Where New Yorkers Actually Eat Pizza (No Lines, No Gimmicks)
Every few weeks, another list pops up claiming to know the best pizza in New York City. As a local, I tend to ignore them. Why would I wait two hours on a sidewalk for a table at some hyped spot in Carroll Gardens when I could polish off a life-changing pie at a place nobody’s heard of? This city has roughly 2,000 pizzerias across five boroughs. Pizza is fast food in the truest sense—grab it and go. Waiting in line defeats the purpose.
So this isn’t a roundup of the trendiest sourdough crusts or celebrity-chef imports. Our definition of “best” is simple: a restaurant that keeps locals coming back, again and again, and sends them out the door happy every single time. We asked our New York–based editors to share their personal favorites. You won’t see Joe’s Pizza on this list—not because it’s not great, but because we treat Joe’s as the benchmark. Is a slice better than Joe’s? Floppier? More toppings? That’s the test. Joe’s is the reliable pair of jeans you always wear. Comfortable, familiar, classic.
Here’s where we actually eat:
**Mama’s Too (Upper West Side & West Village)** – The original UWS location is the one to visit. Founder Frank Tuttolomondo’s grandmother opened the first Mama’s Pizza in 1959, but this modern version surpasses the original. The airy Roman dough crisps like a cookie at the edges. Try the Angry Nonna (hot soppressata, Calabrian chili oil, aged mozz) or the poached pear pie with gorgonzola—it’s divine.
**Turbo Pizza (Bushwick)** – Part pizza joint, part quasi-dive bar. Detroit-style rectangular pies with thick, airy crusts and golden cheese crawling up the sides like stalagmites. The Billy Boy (goat cheese, prosciutto, sesame seeds, hot honey) and the Cheeseburger Pie are standouts. Plus, there’s a great wedge salad.
**Williamsburg Pizza (Multiple locations)** – For true New York–style slices. The South Williamsburg location is no-frills and charming. Go for the thick, buttery Grandma pie—it tastes like Brooklyn.
**Speedy Romeo (Clinton Hill)** – A sit-down spot with wood-fired, not-too-thin crust. The toppings-heavy pies, like the Baby Peas Don’t Go (béchamel, pea purée, pancetta, mint oil), are memorable. Cozy vibes, reasonable drinks, and reservations are easy to get.
**F&F Pizzeria (Carroll Gardens)** – A brick garage between Frankie’s 457 Spuntino and F&F Restaurant. The crust is chewy and crispy, the sauce minimal. Go for the hot sausage with brown butter sage. Take it to go or enjoy the back patio.
**Stromboli (East Village)** – No pretensions. A broken window, tables that need clearing, classic slices behind the glass. The only condiments are crushed pepper, parm, and oregano. Grab a slice, a beer, and watch the East Village unfold from a bar stool.
**Scarr’s (Lower East Side)** – Yes, it can be hip. But the pizza holds up—good crust, iconic hot honey. Avoid peak times to skip the line. The Spicy Guava cocktails are a bonus.
**Ace’s Pizza (Multiple locations)** – The best Detroit-style in the city, in my opinion. The original Williamsburg location has neon lights, arcade games, and a Mario Kart setup. The Hot Burrata pie is my go-to.
**Ops (East Village & Bushwick)** – Thin, perfectly chewy sourdough crust with thoughtful toppings like mortadella fanned like a rose over pickled peppers. Bright space, serious wine list. Easy to get a reservation.
**Sofia Wine Bar (Midtown East)** – A neighborhood wine bar that also serves killer pizza. The Diavolo Speziato has spicy Fra Diavolo sauce, cup-and-char pepperoni, and two whole burratas on top. Never a wait.
**Decades (Ridgewood)** – A newish sit-down spot that works for kids and adults alike. The plain cheese is perfect; the Golden Green with veggies and garlic is brilliant. The bar has a solid happy hour. It just makes you feel happy.
Read on for the full list, and remember: even when pizza is bad, it’s still pretty good.