(Pizza) Party: My Favorite NYC Slices

There are more than 1,000 pizzerias spread across the five boroughs, serving up nearly every variety of pie imaginable! With a pizza joint on nearly every block, deciding which ones to visit can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with “Pizza Party” – my curated list of favorite slices around the city!

Soundtrack: “Party” – Beyoncé

PRINCE STREET PIZZA
Pizza (Soho)
27 Prince Street, Manhattan

Alex introduced me to this little pizza joint that was only a block away from his old apartment – it was a lifesaver during the pandemic! The grandma slice with thick pepperoni bowls cradling grease is one of my favorite things to eat in the city!

Reservations: Grab and go only.

Favorite Dishes:

• Spicy Spring –  Fra diavolo sauce, spicy pepperoni and fresh mozzarella.

DI FARA PIZZA 
Pizza  (Midwood)
1424 Ave J, Brooklyn 

Take this with a grain of salt as it’s been over 10 years since I’ve been and Dom De Marco who opened the shop in 1965 has since passed away, but this was my favorite pizza experience in the city. Located in Midwood, Dom personally made every single pie that has been sold at this original location – meaning there was always a wait, but believe me, it’s worth it. We arrived around 6p on a hot summer evening and waited for them to open back up. While waiting two hours for our pizza to be made, we chatted with other patrons and watched the master and his family at work. Order a whole pie for yourself. You won’t regret it – the imported ingredients make all the difference.

Reservations: Grab and go only.

Favorite Dishes:

• Regular Pie 

JOHN’S OF BLEEKER ST. 
Pizza (Greenwich Village)
278 Bleeker Street, Manhattan 

Serving up amazing pizzas since 1929, I love sitting down at this West Village joint for a whole pizza with friends. They don’t take reservations and don’t sell by the slice.

Reservations: Not available

Favorite Dishes:

• Pepperoni Pizza 

MOTORINO PIZZERIA 
Pizza (Multiple locations)

This brick-oven pizzeria has three locations throughout the city, but my preference is in Williamsburg. The thin, crispy crusts are layered with red or white sauce, bubbly cheese and plenty of toppings. If you like your pizza with a lot of meat and a little heat, I’d recommend one of my favorites: Soppressata Piccante Pizza.

Reservations: Available on Resy.

Favorite Dishes:

• Margherita 
• Soppressata Piccante 
• Cremini Mushroom 

EMILY
Pizza (West Village)

The original restaurant is still in Brooklyn, but I’ve only been to the West Village location. The Colony Pizza is everything I want in a pizza and more – heat and sweet, meaty and a nice vinegary kick from the pickled chili.

Reservations: Available on Resy.

Favorite Dishes:

• COLONY PIZZA – pepperoni, pickled chili, honey

LUCALI’S
Pizza (Carroll Gardens)
575 Henry St., Brooklyn 

You may have seen this on David Chang’s “Ugly Delicious” Netflix series. I’ve never actually set foot inside this popular pizzeria – one of Beyoncé’s favorites – but a friend brought a leftover calzone to a party and gave it to me. Even cold it was worth the hype. One day I’ll make it there. Just a couple notes: it’s cash only, no reservations, and BYOB. Checkout out the New York Times’ profile on owner, Mark Iacono, who had never made a pizza in his life before opening this neighborhood restaurant. 

Reservations: Not available

Favorite Dishes:

• Calzones 

KORONET
Pizza (Morningside Heights)
2848 Broadway, Manhattan 

I was visiting a friend during the 2003 blackout and stayed right around the corner from this wood-burning stove pizza place. During the blackout, the line stretched around the block as it was one of the few restaurants that could cook without electricity. These massive slices have been a favorite ever since. The large pie is so big they don’t have a box to contain it!

Reservations: Grab and go

Favorite Dishes:

• Pepperoni 

MAMA’S TOO
Pizza (UWS)
2750 Broadway, Manhattan 

I had to try this place as a number of food people I follow listed it as their #1 favorite pizza in NYC. While Prince Street still have my vote, this comes as a close second!

Reservations: Grab and go

Favorite Dishes:

• House Pie
• Angry Nonna

VEZZO 
Pizza (Murray Hill)
178 Lexington Ave, Manhattan 

I worked a block away for the thin-crust pizza place and enjoyed pies from here at least every other week.

Reservations: Available here.

Favorite Dishes:

• Shroomtown
• Meat Lovers

More Favorite Restaurants in NYC here.