Introduction

Pizza is loved across the globe for many reasons and when it comes to the different, unique styles of pizza, New York is on the utmost pedestal. Best New York style pizza is wide, foldable, and thin so it can be enjoyed on the go, just like the bustling life of New Yorkers. With amazing flavor packed in each bite, this institution is more than just a meal. New Yorkers are blessed with an abundance of pizza joints from Manhattan’s corners to the suburban areas, each claiming to be the best and everyone having their own personal “best place” is testament to how beloved New York pizza is. But in all of this fearsome competition, what really makes New York style pizza iconic and better than competitors?

Now, whether you are a long-timer New Yorker or a visitor stamping your first mark on New York with a big bite, let’s dive into the history of this delicacy on a journey to find the best New York style pizza.

What is New York Style Pizza?

As we delve into the history, it is important to state that New York Style pizza originated in the early 1900s, and it is a derivation of the Neapolitan pizza brought to America by Italian immigrants. Whether you want a a slice or are looking for a complete meal, the New York pizza is one of the easiest savories to satisfy your cravings. To fulfill a true New York experience, this food should be had on the go. Traditionally, this pizza features a hand-thrown thin and crispy crust which is usually baked in either a coal-fire or gas oven. With gas, the pizza is round, tough and soft at the same time enabling you to perform the quintessential New York poke.

Toppings have stayed basic which include; tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a few options like pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage. While pizzerias offer a dozen topping combinations, a plain cheese slice is all you need to experience blissful perfection.

What Makes it the Best?

Best New York Style pizza is distinguished by a few key components:

The Dough: The crust is the most important. To achieve the slightly chewy texture, the dough is proofed for at least 24 to 72 hours, during which the gluten will develop. In fact, some purists believe that New York City tap water is the secret ingredient, because it is famous for its mineral content and often said to enhance the taste of the dough.

The Sauce: Made from crushed tomatoes, it has garlic, oregano, olive oil, and a bit of salt. It needs to be balanced, tangy, and not too sweet. The sauce should be spread thin so that the cheese and crust can shine.

The Cheese: It's best if it is whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella. It should melt evenly and yield a slight stretch while browning beautifully.

The Slice: One of the most distinguishing features of a New York slice is the size; you can fold the slice in half to eat it one handed.

The Best Places To Get New York Pizza

While best may be subjective and local defenders zealously adhering to their neighborhood slice, there are some pizzerias which have gained legendary status for mastering the art of New York Style pizza.

Di Fara Pizza - Brooklyn, NY Often featuring at the top of any list, Di Fara is a Brooklyn landmark. Opened in 1965, this pizzeria is run by the DeMarco family, and every pie is crafted using ingredients along with imported olive oil, and the type of care you can actually taste in their food. Their classic cheese slice is a must-have, with basil leaves strewn over the bubbling cheese fresh from the oven.

Joe’s Pizza – Manhattan, NY If you're walking through Greenwich Village, there's a high chance that you may spot a line snaking out of Joe’s. Having been established in 1975, Joe’s has perfected everything about the foldable slice. It's something which is void of frills and gimmicks—it’s real New York style pizza near me, done the right way.

Patsy’s Pizzeria – East Harlem, NY One of the oldest in the city, Patsy’s dates back to 1933 renowned for its coal oven fired thin crust and fresh mozzarella. It’s the kind of place that tells every history with every bite.

Prince Street Pizza – SoHo, NY

In addition to their famous thick, square Sicilian-style pepperoni slice, Prince Street also serves an excellent round pie. Their crust is thin and flavor packed. The spicy pepperoni slice has become an Instagram favorite, but be sure to try the classic cheese as well.

Lucali – Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Lucali is the golden child of simplicity and simplicity done right. Owner Mark Iacono utilizes a brick oven and focuses on a handful of quality ingredients. Out of all the Lucali offerings, the thin crust pizza with fresh basil, and light tomato sauce is among the best New York Style pizzas, especially since it opened in 2006.

Tips for the Perfect Slice Experience

Order per slice or full pie. Slices are preferred when craving a quick bite while a pie works best when enjoyed with friends.

Don't crown the pizza with toppings. Excess toppings will take away the richness of the New York Style Pizza that relies on a perfect mix sauce, cheese and crust.

Serve piping hot. Like most pizzas, a New York slice is best when hot out the oven. Wait a minute or two before folding it to scalding hot pizza.

Don’t bother with the knife and fork. Real New Yorkers eat their slices folded in half and grab it with their hands. There’s no other way.

Why New York Style Pizza Still Matters

Even at a time when most pizza restaurants offer a selection of gourmet toppings and other world-renowned chains exist, the classic New York Slice still continues to shine. It’s the pizza for nostalgic afternoons, long drives during the night, and local get-togethers. This culinary masterpiece is reliable, appetizing, and most importantly, cheap. It doesn’t need truffle oil or diamonds—it just needs to be good.

People from different parts of the globe visit the city just for that perfect slice. And that’s why with all the variations and innovations made to it, New York Style pizza will always be the official standard of pizza for all fans around the world.

Final Thoughts

Hunting the iconic New York Style slice should come innate to all, sampling different flavors, scouting for local treasures, and enjoying steaming hot portions on the curb. But this is, indeed, the beauty of it—there’s no single correct solution. The best slice, whichever you pick, is the one which pleases your taste buds.

Feel free to savor and fold it as you want, and drum along with the majority who, without a doubt, state New York does it best.