Best Pizza in Manhattan: Top 20 Pizza Places for 2025

When you toss around the title of best pizza in Manhattan, there are 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, especially in a city widely recognized as the epicenter of American pizza culture. As the Museum of the City of New York points out, “the influence of the New York slice can be seen inside almost every fast food pizza box,” making the hunt for the best slice not just a matter of taste, but of cultural significance.

Ultimately, 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.

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• How We Selected the Best Pizza in Manhattan
• Find the Best Pizza in Manhattan
• 20 Best Pizza Places in Manhattan

How We Selected the Best Pizza in Manhattan

Manhattan is home to an impressive range of pizzerias, from iconic slice shops to refined establishments that craft artisan pies. With so many options available, finding Manhattan’s best pizza requires more than simply highlighting the most well-known spots.

At Cozymeal, our team has spent years curating culinary experiences in over 200 cities. This gives us a unique perspective on what defines a truly exceptional dining experience. For this specific guide to the best pizza in Manhattan, we combined thorough research with insights from local experts and feedback from real customers to ensure a well-rounded list of spots that New Yorkers truly love.

When creating this guide, we additionally followed a set of criteria to ensure only the best of the best make our list. While each pizza place brings its own strengths, we prioritized establishments that offered one or more of the following:

• Great-tasting pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Authentic techniques, such as wood-fired ovens or long-fermented dough.
• A welcoming environment with friendly, attentive staff.
• A variety of pizza options, from classic to creative.
• Consistent positive reviews from diners.

20 Best Pizza Places in Manhattan

1. Lombardi’s

The claim of being the first pizzeria in America goes unchallenged; that’s why Lombardi’s tops the list of best pizza in Manhattan. In business since 1905, Lombardi’s prides itself on using “purist tomato sauce” and fresh whole milk mozzarella on its coal oven-baked pies.

The Vibe

This classic Little Italy restaurant in NYC is an iconic spot to get the best pizza in Lower Manhattan. It feels cozy and old-fashioned, with checkered tables, photos on the walls and a lively crowd.

What to Order

We recommend starting with an order of Grandma Grace’s meatballs. Then, try a slice of classic Margherita or a pepperoni pizza.

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 NY Pizza Suprema, but if you wanted just a slice, the answer was a firm “cheese only.” Years later, the plain cheese slice remains one of the best pizza slices in Manhattan.

The Vibe

You’ll find old-school charm with vintage 1980s glass hanging lamps for ambiance at this restaurant near Penn Station.

What to Order

If you want to try the best pizza near Madison Square Garden, just get the plain cheese slice. You’ll learn what classic NY-style pizza is all about. For something a bit different, try a pepperoni fra diavolo square slice.

NY Pizza Suprema | 413 Eighth Ave., New York, NY 10001 | $$

3. Joe’s Pizza Broadway

Sometimes, the best pizza in Manhattan can be simple. 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. The Broadway location is considered to be one of the most popular places to get the best pizza in Midtown, Manhattan.

The Vibe

Come as you are. This restaurant in Midtown, NYC is a casual, friendly spot with bright lights and wall photos that give it a classic New York feel.

What to Order

When visiting this contender for the title of the best pizza restaurant in Manhattan, you can’t go wrong with a plain cheese pie with “left half topping.” In fact, it might be the best pizza slice in NYC!

Joe’s Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$

4. 1.50 Fresh Pizza

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy one of the best pizza slices in Manhattan. 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 at 1.50 Fresh Pizza. 

The Vibe

With eight no-frills takeout locations around Manhattan, this spot gets our vote for best pizza in Manhattan if you’re on a budget. It’s busy, built for grab-and-go slices and cheaper than food halls in NYC.

What to Order

The two-slice one-topping special is our favorite choice. It comes with either a can of soda or a bottle of water for less than $5. It’s a true NYC street food deal.

1.50 Fresh Pizza | Multiple Locations | $

5. Motorino 

Pizza may be casual, and sometimes the best pizza in Manhattan is a sit-down affair. But don’t get us wrong, Motorino is still a neighborhood pizzeria that aims to be a dependable spot, whether you’re grabbing a seat in the shop or picking up a box to go.

The Vibe

All of the locations are upscale casual, where you’ll feel like draping your blazer over the back of your chair and settling in. If you’re looking for the right atmosphere for a date night in NYC, this is one of the best pizza places in Manhattan to book a table at.

What to Order

One of our favorites is the Brussels sprout pizza, which features fior di latte and smoked pancetta. Try it and thank us later!

Motorino | Multiple Locations | $$

6. Brunetti’s

No matter where you get the best pizza in Manhattan, you’ve got to pair it with something to drink. 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. It’s one of the best italian restaurants in NYC that feels like a cozy neighborhood spot.

What to Order

The Spezie with Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, burrata, jalapeños and Calabrian chili is one of our favorites. It pairs nicely with a 2015 Chianti.

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 pizza scene, but the concept and the ultra-thin sourdough crust has been fermenting for a long time. This spot is an easy addition to any list rounding up the best pizza in Manhattan, and dare we say, the best pizza in NYC.

The Vibe

A combination takeout restaurant and Italian market. It’s one of the best pizza restaurants in Manhattan for casual dining, with quick service and a modern, stylish feel.

What to Order

The six-flavor collective pie lets you pick six different topping combinations. It’s the ultimate 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. With the addition of classic décor and cozy booths inside, it’s a great pick for some of the best pizza in Manhattan’s Midtown.

What to Order

We believe the white pie with ricotta and mozzarella cheese is really worth a try. However, this spot ranks highly for serving some of the best pizza in Manhattan because it's easy to make a completely custom pie. Simply choose the size and all the toppings you love, and enjoy!

Angelo’s Pizza NYC | Multiple Locations | $$

9. PizzArte

The art of pizza making is celebrated at PizzArte. This spot serves up some of the best pizza in Midtown Manhattan, especially for those who love authentic Neapolitan.

The Vibe

The dining room serves as a gallery showcasing a variety of international artists. 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. For vegetarians, one of our favorite choices is the Toto Pizza, with roasted seasonal vegetables and San Marzano tomatoes.

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. 

The Vibe

Waiting in line here is one of the touristy things to do in NYC when you need pizza and aren’t in a rush. It’s a casual, old-school spot with worn booths, the kind of place where it’s okay to carve your initials in the wall. Wear jeans. 

What to Order

Start with a meatball dish and then opt for the Chubby Vesce, with sausage, garlic and onions. If you’re a spicy food lover, one of our favorite options is The Piccante Pie, with cherry peppers, pepperoni, garlic and red pepper.

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. It’s the perfect place to take a friend for their birthday dinner in NYC. You can also enjoy a DJ on Thursday and Friday nights.

What to Order

Try the decadent Pizza Tartufo with a signature blend of mushrooms, truffles and mascarpone,  plus shaved asparagus, shaved shallots and arugula.

Pazza Notte | 1375 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019  | $$

12. Sofia Pizza Shoppe

If you’re hunting for the best pizza in Manhattan with perfectly chewy crust and high-quality ingredients, Sofia Pizza Shoppe should be on your must-visit list. The dough is cold-fermented for 72 hours, and every pie reflects serious attention to craft.

The Vibe

A cozy counter-serve spot in Midtown East with classic New York charm. Exposed brick, glowing signage and a few sidewalk stools make it feel timeless.

What to Order

The vodka pie is one of our favorites. It’s made with vine-ripened plum tomato vodka sauce, fresh-pulled mozzarella, basil, olive oil and grated Pecorino-Romano.

Sofia Pizza Shoppe | 989 First Ave., New York, NY 10022 | $$

13. Joe & Pat’s NYC

If you’re craving thin, crispy crust and light, flavorful toppings, this is some of the best pizza in Manhattan. Originally from Staten Island, Joe & Pat’s has brought its famous pies to the East Village, earning a strong reputation for quality and consistency.

The Vibe

A cozy, no-frills pizzeria with a friendly feel. Perfect for a casual night out with friends or family.

What to Order

The 1960 Original is a classic, even better when served heart-shaped. It’s the best pizza in Manhattan to order when you just want the classics done well. 

Joe & Pat’s NYC | 168 First Ave., New York, NY 10009 | $$

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

A casual, counter-serve spot with a creative edge, Artistic Pizza stands out among vegan restaurants in NYC for offering real variety without sacrificing flavor.

What to Order

From vegan Margherita to vegan Hawaiian, this pizzeria offers your favorite pizza combo with guilt-free toppings. Best of all, when the weather calls for indoor activities in NYC, Artistic Pizza offers quick pickup or delivery.

Artistic Pizza | 123 W. Third St., New York, NY 10012 | $$

15. Two Boots

For the best pizza in Manhattan with a twist, 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

All the locations have an eclectic retro New Orleans “diner with a disco” vibe.

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. There’s even a whole menu of vegan pizzas for the plant-based eaters in your group.

Two Boots | Multiple Locations | $$

16. PlantMade

Is it possible that the best pizza in Manhattan could be plant-based? Matthew Kenney says yes. His PlantMade concept puts a healthy spin on a not-so-healthy classic, making the options on the menu 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. With the proper certification, it’s also one of the best Kosher restaurants in NYC.

What to Order

Try the spicy arrabiata with cauliflower, San Marzano tomato, shiitake bacon and basil. It’s without a doubt one of the best pizzas in Manhattan for plant-based diners.

PlantMade | 65 Second Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$

17. Emmy Squared Pizza

Offering the perfect mix of a New York-style “grandma” pie toppings with a Detroit-style pizza base, Emmy Squared Pizza is an uncontested winner in the category of the best pizza in Manhattan.

The Vibe

Each spot is like a low-key urban bistro, with low lighting and a full bar. It’s a great option when looking for date night restaurants in NYC that provide a casual yet intimate atmosphere.

What to Order

This spot highlights itself for its evolving and seasonal menu. If you’re lucky to find it, we recommend trying The Emmy, made with tangy banana peppers, pecorino, sharp red onion and a drizzle of creamy house-made green ranch. 

Emmy Squared Pizza | Multiple Locations | $$

18. Pasquale Jones

Seafood on pizza, you either love it or you hate it. It’s an acquired taste for sure, but if you love it, then head down to Pasquale Jones. They are the undisputed best pizza in Manhattan for clam pizza lovers.

The Vibe

It’s one of our favorites because it's a low-key but still hip spot. It’s also known as much for the wine list as pizza, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy great pizza and vino in a stylish locale. 

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. If you’re also in the mood for some pasta, follow the clam pizza with spaghetti al limone and a scoop of wild sea urchin.

Pasquale Jones | 187 Mulberry St., New York, NY 19912 | $$

19. John’s of Times Square

Whether you're after something traditional or bold, John’s of Times Square is where you’ll find some of the best pizza in Manhattan. The food is all served in a repurposed church building that’s as memorable as the menu.

The Vibe

Expect brick oven pies, high ceilings and stained-glass windows. It’s one of the best restaurants in Times Square for grabbing a great pie in a setting that feels far from the usual tourist spots.

What to Order

Go for the Margherita if you want to keep the best pizza in Manhattan in the classic realm. If you prefer something spicy, we recommend the Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

John’s of Times Square | 260 W. 44th St., New York, NY 10036 | $$

20. Lil’ Frankies

Looking for one of the best pizzas in Manhattan with high-quality ingredients and a relaxed vibe? Lil’ Frankies delivers. This East Village favorite is known for its fresh and flavorful pies, an easy choice for anyone searching for the absolute best pizza in Manhattan.

The Vibe

Warm and casual with a neighborhood feel. It’s one of the top-rated places to head to when you want to enjoy the best pizza in Manhattan in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

What to Order

The Pizza Prosciutto di Parma is our favorite, with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and fresh arugula. Simple, fresh and full of flavor.

Lil’ Frankies | 19 First Ave., New York, NY 10003 | $$

Find the Best Pizza in Manhattan

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.

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.