#ChicEats: New York's Best Pizza (2024)

New York City is arguably one ofthe best places in the country to eat pizza. Luckily, there's also a monthin honor of the indulgent food—giving us all a valid excuse to celebrate it. The publisher of a magazine called Pizza Today allegedly founded the holiday during the '80s, and it remains in effect till this day. From toasty East Village outposts with classic brick ovensto new health-conscious pies topped with kale—here are some of the city's best pizzerias.

1) Motorino: Try the East Village outpost of Motorino for thin crust pies packed with flavor. The space is cozy, with a brick oven to keep you warm in the cooler weather. Try the unexpectedly chic Brussels Sprouts pizza with fior di latte, garlic, pecorino and pancetta. The cherry stone clam option is also excellent, and topped with oreganata butter and lemon.

2) Juliana's Pizza: This pizza parlor has the added advantage of being centered in DUMBO, Brooklyn—which means stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and glittering Manhattan at night. The pizza has a rich, sweet sauce and the pepperoni is small and flavorful. Try the original Margherita or opt for the Whitewith mozzarella and garlic. The atmosphere is lively, with the founder, 84 year-old Patsy Grimaldi (pizza legend and former owner of neighboring Grimaldi's) chatting with guests and tossing pizza dough around the restaurant.

3) Best Pizza: For moments when you crave a slice, Best Pizza in Williamsburg is your best bet. With Kanye West's latest tracks blaring and a sea full of interesting customers, Best Pizza is somewhat typical of its surroundings. Go for the atmosphere, but stay for the toppings such as kale, Calabrian chili and pickled veggies.

4) Otto Enoteca e Pizzeria: Located near Washington Square Park, Otto is one of the most fun pizzerias in the city. It's decorated to look like an Italian train station, and there's a certain amount of energy that's both authentic and entrancing. Try the fennel and bottarga with tomato, raw fennel, bottarga, pecorino and mozzarella or the potato, anchovy and ricotta pie.

5) Marta: The airy space of Marta is beautiful, with marble countertops, chic, dark tables and modernist light fixtures. That being said, it can be difficult to get a reservation during primetime (8PM for New Yorkers)—but it's worth the wait. For fall, try one of the extra-flavorful options, such as the porri e pancetta with leeks, bacon, fontina and scallion or the funghi with fontina, mozzarella, hen of the woods, chanterelles, red onion and thyme.

6) Pizza Beach: The health-conscious pizzeria (yes, apparently that's possible) recently opened its second location on the Lower East Side. The offerings add a new twist on the already extensive New York City pizza scene, with options like the Rock Shrimp with charred corn, Oaxaca cheese and tomatillos or the Roasted Pear and Tallegio with caramelized onions, arugula, aceto and almonds. Pizza Beach serves a variety of vegetarian and vegan pizzas and also offers gluten-free dough and dairy-free mozzarella.

7) Luzzo's: Located in the midst of the East Village, Luzzo's specializes in Neapolitan pizza. The secret to their excellent pizza lies in the fact that they're working with one of the few remaining coal ovens in New York City,and they import ingredients from Naples, Italy. Opt for the Michele with mozzarella, prosciutto, mushrooms and truffle pate or the ultra traditional Napoletana with tomato sauce, mozzarella, anchovies and basil.