12 Legendary Pizzerias In New York That Locals Refuse To Debate About

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Pizza in New York is not just a meal. It is an identity, a legacy, and in some neighborhoods, practically a religion.

Everyone has their go to slice spot, but there are a few places so universally respected that even the most opinionated locals refuse to argue about them. These are the pizzerias that have survived trends, outlasted rivals, and earned their place in New York food history. If you know, you know.

Di Fara Pizza

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Located in Brooklyn, Di Fara is known for its hand crafted pies topped with fresh basil, olive oil, and legendary status that has lasted for decades.

Joe’s Pizza

This classic West Village slice joint is where locals take visitors to prove that New York pizza is simply built different. Always fresh and never overrated.

Lucali

Thin crust pizzaAdogslifephoto — Photo Credit: Adogslifephoto/Depositphotos

Lucali does not take reservations, but it does take its pizza very seriously. Thin crust perfection, candlelit vibes, and a fanbase that stretches far beyond Carroll Gardens.

Patsy’s Pizzeria

Opened in 1933 in East Harlem, Patsy’s serves thin crust pies with a charred edge that can only come from a coal oven and decades of skill.

Lombardi’s Pizza

Tomato sauceFunandrejs@gmail.com — Photo Credit: [email protected]/Depositphotos

Known as the first pizzeria in the United States, Lombardi’s in Little Italy still draws crowds for its coal fired pies and timeless tomato sauce.

L&B Spumoni Gardens

Squared pizza pexels polina tankilevitch — Photo Credit: PolinaTankilevitch/Pexels

In Gravesend Brooklyn, L&B is all about the square slice. Thick, saucy, cheesy, and served with a side of spumoni that seals the deal every time.

Prince Street Pizza

Pizzaezumeimages — Photo Credit: EzumeImages/Depositphotos

Those pepperoni cups have become iconic on social media, but locals already knew. Spicy, crispy edged, and layered on a thick slice that always hits.

Totonno’s

Coal oven pizzaKamira777 — Photo Credit: Kamira777/Depositphotos

Coney Island’s pride, Totonno’s has been serving up no nonsense coal oven pies since 1924. No frills, no gimmicks, just damn good pizza done right.

John’s of Bleecker Street

Brick oven pizzaEdZbarzhyvetsky — Photo Credit: EdZbarzhyvetsky/Depositphotos

This cash only, whole pie only institution is where crisp crusts and rich sauce meet in a brick oven that has not slowed down in decades.

Roberta’s

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From Bushwick to international fame, Roberta’s blends traditional techniques with bold flavors. Their wood fired pies are topped with everything from classic mozzarella to spicy honey.

Emily

Round pizza pexels jeshoots — Photo Credit: Jeshoots/Depositphotos

The Emmy Burger gets attention, but the pizza is the real showstopper. Detroit style, round pies, and a crust that is soft inside but crisp outside.

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Scarr’s Pizza

On the Lower East Side, Scarr’s mills their own flour and serves slices that balance nostalgia with serious culinary skill. It is cool without trying too hard.

These pizzerias are more than food spots. They are New York institutions that have earned the respect of the city’s toughest critics. Whether you like thin crust, square slices, or coal oven classics, these are the places that locals agree never miss. Arguing about pizza is part of New York life, but when it comes to these twelve spots, most people just nod in agreement and take another bite.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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