The Best Pizza in New York City

New Yorkers spend most of their lives trying to find the perfect job, the perfect apartment, or the perfect husband/wife. My journey has been a bit different. I have spent the majority of my early twenties searching for the best pizza in New York City. While there are no shortages of pizzerias, the key is knowing which pizza place to go to for a quick slice, a late night snack, or even pre-theater dinner. Can there be such thing as the best pizza in New York City?  The race is close.

John’s Pizzeria: This coal-fired brick oven pizza has been a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Since opening its doors in 1929, this New York icon is complete with a flashy neon sign and cozy booths, serves up the perfect thin crust pizza. Be aware that there are no reservations, no credit cards, and NO SLICES! Pies only. Trust me, it won’t be a problem!
Location: 278 Bleecker St between Jones St & Morton Street in West Village
Price: $$

Lombardi’s: Growing up in an Italian Family from New Jersey, I like to think I am a credible judge when it comes to what real pizza is supposed to taste like. Lombardi’s offers the freshest pie, and honestly one of the best I have had to date! When it comes to Lombardi’s, the Classic Margarita pie is the perfect way to go. Lombardi’s is located in the heart of Soho, just a short walk away from Little Italy and Chinatown. For dessert I would recommend heading over to Ferrara’s Bakery for a sweet treat to top off your perfect New York City meal.
Location: 32 Spring Street in Nolita (Lombardi’s) and 195 Grand Street in Little Italy (Ferrara’s Bakery)
Price: $$

Grimaldi’s: Would we be able to make a list of the best pizza and not include Grimaldi’s? Not only will you get an amazing brick over pizza, but you will also get a bite out of the most amazing view of Manhattan. Grimaldi’s is located on Front Street in Brooklyn, right under the Brooklyn Bridge. Again, no credit cards, no reservations, just pies! A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge will surely be one of your most memorable activities in NYC, and Grimaldis on the Brooklyn side will be your just reward. Of course, there is a Manhattan outpost for Grimaldi’s if you don’t want to make the trek to Brooklyn. It is located in the Limelight, so you can still have your fill of iconic New York architecture.
Location: 1 Front St in DUMBO, Brooklyn or 656 Avenue of the Americas in Flatiron
Price: $$

Joe’s Pizza: As you can tell from our list most of the go-to places in New York do not offer just slices. Then there was Joe’s. For the quintessential New York street slice experience the only place to head is Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. You won’t go wrong with just a cheese slice, or if you are feeling adventurous, the Sicilian.
Location: 150 East 14th Street in East Village
Price: $

Motorino: For the best Neapolitan style pizza there is only one name that comes to mind. Motorino. A pizza of perfect proportions, the thin crust is complimented by the perfect amount of toppings, which believe me, the possibilities are endless! Try and go early to grab a seat next to an open window! My go-to? The Brussel Sprout Pie.
Location: 349 East 12^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenue in East Village
or 139 Broadway in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Price: $$

Any of these locations would be perfect after a long day of museum hopping or spending time with your kids in New York City. If you’re looking for some other delicious cuisines, check out our recommendations for the top 5 Mexican restaurants in NYC or if you can’t control your sweet tooth, have a decadent dessert for dinner instead! We promise we won’t judge!

Do you have a favorite pizzaria in NYC? Please leave a comment below to share your find with us along with all our Library Hotel Collection guests and culinary nomads! Please let our front desk staff assist you finding the best restaurant for you! If you have any questions we can help you with please feel free to contact our concierge team at the Hotel Elysee, Library Hotel, Casablanca Hotel, or Hotel Giraffe!