Best Pizza in New York: A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to NYC’s Top 5 Pizzerias
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Welcome to the big apple! I hope you landed here because you are planning a memorable trip to New York City and that you are very curious where the best pizza in New York City is. If you are a foodie like me, sampling all the various iconic foods in every city you go to is a must, and NYC is no exception.
I have been to New York a dozen times and have sampled pizza from pretty much everywhere, and in this guide, I will be diving into all of the places that serve the best pizza in New York. I have wondered the streets from Manhattan, to Brooklyn, to Queens, sampling more pies than I can count, and in this guide, I will share my top recommendations, the best items to order when you go, and even some pro tips that will help you eat like a pro.
Introduction: Best Pizza in New York
New York City is synonymous with pizza. From the foldable, thin-crust slices of Manhattan to the artisanal pies of Brooklyn, the city offers something for every palate. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose where to start. I wanted to focus on places that offer authenticity, quality, and a friendly atmosphere for solo travelers. Each pizzeria on my list has its own story, style, and personality, giving you a taste of New York culture through one of its most iconic foods.
1. Joe’s Pizza: Greenwich Village
Established in 1975, Joe’s Pizza is a New York Pizzeria, and when you walk in, you are greeted by the classic New York city pizzeria vibe. This place is so cute and literally looks like I feel like it did when it opened. They have a small counter, the checkered floors, and the smell of the pizza cooking, literally will make you hungry from the second you walk in.
The focus on simplicity, and for me, I just ordered a cheeze slice, which was incredibly. It was thin, I could fold it, the edges were nice and crispy, and the tomato and cheese literally melted in my mouth.
The vibe here is always busy, and perfect if you need to grab a quick bite for lunch in between your sightseeing. If you come for a late night snack later in the evening, there lines are definitely shorter and you can enjoy the energy that Greenwich Village has to offer.
Pro Tip: I like to ask for extra oregano at the counter to enhance the flavor. And remember, fold your slice in half and eat the slice like a true New Yorker.
2. Juliana’s Pizza: Brooklyn
Juliana’s is located in Brooklyn under the Brooklyn Bridge and is considered a landmark for authentic New York pizza. The pizza here is famous for its coal-fire oven, which gave it a unique smoky flavor that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
One of my favorite pies on their menu is the Margherita pizza, which is made with freshmozzarells, basil, and a perfectly soft crust that will literally melt in your mouth.
The atmosphere in this pizzeria is lively and they have an open concept kitchen, which allows you to watch the entire pizza making process from start to finish. This is a great spot to have dinner, but arrive early and avoid the weekends if you can.
I planned my visit here for an early dinner so I could walk the Brooklyn Bridge back over to Manhattan, which is one of my favorite things to do when I come to the city.
3. L’Industrie Pizzeria: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
L’Industris Pizzeria has a moder twist when it comes to pizza. They don’t have slices; they cut their pies int squares and use very non-traditional toppings. The vibe in this pizzeria is trendy, energetic, casual, and has a comfortable chic vibe to it.
This pizzeria is the perfect place to have a pizza and do some people watching while you eat, so make sure you sit by the window. Pairing your pizza with a sparkling water or local craft soda is a chef’s kiss to the experience you’ll have at this pizzeria.
Pro Tip: Order a slice flight so you can try multiple pizza options without ordering one whole pizza. It’s a great way to step outside of your pizza comfort zone and try some new innovative toppings.
4. Mama’s Too: Upper West Side
Located in the upper west side is Mama’s Too, which I consider a little hidden gem. This place is known for it’s thick dough and creative toppings. What I loved most about Mama’s Too is that it really feels like the neighborhood pizzeria, and it feels almost like a secret. It’s very quiet and cozy, which was perfect for me as a solo traveler.
When I ate here I ordered the cacio e pep slice, which had pecorino cheese and cracked black pepper as the toppings. I decided to visit during lunch, which is typically the least busiest, and you get fresher pies that way. The staff I noticed here are all extremely friendly and provide great customer service.
Pro Tip: Ask the staff about the of the menu specials if you are looking for a even more unique experience.
5. Una Pizza Napoletana: Manhattan
If you are looking for the best Neapolitan style pizza and a pizzeria that provides an upscale and artisanal experience, then Una Pizza is for you. Each and every pizza they make is crafted with precision using high-quality ingredients, and you can absolutely taste this with every bite you take.
I went for my usual Margherita pizza, which I tried to do as often as I could so that I could equally evaluate all of the pizzeria, and the buffalo mozzarella and tomato sauce blended with the crust, literally melted in my mouth.
The atmosphere in this pizzeria is perfect for solo travelers or a date night for dinner as it’s quiet and refined, and you don’t feel rushed at all during your meal. I sat by the oven which allowed me to watch the chefs create my perfect pizza from start to finish.
Pro Tip: Add the arugula salad with your pizza as well, they pair perfectly together and I really appreciated the masterpiece that my pizza was.
Conclusion: Best Pizza in New York
If you’ve been to New York City, then you pretty much know that there is a pizza join on just about every corner. But if you are truly looking for the best pizza in New York and you want an incredible culinary experience, then these 5 pizzerias are a must-visit if you are in the city.
Each slice and each pie will hold a special mouth watering place in your heart and visiting these is the most delicious way to truly experience New York. So, try them out, let me know what you think, and savor each slice, one bit at a time.