True Italian Pizza At New York Pizzerias: The Best Places To Enjoy The Authentic Taste Of Italy
True Italian Pizza At New York Pizzerias. Discover which New York City restaurants serve authentic Italian pizza. For true NYC Italian pizza, you need look no further than classic Neapolitan pizzerias and historic pizzeria legends. Pizza is at the heart of American comfort cuisine, but for those who are true to the Italian pizza, not an ordinary piece of pie is enough. A few of the world’s best-known Neapolitan-style pizzerias outside the motherland can be found within New York City—where wood-fired pizzas, hand-shaped crusts, and San Marzano tomatoes hold court.
This tour will take you around the best Italian pizzerias in New York, where tradition meets flavors at every mouthful.
What constitutes an Authentic Italian Pizza?
- 1 What constitutes an Authentic Italian Pizza?
- 1.1 NYC: An International Capital of Italian Pizza
- 1.2 A Pizza The Best Neapolitan Pizza in New York City is Napoletana.
- 1.3 Manhattan Welcomes a Naples Legend: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
- 1.4 Ribalta – Science-Based Pizza Excellence
- 1.5 Lombardi’s: The Original Pizzeria of America
- 1.6 Lil’ Frankie’s is where Italian soul crosses over with East Village energy.
- 1.7 Ways to Find Truly Authentic Italian Pizza in NYC
- 1.8 Why Authentic Pizza Rocks
Search for one key influencer: Neapolitan pizza, if you are looking for true Italian pizza in NYC.
The Neapolitan pizza adheres to stringent regulations established by Italy’s Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). To be eligible, a pizza must be:
Prepared using “00” flour, yeast, salt, and water
Topped with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte
Cooked in wood-fired oven at over 900°F for less than 90 seconds
The outcome is an airy, soft-crusted pizza with burnt corners, a fresh tomato foundation, and ideally melted cheese—delicate but flavorful.
NYC: An International Capital of Italian Pizza
If you’re interested in the best Italian pizza New York has to offer, you’re one lucky individual. Due to deep Italian heritage and an obsession with quality, the city is home to traditional pizzerias that take you right back to Naples. Here are the top five destinations that offer an authentic Italian pizza experience.
A Pizza The Best Neapolitan Pizza in New York City is Napoletana.
175 Orchard St, Lower East Side
According to 50 Top Pizza, this is the best pizza place in the world.
Una Pizza Napoletana is a mecca for pizza connoisseurs. Led by Anthony Mangieri, this no-frills pizzeria is dedicated to using naturally-leavened dough, imported Italian products, and immaculate wood-fired craftsmanship.
Manhattan Welcomes a Naples Legend: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
2 Bank Street, West Village
The iconic pizzeria mentioned in this quote is:
This classic Neapolitan pizzeria from Naples is bringing its two classic pies—Margherita and Marinara—to New York’s streets. Simple, traditional flavors, soft crust, and an authentic Italian experience are on the menu.
Ribalta – Science-Based Pizza Excellence
48 East 12th Street, Union Square
AVPN-certified chefs and genuine Italian ingredients
Ribalta combines culinary science along with Neapolitan passion. AVPN-approved recipes, an inviting atmosphere, and carefully selected toppings make this one of the best locations for true Italian pizza in NYC.
Lombardi’s: The Original Pizzeria of America
32 Spring Street, Nolita
Founded in 1905
Although it is technically not truly Neapolitan, Lombardi’s presents an unforgettable combination of tradition and taste. The coal-fired pizza with freshly made mozzarella and zesty tomato sauce is something you have to try at any New York pizzeria tour.
Lil’ Frankie’s is where Italian soul crosses over with East Village energy.
19 1st Avenue, East Village
Rustic, chic, and tasty
Italian roots are given a New York City spin at Lil’ Frankie’s. Imagine wood-fired crusts, original toppings, and cozy atmospherics. Perfect for a night out for two or an independent pizza adventure.
Ways to Find Truly Authentic Italian Pizza in NYC
To locate authentic Italian pizza joints in New York, look for:
Wood-fired ovens: The unmistakable hallmark of true Neapolitan preparation
Ingredient origin: Does the pizzeria utilize San Marzano tomatoes and Italian mozzarella?
Little is more: It is better to have less: Reduced ingredients,
Why Authentic Pizza Rocks
As our range of options in eat takes far flung places like New York, it can be hard to sort through all the fusion fad and fast eats. While seeking real pizza from Italy is a more comprehensive than just eating it; going after the latter means seeking out history, tradition and artisanship.
True Italian Pizza At New York Pizzerias
No matter whether you come from around these parts or you are driving all the way from overseas, these New York Italian pizza spots deliver you an Italy vacation experience.