New York City and pizza are inseparable. From thin-crust slices served in small corner shops to gourmet pies crafted by world-renowned chefs, NYC is the undisputed pizza capital of the world. But with so many options, how do you decide where to grab a slice? Here’s a deep dive into the best pizzerias in New York City right now and the trends shaping the industry.
Why New York Pizza is Legendary
New York-style pizza has earned its iconic status thanks to its thin crust, foldable slices, and no-frills appeal. Immigrants brought the art of pizza-making from Naples in the early 1900s, and the city has since elevated the dish into a cultural phenomenon. Whether it’s a dollar slice or a $40 artisanal creation, NYC pizza is always a reflection of the city’s diversity and creativity.
Top Pizzerias in NYC for 2025
New York is home to hundreds of pizzerias, but some stand above the rest for their flavor, innovation, and ability to draw crowds year after year.
1. Lucali (Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn)
Lucali continues to reign as one of NYC’s top pizza spots. Known for its minimalist menu of hand-crafted pies and calzones, the cozy Carroll Gardens pizzeria is a must-visit. Lucali’s policy of no reservations and cash-only payments hasn’t deterred patrons, with some hiring TaskRabbit workers just to wait in line.
Location: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
2. L&B Spumoni Gardens (DUMBO and Gravesend)
Famous for its square Sicilian-style slices, L&B Spumoni Gardens expanded to DUMBO in 2024, making Old Fulton Street a pizza lover’s paradise. The original location in Gravesend remains an institution, drawing crowds for its perfectly crispy crust and sweet tomato sauce.
Location: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
3. Scarr’s Pizza (Lower East Side)
A retro-inspired gem, Scarr’s Pizza mills its own flour and serves classic NYC slices with a focus on quality ingredients. It’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists, offering a slice of nostalgia with a modern twist.
Location: 35 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
4. L’Industrie Pizzeria (Williamsburg and West Village)
This Brooklyn-based favorite specializes in thin-crust pizza topped with creative ingredients like burrata and prosciutto. L’Industrie recently opened a second location in the West Village, cementing its status as a must-visit for pizza connoisseurs.
Location: 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
5. Una Pizza Napoletana (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
Una Pizza Napoletana, owned by Anthony Mangieri, was named the best pizzeria in the world in 2024. Known for its naturally-leavened crust and high-quality ingredients, this establishment offers a variety of toppings, including Vacche Rosse Parmigiano Reggiano and Calabrian hot peppers.
Location: 175 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
6. Totonno’s Pizzeria Napolitana (Coney Island, Brooklyn)
Established in 1924, Totonno’s is a century-old pizzeria renowned for its traditional coal-fired oven pizza. The family-owned business remains a beloved spot for locals, celebrities, and pizza enthusiasts alike, maintaining classic recipes and opposing modern trends like pineapple toppings.
Location: 1524 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
7. New Park Pizza (Howard Beach, Queens)
A staple since 1956, New Park Pizza is celebrated for its classic New York-style slices featuring a thin, crispy crust and flavorful sauce. Proudly operated by the same family, they have been serving the Howard Beach community in Queens—known for its strong Italian heritage—the same great brick oven pizza for decades.
Location: 156-71 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414
8. John’s of Bleecker Street (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
Established in 1929, John’s of Bleecker Street is renowned for its coal-fired brick oven pizzas. Serving pies with a perfect balance of thin, crispy crust and rich toppings, it remains a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential New York pizza experience.
Location: 278 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
Emerging Trends in NYC’s Pizza Scene
The NYC pizza industry is adapting to new consumer preferences while preserving its classic roots. Here’s what’s trending:
• Artisanal Ingredients: More pizzerias are milling their own flour, using imported tomatoes, and sourcing locally-made cheeses to elevate the traditional pie.
• Fusion Pizzas: Chefs are experimenting with global flavors, adding toppings like kimchi, truffle oil, and even caviar to their pizzas.
• Vegan Options: With a growing demand for plant-based dining, NYC pizzerias are introducing vegan cheeses and creative veggie toppings.
• Sustainability: Many establishments are focusing on sustainable practices, from reducing food waste to using eco-friendly packaging.
Challenges for NYC Pizzerias in 2025
Running a pizzeria in New York City is no easy feat. Rising rent costs, increased competition, and changing consumer habits have forced even iconic spots to innovate. Additionally, ingredient shortages and labor costs present ongoing challenges, particularly for small businesses.
Where the NYC Pizza Scene is Headed
Looking ahead, NYC’s pizza industry will likely continue its tradition of blending the old with the new. While classic slice joints will always have their place, the future of New York pizza may lean even further into artisanal and gourmet offerings. Expect continued experimentation with toppings, sustainable practices, and tech-driven delivery solutions to keep the city’s pizza culture alive and thriving.
Conclusion: The City That Never Stops Eating Pizza
In 2025, New York pizza remains as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Whether you’re lining up at Lucali or grabbing a quick slice at Scarr’s, every bite is a testament to NYC’s love affair with pizza. For locals and tourists alike, the city’s pizzerias offer more than food—they offer a slice of history and culture.
