We Found An Authentic New York Pizza Slice Right Here In Arizona, Surprisingly
Let’s be real, finding a slice of pizza that actually tastes like it belongs on a sidewalk in Manhattan is basically an Olympic sport once you cross into the desert.
Usually, we just settle for “good enough” and try not to think about what we’re missing, but I think I just stumbled upon the Holy Grail of crust and sauce right here in Arizona.
It has that perfect, gravity-defying crunch, the kind of legendary pepperoni that curls up into little spicy bowls of joy, and a sauce so bright it would make someone’s Italian grandmother weep with pride. I was skeptical at first-honestly, I was prepared to be hurt again-but one bite and I was instantly transported.
If you’ve been mourning the loss of a truly authentic slice since moving to Arizona, your grieving period is officially over. This place is the real deal, and here is everything you need to know before your first visit.
The Story Behind Prince Street Pizza
Back in 2012, a small pizzeria opened on Prince Street in New York City and quietly became one of the most talked-about pizza spots in the entire country. That legendary reputation is exactly what followed the brand all the way to Arizona.
Prince Street Pizza officially opened its first Arizona location on August 28, 2025, bringing over a decade of New York pizza tradition to the Southwest. Situated at 680 S.
Mill Avenue in Tempe, the 1,300-square-foot spot sits right at CenterPoint on Mill, in the space formerly occupied by a Jimmy John’s. The transformation is striking.
What was once a sandwich shop is now a buzzing, vibrant slice joint that feels like a little piece of New York dropped into the desert.
Founded with a clear mission to serve pizza that honors old-school New York craftsmanship, Prince Street Pizza has never cut corners. Every detail, from the dough to the sauce, reflects a deep respect for the craft.
That dedication is exactly why the hype is completely justified.
The Secret Weapon: Water Filtration Technology
Here is a fun fact that pizza nerds absolutely love: the secret to authentic New York pizza has always been the water. New York City tap water has a specific mineral composition that affects how dough develops its flavor and texture.
For years, pizzerias outside New York struggled to replicate that signature chew, and the water was always the missing piece. Prince Street Pizza solved this problem brilliantly.
The Tempe location uses a specialized water filtration system designed to mimic the exact mineral profile of New York City water. That means every batch of dough made in Arizona tastes as close to the original Manhattan recipe as physically possible.
When I first heard about this, I thought it sounded like a gimmick. One bite of the crust completely changed my mind.
The dough had that unmistakable pull, that slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, airy interior that you just cannot fake. Science, meet pizza.
This is innovation done right.
Square Slices That Steal The Show
Forget everything you think you know about triangular pizza slices, because the square Sicilian-style slice is in a completely different league. Prince Street Pizza built its entire reputation on these thick, pillowy, golden-bottomed beauties, and one look at them explains why people line up around the block back in New York.
The signature Spicy Spring slice is the crowd favorite for a very good reason. Fra Diavolo sauce, fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and those iconic cup-and-char pepperoni that curl up and crisp at the edges create a flavor combination that is bold, satisfying, and genuinely memorable.
Each bite delivers layers of texture that triangular slices simply cannot match. The crust underneath deserves its own applause.
Golden and slightly crunchy on the bottom, soft and chewy in the middle, it holds up beautifully under generous toppings without going soggy.
Picking up a square slice from Prince Street Pizza for the first time feels like a small revelation. You will immediately understand why Sicilian-style pizza has such a devoted following.
The Menu Highlights Worth Knowing About
Beyond the square slices, the menu at Prince Street Pizza offers enough variety to keep every pizza lover happy without overwhelming anyone with too many choices. Simplicity and quality go hand in hand here, which is very much the New York way of doing things.
The Original Prince is exactly what classic cheese pizza should be: clean, honest, and deeply satisfying. For those who prefer a little adventure, The Naughty Pie brings spicy vodka sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, ricotta, and hot honey together in a combination that sounds unusual but tastes absolutely inspired.
The hot honey finish adds a sweet warmth that lingers in the best possible way. Neapolitan pies are also available for guests who prefer a thinner, more traditional round pizza.
The balance between the Sicilian square slices and the Neapolitan options means there is genuinely something for everyone at the table. Visiting with a group is the smartest move so you can try a little of everything without making impossible decisions solo.
The Atmosphere And Vibe Of The Space
Walking into Prince Street Pizza on Mill Avenue feels like stepping into a completely different city. The energy is immediate and unmistakable.
There is a casual confidence to the space that feels authentically New York without trying too hard to perform it.
At just 1,300 square feet, the restaurant is compact and purposeful. Every inch of the layout is designed to keep things moving efficiently while still creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
The counter setup, the visual branding, and the overall energy all point to a place that takes pizza seriously but keeps the experience fun and unpretentious.
My first visit on a weekday afternoon was surprisingly busy, which told me everything I needed to know about how quickly this place found its audience in Tempe. The crowd ranged from college students grabbing a quick slice to families clearly making a special outing of it.
Mill Avenue has seen a lot of restaurants come and go, but Prince Street Pizza already feels like it belongs here permanently.
Why Location On Mill Avenue Makes Perfect Sense
CenterPoint on Mill is one of the most visited stretches of real estate in all of Tempe, and dropping a world-class pizza joint right in the middle of it was a genuinely smart move. The foot traffic alone means that curious passersby are constantly discovering Prince Street Pizza for the first time, often stopping mid-walk when the smell hits them.
Mill Avenue has long been the social and cultural heartbeat of Tempe, surrounded by Arizona State University students, young professionals, families, and tourists who all need a great meal at a fair price. Prince Street Pizza fits that community perfectly.
A solid slice does not require a reservation, a dress code, or a lengthy wait for a table. The accessibility of the location also matters for repeat visits, which happen frequently once you have tried the food.
Parking, walkability, and proximity to campus all make this an easy choice when hunger strikes. Great pizza in a great location is a combination that rarely fails, and Prince Street Pizza is proving that theory deliciously well.
Should You Make The Trip To Prince Street Pizza
Honest answer: yes, absolutely, without hesitation. Prince Street Pizza is not just another pizza place riding a trendy concept.
It is a legitimate, well-executed extension of a beloved New York institution that happens to now call Tempe home. The quality speaks for itself from the very first bite.
Whether you grew up eating New York pizza and miss it deeply, or you have never had a proper square Sicilian slice in your life, this is the place that will set a new standard for you.
The water filtration system, the thoughtfully developed recipes, and the commitment to authentic ingredients are not marketing talking points. They are genuinely noticeable in the final product on your plate.
Prince Street Pizza landed in Arizona and immediately raised the bar for what pizza in the Valley can be. Grab a Spicy Spring, find a spot on Mill Avenue, and take a moment to appreciate the fact that New York pizza is now a short drive away.
Some surprises are worth every mile of the trip.
How Prince Street Pizza Compares To Other Arizona Pizza Spots
Arizona has no shortage of pizza places, but most locals will tell you that something always felt missing when it came to that true New York experience. Prince Street Pizza changes that conversation entirely.
The square slices, the crispy-yet-airy crust, and the bold toppings set it apart from nearly every other pie in the state.
Most local pizza joints lean toward thin-crust or fast-casual styles that prioritize speed over craft. Prince Street Pizza slows things down and focuses on quality above all else.
That commitment shows in every single bite you take. For pizza fans in Arizona, this place genuinely raises the bar. It is the kind of spot that makes you stop mid-bite and realize this is exactly what you had been hoping to find all along.
The texture, the flavor, and the balance all come together in a way that feels thoughtful rather than rushed. You can tell right away that this pizza was made to be memorable, not just convenient.
For anyone craving a slice that actually delivers that big-city feeling, Prince Street Pizza feels like the real thing.