Best Pizza in Manhattan: Top 20 Pizza Places for 2023
When you toss around the title of best pizza in Manhattan, there’s a lot of ingredients to consider. What constitutes the best? Is it the crust or the sauce? The cheese or the toppings? And isn’t any pizza in Manhattan the best pizza in Manhattan?
Slicing up the best pizza in Manhattan is no small job, but somebody’s got to do it.
There’s nothing like the smell of warm, yeasty pizza dough and the anticipation of that first cheesy bite. No matter the meal or the mood, pizza makes everything better. Whether you crave the traditional round hand-tossed pie cut into triangles or you have a deep fondness for deep-dish squares, this top 20 list of the best pizza in Manhattan covers all the angles.
Jump to Section
Find the Best Pizza in Manhattan
Take a Food Tour
Nowhere on earth is it harder to narrow down the choices for a great pizza, let alone the best pizza in Manhattan, than in New York City. That’s why the first stop on any NYC itinerary should be a food tour. Food tours in NYC, and pizza tours in NYC, are the best way to get a taste of the endless culinary possibilities, including pizza, without hours of research.
20 Best Pizza Places in Manhattan
1. Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s tops the list of best pizza in Manhattan. Their claim of being the first pizzeria in America goes unchallenged. In business since 1905, Lombardi’s prides themselves on using “purist tomato sauce” and fresh whole milk mozzarella on their coal oven baked pies.
The Vibe
This classic Little Italy neighborhood pizza parlor is an iconic spot to get the best pizza in lower Manhattan.
What to Order
An order of Grandma Grace’s meatballs followed by a classic Margherita.
Lombardi’s | 32 Spring St., New York, NY 10012 | $$
2. NY Pizza Suprema
Long before the Soup Nazi made saying no an art, Salvatore Riggio was doing it. He was serving up some of the best pizza in Manhattan at his NY Pizza Suprema, but if you wanted just a slice, the answer was a firm “cheese only.” Years later, the plain cheese slice is still the most popular and remains the best pizza slice in Manhattan.
The Vibe
Old-school charm with vintage 1980s glass hanging lamps for ambiance. Don’t miss the prominently placed portrait of Anthony Bourdain.
What to Order
Just get the plain cheese slice and learn what classic NY-style pizza is all about.
NY Pizza Suprema | 413 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001 | $$
3. Joe’s Pizza Broadway
Sometimes the best pizza in Manhattan is the simplest. Don’t be put off by the line. Joe’s Pizza has mastered the art of turning out pie after pie with ease and speed, and their Broadway location is considered to be one of the best pizzas in midtown Manhattan.
The Vibe
Come as you are. They don’t care what you look like.
What to Order
Plain cheese pie with “left half topping.”
Joe’s Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$
4. 99 Cent Fresh Pizza
The best pizza slice in Manhattan doesn’t have to be expensive. Can you stomach $1.50? Or a whole pie for $12? You won’t get many toppings, but you’ll get your fix and you’ll have some cents left over for a drink. It may not be the best pizza in Manhattan, but it’s the cheapest.
The Vibe
With eight no-frills takeout locations around Manhattan, 99 Cent Fresh Pizza gets our vote for best pizza in Manhattan if you’re broke. They’re even cheaper than food halls in NYC.
What to Order
Get the two-slice one-topping special. It comes with either a can of soda or bottle of water for less than $5.
99 Cent Fresh Pizza | Multiple Locations | $
5. Motorino
Sometimes the best pizza in Manhattan is a sit-down affair. If date night in NYC calls for a starter of octopus and potato salad and a nice bottle of chenin blanc, Motorino is your spot.
The Vibe
All of their locations are upscale casual, where you’ll feel like draping your blazer over the back of your chair and settling in. For atmosphere, they’re one of the best pizza places in Manhattan.
What to Order
The Brussels sprout pizza features fior di latte and smoked pancetta.
Motorino | Multiple Locations | $$
6. Brunetti’s
No matter where you get the best pizza in Manhattan, you’ve got to wash it down with something. Whether you prefer a cold lager or a Puglian red, Brunetti’s has you covered. Shouldn’t every pizza place have a curated wine list?
The Vibe
More refined than your old-school pizza joint, with some garden seating.
What to Order
The Spezie with Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, burrata and hot sauce would pair nicely with a 2015 Chianti and some fava beans.
Brunetti’s | 626 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014 | $$
7. Pizza_Collective
Nothing tastes better than success. Except pizza. Pizza_Collective is a post-pandemic newcomer to the NYC pizza scene, but the concept — and their ultra-thin sourdough crust — has been fermenting for a long time. They’re an easy addition to the list of best pizza in Manhattan.
The Vibe
Combination takeout restaurant and Italian market.
What to Order
The six-flavor collective pie lets you pick — you guessed it — six different topping combinations. It’s the ultimate selfie, and the best pizza in Manhattan for the indecisive.
Pizza_Collective | 2060 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 | $$
8. Angelo’s Pizza NYC
When you’re sizing up the best pizza in Manhattan, people have strong feelings about crust. The original Angelo of Angelo’s Pizza NYC was one of them. “The crust has to be blackened and crisp!” Four generations later, you can count on Angelo’s to give you the perfect amount of black on your red or white pie.
The Vibe
Our pick is a sidewalk table at the Second Avenue location in Midtown, perfect for people-watching if you can take your eyes off the pie.
What to Order
This is the best pizza in Manhattan for groups because they also serve family-style pastas.
Angelo’s Pizza NYC | Multiple Locations | $$
9. PizzArte
The art of pizza making is celebrated at PizzArte. They serve up some of the best pizza in midtown Manhattan for those who love authentic Neapolitan. The dining room also serves as a gallery showcasing a variety of international artists.
The Vibe
For pizza, it’s one of the most sleek places to eat in NYC. Heels would not be out of place.
What to Order
The Pizzarte pizza with burrata, butternut squash, spicy sausage and thyme will leave you with nothing to critique but the art.
PizzArte | 69 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019 | $$
10. John’s of Bleecker Street
Reservations not accepted. Seating times may vary. No slices. Fans of John’s of Bleecker Street have been happily playing by these rules since 1929 and consider John's among the best pizza in Manhattan. Waiting in line here is one of the touristy things to do in NYC when you need pizza and aren’t in a rush.
The Vibe
It’s the kind of place where you might find gum under the table and it’s okay to carve your initials in the wall. Wear jeans.
What to Order
A meatball dish and the Chubby Vesce.
John’s of Bleecker Street | 278 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10014 | $$
11. Pazza Notte
Feeling more fork-and-knife than handheld today? The best pizza in Manhattan for the food snob can be found at Pazza Notte, along with their executive chef and a robust wine and cocktail menu.
The Vibe
Rustic but upscale, with a weekday wine lover’s happy hour. Perfect place to take a friend for their birthday dinner in NYC. DJs on Thursday and Friday nights.
What to Order
Try the decadent Pizza Tartufo with their signature blend of mushrooms, truffles and mascarpone, shaved asparagus, shaved shallots and arugula.
Pazza Notte | 1375 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 | $$
12. Brick Oven Pizza 33
When it’s been a long night and the mirror’s telling you to go home, there’s still time for one more round at Brick Oven Pizza 33.
The Vibe
The chandelier and granite countertops will keep your spirits going just long enough to get your fix or your takeout. They get our vote for best pizza in Manhattan for late night because they’re open until 4 a.m.
What to Order
Baked ziti pasta pizza slice or the cauliflower crust Margherita.
Brick Oven Pizza 33 | 489 Third Ave., New York, NY | $$
13. Pizza by Certé
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so when hunger strikes early, the best pizza in Manhattan can be found at Pizza by Certé.
The Vibe
This catering and takeout spot offers everything your heart desires, including heart-shaped pizzas if you call ahead. They’re the best pizzas in Manhattan if you want to send a pizzagram.
What to Order
After a slice of their Mid-Westerner or Grand Slam pizza, you might agree that the best pizza in Manhattan is breakfast pizza.
Pizza by Certé | 20 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019 | $$
14. Artistic Pizza
The traditional pizza reigns supreme in NYC, so where do you find the best pizza in Manhattan if you’re vegan? Artistic Pizza doesn’t just offer a token cauliflower crust. They go all out with an extensive list of vegan and gluten-free pizzas.
The Vibe
When the weather calls for indoor activities in NYC, call them for quick pickup or delivery.
What to Order
From vegan Margherita to vegan Hawaiian, they offer your favorite pizza combo with guilt-free toppings.
Artistic Pizza | 123 W. Third St., New York, NY 10012 | $$
15. Two Boots
For the best pizza in Manhattan with true vegan flair, look no further than Two Boots. The name comes from the owner’s love of boot-shaped New Orleans and Italy. With pizza names like Earth Mother, Animal Collective and the Night Tripper, you know it’s going to be a good time.
The Vibe
Both locations have an eclectic retro New Orleans “diner with a disco” vibe and should be on your list of fun things to do in NYC.
What to Order
For the best pizza in Manhattan that takes a walk on the wild side, try the Bayou Beast, which features shrimp, crawfish and andouille sausage. Or go for The Bird, with Buffalo chicken, blue cheese and jalapeños.
Two Boots | Multiple Locations | $$
16. Double Zero
Is it possible the best pizza in Manhattan could be plant-based and sustainable? Matthew Kenney says yes. His Double Zero concept puts a healthy spin on a not-so-healthy classic, making Double Zero the best pizza in Manhattan for those who want to indulge and not bulge on NYC foods.
The Vibe
Chic upscale with highboy tables ready for you and your besties to chill.
What to Order
Their white pizzas are made using cashew cream bases, and they offer the option to add greens to any pie. Try the Gigante with garlic cashew cream, preserved lemon, fennel and peppers, or the squash blossom pizza with blistered tomatoes and balsamic. This is the best pizza in Manhattan for plant-based diets.
Double Zero | 65 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
17. Emmy Squared Pizza
After a night out in the Big Apple, the best pizza in Manhattan is the one you’ll be having for brunch the next day. Emmy Squared Pizza is an uncontested winner in that category.
The Vibe
Low-key urban bistro, low lighting, full bar.
What to Order
There’s a specific hangover pizza, but the Benedict Emily with kale, mozzarella, hollandaise and a fried egg is the real cure.
Emmy Squared Pizza | 83 First Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$
18. Pasquale Jones
Seafood on pizza — you either love it or you hate it. It’s an acquired taste for sure, but if you have it, then head down to Pasquale Jones. They are the undisputed best pizza in Manhattan for clam pizza lovers.
The Vibe
Low-key but hip spot known as much for the wine list as the littleneck clam pizza.
What to Order
Come out of your shell and give that littleneck clam a try. It’s made with broccoli rabe, heavy cream and lemon. Follow it with the spaghetti al limone and a scoop of wild sea urchin.
Pasquale Jones | 187 Mulberry St., New York, NY 19912 | $$
19. Oath Pizza
When you want to take a healthy bite out of the Big Apple but still want a proper slice of the best pizza in Manhattan, Oath Pizza is your jam. They may be the only pizza spot in town that offers certified humane meats and sustainably sourced ingredients, not to mention avocado oil or chickpea crust options. This makes them the best pizza in Manhattan for those who want a healthier spin on the traditional round.
The Vibe
Casual spot for a quick bite on the run or takeout.
What to Order
With thick or thin crust and vegan build-your-own, it’s totally up to you!
Oath Pizza | 1142 Third Ave., New York, NY 10065 | $$
20. Vinnie’s Pizzeria
Sometimes the best pizza in Manhattan is actually a little further afield. Vinnie’s Pizzeria is a Brooklyn institution that has quickly gained fame for its daily special boards that go where no pizza has gone before. From Shwarm Trooper to Taters of the Lost Ark, the creative genius is something to behold and likely worth the trip.
The Vibe
As old-school neighborhood as it gets. Walk up or grab a vintage red booth.
What to Order
Check out the special board first. The permanent menu has plenty of options when you’re bored with the same old sauce and cheese, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan selections. The Mac Attack is a nod to the mac and cheese lover, but the Elote has been said to change lives.
Vinnie’s Pizzeria | 148 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 | $$
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
By the pie or by the slice, it’s easy to find the best pizza in Manhattan. Grab and go, or linger and graze. Whether it’s thin crust, stuffed crust, square or round, as long as it’s piping hot from the oven, it’s the best in town. Beauty lies in the eye of the pieholder.
For even more fun ways to explore NYC and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.