It’s about time we did a post about the Big Apple’s pizza. With a flourishing Italian community in the heart of NYC, tourists and native New Yorkers alike are never let down by the slices in this big city. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite as well as some of the locals favorite pizza places to visit on your next night out or your next trip to the east.
1. Totonno’s Coal-Fired Pizza
- Tottono’s is a Big Apple staple that has been serving its pies since 1924! This famous pizza joint is famous for its coal-fired pizza that allows the pizza to cook for longer without getting burnt. Coal-fired pizza is a favorite in New York because the cheese is melted perfectly and the meat and veggies have enough time to let their juices soak into the pie. Totonno’s is a top-notch establishment for those looking for simple pizza with extraordinary flavor.
Address: 1524 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11224 (b/n West 15th and West 16th streets); 718-372-8606
2. Di Fara’s
Famous for their square-pie, Di Fara’s is the perfect pizza establishment for those looking for simple good flavor and for those looking to get the most pizza for their money. Di Fara’s creates huge, square-shaped pizzas that have been “artfully charred” for those who would like a true New York pizza experience. Di Fara’s offers slices at $5.00 bucks a piece but patrons claim that the steep prices are well worth the perfect flavor.
Address: Di Fara: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn NY 11230; 718-596-8855; difara.com
3. Paulie Gee’s
: Now, this is a top-notch pizzeria. Paulie Gee’s is a bit more upscale than your typical New York pizza joint and offers a more exotic menu than the typical tomato sauce and mozzarella. Some of Paulie Gee’s specialty pies include: The Marinated KalePizza, Brussels Sprout and Pancetta Pizza, and a Braised Fennel Pizza. If you’re in the mood to experiment with great flavor and taste. Paulie Gee’s is the place to be.
Address: 60 Greenpoint Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11222; 347-987-3747; pauliegee.com
4. Pier 76
: Famous for their vodka pie made with a sauce infused with pancetta, parmesa, and vodka, Pier 76 provides a pizza like no other. The restaurant is virtually a clone of an equally tasty pizzeria down the street (Joe & Pat’s) but what sets Pier 76 apart, is definitely the vodka slice. The chef at Pier 76 graduated from the Culinary Institute of American and his training and restaurant management definitely shows in his dedication to his establishment. If you’re in the mood for something slightly different but aren’t quite sure you want to try Paulie Gees fennel just yet, Pier 76 offers a mix of traditional and innovative pizza pies.
Address: Pier 76: 76 Bay Street, Staten Island NY (near Slosson Terr.); 718-447-7437; pier76si.com
5.L&B Spumoni Gardens
: The Sicilian slice at Spumoni Garden is famous for its thick crust, perfectly charred edges, over-dose of tomato sauce, just the right amount of mozzarella and even a sprinkling of olive oil. For those native to Brooklyn the Sicilian slice is a common right of passage for those wanting to call themselves true “New Yorkers.”
Address: L&B Spumoni Gardens: 2725 86th Street Brooklyn, NY 11223); 718-449-1230; spumonigardens.com
We Hope you’re Hungry
Any of these pizza places are sure to give you some bang for your buck and dining at any of these well-established, well-respected pizzeria’s is going to make your New York experience complete.