Best New York Style Pizza: A Personal Pizza Journey

Since then, I’ve made it a personal mission to find the best New York style pizza wherever I go.

Apr 30, 2025 - 06:21
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Best New York Style Pizza: A Personal Pizza Journey

Introduction

Pizza has always been my favorite comfort food, but nothing compares to a perfect New York-style pizza. Thin crust, foldable slices, and just the right amount of sauce and cheese—what more could you ask for? Ever since I tried my first slice in New York City, I’ve been hooked. Since then, I’ve made it a personal mission to find the best New York style pizza wherever I go. In this article, I’ll share my honest experiences, favorite spots, and tips for finding that classic NYC-style slice no matter where you are.

What Makes New York Style Pizza So Special?

Before we dive into the best spots, let me explain why I and so many others—love this style of pizza.

  • Thin, crispy crust: The base is thin enough to fold, yet strong enough to hold toppings without falling apart.

  • Simple ingredients: A rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and often just a sprinkle of basil or oregano.

  • Big slices: You don’t need a fork and knife—just grab, fold, and enjoy.

The balance of crunch, chew, and flavor is what keeps me coming back for more.

1. Joe’s Pizza – The Slice That Started It All

My first taste of true New York style pizza came from Joe’s Pizza in Manhattan. I remember walking into the tiny shop on a cold day and ordering a plain cheese slice. That first bite changed everything. The crust was perfectly thin, with just enough char, and the cheese melted smoothly over a flavorful tomato base.

Joe’s is my gold standard for comparison. If a pizza slice can match up to Joe’s, I know I’ve found something special.

2. Prince Street Pizza – When You Want a Kick of Flavor

While I usually prefer traditional thin slices, sometimes I crave a little twist. That’s where Prince Street Pizza comes in. Their famous Spicy Pepperoni slice is thick with crispy little pepperoni cups filled with grease—don’t judge until you try it!

Even though it’s slightly thicker than typical NY style, the flavor is bold, the crust is crunchy, and the cheese-pull is unbeatable.

3. John's of Bleecker Street – A Classic NY Experience

If you ever visit NYC and want to sit down and enjoy a full pizza with friends, John’s of Bleecker Street is the place to go. I love their no-slice policy—you have to get the whole pie. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Cooked in a coal-fired brick oven, their pizzas have a deep, smoky flavor. The crust is thin and crispy, and the sauce tastes homemade. Every time I eat here, it feels like I’m enjoying a slice of old New York.

4. Best NY Style Pizza Outside New York

Even though nothing beats eating pizza in New York, I’ve found some amazing NY-style spots in other cities too. Here are a few I highly recommend:

  • Patsy’s Pizza (Los Angeles) – A solid contender with that classic foldable slice.

  • Lucali (Miami) – High-quality ingredients and thin crust perfection.

  • Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco) – A mix of NYC style with a modern touch.

These places bring the essence of New York flavor wherever you are.

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Tips for Finding the Best New York Style Pizza

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of hunting for the best slice:

  • Look at the crust: If it’s thin and holds its shape when folded, that’s a good sign.

  • Smell the slice: A great NY-style pizza has the aroma of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese.

  • Keep it simple: Cheese or pepperoni slices let you taste the true quality of the dough, sauce, and cheese.

  • Check the oven: Many of the best spots use brick or coal ovens for that perfect bake.

Why New York Style Pizza Never Gets Old

The best part about New York-style pizza is how timeless and satisfying it is. Whether I’m grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down with friends, it always hits the spot. It’s food that brings people together, no fancy toppings needed, just quality ingredients and honest flavor.

Over the years, I’ve realized that the best New York style pizza isn’t just about taste—it’s about the experience. The street vibes, the smell of fresh pies, and that first hot bite all come together to create a little moment of joy.

Final Thoughts

After all my pizza adventures, I can say without a doubt that New York-style pizza is my favorite. The perfect slice is a mix of tradition, texture, and flavor. And even though I’m always open to trying new kinds of pizza, my heart will always belong to that thin, cheesy, foldable slice. If you’ve never had real New York-style pizza, you’re missing out. Trust me it’s worth the hunt. And once you find your favorite spot, you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.

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