10 New York Pizza Spots That Are Famous For All The Right Reasons

New York and pizza go together like a perfectly scripted meet-cute, except the romance spans an entire state and involves considerably more cheese.

From bustling city streets to quieter upstate corners, great pizza has a way of turning an ordinary stop into the main event. I’d argue that picking a favorite is harder than keeping track of all the New York characters who’ve wandered across a TV screen.

These spots have earned their reputations for reasons that go well beyond a good slice. And in a state with this much pizza personality, the plot is never quite the same twice.

1. Lombardi’s

Lombardi’s traces its history to 1905, giving this New York pizza institution serious bragging rights. Today, it remains famous for its coal-fired, thin-crust pizza in NoLita.

The address alone is fun to say. It sits on Spring Street, a short stroll from SoHo and Little Italy.

So what should you order first? The Original Margherita Pizza is the classic pick here.

Fresh mozzarella and a tangy sauce sit on a crisp, thin crust. Simple toppings keep the focus on that coal-fired char.

Feeling bold? The menu lists Our Famous Clam Pie.

It’s a seafood twist that shows how old-school New York pizza can get creative.

Pepperoni fans get their own treat too. The Rustic Double Pepperoni Pizza piles on the curly, crispy coins.

Not everyone in your crew wants pizza, and that’s fine. Rigatoni and Meatball, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Bruschetta on Rustic Bread round out the menu.

Plan ahead, because a wait is common here. Weekend afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch.

Weekend evenings can bring long waits, so arriving earlier in the day is a smart way to avoid the busiest periods.

Night owls can relax on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen stays open until midnight on those nights.

Parking nearby is usually tough in this part of Manhattan. Taking the subway is the smarter move.

Address: 30 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

2. John’s of Bleecker Street

Want a slice? Sorry, not here.

John’s of Bleecker Street sells whole brick-oven pies only, and that rule is part of the charm.

The pizzeria dates back to around 1929. It holds its spot in Greenwich Village like a proud old neighbor.

Crisp, thin crusts are the signature. Each pie comes out of the brick oven ready for sharing.

The John’s Margherita Pizza is a smart first order. It lets the crust and sauce do the talking.

Hungry for more? The Meat Lovers Pizza brings the heavy hitters.

The menu goes beyond pies. Fried Calamari with Marinara Sauce and a Meatball Sandwich make great sidekicks.

Wash it down with a Bottled Black Cherry Soda. It feels just right in a room this full of history.

Families get plenty of help here. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu are all available.

Dogs are welcome too, which is a rare perk in Manhattan. Your pup might be jealous of your dinner, though.

Reservations aren’t accepted, so expect a line at busy times. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the most packed.

Address: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014

3. Di Fara Pizza

People ride the subway to Midwood just to stand in line for pizza. That says plenty about Di Fara Pizza.

This Brooklyn storefront keeps things simple. You order at the counter, and there’s no table service.

The legend here comes from Domenico DeMarco. He made pizzas at Di Fara for decades and became a true New York pizza icon.

His legacy lives on in the menu. The Regular Slice is the easy entry point for first-timers.

Square fans should grab the Square Pie. Its thick, crisp edges are a favorite style at this counter.

The Difara Special Pie is another popular pick. You’ll also spot the Di Fara 50th Anniversary Pizza on the menu.

Craving something folded? A Family Size Calzone with a topping can feed a crowd.

Want a true Brooklyn drink? Try a Manhattan Special Soda, a local classic.

Patience matters here. Waits are common, especially on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings.

One quick heads-up before you go. There’s no restroom, so plan around that.

Di Fara generally opens at noon, but published hours differ, particularly on Mondays. Check the current schedule before visiting.

Address: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230

4. L&B Spumoni Gardens

Pizza and ice cream at one counter? L&B Spumoni Gardens has made that dream combo work since 1939.

This Gravesend favorite is known for Sicilian square pizza. The thick squares are the reason many people make the trip.

Order the Sicilian Square Pizza Pie and grab a seat. Indoor and outdoor seating both give you room to spread out.

Then comes the sweet part. The homemade spumoni is the star dessert, and you can even take home a quart.

Spumoni is a layered Italian ice cream treat. It’s the perfect cool finish after a hot square.

Not in a pizza mood? Chicken Parmigiana, Chicken Marsala, and Baked Ziti fill out the menu.

Snackers can grab Fried Zucchini or Mozzarella Sticks. They’re easy to share while you wait for pies.

Families love this spot for good reason. It’s a popular pick for kids’ birthdays, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.

The hours are generous too. You can stop by from 11 AM to 11:30 PM every day.

Weekend evenings get busy. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early if you can.

Address: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223

5. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

Staten Island doesn’t always get the pizza spotlight. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria & Restaurant makes a strong case that it should.

The house specialty is a thin-crust pie. It’s crispy, and toppings land on it with a generous hand.

Start with the Margherita Pizza if you love the basics. It shows off that crackly crust in its simplest form.

A grandma pie also appears here. That style brings a square shape and a homey, saucy feel.

Fun bonus for kids? Dough-tossing is part of the show at this longtime spot.

Pasta fans won’t feel left out. Classic pasta dishes and Italian entrees share the menu with the pies.

Meatballs are a menu highlight too. Pair them with a Caesar Salad for a balanced meal.

The service moves quickly. That’s handy when hungry kids are counting the minutes.

Need room for a party? A private dining room and catering make bigger gatherings easier.

Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday and Sunday evenings. Street parking can take a little hunting.

Hours run until 10 PM most nights. On Fridays and Saturdays, you get until 11 PM.

Address: 1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314

6. Umberto’s Of New Hyde Park

Grandma pizza has a family tree, and its roots run through Long Island. Umberto’s Of New Hyde Park is famous for its original Grandma Slice.

This style is a thin square with a bright, garlicky tomato flavor. It’s become a beloved New York classic.

Of course, you’ll want to try the Grandma Slice first. That’s the history lesson you can eat.

Round pie fans can order the Margherita Pie. The brick oven pizza here pleases traditionalists too.

The space comes in different flavors. There’s a formal dining room, a casual dining room, and a tent.

Big groups fit in easily. A spacious dining room and private dining make celebrations simple.

Pasta lovers should look at the sauce dishes. Lasagna and Veal Parmigiana are other hearty options.

Starters include Baked Clams and Fried Calamari. They’re great for passing around the table.

Here’s a practical perk. Parking is usually plentiful, including a free lot.

Dinner reservations are recommended. Friday evenings tend to be the busiest time.

Address: 633 Jericho Tpke, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

7. Hudson & Packard

Detroit-style pizza in the Hudson Valley sounds like a plot twist. Hudson & Packard in Poughkeepsie pulls it off with flair.

The pies are thick-crusted squares. Their edges get that crispy, cheesy frame Detroit pizza is known for.

The name nods to classic car history. Even the pizzas get car-themed names, which is a fun touch.

Spice fans should try the Hudson Hornet. It brings a nice kick of heat.

Love pepperoni? The Ambassador piles on extra pepperoni for a meaty bite.

Wings are a big deal here too. Pair your Buffalo Wings with the Smokey Bleu Cheese Dressing.

Got a craving for something different? The Chicky Parmy and the beet salad are menu highlights.

Save room for dessert. Grandma Carol’s Green Cake is a pistachio cake, and Fried Dough is another sweet option.

The space is compact with cool decor. Outdoor seating gives you a little extra room.

Check the calendar before driving over. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Vegan and vegetarian menus are available. Parking is usually easy to find nearby.

Address: 29 Academy St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

8. DeFazio’s Pizza

Troy has a pizza staple, and its name is DeFazio’s Pizza. This easygoing Italian eatery serves wood-fired pies with plenty of personality.

The crusts are thin and crispy. Toppings come in creative combinations with rich, flavorful sauces.

Can’t decide on toppings? The Half Cheese Pepperoni Pizza lets you split the difference.

The Homemade Sausage deserves your attention. House-made meat on a wood-fired pie is hard to beat.

A Stromboli is another tasty pick. It wraps the fillings up in a golden roll of dough.

Pasta fans get options too. Homemade pasta with red sauce sits comfortably on the menu.

Don’t skip the handmade treats. The cake here gets plenty of love.

The setting feels old-fashioned and small. Outdoor tables give you a nice spot on warm days.

Groups can book the private dining room. Catering is also available for bigger events.

Vegan and vegetarian menus help mixed crowds. Organic dishes are part of the lineup as well.

Reservations are accepted, which is handy on busy Friday evenings. Remember that Sundays are closed.

Address: 266 4th St, Troy, NY 12180

9. O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria

Cheese on the bottom, sauce on top. O’Scugnizzo Pizzeria in Utica flips pizza rules on their head.

This spot dates back to around 1914. That makes it a true elder in the pizza world.

Its famous upside-down pizza is the reason to visit. The rich, traditional sauce sits over the cheese.

A dusting of grated parmesan finishes the top. The crust stays crisp underneath it all.

Want a classic upgrade? The Mozzarella and Sausage Pizza uses homemade sausage.

The digs are bare-bones. That simple setting keeps your eyes on the food.

Subs are a strong side act here. The Meatball Sub and the Steak and Greens Sub are local favorites.

Fridays bring a special treat. A Fried Fish Dinner is served that day only.

Early risers will like the hours. The doors open at 9 AM daily.

Check the schedule on Tuesdays, though. The restaurant closes at 5 PM that day.

Parking is usually plentiful, including a free lot. Free Wi-Fi is available while you wait.

Address: 614 Bleecker St, Utica, NY 13501

10. Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria

Buffalo is famous for wings, yet a Kenmore pizzeria grabbed global attention. In 2025, Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria ranked #4 in the U.S. and #14 in the world in the 50 Top Pizza rankings.

That’s a big deal for a small spot. It proves western New York can compete with any pizza town.

The menu covers two styles. You can choose Neapolitan or Detroit-style pizza.

Thin-crust pies come from a brick oven. They arrive with a blackened, crispy bottom and fresh toppings.

Craving thick crust instead? The Detroit-style pies bring cheesy, crispy edges.

The Margherita Pizza is a great test of skill. Simple pies show off a kitchen best.

Looking for something adventurous? Try the bufala mozzarella with housemade chili honey.

Balance the meal with a Kale Salad. Finish with Tiramisu for a sweet ending.

Timing is everything here. Jay’s is open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 to 8 PM.

That short window fills up fast. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.

There’s no delivery and no reservations. Your best move is to show up early and hungry.

Address: 2872 Delaware Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217