10 New York Pizza Spots Tourists Flock To (But Locals Avoid)
New York pizza is legendary, but not every slice is created equal, especially if you’re looking to eat like a local.
Some spots draw crowds of wide-eyed tourists craving the “famous” slice, while seasoned New Yorkers quietly dodge the lines and the hype.
If you want to know where the tourists swarm but locals steer clear, this list will give you a taste of the city’s pizza scene from a whole new angle.
1. Lombardi’s Pizza
America’s first pizzeria certainly has bragging rights, but locals know the century-old coal-fired oven doesn’t guarantee the best slice anymore.
Tourists pack into this Little Italy landmark for history, not flavor. Wait times often stretch past an hour while visitors snap photos of the vintage decor.
Meanwhile, New Yorkers roll their eyes at the inflated prices and sometimes inconsistent quality that comes with resting on historic laurels.
2. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Under the Brooklyn Bridge lurks a tourist trap that once deserved its reputation.
The original pizza master Patsy Grimaldi sold the name years ago, and quality has tumbled downhill faster than water over Niagara Falls. Hordes of bridge-walking tourists still form lines around the block.
The coal-fired pies emerge inconsistently charred while locals whisper about heading to Juliana’s instead, the shop Patsy opened next door after selling Grimaldi’s.
3. John’s of Bleecker Street
Wooden booths carved with decades of initials give John’s its charm, but not enough to keep locals coming back regularly.
The no-slices policy means commitment to a whole pie, which wouldn’t be a problem if consistency was guaranteed. Guidebook-toting visitors flock here for the atmosphere and history dating back to 1929.
Real New Yorkers know the sauce has gradually sweetened to appeal to out-of-town palates, leaving behind the traditional tangy bite locals prefer.
4. Prince Street Pizza
Square slices with those famous crispy pepperoni cups have made Prince Street an Instagram darling. The shop’s tiny storefront creates a bottleneck of tourists snapping photos of their “Spicy Spring” slices.
Controversy around the former owner’s racist comments sent locals packing. Despite new ownership, many New Yorkers haven’t returned, feeling the quality doesn’t justify the hype or the wait.
The pepperoni is photogenic, but nearby alternatives offer similar quality without the tourist crowds.
5. Rubirosa
Celebrity sightings and thin-crust pies have transformed this Nolita spot from neighborhood joint to tourist destination. Reservations now require planning weeks ahead, pushing locals to seek pizza elsewhere.
The vodka sauce pizza deserves some praise, but New Yorkers question whether it’s worth the inflated prices and impossible booking situation.
Famous for family recipes from the legendary Joe & Pat’s on Staten Island, Rubirosa now serves more out-of-towners than New Yorkers.
6. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Mammoth slices drowning in creamy artichoke topping attract late-night partiers and tourists seeking extreme pizza experiences.
The signature slice weighs about a pound and requires a fork and knife, practically sacrilege to pizza purists. Expansion to multiple locations has diluted what little charm the original had.
Native New Yorkers typically avoid the heavy, gut-bomb slices that seem designed for social media rather than satisfying hunger. The gimmicky toppings mask what locals consider subpar crust.
7. Joe’s Pizza
Spider-Man’s favorite pizza joint earned its fame honestly with solid slices, but success bred complacency.
The Greenwich Village institution now operates on autopilot, serving thousands of tourists seeking the “authentic New York slice” experience.
Multiple locations have sprung up, diluting the original charm. While not bad pizza by any measure, locals know dozens of corner slice shops serving equal or better quality without the tourist markup.
The slice-to-tourist ratio at peak hours makes New Yorkers seek quieter alternatives.
8. Sbarro
Locals laugh when tourists proudly announce they’ve had “real New York pizza” at Sbarro.
This mall food court chain somehow convinced visitors it represents authentic city slices despite being headquartered in Ohio.
The ultimate tourist trap relies on Times Square foot traffic and visitors who don’t know better. Heat lamps dry out the crust while cheese congeals under fluorescent lights.
New Yorkers would sooner go hungry than eat here, walking past with a mixture of amusement and secondhand embarrassment.
9. NY Pizza Suprema
Location near Madison Square Garden and Penn Station guarantees a steady stream of out-of-towners rather than repeat local business.
The pre-game crowd and commuters create a chaotic atmosphere that drives away neighborhood regulars.
Founded in 1964, Suprema serves better-than-average slices but charges premium prices for the convenience.
Knowledgeable New Yorkers head a few blocks in any direction for superior pizza without the tourist tax. The upscale ingredients don’t quite justify the upscale price tag.
10. Famous Famiglia Pizza
Airport terminals and tourist hubs house most Famous Famiglia locations, targeting captive audiences rather than discriminating locals.
Their strategic placement in transportation centers guarantees sales despite mediocre quality.
The chain somehow secured spots at Yankee Stadium and LaGuardia Airport, tricking visitors into thinking they’ve discovered authentic New York pizza.
Locals recognize the mass-produced sauce and pre-shredded cheese from a mile away. The doughy crust and sweet sauce are engineered for broad appeal rather than pizza excellence.