New York City is famous for its pizza, and Manhattan offers some of the best slices in town. From classic thin-crust pies to creative gourmet toppings, the borough has something for every pizza lover.
Manhattan’s top pizza spots serve up delicious options ranging from traditional New York-style to artisanal creations. These pizzerias attract both locals and tourists with their high-quality ingredients, skilled preparation methods, and unique flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick slice or a sit-down meal, Manhattan’s pizza scene has you covered.
Juliana’s Pizza
Juliana’s Pizza is a beloved New York-style pizzeria in Brooklyn. It was founded by Patsy Grimaldi, a pizza legend in the NYC restaurant scene.
The restaurant is located under the Brooklyn Bridge, in the same spot where Grimaldi originally opened his famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Patsy returned to this location after ending his association with Grimaldi’s over a decade ago.
Juliana’s is known for its authentic coal-fired oven pizzas. Their 800-degree oven produces fresh, crispy pies daily. The menu features classic options like the Margherita and White Pizza.
Visitors can enjoy Juliana’s pizzas from 11:30 am to 3:15 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm every day. The restaurant has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike for its high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques.
While not in Manhattan, Juliana’s is worth the short trip to Brooklyn for pizza enthusiasts. Its proximity to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge makes it a great stop during a day of sightseeing.
Di Fara Pizza
Di Fara Pizza is a famous New York pizzeria that now has a Manhattan location. The original shop in Brooklyn gained a cult following over decades. Now pizza lovers can get their fix in Lower Manhattan too.
The Manhattan spot is at 108 South Street. It serves the same iconic pizza as the Brooklyn original. Di Fara uses high-quality ingredients to create their legendary pies.
The pizza here has an amazing crust that sets it apart. Fans rave about the texture and flavor. Di Fara’s attention to detail shows in every slice.
Their hours run from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM most days. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open later until 11:30 PM. Sundays they close at 10:00 PM.
Di Fara offers classic New York-style pizza. They also serve other Italian dishes like pasta and sandwiches. The menu has options to satisfy different tastes.
For those who can’t visit in person, Di Fara now offers pickup options. This makes it easier for more people to try their famous pizza.
John’s of Bleecker Street
John’s of Bleecker Street is a famous pizza spot in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. It opened in 1929 and has been serving delicious pies ever since.
The restaurant uses coal-fired brick ovens to cook their pizzas. This gives the crust a unique flavor and texture that many pizza lovers crave.
John’s is known for its “tomato pie” style pizza. The sauce is spread on top of the cheese, creating a tasty twist on traditional pizza.
The restaurant has a long history in New York City. It was started by Italian immigrant Giovanni “John” Sasso, who first opened the pizzeria on Sullivan Street.
John’s later moved to its current location at 278 Bleecker Street. The original coal-fired oven was carefully moved to the new spot.
Today, John’s of Bleecker Street remains family-owned and operated. It continues to be a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking authentic New York pizza.
Roberta’s
Roberta’s has made a name for itself in Manhattan’s pizza scene. The restaurant started in Brooklyn and now has multiple locations across the city.
Roberta’s offers a variety of pizzas with unique toppings. Their menu includes classics as well as creative combinations. Customers can choose from a selection of add-ons to customize their pizzas.
The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas with thin, crispy crusts. Popular choices include the Margherita and the Bee Sting, which features honey and chili flakes.
Roberta’s has expanded beyond its original Brooklyn location. It now has a presence in Manhattan, including a spot near Penn Station. This growth shows the popularity of their pizzas among New Yorkers.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and welcoming. It attracts both locals and tourists looking for quality pizza in a relaxed setting.
Roberta’s also offers options beyond pizza. Diners can find salads, small plates, and desserts on the menu. This variety helps cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
Prince Street Pizza
Prince Street Pizza opened in Manhattan in 2012. It quickly became famous for its Sicilian-style and New York-style pizzas. The pizzeria is located at 27 Prince Street in SoHo.
One of their most popular pies is the Soho Square. They also offer a spicy option called the Spicy Spring. For those looking for plant-based choices, Prince Street Pizza has vegan pizza too.
The recipes at Prince Street Pizza come from the Morano family. They’ve been passed down through generations. The family’s pizza-making philosophy is simple: if it works on pasta, it can work on pizza.
Prince Street Pizza has grown beyond its original Manhattan location. They now have shops in Miami, California, and even Toronto, Canada. This expansion shows how popular their pizzas have become.
Customers and food critics alike praise Prince Street Pizza. On review sites, it often gets high ratings. Many consider it one of the best pizza places in New York City.
Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s holds a special place in New York pizza history. It opened in 1905 and claims to be America’s first pizzeria. The restaurant sits in Manhattan’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Lombardi’s serves classic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a coal-fired oven. Their signature pie has a thin, crispy crust topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Customers can choose from traditional toppings like pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms. The restaurant also offers specialty pizzas with ingredients like clams, prosciutto, and arugula.
The interior features red-and-white checkered tablecloths and vintage photos on brick walls. This decor creates a cozy, old-school Italian atmosphere.
Lombardi’s attracts both locals and tourists looking for an authentic New York pizza experience. Wait times can be long, especially on weekends. Some visitors say it’s worth the wait for a taste of pizza history.
History of Pizza in Manhattan
Pizza in Manhattan has a rich history spanning over a century. It began with Italian immigrants and grew into a beloved food icon of the city.
Origins and Cultural Influence
Pizza came to Manhattan in the late 1800s. Italian immigrants brought their traditional recipes to the city. The first pizza shop in America opened in 1905 in Little Italy. It was called Lombardi’s.
At first, pizza was mostly eaten by Italian-Americans. But soon, other New Yorkers started to love it too. Cheap and filling, pizza became popular during the Great Depression.
By World War II, pizza was a staple food in Manhattan. Soldiers who had been to Italy came home wanting more. This helped pizza spread across the U.S.
Evolution Over the Decades
Manhattan pizza changed a lot over time. In the 1950s and 60s, more pizza shops opened. Each had its own style. Some famous spots from this era are still around today.
The 1960s saw the rise of the New York-style slice. It was big, thin, and easy to fold. Perfect for eating on the go. This style became what most people think of as “New York pizza.”
In recent years, pizza in Manhattan has kept changing. Wood-fired ovens brought back old-school methods. New toppings and styles appeared. But the classic New York slice is still king in Manhattan.
Craftsmanship and Ingredients
Pizza makers in Manhattan take pride in their craft and carefully select quality ingredients. These elements combine to create delicious pies that keep customers coming back.
Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are key to great pizza. Many Manhattan pizzerias source local produce and high-quality cheeses. Some even make their own mozzarella daily.
Tomatoes for sauce often come from Italy or California. Chefs choose them for flavor and texture. Herbs like basil and oregano add aroma and taste.
Flour quality matters too. Pizza makers pick specific types to get the right crust texture. Some use traditional “00” flour from Italy.
Artisanal Techniques
Skilled pizza makers use special methods to create perfect pies. Hand-stretching dough is common in top shops. This technique helps form an even, thin crust.
Wood-fired ovens are popular for cooking pizzas. They reach high temps and add a smoky flavor. Coal ovens are another option some places use.
Topping placement is an art form. Chefs balance flavors and textures across the pie. They might use a light touch with stronger ingredients.
Many places make dough daily and let it rise slowly. This process improves taste and texture. It’s a sign of dedication to quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manhattan offers many excellent pizza options for locals and visitors alike. Here are answers to some common questions about pizza in the city.
What are some top-rated pizza spots in Manhattan?
Juliana’s Pizza, Di Fara Pizza, and John’s of Bleecker Street are highly rated choices. These spots are known for their quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
Where can I find the best New York-style pizza in Manhattan?
Joe’s Pizza and Prince Street Pizza serve classic New York slices. They offer thin, crispy crusts with flavorful toppings.
Which pizzerias are considered must-visit in Manhattan?
Roberta’s and Di Fara Pizza are often on pizza lovers’ must-try lists. They have unique styles that set them apart from other pizzerias.
How do I find the most popular pizza place near Times Square?
John’s of Times Square is a well-known spot in the area. It’s easy to find and serves whole pies in a historic theater building.
What makes Joe’s Pizza famous in New York City?
Joe’s Pizza is known for its simple, no-frills slices. The shop has been around since 1975 and is a favorite among locals and tourists.
Which pizzerias are known for their authentic New York City pizza experience?
Lombardi’s and Grimaldi’s offer authentic New York pizza experiences. Both have long histories in the city and stick to traditional recipes.
