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Best Pizza in Upstate NY (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve been all over the world, trying out pizza places from New York to Naples, so I know my pizza! Over the last few months I’ve sampled twelve different pizzerias in Upstate NY, and I’m ready to share the best with you.

My unbiased review will take a humorous and lighthearted approach as I lead you on a journey of discovery through some amazing pie-based culinary experiences. Let’s start counting down the top spots for pizza in Upstate NY – get ready to drool!

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

#1 DeFazio’s Pizzeria Albany

I must admit, I entered the restaurant with some pretty high expectations. After all, I have tasted some of the best pizzas Italy has to offer! But when I tried DeFazio’s, I was pleasantly surprised. The crust was perfectly thin and crispy, while still maintaining some airiness and substantiality – just how it should be! Even better, the sauce was flavorful without being overwhelming.

The toppings were fresh and generous in portion size, making for a delicious combo. Plus, the cheese had that perfect stretchiness when you took a bite – just how it should be! It really brought the pizza to life.

Overall, DeFazio’s Pizzeria Albany definitely lived up to its reputation of having the best pizza in Upstate NY. If you’re ever in town, don’t miss out on this phenomenal pizza experience!

If you’re willing to go an extra 6 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in Troy!

#2 Kostas Pizza House

The first thing that struck me after entering this cozy, family-run restaurant in Upstate NY was the mouth-watering aroma of freshly prepared pizza. With over 30 toppings to choose from, I just knew that my pizza was going to be made exactly as I wanted it.

The pizzas here at Kostas Pizza House were some of the tastiest I’ve ever had. From their classic pepperoni and cheese combination to their more experimental creations, every pizza had an amazing flavor. The crusts were cooked perfectly and had a great crunchy texture, while still being light enough that you didn’t feel like you’d eaten a brick afterwards.

On top of delicious pizzas, the service at Kostas Pizza House was very friendly and accommodating. They answered all my questions about their ingredients and offered recommendations for interesting combinations I hadn’t considered before. Plus, the prices here are reasonable compared to other places in the area – making it a great value for your money.

Overall, I highly recommend Kostas Pizza House for anyone looking for some of the best pizza in Upstate NY!

#3 Marino’s Pizza & Restaurant

The food was out of this world. The crust was perfect – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The toppings were generous and delicious; I had pepperoni and sausage covered with plenty of cheese.

But, it’s not just about the pizza – Marino’s serves alcohol, has a kids’ menu and offers dessert too! In addition, it’s a great tourist spot if you’re in the area. They even have tables outdoors so you can take in the scenery while you eat.

The only downside is that they don’t offer delivery – but it’s worth a trip to Marino’s!

#4 Apizza Regionale

The atmosphere was great – perfect for a nice tourist spot! I had their cheese pizza and it was absolutely delicious. I even tried their vegetarian options and they were surprisingly good!

One thing that really stood out to me was the large selection of alcoholic beverages. They have everything from beer, wine to hard liquor. What a treat! And if you’re still hungry after dinner, their dessert is insanely good – definitely worth a try.

The only downside is that there isn’t any delivery service available so you have to visit the restaurant in order to enjoy it. But trust me, it’s worth it.

In conclusion, Apizza Regionale has some of the best pizza in Upstate NY and will not disappoint. So if you’re looking for an enjoyable night out with delicious food and drinks, this is definitely the place to go!

#5 The Pizza Shop

From the moment you walk in, you can tell the atmosphere is unique – a great blend of old-school Italian pizzeria nostalgia and modern chic. The owners have done a fantastic job creating an atmosphere that feels both traditional and current at the same time.

The menu is incredibly diverse, with a wide array of options ranging from classic thin-crust Margherita slices to more inventive deep-dish Greek pies. My personal favorite was their signature Cheese Steak Pizza – the combination of steak, peppers, onions and melted cheese were out of this world! All of the ingredients are sourced locally, which gives each pizza an added freshness and individual taste.

In addition to their great food, The Pizza Shop offers an outstanding selection of drinks to compliment your meal. From craft beers to house wines and even some surprising specialty cocktails (I recommend the ‘Lemon Slice’!), they have something for everyone.

Overall, it’s no surprise why The Pizza Shop has become renowned for being one of the best pizza joints in Upstate NY! I highly recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for a truly delicious pizza experience!

#6 Kay’s Burden Lake Restaurant

What really sets Kay’s apart is that they offer more than just pizza. They also have a nice selection of alcohol, including hard liquor. That’s perfect for those nights when you want to kick back after a long day and enjoy some delicious food with an adult beverage or two.

The kid’s menu is also a great benefit for families who want to dine out together. I know that not all restaurants offer kid-friendly selections, so it’s great to see such attention to their younger diners. Plus, if you’re looking for something sweet afterwards, they offer dessert too! It’s the full package.

Unfortunately, Kay’s Burden Lake Restaurant does not currently provide delivery services for customers who may not want to go out but still enjoy their great food. For this reason, it might not be the most convenient option if you’re looking to stay in and order in take-out during this time.

But overall, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Upstate NY and a place with an array of options — from alcohol to desserts — Kay’s Burden Lake Restaurant is definitely worth checking out!

#7 Gilda’s Skaneateles

I was really impressed with their menu and variety of options. They have all the classics like pepperoni, supreme, and sausage but they also offer some great vegetarian options. Plus, they have a great selection of craft beers to choose from to go along with your pie.

The atmosphere was great too — it’s got a nice tourist vibe without being overcrowded (no line out the door!). The waitstaff were friendly and helpful — they kept me entertained while I waited for my pizza.

The only downside is that they don’t deliver. If you want Gilda’s Skaneateles’ delicious pizza, you’ll need to come in person or organize a pick-up order. But honestly, it’s worth the visit! And don’t forget to try out their amazing desserts too; the cannoli was just as good as my pizza!

Overall, Gilda’s Skaneateles is definitely one of my top picks for best pizza in Upstate NY –– if not one of the best I’ve ever eaten!

#8 Oakley’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Grill

The experience here is much more than just eating a slice or two. From the moment you walk in the door, it’s clear that this place has something special. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends while enjoying one of their hard-liquor drinks.

My favorite part of Oakley’s was its kid’s menu. This place makes sure to cater to everyone, so I felt comfortable bringing my kids along to enjoy a pizza meal. And don’t forget about dessert – every time I’ve been there, I can’t resist ordering their insanely good dessert!

If you’re looking for a great place to watch sports, or if you’re just looking for a nice tourist spot, then Oakley’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Grill will be your go-to spot. The only downside is they don’t offer delivery – but when you experience their delicious pizzas firsthand, you won’t be disappointed!

Overall, Oakley’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Grill is certainly worth the visit if you’re near Upstate NY and are looking for some of the best pizza around!

If you’re willing to go an extra 13 miles, you can get to 28 more pizza places in Schenectady!

#9 Nina’s Pizza

The atmosphere is perfect for a slow, relaxed evening. Dim lighting, warm colors, and inviting music create the ideal environment for savoring an expertly crafted pizza. Of course, when it comes down to it, the pizza is the star of the show.

Nina’s does not skimp on quality ingredients – fresh mozzarella cheese and perfectly cooked dough that lends a strong crunch to each bite. Every slice of pizza was flavorful and filled with just enough sauce and toppings to make for a delicious experience without becoming soggy or greasy.

There’s no question in my mind – Nina’s Pizza is hands-down the best pizza I’ve had in Upstate NY! This is definitely your go-to destination if you’re looking for an unforgettable pizza experience!

#10 De Fazio’s

The atmosphere is truly unique. It feels like a little slice of Italy transported to the heart of Upstate NY. The red and white checkered tablecloths are a nice touch, and the brick oven at the center of the restaurant adds to the charm.

The food is spectacular! From thick crusts, to savory Italian sauce, to delicious ingredients like Grandma sausage and capers – every detail of their pizza is perfected. I could taste all the flavors in each bite – from savory meats to sweet tomatoes – it was a symphony for my senses.

And don’t forget about their drinks! I love their selection of craft beers and my favorite is their house-made sangria. The perfect accompaniment to any good meal.

I highly recommend De Fazio’s Pizza if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Upstate NY!

#11 Slices

I was immediately impressed with their menu, which offers a wide array of specialty pizzas, from the classic Margherita to their innovative ‘Slices’ creation. No matter what type of pizza you’re craving, Slices has it!

The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a warm greeting from the staff. The pizza is made fresh when you order it and baked in wood-fired ovens – so you know it will be hot and delicious!

The taste was really something special. The crust was thin and crunchy, while the ingredients were all fresh and flavorful. My personal favorite was the spicy sausage pizza topped with banana peppers for an extra kick!

All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Upstate NY, look no further than Slices! With top notch ingredients and an inviting atmosphere, this place definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best places to grab a slice.

#12 One Pie Pizza Co

My first impression was that the place had a rustic charm – it felt like I was walking into an Italian grandma’s house. The ovens were blazing and the aroma of freshly cooked pizza filled the air.

I was immediately greeted by the friendly staff, and I could tell they took great pride in their work. When I asked for a recommendation, they graciously served up a ‘Grandma Pie.’ It was one of the most flavorful pizzas I’ve ever had – with just the right amount of crunch on the crust and plenty of cheesy goodness.

The toppings were equally impressive – generous portions of pepperoni, sausage, onions and mushrooms. As for the sauce, it was spot on! Rich and flavorful without being too overpowering.

Overall, One Pie Pizza Co earns top marks from this food critic! For those looking for some of the best pizza in Upstate NY, this hidden gem shouldn’t be overlooked!

Best Deep Dish Pizza – Home Style Enterprises

Let me start by saying that the moment I stepped into Home Style Enterprises, I felt like I was transported to pizza heaven. The aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through the air was enough to make my taste buds tango with joy. And let me tell you, those taste buds have been to some pretty fancy pizza joints around the globe.

Now, when it comes to deep dish pizza, I have one rule: the deeper, the better. And boy, oh boy, did Home Style Enterprises deliver on that front! The crust was so thick and fluffy, it could double as a pillow. I half-expected to see tiny pizza fairies using it as a trampoline in the kitchen.

But the real magic happened when I sank my teeth into that cheesy masterpiece. The cheese was so gooey and stretchy, it could give a yoga instructor a run for their money. It was like a cheese lover’s dream come true. And the toppings? Fresh, flavorful, and piled on with reckless abandon. I mean, who needs subtlety when you have a pizza stacked high with meat and veggies?

To top it all off, the service was impeccable. The waitstaff had a sense of humor as cheesy as their pizzas, and made every bite a memorable experience. So, if you find yourself in Schenectady, craving a slice of heaven, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Home Style Enterprises. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you (and so will your yoga instructor!).