New York's Best Slice: An Essential Guide to Pizza in the City
New York City loves pizza. The New York-style slice isn’t merely a culinary emblem of the city but a widely recognized symbol of the city itself—and for a city that claims to be the home of the first pizzeria in the U.S. (Lombardi’s, famously), that pride is well earned. With roughly 2,000 pizza joints spread across all five boroughs, it’s harder to pick a restaurant than it is to choose a topping. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to.
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Scarr’s
Speaking of Lombardi’s, owner Scarr Pimentel got his start at the famous pizzeria before moving onto Joe’s, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza and then finally opening Scarr’s in 2016. As a native New Yorker, Scarr’s love for the city is clear just from a quick glance at the decor: a framed Mets flag and images of the Manhattan skyline stand out amid the retro 70s-style aesthetic. But, of course, it’s the pizza that has us hooked. Made with locally sourced, organic ingredients and house-milled flour, Scarr’s pizza tastes as fresh as it actually is. And for the cinephiles among us, yes, C’mon C’mon even shot a scene in this aesthetic space.
35 Orchard St; (212) 334-3481
L’Industrie
With ingredients imported all the way from Italy, L’Industrie’s take on pizza remains faithful to its Old World roots. And though the West Village location is more dining room–friendly, the original Williamsburg space stands out for its signature sidewalk seating—but perhaps most importantly, the menus are nearly identical. The Burrata slice is a favorite: tart tomato sauce topped with a cool, melting burrata that brings it close to perfection. And while this is one of the spots with the healthiest selection of pies on our list, L’Industrie goes beyond pizza—boasting a menu with weekly sandwich specials and an incredible olive oil gelato topped with fresh oil and sea salt.
104 Christopher St; (212) 256-0648 & 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn
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Chrissy’s Pizza
For something that began as a pandemic pop-up in a Bushwick apartment, Chrissy’s has come a long way. After a brief residency at Superiority Burger, owner Chris Hansell opened his own eye-catching yellow storefront in Greenpoint, Brooklyn—to instant lines around the block. And no, they don’t do slices—just full 16-inch pies. The menu is limited: cheese, pepperoni, a vegan red pie, and a weekly special. To secure a pie, you can pre-order online and select a pickup time. Otherwise, you may be out of luck—this pizza is coveted, and for good reason. Perfectly thin with a flaky crust, Chrissy’s pizza is among the best we’ve ever had.
142 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn
John’s of Bleecker Street
Originally opened by Filippo Milone in 1915, the pizzeria became John’s of Bleecker in 1925 under the ownership of John Sasso. With such longevity, it’s easy to see why this hundred-year-old institution makes our list. A stop into John’s delivers a healthy dose of old-school nostalgia, with its scuffed-up checkered floors and celebrity photo–adorned walls. Day after day, tourists line up for that quintessential New York pizzeria experience—and a chance to add their name to the many carved into the wooden booths inside.
278 Bleecker Street; (212) 243-1680
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Joe’s Pizza
Originally from Naples, Italy—the birthplace of pizza—Joe Pozzuoli founded this spot in 1975. Since then, Joe’s has become something of an institution in the world of New York–style slices. Today, there are five locations across the city, but our favorite is the Greenwich Village original. And though the lines are often long, the service is quick–and for just four dollars, you’ll find yourself having one of the most classic New York pizza experiences—especially if it’s 2 a.m. and you’re looking to cap off a night on the town.
7 Carmine St; (212) 366-1182
Lucali
Opened in 2006 by Mark Iacono in a nostalgic bid to turn his beloved childhood candy store into something of his own, Lucali has become one of the most cherished pizza spots in Brooklyn. Famously beloved by celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Lucali is another line-prone spot that doesn’t accept reservations. But once you get inside the dimly lit, cozy space, you understand what the hype is about. The pies are deeply satisfying, with a super-thin, crunchy crust. And adding to its charm, subtle nods to its past life as a candy store still adorn the brick walls.
575 Henry St, Brooklyn; (718) 858-4086
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Ops
Named for the Roman goddess of earth and abundance, Ops does seem aptly named, considering its focus on locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. But it’s also just a great vibe. Whether you find yourself in the original Bushwick location or the newly opened East Village spot, you’ll be in a space with an old-world feel—albeit one paired with a well-curated, not-so-old soundtrack. The wine list is always spot-on, the lighting is always just right, and the wood-fired pizza is even better.
176 2nd Avenue; (646) 755-8565 & 346 Himrod, Brooklyn
WORDS Hillary Sproul
PHOTOGRAPHY Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash