The Ultimate Guide to the 23 Best Pizza Spots in Manhattan, Vetted and Reviewed by PureWow Editors and Readers (2024)

New York

If there’s one topic that can spark a debate between New Yorkers, it’s where to find the best pizza in Manhattan. Proud locals and self-proclaimed experts won’t hesitate to weigh in on which locations make the best version, whether it be the 99-cent pizza joint that got them through college or that high-end Italian trattoria they frequented for date nights. Still, as much as you can enjoy engaging in passionate debates about the city’s best pizzerias, you have to admit, keeping up with it all can get a bit overwhelming.

So, to celebrate the iconic, cheesy slice that you can only get in New York, PureWow editors taste-tested, crowdsourced, Yelp-confirmed and called on a few native New Yorkers to bring you the ultimate guide to the best pizza spots in Manhattan, from mouth-watering Nargherita slices to spicy pepperoni squares. And as a bonus, you can watch a fun episode of 3 With Me, where PureWow creator Kate Kesselman eats her way through NYC's best pizza shops.

1. Joe’s Pizza

• Neighborhood: Theater District
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $

Joe’s Pizza offers a quintessential New York slice—big, cheesy, greasy and foldable—that’s been around since, well, before you were born. It’s a thin crust topped with sweet tomato sauce to balance out the saltiness of the cheese, and it’s ideal for a quick bite. When Kesselman tried a slice, the only con she could find was that the slice was light on sauce (which may be a pro, depending on your tastes.) FYI, the restaurant currently has five locations in New York, but one of the most popular spots is located right in the heart of Manhattan, making it a great visit for tourists.

1435 Broadway; joespizzanyc.com; 646 559-4878

2. Roberta’s Pizza

• Neighborhood: Midtown East
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Once only a hip, Brooklyn institution, Roberta’s expanded its footprint, making it a go-to spot for delicious, authentic brick oven pizza in Manhattan, too. Its pies are made with ultra-fresh ingredients and the thin-yet-chewy crust is slightly charred to add a light smoky flavor. And of course, you can’t talk about Roberta’s without mentioning the inventive names for these tasty pies, from the Bee Sting (chiles and honey) and Lil’ Stinker (pecorino and Parm) to Cheesus Christ (three cheeses and cream). Kesselman says of the Lil’ Stinker, “This pizza was so good—it has a kick to it with the peppers and onions,” and recommends adding honey for a sweet contrast.

Editor’s Note: While the Roberta’s location at Urbanspace Vanderbilt has unfortunately closed since this was published, a new Roberta’s location is coming to PENN 1 East at 33rd Street and 7th Avenue on July 2, 2024.

Manhattan locataion July 2; robertaspizza.com; 646-747-0820

3. Artichoke Basille’s

• Neighborhood: East Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $

Although its slices are on the pricier side, you definitely get your money’s worth at Artichoke Basille’s, considering it’s one of the best pizza spots in Manhattan. The signature artichoke slices are not only big, but they’re also rich, flavorful and very filling. Other popular offerings include crab, Margherita, vodka, meatball and pepperoni. PureWow Director of Special Projects, Branded Content, Rachel Gulmi says, “I love the artichoke signature slice. It’s not the type of pizza you can eat too often since it’s rich and heavy, but it’s just so dang good. I’ve never had another spinach artichoke slice that even comes close.”

321 E 14th St; artichokepizza.com; 212-228-2004

4. Prince St. Pizza

• Neighborhood: Nolita
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Shailene Woodley and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler are huge fans of Prince Street Pizza. This popular spot offers a diverse menu that ranges from Buzzy Broome Vodka to the “Green Machine” pesto pie. But among its standouts is the pepperoni square, with rich sauce, fresh mozzarella and a crunchy, chewy crust that’s to die for. PureWow Associate Editor Marissa Wu says, “The line for Prince St. Pizza is always a mile long—a testament to how good it is.”

27 Prince St; princestreetpizzamenu.com; 212-966-4100

5. Made In New York Pizza

• Neighborhood: West Village, Manhattan
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

It’s the home of the famous spicy pepperoni square, complete with a generous amount of crispy pepperoni, flavorful sauce and a thick, hearty crust. If you’re partial to pizza that fills you up quickly, the grandma squares and eggplant squares are also divine. Plus, they offer garlic knots, calzones and plenty of vegan alternatives (made with Vio-Life cheese). The restaurant has four locations: two on the Upper West Side, one in Midtown West and one in the West Village.

561 Hudson Street; madeinnewyorkpizza.com; 646-881-4200

6. Scarr’s Pizza

• Neighborhood: Chinatown
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Once a seeming hole-in-the-wall pizza joint, Scarr’s is one of the most talked about spots in the city, and definitely one of the best pizza spots in Manhattan. Its newer, larger location at 35 Orchard Street isn’t quite as old-school, but the pizza still incites a line out the door. The pies have a light, crispy crust and sauce that’s out of this world. If you stop by, you have to try the Hotboi slice, served with pepperoni, jalapeños and Mike’s Hot Honey. (The sweet and spicy combo is a match made in ’za heaven.)

35 Orchard Street; scarrspizza.com; (212) 334-3481

7. Upside Pizza

• Neighborhood: Nolita
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $

Satisfied customers on Yelp have plenty to say about the stellar customer service and great location, but the pizza at Upside is just as—if not more—impressive. From heaps of crispy pepperoni to delicious sourdough crust, this spot is ideal for anyone who wants to grab a quick slice during their stroll. (P.S., there are two more locations in Midtown East and Midtown West.)

51 Spring St; upsidepizza.com; 917-409-2989

8. Koronet Pizza

• Neighborhood: Upper East Side
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $$

If you’re never satisfied with a single slice of pizza, then you might want to stop at Koronet. This spot is best known for its extra-large slices, which are so gigantic that they can barely fit on a plastic tray. Some of the most enticing menu items include the sauceless white pizza, fresh Margherita slices, spinach ricotta pizza and chicken bacon ranch pizza. Yum.

1110 Lexington Ave; koronetpizzany.com; (646) 767-0424

9. Brunetti Pizza

• Neighborhood: West Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Whether you’re craving a juicy chicken Parm or a cheesy ​​carbonara pizza with crispy dough that’s cooked to perfection, Brunetti Pizza has got you covered. Not only does this joint offer gluten-free options that are just as tasty as the original, but it also has an impressive selection of wines and beer to enjoy with your meal. As an added bonus, the restaurant includes an outdoor garden, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to take a break from the busy streets of NYC.

626 Hudson Street; brunettipizza.com; 212-255-5699

10. Rubirosa

• Neighborhood: Nolita
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $$

One look at the Instagram-worthy tie-dye pizza at Rubirosa is enough to make anyone book a reservation ASAP, but that’s just one of many flavors this best pizza spot in Manhattan has to offer. Others worth trying are the vodka sauce pizza, the Rubirosa Supreme, the Bianca pizza and the sausage and broccoli rabe pizza. “Everyone loves the tie-dye pizza from Rubirosa,” PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay says, “but I’d argue the honey pie is the true stand out! Salty soppressata mixed with the sweet tomato sauce and a drizzle of spicy honey—what’s not to love?”

235 Mulberry St; rubirosanyc.com; 212-965-0500

11. NY Pizza Suprema

• Neighborhood: Midtown West
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

When it comes to slice spots churning out the extra-greasy, ooey-gooey melted mozzarella on a crunchy crust pizza New York is famous for, NY Pizza Suprema, near Penn Station, always has a line out the door and a bunch of pizza toppings to choose from. Signature pies include the NYC round cheese pizza, the white pizza with garlic and the upside down pizza.

413 8th Ave; nypizzasuprema.com; 212-594-8939

12. Lombardi’s

• Neighborhood: Nolita
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Did you know that Lombardi’s was the first ever pizzeria to ever open in the country? The iconic founder, Gennaro Lombardi, is credited for inventing New York-style pizza in 1905, paving the way for countless other pizza spots to follow. And now, this nostalgic restaurant is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, with offerings like clam pie, eggplant ricotta and rustic double pepperoni.

32 Spring St; firstpizza.com; 212-941-7994

13. Patsy’s Pizzeria

• Neighborhood: Midtown East
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 stars
• Price Range: $$

Get your cheese-pull on with Patsy’s classic Margherita pie, with its light, crispy dough and unbelievably tasty sauce. Other popular menu items include the “old school” round pie and white pizza. Don’t sleep on the fried eggplant and zucchini appetizer (aka Patsy’s Chips), which will be a major hit. PureWow Assistant Editor of Branded Content Madeline Merinuk is a fan and says, “The crust is so perfectly charred and thin, and it’s never too greasy. I could eat a slice of Patsy’s pepperoni every day of my life.”

801 2nd Ave; patsyspizzeria.us; 212-878-9600

14. Sofia Pizza Shoppe

• Neighborhood: Midtown East
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $

Self-described as a “classic, New York-style pizzeria with a modern twist,” Sofia Pizza Shoppe is where the Margherita slice reigns supreme. The menu here also includes spinach dip pizza, gluten-free cauliflower crust pizza, cheesy garlic knots and Buffalo wings.

989 1st Ave; sofiapizzashoppe.com; 212-888-8816

15. John’s of Bleecker Street

• Neighborhood: West Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Enjoy a slice of coal-fired, brick-oven goodness over on Bleecker Street, whether it’s the Meat-Lovers Pie or the Veggie Pie. The family-owned business offers an impressive menu, ranging from pasta dishes to sandwiches, and the old-fashioned decor makes you feel like you stepped into another decade. Take it from PureWow Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak: “When I lived in New York, John’s was my absolute go-to. The pizza has such a good flavor and balance of ingredients, and a flop that isn’t too floppy, which is important to me. Nobody wants the cheese falling off the slice as you pick it up.”

278 Bleecker St; johnsofbleecker.com; 212-243-1680

16. King’s Pizza of Harlem

• Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $

King’s Pizza is a great option if you’re craving a quick, greasy late-night slice. It also offers a number of specialty pies that’ll have your mouth watering, from chicken quesadilla pizza to Philly steak pizza. One reviewer on Yelp wrote of the pepperoni slice, “[It’s] not too thick, not too doughy and just the right amount of sauce. That first bite had that crisp to it.” IYKYK.

110 W 145th St; 212-283-0182

17. Mama’s Too

• Neighborhood: Manhattan Valley
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars
• Price Range: $$

Unique flavor combinations, crispy crusts and myriad toppings are just a few perks you’ll enjoy at this gem on the Upper West Side. Visitors can’t get enough of the cacio e pepe, a cheesy white slice that might require a nap after you enjoy it. Another five-star option is the Angry Nonna—a melt-in-your-mouth Sicilian square with fresh mozzarella, sopressata and hot honey. PureWow Editor Abby Hepworth claims, “I can confirm the Angry Nonna pizza at Mama’s Too is 100 percent worth the trek to my neighborhood—it has the perfect balance between sweet, spicy and savory.”

2750 Broadway; mamastoo.com; 212-510-7256

18. Proto’s Pizza

• Neighborhood: East Village
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $

You can count on Proto’s Pizza to serve up satisfying, carb-heavy slices with a perfectly sturdy (and crispy!) crust to hold all the cheese and toppings. It offers specialty pizzas like Lasagna and cream spinach, but the menu also includes heroes, cold subs, salads and calzones.

50 2nd Ave; protospizzamenu.com; 212-432-4044

19. Don Antonio

• Neighborhood: Hell's Kitchen
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

Don Antonio’s fried pizza menu is the stuff pizza dreams are made of, and the gluten-free options are unparalleled. Plus, the menu offers a wide selection of boozy drinks, from craft Italian beers to seasonal co*cktails. (Add this one to your list if you’re fresh out of ideas for your next date night.)

309 W 50th St; donantoniopizza.com; 646-719-1043

20. Song’ E Napule

• Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
• Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
• Price Range: $$

Song’ E Napule offers Italian comfort foods like gnocchi Sorrentina (pillowy gnocchi baked in cheese and tomato sauce) and spaghetti alla puttanesca, but it’s also an expert of the delicate Neapolitan type of pizza, which is so light you could eat approximately 8 million slices. (When you’re done licking your olive oil–soaked fingers, there’s the nearby William F. Passannante Ballfield—aka Houston St Park—to burn off some calories with a round of pickleball.)

146 W Houston St; songenapule.us; 212-533-1242

21. Uva Next Door

• Neighborhood: Upper East Side
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$$

Get a taste of Southern Italy at this under-the-radar gem, which boasts a variety of tasty dishes that range from cauliflower steak to gnocchi di ricotta. But of course, it’s the pizza menu that deserves the spotlight. Not sure where to start? Try the Pizza Zio Vittorio, which features fresh mozzarella, sliced prosciutto, arugula and a crunchy, soft crust that’s baked to perfection.

1484 2nd Ave; uvanextdoor.com; 917-472-7921

22. Little Italy

• Neighborhood: Midtown West
• Yelp Rating: 3.5 Stars
• Price Range: $

If you need a slice in midtown, either of Little Italy’s locations (on 43rd or 45th) will provide a greasy, expiring-at-your-desk lunch like no other. Its most famous dishes include the cheesy calzones, the Eggplant Special Gourmet Pizza and the Buffalo chicken slices.

55 W 45th St; littleitalypizzany.com; 212-730-7575

• Neighborhood: Bowery
• Yelp Rating: 4 stars
• Price Range: $$

At Ainslie Bowery, you’ll find a fleet of crowd-pleasing thin crust pizzas. “The Honey Pie is amazing,” says Hepworth of the hot soppressata– and spicy honey–topped pizza. Each ’za is cooked to order in Ainslie’s wood-fired oven and served fresh from the embers. Don’t sleep on the selection of co*cktails while you’re there, whether you choose a rotating seasonal beverage or a mainstay like the nitro espresso martini. (For what it’s worth, this is also a good place if you’re hosting a birthday dinner in NYC.)

199 Bowery; ainsliebowery.com; 646-360-2194