Grabbing a slice of pizza is somewhat of a rite of passage when you visit New York City. The city has some of the best pizza spots in the country and iconic large slices that make up an entire meal. Whether you are grabbing a simple dollar slice or looking for something more high-end, there’s a plenitude of pizza joints to satisfy every taste bud.

When it comes to great pizza in Manhattan, you may immediately assume you should visit Little Italy. While Little Italy is home to many authentic restaurants run by Italian immigrants and passed down through the generations, this is not the only place you can find incredible pizza. In fact, you can expect to find a pizzeria almost as frequently as you see a Starbucks in Manhattan, so deciding which one to go to can be tricky, especially if you’re not a local New Yorker.

Explore the best pizza in Manhattan and Brooklyn with this curated list.

The Best Pizza Downtown by the Slice

Downtown Manhattan is home to a plethora of fine restaurants spanning many cuisines so it’s no great surprise that some of the best pizza places in NYC are scattered around downtown locations. Whether you are looking to grab a quick slice in Soho after a long day of shopping, or you’re looking for a late-night bite in Greenwich Village, the options are endless. Here are a few we love.

Prince Street Pizza

You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you see a line that often sprawls down the block — Prince Street Pizza is one of the most sought-after pizza spots in the city. With whole pies named after the streets of the city, you will be sure to taste a slice of New York when visiting here!

Nestled in the heart of NoLita, this famous pizzeria brags about its clientele. There’s a celebrity photo wall featuring some of the greats for you to admire while you queue up to make your order. We suggest grabbing two Spicy Spring square slices loaded with pepperoni cups and doused in tomato sauce — they’re that good.

Joe’s Pizza

Known as the “Greenwich Village Institution,” Joe’s Pizza is a staple slice spot in NYC. The original location is the Bleecker and Carmine Street one, which was established in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli. Joe is from Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza, so you can expect an Italian take on a classic New York slice.

Joe’s always has a line and is open at all hours of the day/night. With a cash-only policy, these perfect slices that are too big for the plate are well worth the $3 ATM fee.

Scarr’s Pizza

Orchard Street is home to many cool things including the famous pizza joint, Scarr’s Pizza. The vibe at Scarr’s is 70s retro style decor with slices served up on red trays and beers poured in glass mugs, The wrap-around counter bar and traditional diner booths add to the tone for the delicious slice options to order.

Vegetarian and vegan pizza options are available so everyone can dine and dip! Whether it’s a classic New Yorkl slice or a Hotboi pie, Scarr’s doesn’t disappoint.

Artichoke Pizza

A list of the best pizza slices in NYC is not complete without mentioning Artichoke Basille’s Pizza. This pizza chain is open late and attracts everyone from the office worker snagging a bite on the way home to the late-night crowd looking for a midnight snack.

With several locations including the East Village, Lower East Side, Brooklyn, and West Village, chances are you will find one closeby. This pizzeria is famous for their artichoke pizza, a thick, decadent slice with creamy sauce, artichoke hearts, spinach, fresh mozzarella, and pecorino romano cheese. Throw some chili flakes on it and you’re good to go

Famous Ben’s Pizza

A SoHo mainstay on the corner of Spring & Thompson, this Sicilian pizzeria debuted in 1979. Their walkup window is a neighborhood favorite and their Palermo slice is not to be missed. The special topping of olive oil and browned bread crumbs, a Sicilian tradition, houses a coarse puree of onions underneath. For a unique taste to add to your best NYC pizza slice list, check out Famous Ben’s Pizza for quality ingredients in every bite.

The Best Pizza in Brooklyn by the Slice

Regardless of what neighborhood you find yourself in, Brooklyn has an assortment of mouthwatering restaurants serving up some of the best food in the country.

Over the years, Brooklyn has grown exponentially, attracting a ton of excellent eateries including pizza places serving up your fave meal by the slice.

Here are two outstanding choices to consider when you’re next in the area.

Paulie Gee’s

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, head to Greenpoint Brooklyn to hit the famous Paulie Gee’s, the absolute best pizza place in Brooklyn. With two locations within walking distance from each other, these pizza slices are always a hit. The whole pies in the dine-in shop are cheffed up with locally sourced ingredients and unique topping choices. The take-out Slice Shop is home to select customer favorites including an upside-down Sicilian with fresh mozzarella cheese called The Freddy Prinze.

L’Industrie Pizza

Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, L’Industrie Pizza boasts a wide range of delicious slices for you to choose from. You can expect to see your NY classics such as pepperoni and Margherita but if you’re looking for something a little different, opt for pizza slices made with a selection of fine ingredients including mozzarella, ricotta, truffle, basil, and more all served on delicious fresh dough. Most of the ingredients are imported directly from Italy and it shows in every bite.

L’Industrie opened in 2017 and has quickly gained a reputation in Williamsburg for its excellent quality. The owner, who comes from Florence in Italy, carefully creates classic Italian-style pizza but in a larger New York slice. Stop in for a slice, and return for a few more — this pizza shop is sure to be a personal fave.

Book a stay at Soho Grand Hotel and embark on a culinary adventure in New York. Be sure to check out Soho Diner for breakfast and retire to the Club Room for a nightcap after a long day of sightseeing.