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Best Pizza in Little Italy (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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Although I have tasted the most incredible pizza from Naples to New York, I still felt that I had to try out the pizza in Little Italy. So, off I went to sample the best of what this vibrant and bustling neighbourhood has to offer. After trying out 12 different places, I am now ready to share my findings with you! In this article, you will find my choices for the best pizza in Little Italy – filled with all sorts of humorous anecdotes and lighthearted details about my experiences… so stay tuned!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of New York

#1 Pep’s on Grand

I had the pleasure of visiting this quaint restaurant while traveling through town, and I’m glad I did. The crust was just the right thickness and it was nice and crispy, not too chewy. The sauce was a perfect blend of sweet and savory that really brought the flavor of each bite to life. As for toppings, let’s just say my taste buds were in heaven!

Besides the delicious food, I have to say that the customer service here was second to none. Every request or concern was met with a friendly smile and top-notch attention to detail. The staff definitely made me feel welcome from the minute I walked in until my last bite of pizza.

If you’re ever in Little Italy looking for some great pizza, Pep’s on Grand is definitely worth a visit. This restaurant has by far been one of my favorite pizza places so far, and I highly recommend trying it out!

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in New York!

#2 Rubirosa

At first look, the restaurant looks as though it’s seen its fair share of visitors. The intense red and white color scheme immediately gives off an Italian vibe, and the smell of tomato sauce instantly gets your mouth watering.

I had the pleasure of trying out all the pizzas Rubirosa had to offer. To start, I opted for the classic Margherita pizza – and boy was I blown away! It was cooked to perfection with a slightly crisp base and just enough cheese.

The next dish that caught my eye was the Vodka Pizza: it was a creative twist on a classic Italian favorite with a heavy vodka cream sauce replacing traditional tomato sauce that worked perfectly with some fresh basil leaves – it certainly made for an interesting twist! And if you can handle the heat, don’t miss out on their spicy pepperoni pizza; it was quite spicy, but still very tasty.

All in all, Rubirosa offers some of the best pizza in Little Italy, making this restaurant a must-visit for any pizza lover!

#3 Manero’s of Mulberry

The crust was perfectly cooked with a delicious blend of fragrant herbs and spices. A thin layer of sauce draped over the top, leaving just enough to be flavorful without overpowering the other toppings. The cheese was perfectly melted and stringy, creating a delightful combination with the crunchy crust.

The pizza toppings were truly something special. The peppers were roasted to perfection, providing a fantastic flavor to the pizza without compromising any of its texture or aroma. The pepperoni added just enough spice and saltiness that it completed the taste perfectly.

The service at Manero’s of Mulberry really impressed me as well. You can tell that they care about their customers and strive to provide a great experience every time. I was warmly greeted upon entering, taken through the ordering process quickly and efficiently, and served my food in no time at all!

All in all, I highly recommend Manero’s of Mulberry for anyone looking for some of the best pizza in Little Italy!

#4 Zia Maria Little Italy

A visit to Zia Maria Little Italy is an experience like no other. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere transports you to a traditional Italian restaurant with its rustic-style décor and bustling staff. The mouthwatering aromas waft through the air as delicious pizzas are being cooked – it’s hard to resist!

The menu is full of Italian classics, from wood-fired pizza to pasta dishes and plenty more besides. But I was here for one thing – the pizza. And boy, did it deliver! Every slice was wonderfully thin yet still had that chewy texture that only comes with classic Neapolitan-style pizzas. With toppings ranging from classic Margherita to Salami Pepperoni and Sicilian Zucchini, there truly is something for everyone’s tastes.

I savored every bite, but my favorite part of the experience were all the added extras. The waiting staff were helpful and attentive, offering lots of advice on which drinks and sides would best complement my meal – such as a refreshing Italian red wine or a side of garlic breadsticks.

I’m not sure how they do it, but Zia Maria Little Italy seems to have perfected their pizza craft – making them worthy of their title as having some of the best pizza in Little Italy!

#5 Piacere

The atmosphere is light and inviting – you can’t help but feel welcome when you enter. The wait staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing, the music sets a pleasant tone, and the decor gives it a touch of classic Italian charm.

But let’s get to the pizza! It’s obvious that they take their craft seriously here. The ingredients are top notch – perfectly cooked dough, creamy homemade tomato sauce, stringy mozzarella cheese, and flavorful toppings like pepperoni or sausage. And don’t even get me started on their unique specialty pizzas with ingredients like artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, and eggplant!

In short, the pizza at Piacere is simply divine. Every bite takes me back to my childhood days eating pizza in Little Italy – it’s that good! If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizza experience, this should be your first stop. Trust me – you won’t regret it!

#6 Da Nico

When I first stepped into the restaurant, I noticed that it had a cozy atmosphere and was full of locals, which was a great sign. The menu was easy to read and had lots of delicious options available.

The pizzas were cooked to perfection—the thin crust was crispy but still chewy. The topping choices were also amazing—I opted for the classic margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil, and it didn’t disappoint!

The service staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to take orders. It definitely added to the overall experience.

If you’re ever in Little Italy looking for some good pizza, Da Nico is definitely worth a visit. In my opinion, it’s the best pizza in town!

#7 Gelso & Grand

The atmosphere is quaint and cozy, making it the perfect spot for an intimate evening of pizza and a glass of wine. Their menu offers a wide selection of pizzas with unique toppings, some that are classic Italian favorites and some that are more off-the-wall.

The dough is bubbly and light with a hint of sweetness, while the toppings are always fresh. My favorite has to be the Marinated Eggplant & Ricotta pizza – it’s an absolute delight! All the ingredients combine together to create a truly delicious experience.

I also love their craft cocktails, which pair nicely with their classic pizza pies. The bartenders have created some amazing flavor combinations that bring out the flavors in the pizza.

Overall, I can honestly say that Gelso & Grand serves up some of the best pizza in Little Italy! Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or just want to grab a slice on the go, it’s definitely worth checking out.

#8 Little Italy Pizza

When I visited the restaurant, I was greeted with a warm welcome from their friendly staff. The décor was inviting and the aroma of fresh pizza dough was tantalizing. It’s clear to see that Little Italy Pizza takes great pride in the presentation and atmosphere of their restaurant.

The menu had plenty of options for all kinds of pizza lovers. From classic NY style pies to unique gourmet flavors, there’s something for everyone here. I ordered a classic pepperoni pizza and it tasted just like it came straight from New York! The crust was cooked perfectly crispy on the outside and still soft and chewy on the inside–the perfect pizza bite! The ingredients were top notch and the flavor combination really hit the spot.

I’ve been all over the world searching for great pizza but Little Italy Pizza has some of the best around. If you’re ever in Little Italy, be sure to check it out!

If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in New York!

#9 Lombardi’s

I’m sure you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this wonderful establishment! The inside has a classic Italian vibe with rustic decor and old world charm.

The pizza is nothing short of spectacular! They use the freshest ingredients and every bite is bursting with flavor. From the Margherita to the Quattro Formaggi to the Salsiccia, each pizza was crafted to perfection.

The service at Lombardi’s was also top notch. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and helpful in finding just the right pizza for me.

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pizza experience, look no further than Lombardi’s! It’s without a doubt one of the best pizzerias in Little Italy – just ask me!

#10 Il Piccolo Bufalo

The atmosphere was great, but the pizza really stood out. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, with just the right amount of charring. The sauce was flavorful and fresh, and the toppings were generous. I especially enjoyed their unique veggie topping combination – it’s a nice change from the usual.

The service was also great – our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable about their menu items. He even gave me some suggestions on which of their specialty pizzas would be best for my tastes!

All in all, I would definitely recommend Il Piccolo Bufalo if you’re looking for your next pizza fix. Their pizza is truly some of the best in Little Italy – it’s worth stopping by to try it out!

#11 Sofia’s of Little Italy

The first time I visited, the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. As soon as I entered, I felt like I was part of the family. The staff was friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make sure my experience at Sofia’s was top-notch.

The pizza itself is simply delicious. They offer a wide variety of toppings and the cheese blend they use is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The crust has just the right amount of crispness, while still being light and fluffy – it’s a masterpiece!

Overall, Sofia’s undoubtedly proves that you don’t have to go far to find great pizza. Their service is excellent, as are their pizzas – making it well worth the visit if you’re ever in Little Italy!

#12 Caffe De La Venezia

The pizza here is absolutely delicious. The crust has the perfect amount of crunch and a rich, savory flavor that will make your taste buds scream with joy. The toppings on the pizzas are top notch, from fresh mozzarella to flavorful herbs. If they had one topping I’d recommend trying, it would be their house-made sausage and peppers – mouth-watering!

The atmosphere of Caffe De La Venezia is really quite special too. It’s definitely got that “old-timey” feel like you’re stepping into some kind of classic Italian restaurant. The decor and lighting also add to the ambiance, making it a great place to sit back and relax after a slice or two of pizza. Plus, the waitstaff is really friendly and attentive so you’ll always feel well taken care of while enjoying your meal.

Overall, I can confidently say that if you’re looking for one of the best slices of pizza in all of Little Italy then look no further than Caffe De La Venezia!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Emmett’s

Stepping into Emmett’s is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the old-school pizzerias of yesteryear. The smell of melted cheese and freshly baked dough wafts through the air, causing my taste buds to dance in anticipation. As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I take my job very seriously. So naturally, when I heard about the best deep dish pizza in downtown, I had to put it to the test.

Let me tell you, the moment that golden, cheesy heaven arrived at my table, it was love at first bite. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside but oh-so-soft on the inside, resembling a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. It held up to the mountain of toppings like a champ, without sacrificing its integrity. I mean, who needs a plate when you have a slice of Emmett’s pizza?!

The combination of gooey, melted cheese and tangy tomato sauce was like a symphony in my mouth. Each ingredient played its part and came together harmoniously. And don’t even get me started on the generous toppings! From juicy chunks of sausage to fresh vegetables, every bite was an explosion of flavor.

But be warned, this pizza is not for the faint of heart. It’s a commitment—a glorious, cheesy, and utterly satisfying commitment. So if you find yourself craving the epitome of deep dish pizza, head to Emmett’s and prepare to have your taste buds blown away. Your stomach may never be the same again, but trust me, it’s a risk worth taking.

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Vezzo NYC Thin Crust Pizza

From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a treat. The smell of fresh dough being rolled out filled the air, and my stomach growled in anticipation. The staff greeted me with a warm smile and a delightful introduction to their pizza creations.

As I perused the menu, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the variety of toppings they offered. From classic margherita to inventive combinations like prosciutto and figs, Vezzo NYC Thin Crust Pizza takes pizza to a whole new level of deliciousness.

When my pizza arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes (or my taste buds). The crust was thin and crispy, with the perfect amount of chewiness. It was like a symphony of flavors exploded in my mouth with each bite. I couldn’t help but do a little happy dance in my seat, much to the amusement of the neighboring tables.

To top it all off, the service was exceptional. The waitstaff was attentive and knowledgeable. They even recommended some locally brewed craft beers to pair with my pizza, and boy, did they hit the spot!

So, if you find yourself in midtown manhattan and craving some incredible thin crust pizza, Vezzo NYC is a must-visit. Just be prepared to have your taste buds blown away and your funny bone tickled. Trust me, this place is truly a slice of pizza heaven!

Best Wood Fired Pizza – Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza

First of all, let’s talk about the crust. Oh, the crust! It’s like biting into a cloud that’s been infused with the essence of a thousand Italian grandmothers. It’s crispy on the outside, yet delightfully chewy on the inside. I even contemplated stealing a few extra slices to use as pillows on my flight back home.

And the toppings! They are a work of art, hence the name Arturo’s. From the classic margherita to the wild and wacky combinations they come up with, each pizza is a masterpiece in its own right. I had a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic glaze, and let me tell you, it was like a tastebud tango. The flavors danced and twirled on my tongue, leaving me in a state of pizza bliss.

The atmosphere at Arturo’s is like a cozy Italian trattoria, with red checkered tablecloths and charming, gesticulating waiters. You can almost hear the faint strains of an accordion playing in the background. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a piping hot slice of pizza and imagine you’re sitting in a quaint little piazza in Naples.

So, if you find yourself in Buffalo, do yourself a favor and head straight to Arturo’s Coal Oven Pizza. It’s the kind of place that will make you want to throw all your travel plans out the window and stay in Buffalo forever, just so you can indulge in their wood-fired pizzas every day. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Bellissimo!