty, brick oven pizza. Unfortunately, they only sell pies. That said, these paper-thin slices keeps your mouth salivating nonstop. The ratio of cheese to sauce is something like a perfectly balanced scale. But it's the crunchy crust that makes John's pies stand out the most. Don't be surprised if you see celebrities or athletes pop in to indulge in a pie of their own.

Neighborhood: Marine Park, Brooklyn
Address: 2351 Ralph Ave.
Website: n/a

Mention Original Pizza to anyone who lives in Brooklyn, and you'll find no one unwilling to vouch for it. Their Original Supreme is filled with authentic ingredients, including a flavorful sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. If it hasn't done so yet, their perfect thin, crispy pizza, piled with the right amount of cheese, should win awards.

Neighborhood: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Address: 85 5th Ave.
Website: n/a

This Park Slope moneymaker gets an A+ rating. The Margarita slice is just the beginning of what's served daily. We love its soft, thick, crust that folds easily, just like a well-worn baseball glove. The sauce, cheese, and crust define the overall taste in every single bite. But don't eat with your eyes. These stacked pies are hella filling.

Neighborhood: Staten Island
Address: 750 Port Richmond Ave.
Website: n/a

Another winner for Staten Island! For years, Brother's has been known to serve the best thick-n-cheesiest squares (Sicilians) on the island. Connoisseurs of the Grandma slice need to add this to their to-do list.

Neighborhood: Lindenwood, Howard Beach
Address: 156-71 Crossbay Blvd.
Website: newparkpizza.com

The second you bite into the slice's tip, the right amount of sauce oozes out, which just proves how much of a science they've turned pizza making into. This is real precision. The crust is beautifully salty, not too crisp but not too soft, either. If you become a regular—and we encourage you to do so—learn the lingo for faster service. It'll get you to one of their outdoor picnic tables more quickly.

Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 103 1st Ave.
Website: velocepizzeria.com

At first glance, you'll notice how cozy this eatery is. Veloce has those picnic-style tablecloths and full-length wine racks behind the bar. That said, the relatively posh menu is on the pricier side. If you're looking for eat-on-the-street-style pizza, this isn't going to be your jam. But if you're looking for a rich and thick Sicilian, you can do no better. Their toppings entice people who appreciate a culinary experience, and the uniquely seasoned crust is like nothing we've had before.

Neighborhood: Concourse Village, Bronx
Address: 579 Grand Concourse
Website: giovanninyc.com

Locals love this joint, especially because of the $2 weekday special: a slice and a drink. That's a price you really can't beat. The classic taste will have you coming back for more. Which is part of the reason it stays packed after Yankee's games. Unlike many of these other spots, Giovanni's boasts some real amenities—walk past the ovens and you'll find a bar, a lounge, some dining tables, and a small stage for live music.

Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Address: 7 Carmine St.
Website: joespizzanyc.com

Situated within easy walking distance of the Cage, this small pizza joint in the Village has catered to random city slickers, tourists, NYU students, and celebrities for ages. It's standing room mostly, with a few stools for good measure. But don't fret: The turnover rate for a plain pie is every 10 minutes. If it's your first time, you must try the plain slice. It's a wonder, with thin crust, tasty sauce, and the perfect amount of cheese. There are other options, but first remind yourself how good a regular slice can be.

Neighborhood: Staten Island
Address: 524 Port Richmond Ave.
Website: deninos.com

Denino's serves up an amazingly inexpensive and delicious pizza. Because of this, the joint is always packed, Friday and Saturday nights especially. The insider tip: go early to beat the exhausting wait. Thanks to spots like this, the folks in Staten Island don't need to commute over the Verrazano Bridge. Eating great pizza is a local pleasure for all.

Neighborhood: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Address: 6514 18th Ave.
Website: n/a

Located on an avenue filled with cafes serving espresso, Da Vinci's serves a solid NY pie. It's not brick oven or anything fancy, but when you catch one fresh, it's to die for. The greatest part about eating a square from Da Vinci's is how the cheese instantly dissolves in your mouth. We'd kill to know who their mozzarella supplier is. Probably a lot of these other shops would, too.

Neighborhood: Kew Gardens, Queens
Address: 81-28 Lefferts Blvd.
Website: danishouseofpizza.com

Though it's situated in a neighborhood full of mini-mansions and Neo-Tudor style buildings, Dani's luckily won't break the bank with the price of a slice. Just grab a stool at the counter and wait for your slice to come up, hot and piping. As you let the steam rise, you can't help but notice the beer selection directly in front of you: 23 domestic, 19 imported. Dani's is known for their sweet sauce and slightly crispy crust. We're especially in love with this spot for the late-night access. And just around the corner is the LIRR, so skip the diner after getting twisted in the city and get your fix here—at 4 a.m.

Neighborhood: East Village, Chelsea, and Greenwich Vilalge
Address: 328 East 14th St.; 114 10th Ave.; and 111 Macdougal St.
Website: artichokepizza.com

A perfect blend of gourmet ingredients on top of large slices with thick crusts. Fans rave about the Artichoke and Crab slices. The Artichoke slice has a rich creamy sauce with a garlicky punch and chunks of artichoke hearts, not to mention the minced spinach, mozzarella, and a trace of grated Parmesan cheese. The crab slice is distinct and flavorful, but with a thinner crust. Artichoke is a perfect grab and go spot, especially since it's standing room only. After 10 p.m., expect to wait in line outside with all bar hoppers. But each bite is worth the wait. Keep in mind: cash only!

Neighborhood: Marine Park, Brooklyn
Address: 2036 Flatbush Ave.
Website: lennyandjohnspizza.com

For over 40 years, Lenny's & John's has been serving great pizza in Brooklyn. Amazing regular slices and a variety of specialty slices, including Caprese, Vodka, and Grandma. Growing up in Brooklyn, if you went clubbing in the city you always wound up at this spot for a late night bite. Closes at 2 a.m. on weekdays, and 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The owner is such an amazing host; he ensures that you'll experience the vibe of a true Brooklyn pizzeria.

Neighborhood: East Village
Address: 349 East 12th St.
Website: motorinopizza.com

A quaint storefront eatery nestled in the East Village. From the moment you walk in, the simple décor complements its original interior design. The shabby Art Deco black and white floor tiles, decorative pressed tin ceiling tiles, marble tables, stainless steal chairs, attracts that hipster crowd. The Neapolitan-style pizza is a tad doughy, slightly charred from the brick oven, making for a unique pie. Many love the thin crust with puffy edges and the tangy, herbaceous sauce. Two recommended slices: the Brussels Sprouts & Pancetta, and the Soppressata. Unexpectedly savory, a must try!

Neighborhood: Belmont, Bronx
Address: 2357 Arthur Ave.
Website: roberto089.com

In walking distance from Fordham University, this spot is a true gem on Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy section of the Bronx. Upscale yet casual, this establishment is airy and brightly lit. The vaulted ceiling and painted mural gives you the sense that you're eating in a small Naples restaurant. The stunning wood burning oven comes directly from the owner's town, Salerno, Italy. Everyday, they purchase fresh mozzarella from Casa della Mozzarella. They only use tomatoes from the San Marzano region. The Diavola is the must try here; the crust is chewy and crispy all in one bite. The sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and sopressata are magnifico!

Neighborhood: Midtown Manhattan
Address: 960 8th Ave.
Website: n/a

A true noisemaker, and for such a long time! Oprah Winfrey and her best friend, Gayle, have proclaimed this joint to be the greatest pizza in all five boroughs. It's definitely ranked high, and with good reason. But at $2.50 a slice, don't take Oprah's word for it; let your own tongue decide.

Neighborhood: Staten Island
Address: 1758 Victory Blvd.
Website: joeandpatspizzany.com

The long-lived flavors at this Staten Island institution keep patrons coming back for years. Joe & Pat's secret recipes are passed through generations. Their thin crust pizza is layered with crushed tomatoes in a sweet sauce. The menu is a mixture of classic dishes like Joe & Pat's Royal and the Royal Sicilian. Or just load up your 14-inch pie with an assortment of toppings. It's a keeper!

Neighborhood: Lindenwood, Howard Beach
Address: 158-46 Crossbay Blvd.
Website: ginosofhowardbeach.com

Maybe, if you're lucky, you'll spot some Jersey Shore look-a-likes here. If not, you'll still see a handful of beefy gorillas and tanzilla guidettes. This establishment has a modern, Tuscan-inspired ambience. Here, friends and families love to mangia. Tired of the classic slice? Well, try something a bit more exciting, like eggplant, meatballs, or their famous Gino's special. The grandma slice is perfecto: crunchy crust and fresh ingredients. The sauce has little bits of ripe plum tomatoes, accents of basil, hints of cooked garlic, and, of course, fresh mozzarella.

Neighborhood: Coney Island, Brooklyn
Address: 1524 Neptune Ave.
Website: n/a

Here's the epitome of authentic pizza. The homemade–style originality is a diamond in the rough. Back in the day, this spot used to only sell a certain amount of pies in a single day and then they'd close up shop. Since it's located in Coney Island, your first thought might be of amusement parks, fun, games, and laughter. Well, you're right—this spot is its own main attraction! Thank us later.

Neighborhood: Nolita
Address: 32 Spring St.
Website: firstpizza.com

Legendary for all time. Anyone visiting Manhattan has to pay this pizzeria a visit. You've encountered the hype, but forget about it—the pizza speaks for itself. Feel free to choose some of your favorite toppings and enjoy its richness. But if you want something truly special, order the clam pie. Unbelievable.

Neighborhood: East Harlem
Address: 2287 1st Ave.
Website: thepatsyspizza.com

A historic New York City landmark, Patsy's is one of those places where people know the deal. Enough said. Their coal pit oven pizza is highly reminiscent of foodie experiences straight out of Italy. A paper thin pie packed with fresh flavors that's never greasy. Slightly charred crust with a sauce seasoned to perfection. How can you compete with that? If you haven't paid Patsy's a visit, make sure you add it to your bucket list! Real talk.

Neighborhood: Gravesend, Brooklyn
Address: 2725 86th St.
Website: spumonigardens.com

The square pie drives Brooklynites bananas. Thick dough, melted oozing cheese, everything topped off with lots of sauce. Not your traditional-style Sicilian, but you'll still need the extra napkins. In summertime, this place truly comes alive. The front yard is always packed with people hanging out. Don't be surprised if you see cars tripled parked. Enjoying pizza with friends and family in this atmosphere is second to none!

Neighborhood: DUMBO, Brooklyn
Address: 19 Old Fulton St.
Website: grimaldisnyc.com

Any pizza lover will always have Grimaldi's in their top five. This OG spot under the Brooklyn Bridge is never at a standstill—ever. Hundreds of people waiting in line from opening to closing. Tour buses roll up all day, every day. How could you not love a pizzeria, where the nostalgia to get in is almost as impactful as the savory taste of each slice? This is that one spot where people make excuses to return if they find out their friends and family have never heard of their greatness. Order a pie. Get creative and add some toppings. Trust us, you'll be back for more! FYI: Don't get caught out there; it's cash only.

Neighborhood: Midwood, Brooklyn
Address: 1424 Avenue J.
Website: difara.com

In order to be considered the best, you have to offer remarkable food that leaves a lasting impression in the consumer's mind. For countless years, Domenico Demarco has done things sort of like a Frank Sinatra song–his way! The one and only, on any given day. Be prepared to wait for 2 hours on occasions. The $5 steep price is understandable; a one-man pizza operation must be demanding! Grated fresh mozzarella, basil cut perfectly. Demarco takes the pizza out of the oven with his bare hands, then places it on a pan to serve. With hands as hard as rock, this man is the Godfather of Pizza. Hell, on days when he's sick, they don't even open the shop. There is nothing else like this.