No trip to NYC is complete without stopping off for a slice of New York-style pizza. Pizza and New York have become synonymous with each other ever since the arrival of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. In NYC, you’ll find some of the very first pizzerias in the United States, with the style evolving over many decades until the city eventually landed on its thin-crust style.
Here are the top 3 famous pizza spots in New York City you should definitely visit.
Famous pizza spots in New York City
Lombardi’s Pizza – the first pizzeria in the USA
Location: 32 Spring St (at Mott St), New York, NY 10012
Without a doubt, you must stop by Lombardi’s Pizza, the restaurant that is often credited as the very first pizzeria in the United States. It was established in 1905 by Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi. He left Naples for the American dream, first working in a grocery store in Manhattan’s Little Italy before turning it into a full-fledged pizzeria.
The pizzeria originally sold whole pies wrapped in brown-paper to local factory workers, offering them a meal that was cheap and filling. The restaurant quickly became popular for its coal-fired, thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza, characterized by a smoky, crispy crust and fresh tomato sauce.
Today, Lombardi’s remains popular amongst foodies and tourists looking for a slice of New York. It’s worth a stop if you want to experience an authentic coal-fired NYC pizza.
I went here with my friends recently, and I definetly recommend this place! Since it is the first pizzeria in the U.S, we could tell the pizza was very high quality! The cheese AND pepperoni pizza was great, with a huge amount of cheese!
Trip Advisor reviewer
Don Antonio – Michelin recognition pizza maker
Location: 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019 (Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan)
Don Antonio is led by Italian Giorgia Caporuscio, 34, who has achieved significant recognition in the culinary world as the only female pizza maker featured in the Michelin Guide. Don Antonio is one of a handful of world famous pizza sports in New York, serving up Neapolitan-style pizza, located in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City.
It’s a young restaurant, only established in 2012, but it has become acclimated for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. The restaurant’s signature dish, the Montanara Starita—a lightly fried pizza topped with house-made tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella, and basil—has garnered particular praise.
Did you know?
The establishment was ranked 7th in the U.S. and 30th worldwide by 50 Top Pizza
Una Pizza Napoletana – Best Pizza in the World
Location: 175 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002
In 2024, Una Pizza Napoletana was honored as the “Best Pizza in the World” by 50 Top Pizza, a prestigious global pizza guide – and even better, it’s the second time the restaurant has received this honour!
The restaurant is the brainchild of renowned pizzaiolo Anthony Mangieri. It has been repeatedly celebrated for not only its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas but its dedication to traditional pizza-making techniques.
Pizzas are crafted with a naturally leavened crust, using a blend of Italian flours, Sicilian sea salt, and New York City water. Toppings are meticulously selected, featuring premium ingredients that honor Neapolitan traditions. In addition to pizzas, the pizzeria offers notable desserts, including gelato and sorbetto.
Top tip
Book ahead of time as the restaurant runs limited opening hours and is popular as it’s considered amongst the best pizza in NYC
Historic pizzerias in NYC FAQs
What was the first pizzeria in NYC?
Lombardi’s Pizza, founded in 1905, is often credited as the first pizzeria in the United States. It was established by Gennaro Lombardi, an Italian immigrant from Naples.
What is a fun fact about New York City pizza?
New York–style pizza gets its distinguishing crust from the high-gluten bread flour with which it is made. Minerals present in New York City’s tap water supply are also credited with giving the dough in metro area pizzas its characteristic texture and flavor.
How many pizzerias are in New York City?
There are 6,680 pizza restaurants in New York City making it one of the world’s most popular ‘pizza’ destinations. Beyond large chains like Papa John’s, Pizza Hut or Domino’s there are many high rated individually owned pizza restaurants.
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