Most New Yorkers have their own passionate pick for the best slice in NYC, but there are some crave worthy spots that are just undeniably good. Whether you’re into square pizza, white pizza, the classic slice or that thin crispy crust, there’s a pie for you. We’ve looked all over the city to find the best pizza and stumbled upon these contenders in New York’s favorite borough for our top picks. Hope you’re hungry because this is the best pizza in Midtown, Manhattan.
Don Antonio
Location: 309 W 50th Street. NY, NY 10019
In 2012, renowned Neapolitan pizza chefs Roberto Caporuscio and his maestro Antonio Starita…both from one of Naples’ oldest pizzerias – Starita a Materdei – united their talents to introduce authentic Neapolitan pizza to Midtown Manhattan at Don Antonio. Eight years later, the restaurant has passed into the very capable hands of Roberto’s daughter, Giorgia Caporuscio, a record-breaking World Champion, esteemed teacher, and celebrated Pizzaiola, that earned Don Antonio the reputation of being the “La Mecca” of pizza. Don Antonio offers a diverse menu with more than 45 varieties of Neapolitan pizzas and the entire pizza menu can be crafted as gluten-free. The meticulous attention to ingredients and the selection of high-quality Italian products, combined with a superb collection of Italian wines, elevate the Don Antonio experience. Giorgia, one of the few young female pizzaiola in the United States, personally oversees the daily menu which has earned her countless awards and critical acclaim for exceptional pizza-making skills. The restaurant’s numerous accolades include being named the “#1 Pizza in New York” by New York Magazine, “Best Pizza” in the State of NY by Food Network Magazine, and recognition among the top 25 “Best Pizza Places in the US” by Food and Wine Magazine. Our pick here would be the KESTÉ. It’s bursting with tomato sauce, imported buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto di Parma, arugula, shaved pecorino, and fresh basil.
Lazzara
Location: 221 W 38th St. NY, NY 10018
We’re going to think outside the circle here and explore one of the top thin-crust establishments in Midtown. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Garment District in New York City, Lazzara’s is renowned for its inventive interpretation of classic pizza favorites. This restaurant delivers piping hot creations brimming with cheesy and tangy goodness that pizza enthusiasts and locals adore. They also add exciting new flavors to the mix here and there. The dining area buzzes throughout the day and draws in a diverse clientele like first-time visitors and cherished patrons representing nearby fashion houses. The focus is on crafting Sicilian-style square pizzas, these delectable creations feature an exceptionally crisp crust, a delightfully tangy sauce, and the finest quality toppings, guaranteeing that each slice is a palate-pleasing experience. For this visit, we would just go with their Famous Pizza, but add extra tomatoes if you are a tomato lover. We don’t want to ruin the party and bring up salads at a time like this, but Lazzara also offers a delightful selection of refreshing and playful salads that break away from the traditional dinner salad mold which provide a perfect contrast to the savory pizzas on the menu. Pizza enthusiasts don’t have to wait until their next visit to NYC to savor Lazzara’s offerings. The restaurant ships its famous flash-frozen pizzas worldwide through Goldbelly, allowing pizza lovers to indulge no matter where they are.
NY Pizza Suprema
Location: 413 8th Ave. NY, NY 10001
This iconic pizzeria has been proudly owned by the same Italian family for over 56 years upholding the belief that good pizza doesn’t require any disguises. A visit to NY Pizza Suprema offers the perfect prelude to an event at Madison Square Garden, a Knicks game, or your departure from Penn Station. With an unwavering commitment to quality, they utilize the finest ingredients, including imported Romano grated cheese from Italy, top-tier Grande Mozzarella, and the juiciest Plum Tomatoes. NY Pizza Suprema’s roots stretch back to 1964 when Salvatore Riggio, an Italian immigrant and the father of the current owner, established the pizzeria at this very location. Notably, it was here before Madison Square Garden relocated to the area. From 1964 to 1988, Sal’s offerings were limited to plain cheese slices. Should you desire any additional toppings, you’d have to order an entire pie. When it comes to recommendations from the owner, the list is straightforward and something we’re not about to challenge. Get the classic plain cheese pizza, the Upside Down, or the Fresh Mozzarella with Basil.
Vito’s Slices and Ices
Location: 464 9th Ave. New York, NY 10018
Vito’s Slices and Ices is a cherished emblem of old-school New York-style pizzerias. Their menu boasts a delightful array of hand-stretched pies, Sicilian & Grandma style squares, and even house-made Italian ice. With two decades of culinary expertise, they’re well-versed in the art of crafting exceptional dishes. Tucked away on 9th Street, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Times Square, Vito’s Slices and Ices offers a cozy and old-fashioned pizza shop that captures the essence of classic New York pizza. It’s the perfect spot to savor a taste of tradition in a warm and inviting setting. For those who savor White Pizza, Vito’s offers a sumptuous combination of Grande mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino, fresh garlic, oregano, and basil. For the discerning vegans, Pleese™ plant-based cheese pairs seamlessly with their fresh crushed tomato sauce. Our recommendation? The Classic NYC cheese pie and some Italian ice. We particularly enjoyed the Coconut flavor, which acts as a refreshing palate cleanser after indulging in their delectable pizzas.
Tavola
Location: 488 9th Ave. New York, NY 10018
Tavola, acclaimed by The New York Times, is hailed as one of the finest Italian restaurants in New York City that specializes in individual Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, traditional Italian pasta, delectable seafood, and an array of other Italian delicacies. The brainchild of Chef/Owner Nick Accardi, the popular spot offers a unique dining experience within eclectic Italian decor, complemented by an extensive selection of regional Italian wines. One of Tavola’s crowning achievements is its recognition as one of the top 10 best wood-burning oven pizza establishments in the United States. The true Vera Pizza Napoletana is expertly crafted in their 7000-pound wood-burning oven fashioned from volcanic clay sourced from the Vesuvio Volcano. A stand out pizza is the Viddana, featuring roasted artichoke, red peppers, wild mushroom, plum tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Bonus! NYC Pizza Tours
If all of these pizza options are making your head spin, let us lead you to a few of our favorite New York pizza professionals who can help guide the way. Scott’s Pizza Tours offer both bus and walking tours. Each stop features a different pizza style found in NYC and beyond. You’ll learn about the history and tasting notes of the pizza and how the variations of temperatures and cooking methods produce different delicious outcomes. During our Greenwich Village Pizza Walk, we had fun learning about the history, current trends, and future of pizza cooking. We visited John’s of Bleecker Street, Song’ e Napule, and L’Industrie Pizzeria. Tours in the East Village, West Village and Downtown Brooklyn are also available. This is a great foodie adventure for both tourists and locals and its family friendly. A great idea for a birthday or bachelorette party too.
photo by Scott’s Pizza Tour
photo by – Scott’s Pizza Tours
You may need at least a day to be hungry again after hitting up these spots, but once the urge strikes you, check out our guide to eating in Downtown Brooklyn.
