Brooklyn’s Pizza Hotspots Locals Swear Beat Anything In Manhattan
Brooklyn’s pizza scene has long lived in the shadow of Manhattan’s famous pizzerias, but locals know better.
The borough across the East River has quietly built a reputation for some of the most innovative, authentic, and downright delicious pizza in the city.
From decades-old institutions to pandemic-born sensations, Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique pizza experiences that have even Manhattan residents making the subway journey for a slice.
1. L’Industrie Pizzeria
Hidden on a quiet Williamsburg street, L’Industrie serves up slices that make pizza purists weak in the knees. The perfectly charred crust provides just the right balance of crunch and chew, while the toppings showcase owner Alessandro Capozzi’s commitment to quality ingredients.
The Burrata Pie stands as their crown jewel – a harmonious blend of creamy cheese, vibrant tomato sauce, and fresh basil that melts in your mouth. Regulars often form lines around the block, especially during weekend lunch rushes.
What started as a humble slice shop has blossomed into a Brooklyn institution.It’s recognized by The Infatuation as one of the borough’s finest pizza establishments.
2. Lucali
Mark Iacono’s candlelit Carroll Gardens sanctuary treats pizza-making as sacred art. The minimalist menu focuses on what matters most – exceptional ingredients combined with time-honored techniques. No fancy toppings needed when the basics are this good.
The thin-crust pies emerge from a wood-fired oven with just the right amount of char, topped with a secret sauce recipe and premium mozzarella. Locals whisper about the cash-only policy and no-reservation system as badges of honor rather than inconveniences.
My first visit required a two-hour wait. But after one bite of their ethereal crust, I understood why celebrities and locals alike willingly endure the wait for what many consider Brooklyn’s perfect pizza.
3. Di Fara Pizza
Dom DeMarco crafted pizzas at Di Fara for over 50 years until his passing, and his children continue his legacy in this unassuming Midwood corner shop. Each pie represents decades of pizza-making wisdom, with dough stretched to perfection and topped with imported Italian ingredients.
The regular slice features a symphony of flavors – three different cheeses, San Marzano tomato sauce, and the signature finish of fresh basil snipped with scissors and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The shop’s weathered interior adds to its authentic charm.
Pizza pilgrims from across the globe have made the journey to this modest storefront. True pizza transcends trendy locations or fancy décor.
4. L&B Spumoni Gardens
Since 1938, L&B Spumoni Gardens has been serving their iconic Sicilian squares to devoted Brooklynites. The reverse-engineered pizza construction – cheese first, then sauce on top – creates a unique eating experience that defies pizza convention.
The thick, focaccia-like base provides the perfect foundation for the melty cheese and slightly sweet tomato sauce. On summer evenings, the sprawling outdoor seating area transforms into a community gathering spot where families have been celebrating special occasions for generations.
When I brought my Manhattan-dwelling cousin here last summer, he declared it a revelation and has made the pilgrimage to Gravesend monthly ever since. Their spumoni ice cream makes the perfect dessert companion.
5. Chrissy’s Pizza
Born during the height of the pandemic as a pop-up, Chrissy’s Pizza has evolved into a Greenpoint sensation with a permanent storefront. Owner Christina Chavez perfected her craft during lockdown, developing a distinctive style that combines New York pizza traditions with artisanal sensibilities.
The signature pies feature a light, shattering crust that somehow supports a generous layer of tangy tomato sauce. Each slice maintains structural integrity despite its sauciness – the hallmark of truly great New York pizza.
The no-frills interior lets the food speak for itself, and speak it does. Weekend evenings often see lines forming before opening, as devoted fans secure their fix of what many call Brooklyn’s best newcomer.
6. Una Pizza Napoletana
Anthony Mangieri brings Neapolitan pizza perfection to Brooklyn’s southern shore at Una Pizza Napoletana. The menu celebrates simplicity with just a handful of pizza options, each showcasing the purest expression of Naples’ pizza tradition.
The Margherita stands as the ultimate test of any pizzaiolo’s skill, and Mangieri passes with flying colors. His dough ferments for days, creating a crust with complex flavors and the perfect amount of char from the wood-fired oven. No fancy toppings needed when the fundamentals are this exceptional.
Recently crowned America’s best pizzeria by 50 Top Pizza, this spot proves that sometimes the simplest approach yields the most extraordinary results. The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic keeps the focus where it belongs – on the pizza.
7. Roberta’s
Roberta’s helped put Bushwick on the culinary map when it opened in 2008, transforming a gritty industrial space into a pizza destination that draws visitors from around the world. The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts that balance chewiness and crunch.
Their famous Bee Sting pizza exemplifies their innovative approach – a sweet-savory combination of sopressata, mozzarella, and honey that creates an unexpected flavor explosion. The restaurant’s punk rock ethos extends beyond the food to the graffiti-adorned space and eclectic staff.
The outdoor garden area buzzes with energy on warm evenings, as Brooklyn creatives gather over pies and drinks. Roberta’s isn’t just a restaurant – it’s the epitome of Brooklyn’s food renaissance.
8. Juliana’s Pizza
When pizza legend Patsy Grimaldi sold his namesake pizzeria and later returned to the game, he opened Juliana’s just doors away from his original establishment. The result is a pizza paradise that honors New York’s coal-fired tradition with impeccable execution.
The Margherita showcases the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet coal-fired heat – a thin, crispy crust supporting bright tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Located near the Brooklyn Bridge, the historic DUMBO location draws tourists and locals alike.
I’ve brought visiting friends here for years, and watching their expressions after the first bite never gets old. The classic New York pizza experience without the tourist traps or hype – just honest, exceptional pizza in a welcoming environment.
9. Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared brought Detroit-style pizza to Brooklyn and created a sensation that’s spawned locations across the country. The rectangular pies feature thick, airy crusts with crispy, caramelized cheese edges that pizza aficionados treasure as the best part.
Unlike traditional New York slices, these hefty squares require a fork and knife, with toppings that range from classic pepperoni to innovative combinations. Beyond pizza, their Le Big Matt burger has developed its own cult following – a perfect companion to their signature pies.
The casual, modern space in Williamsburg fills nightly with groups sharing multiple pizzas and drinks. Emmy Squared proves that Brooklyn’s pizza scene embraces innovation while maintaining the soul and satisfaction that great pizza demands.