10 New York Pizzerias That Only Offer Seasonal Fall Toppings Once A Year
Fall in New York is more than a season of colorful leaves and crisp air—it’s the start of a quiet pizza revolution that only true devotees know to chase.
Across the five boroughs, pizzerias embrace autumn by slipping limited-time creations onto their menus, celebrating the harvest with flavors that vanish as quickly as they arrive.
For just a few weeks, pies topped with roasted squash, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, or even fresh figs make their debut, transforming the familiar into something extraordinary. After years of hunting down these fleeting treasures, I’ve gathered my favorite seasonal slices that capture autumn on dough.
1. Motorino’s Brussels Sprout Symphony
Last October, I stumbled into Motorino’s East Village location seeking shelter from rain and discovered my fall pizza obsession. Their Brussels Sprout pie transforms the often-maligned vegetable into something magical.
Crispy pancetta adds salty depth while pecorino cheese brings nutty sharpness that perfectly balances the caramelized sprouts. The thin, blistered crust provides the perfect canvas for these fall flavors.
What makes this pie special is how the Brussels sprouts develop crispy edges while maintaining tender centers. This pizza only emerges when temperatures drop, making it a true autumn treasure worth marking your calendar for!
2. Ops’ Squash and Speck Sensation
My friends laughed when I suggested driving to Bushwick just for pizza during a rainstorm. Their laughter stopped when our server described Ops’ seasonal squash creation.
The magic happens when they roast delicata or butternut squash until caramelized, then pair it with paper-thin speck and creamy fontina. Their sourdough crust, with that signature tang, creates the perfect foundation for these fall ingredients.
The real genius is in how they balance sweet squash with salty meat and cheese. I’ve tried recreating this at home but nothing compares to their wood-fired version. Check their Instagram for this year’s rotation – each autumn brings slightly different variations!
3. Leo’s Delicata Delight
The first time I tasted Leo’s seasonal delicata squash pie, I texted five friends before finishing my first slice. This Williamsburg gem transforms humble squash into pizza perfection.
Their approach is deceptively simple: thin rings of delicata squash (skin-on for texture) arranged over a white base with prosciutto adding saltiness and mascarpone bringing unexpected richness. The contrasting textures – from crispy crust to tender squash to silky cheese – create pizza harmony.
What I love most is how they let the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted squash shine through. This special only appears for a few weeks each fall, typically announced via Instagram with minimal warning. Set those notifications!
4. L’Industrie’s Fig and Bacon Masterpiece
“You missed it again?” My neighbor’s annual text about L’Industrie’s fig and bacon pizza prompted me to set a calendar reminder this year. This Williamsburg slice shop elevates the humble fig to pizza royalty.
Fresh figs (at their peak in late summer through fall) get scattered over a white base alongside crispy bacon pieces. The combination hits all the right notes – sweet, salty, smoky, and just a touch of honey drizzle for extra magic.
The genius lies in their restraint – just enough toppings to create harmony without overwhelming. This slice appears with zero fanfare and vanishes just as quickly, so follow their Instagram religiously during fig season!
5. Mama’s TOO! Poached Pear Paradise
My first encounter with Mama’s TOO! Poached Pear square happened by complete accident three falls ago. I intended to order their famous pepperoni cup slice but spotted this seasonal creation and changed course.
Their Sicilian-style dough provides the perfect foundation – airy yet substantial enough to support juicy poached pears, aged mozzarella, and sweet gorgonzola. The hot honey finish creates a sweet-heat balance that elevates every bite.
The contrast between the crispy bottom crust and the tender fruit creates textural magic. This square only graces their display case during peak pear season, making it a true autumn exclusive that Upper West Siders religiously track!
6. Speedy Romeo’s Butternut Bliss
“You have to try this before it’s gone!” The text from my pizza-obsessed cousin led me to Speedy Romeo in Clinton Hill on a chilly evening last November. Their seasonal butternut squash pie justified the crosstown journey.
Thin slices of roasted butternut squash form the base flavor, complemented by caramelized onions and fresh herbs. The real genius comes from their wood-fired oven, which adds subtle smokiness and creates perfectly charred edges.
Unlike many seasonal specials that appear without warning, Speedy Romeo announces their fall creation with appropriate fanfare each October. The combination of sweet squash with their signature cheese blend creates a comforting autumn experience worth traveling for!
7. Jay’s Artisan Zucca Celebration
My Buffalo pizza pilgrimage last fall led to an unexpected discovery at Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria. Their Zucca pie – named for the Italian word for squash – redefines what butternut squash can become on pizza.
The magic starts with their naturally leavened dough, fermented for days to develop complex flavor. Atop this perfect canvas, they layer thinly sliced butternut squash, ricotta, and honey, then finish with fried sage leaves and toasted pumpkin seeds after baking.
Each component plays a crucial role – creamy, sweet, herbaceous, crunchy – creating perfect harmony. Jay’s announces their fall menu each October with appropriate fanfare, making it worth planning a weekend getaway around!
8. Pizzeria Posto’s Fig and Butternut Marriage
“Worth the drive” understates Pizzeria Posto’s seasonal creation. My Hudson Valley day trip transformed into a pizza revelation when I discovered their fall specialty board featuring butternut squash and fig pizza.
Unlike competitors who choose either squash or figs, Posto boldly combines these autumn treasures. Roasted butternut provides sweetness while fresh figs add jammy texture. Their genius addition? A balsamic reduction that ties everything together with tangy complexity.
The contrast between their crispy-yet-chewy wood-fired crust and the soft toppings creates textural perfection. This pie only appears on their specials board during peak harvest season in the Hudson Valley, making it a true celebration of local autumn abundance!
9. F&F Pizzeria’s Fresh Fig Fantasy
The line outside F&F Pizzeria in Carroll Gardens last September piqued my curiosity. “Fresh fig special today only,” explained the stranger beside me, and suddenly the 30-minute wait made perfect sense.
Their approach celebrates simplicity – a perfectly executed dough topped with fresh figs at peak ripeness, a light layer of cheese, and a whisper of honey. No competing flavors, just pure figgy perfection.
What makes this pizza special is its ephemeral nature. It appears without warning when the kitchen secures perfect figs, typically for just a few days in early fall. Their Instagram becomes the notification system for pizza insiders tracking this elusive creation that captures late summer transitioning to fall!
10. Roberta’s Squash Blossom Revolution
My Bushwick pizza tradition begins each September with a visit to Roberta’s for their rotating squash creations. This hipster pizza haven transforms humble squash into edible art.
Their approach varies yearly but always features seasonal squash in creative combinations. My favorite iteration paired delicata rings with squash blossoms, brown butter, and ricotta – a combination so perfect I still dream about it.
What separates Roberta’s from competitors is their vegetable-forward approach that makes meat unnecessary. Their wood-fired oven brings out natural sweetness in the squash while creating perfect char on their famous crust. Each fall brings new variations, making repeat visits essential for tracking their seasonal evolution!