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Best Pizza in Lower Manhattan (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’m always on the hunt for delicious pizza that will satisfy my craving and tantalize my taste buds. On this journey, I’ve sampled twelve of the best pizza places in Lower Manhattan with great results.

My mission was to sample some of the best pizza around and share what I discovered along the way. From classic Neapolitan-style pies to modern creations with unique ingredients, I’ve tasted it all!

I’m excited to share my experiences tasting pizza from across Lower Manhattan. So join me as I take you on a tour of the best pizza around!

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

#1 uncle sam’s pizza

From the second I stepped into the restaurant, I knew uncle sam’s pizza was going to be something special. The warm, inviting atmosphere of this family owned and operated pizzeria was enough to make me feel right at home.

The best part is the pizza itself! I mean, just look at that cheese – it’s dripping off the edges! The crust is perfectly cooked and crispy on the outside, yet light and fluffy on the inside. Plus, they use high quality ingredients so you know you’re getting a great tasting pie. It definitely rivaled some of the best pizzas I’ve had in Italy!

Oh, and don’t forget about the service. The friendly staff made sure my meal was perfect from start to finish – from greeting me when I entered to bringing out my order in no time flat.

Overall, uncle sam’s pizza is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for delicious pizza in Lower Manhattan. This place certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the best spots around!

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

#2 Grand Street Pizza

I admit that I was skeptical at first—how could pizza from Lower Manhattan compare with some of the more renowned pizzerias in Naples or Rome? But as soon as I stepped foot into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was incredible—warm and cozy, with a hint of garlic wafting through the air.

The menu didn’t disappoint either, featuring classic pies like margherita and pepperoni along with innovative options like tuna and Brussels sprouts. After much deliberation (and drooling), I finally decided on their signature Grand Street Pizza: spicy Italian sausage, caramelized onions, fontina cheese, and red peppers. It was absolutely amazing—the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!

As an added bonus, all of the pizzas were cooked fresh to order in their big brick ovens. The crusts were perfectly crispy yet still light and fluffy on the inside. Plus, they used quality ingredients that you won’t find at most chain restaurants.

Overall, my experience at Grand Street Pizza was fantastic! It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever looking for some truly authentic New York-style pizza. They’ve earned my stamp of approval—it’s some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan!

#3 Song’ E Napule

I was immediately struck by the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. From the moment I walked in, I felt like family – perhaps they sensed my discerning palate and passion for pizza? Regardless, I was truly welcomed with open arms.

The pizza itself was spectacular! The Neopolitan-style crust was thin and crispy, with a light charring around the edges that added an excellent crunch to every bite. The sauce had robust flavors of tomatoes and basil that were perfectly balanced, making for a delightfully savory taste experience. And the cheese – oh my goodness, it just melted in my mouth!

Overall, I’m convinced that Song’ E Napule has some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for delicious Italian cuisine with a neighborhood vibe. Mangia!

#4 Rubirosa

The first time I went, I was blown away by the pizza’s perfect crust. It had a delicious crunch when bitten into, yet was still light and airy enough to hold up the topping without becoming soggy.

The sauce is full of flavor and really complements the other toppings. Every bite is like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. The cheeses they use are top-notch and melt beautifully. And don’t even get me started on their amazing selection of fresh toppings; from pepperoni to pesto to prosciutto, there’s something for everyone.

On top of having great food, Rubirosa has a cool, laidback atmosphere that makes it even more enjoyable. The staff are always friendly and attentive which adds to the experience as well.

Overall, Rubirosa has secured its spot as my favorite pizzeria in Lower Manhattan! If you’re looking for amazing pizza, this is definitely the place to go!

#5 Kesté Pizza & Vino

The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. The servers are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and the wood-fired oven in the middle of the restaurant definitely adds to the atmosphere.

The pizzas here are delicious! I particularly enjoyed their tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza – it had all of the flavors perfectly balanced out. The crust was thin but still crispy, with a great char flavor from the wood-fired oven.

I’ve tasted pizza from around the world, but Kesté Pizza & Vino is definitely one of the best places for pizza in Lower Manhattan! Highly recommended!

#6 Biga Bite

The first thing that struck me about Biga Bite was the atmosphere. It had a homey, rustic feel to it, like I was stepping into an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. It was cozy, comfortable and inviting – everything you would want for a great evening of pizza-eating.

What really blew me away at Biga Bite was their selection of pizzas. They had traditional American pies, as well as thin-crust Neapolitan options, and even some unique creations you won’t find anywhere else. My personal favorite was the “Smokey Bacon Carbonara,” a combination of smoky bacon and creamy carbonara sauce topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh herbs – delicious!

The crust was perfectly thin and crunchy with just enough breadiness to satisfy your taste buds without being heavy on the stomach. The toppings were always fresh and flavorful, adding an amazing dimension to every bite. My only complaint is that they offer small slices – although this could also be seen as a good thing if you’re trying to maintain your waistline!

Overall, Biga Bite provides some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan. Whether you’re looking for classic American pies or something more unique, you will definitely find something to please your palate here. Highly recommended!

#7 John’s of Bleecker Street

It only took one bite of the classic Margherita pizza to prove that John’s serves up some truly delicious pies. The crust is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of char and a satisfying crunch. The plum tomato sauce was just tart enough, and the mozzarella cheese was perfectly melted.

I also sampled a few slices of their white pizza – an uncommon choice for me, but one I’m now a fan of! The combination of ricotta, garlic and herbs gave the pizza layers of amazing flavor – definitely worth a try if you’re looking for something different.

The atmosphere at John’s adds to the experience as well – you can sit in the cozy restaurant or outside on their patio while you enjoy your food. Best of all, they offer a pleasant selection of Italian beer and wines to go along with your meal.

All in all, after years on my search for great pizza around the world, I can definitely say that John’s of Bleecker Street serves up some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan!

#8 Champion Pizza – Soho

The atmosphere of the restaurant was not what I expected; it had a cozy, old-school feeling with exposed brick walls and classic Italian music in the background. Despite its old-fashioned vibe, the interior was extremely clean and well-maintained.

The staff at Champion Pizza – Soho is incredibly friendly and attentive. I found myself in deep conversation with one of the servers about the best way to make pizza dough!

Now, let’s get to the main event: the pizza itself. The slices at Champion Pizza – Soho are large and cooked to perfection. I had a traditional Margherita slice as well as a few others that included an array of tasty ingredients like pesto, ham, and roasted vegetables. Every bite had me wanting more.

Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan then look no further than Champion Pizza – Soho!

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

#9 Scarr’s Pizza

The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting. The staff greeted me like an old friend and took great care of me throughout my meal. I can see why Scarr’s Pizza has such a loyal following!

The star of the show is the incredible pizza. Their dough is crisp and flavorful, with just the right amount of cheese and toppings. They offer a variety of choices, from classic Italian pies to more exotic flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, on my last visit they had a pizza topped with black truffles that was out of this world!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable pizza experience in Lower Manhattan, look no further than Scarr’s Pizza!

#10 Prince Street Pizza

The first time I stopped by, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the pizza. The dough was perfectly crisp and chewy, and the toppings were generous and flavorful. The ingredients were fresh and the cheese melted to perfection.

I’ve tried several of their signature pies – the pepperoni, sausage & ricotta pie is a real crowd pleaser, but it’s hard to beat my favorite: The Spicy Spring which covers the pie with their homemade spicy sauce and Calabrian chili pesto. It’s like a party in your mouth!

What really sets Prince Street Pizza apart from other pizzerias is their commitment to local community involvement. Not only do they use local farmers’ produce when available, but they also donate 5% of their profits back to charities in lower Manhattan. It’s heartwarming to support a business that really stands behind its values

In conclusion, Prince Street Pizza serves some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan – it’s delicious, fresh and made with love!

#11 Joe’s Pizza

The atmosphere at Joe’s is excellent. The place has a cozy, inviting feeling that just makes you want to eat there. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better.

As for the pizza itself, it was amazing! It had a nice crunchy crust that was thin but not too thin – just perfect. The toppings were flavorful and complementary to each other, creating an overall delicious experience. I enjoyed every bite of my pizza, and I’m sure others will too.

I have to say that Joe’s Pizza truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best pizza places in Lower Manhattan. If you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience, don’t hesitate to pay Joe’s Pizza a visit!

#12 Champion Pizza Clinton

From the moment I stepped into this pizzeria, I could tell that something special was going on. The decor was inviting and cozy, with a great vintage vibe that made it feel like I was dining in an old-time Italian eatery.

The waitress was friendly and eager to answer my questions about the menu. She actually knew all of the ingredients in each dish! When my order came out, it looked amazing – the crust had a perfect golden brown color and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. The blend of flavors worked together perfectly – as if they were meant to be paired together from the very beginning.

The pizza itself was truly outstanding – just the right balance of crunchy and chewy, with a nice smokiness that tantalized every taste bud. All in all, it may have been some of the best pizza I’ve ever eaten!

If you’re looking for true authentic Italian pizza, look no further than Champion Pizza Clinton. In my opinion, it’s easily some of best pizza you’ll find in Lower Manhattan!

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!