Where To Get Pizza In New York City: A Local’s Guide to the Best Slices and Pies

Posted byMegan CooperPosted inNew York CityTags:,

Looking for the best pizza in New York City? You’re in the right place.

After living in NYC for eight years (and basically injecting marinara into my bloodstream), I’ve eaten my way through the city’s pizza scene from $1 slices to legendary pies. There’s something in the New York water that makes the crust perfectly chewy with just the right amount of salt. The sauce tastes like it was made by Nonna herself, not too sweet or chunky, the cheese isn’t too salty and the pepperonis are perfectly crisped. There are little secret ingredients in a great New York slice that make it unforgettable, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why. It may seem simple, but there’s a lot that goes into the perfect pie, at least one I’ll be excited to eat again and again.

In this guide, I’ll break down my top picks for where to get pizza in NYC, whether you’re visiting with friends, ordering delivery for a party, or just looking for a life-changing slice at midnight.

My Favorite Pizza in NYC Overall: Inatteso 

  • Order: Pizza Della Nonna with added pepperoni (pictured above).
  • Why I love it: Perfect chew, ideal sauce-to-cheese ratio, and just straight-up addicting.
  • Location: Battery Park City

Best NYC Pizza Spots for Groups

1. Kesté Pizza & Vino

  • Great for: Big groups, outdoor seating, wine lovers
  • Each person gets their own personal pie = no sharing fights.

2. Rubirosa (Little Italy)

  • Great for: Celebrations, out-of-towners, date nights
  • Order the Tie Dye pizza (vodka sauce + pesto swirl)
  • Pro tip: Make a reservation weeks in advance or try for a bar seat.

3. Adrienne’s Pizza Bar (Stone Street)

  • Great for: Outdoor dining, group happy hours
  • Vibes: European alleyway meets NYC pizza party.
  • Signature pie: Grandma-style square pizza

4. Lombardi’s Pizza (Nolita)

  • Claim to fame: America’s first pizzeria
  • Try the clam pie or keep it classic.
  • Fun, casual, and perfect for tourists.

Bougie but worth the hype: Emily

  • Order: The MVP (marinara, vodka, pesto), yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
  • Known for: Pizza and their burger (though I’m not into the burger sauce).
  • Vibe: Perfect for birthday dinners or a nice night out with friends.

Most Famous Slice in NYC: Prince Street Pizza

  • What to expect: A line. A crowd. A heavenly slice.
  • Order: Spicy Pepperoni Sicilian Slice
  • Pro tip: After your slice, walk across the street to Little Cupcake Bakeshop for the best chocolate cake in America.

Best Pizza in NYC After a Night Out: Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

  • Order: Artichoke slice (creamy, rich, satisfying) or pepperoni
  • Why I love it: Open late, hearty slices, unforgettable.
  • Best enjoyed: After 11 PM, on the sidewalk, post-party.

Best Pizza Delivery for Parties

Need pizza for a crowd? These places never miss:

Office Pizza or Last-Minute Party Hack: $0.99 Slice Shops

When you need quick, budget-friendly pizza for an office happy hour or last-minute party, I don’t hate on the 99 cent slice shops. Ordering three pies for just $5 each makes feeding a crowd super easy and convenient, perfect for events like fantasy football drafts or whiskey tastings. The crust might be basic, but when you’re balancing cost and convenience, these spots get the job done without sacrificing that classic New York slice vibe.

Final Thoughts: What Makes NYC Pizza So Special?

Is it the crust? The chew? The sauce? The cheese-to-bread ratio? Yes to all of it.

There’s a magic formula that makes New York-style pizza iconic, and each of these spots hits the mark in their own way. I hope this guide helps you discover your new favorite slice.

Bonus Resources:

Want to explore more? I’ve compiled my full NYC food recs in a:

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