Published: March 27, 2026
Pizza in New York City is a privilege, almost a right, and one that we do not take for granted. But with so much excellent pizza around, how do we live our very best pizza lives?
The truth is there’s no single “best” pizza in New York, and in curating this guide, we took that into consideration. The “best” pizza depends on the situation, whether you’re in search of a hot late-night slice, a quick mid-day walking lunch, or a proper sit-down meal. Pizza is there for you when you’re flying solo (hello, personal bar pie), as well as when you’re with a crew (whole pies, please).
There were, however, some non-negotiables: A New York slice shouldn’t flop, a Sicilian square shouldn’t crunch like a crouton, and please don’t burn the frico in a blue steel pan for so-called Detroit-style. Some pizzas will have cheese, others won’t. Some will have oxtail, while others, lobster. And sometimes, you have to go back to the gold standard: tomato, mozzarella and basil, as the Neapolitans intended.
The best pizza is subjective and also, sentimental. While there are plenty of new spots on the rise, we hope you won’t forget the old ones, your standbys, the stalwarts. Nostalgia doesn’t just have to be remembered; it can be revered. In other words, be loyal to your local pizzerias, because they’ve always been there for us. And do consider the following spots for your future pizza consumption.