Anyone bold enough to take on the topic of narrowing down a list of the best pizza in Brooklyn is bound to cause an impassioned argument. New Yorkers treat pizza like religion and Brooklyn is the Mecca. As such the borough is no stranger to great pies and pizzerias.
But New York City’s most populous borough can be overwhelming, especially to those from out of town. Brooklyn is a lot bigger than most folks realize. This means there’s a lot of shops competing for the title of best pizza in Brooklyn.
I used to live in Brooklyn (and I loved it) and have enjoyed more than my fair share of the best Brooklyn pizza slices. Although now I live in Manhattan I still frequent my old stomping grounds, revisiting old favorites and hot newcomers.
Competition is stiff for the best pizza in Brooklyn, but these are my 12 recommendations that’ll help you narrow which ones are worth a stop.
Best Pizza Brooklyn
#12. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Kicking off our list of the best pizza in Brooklyn is Grimaldi’s. The historic pizzeria can be found under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge and is one of the most popular stops for those looking for a traditional New York pie.
Patsy Grimaldi started making pizza in 1945 under the tutelage of his uncle, Pasquale “Patsy” Lanciri, at the original Harlem location of Patsy’s Pizzeria (one of the best pizzerias in New York City). He then opened his own pizzeria, Grimaldi’s, in 1990 and began serving some of the best pizza Brooklyn has seen.
They have a 3-story restaurant that oozes old school charm. From the plaid tablecloths to the enormous windows, it’s a can’t-miss experience for anyone in search of famous Brooklyn pizza.
Although the pizzeria has since changed ownership and Patsy Grimaldi now owns a new one (which we’ll cover shortly), Grimaldi’s pizzeria is still churning out some of the best coal-fired brick oven pizza in Brooklyn.
Address: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#11. Speedy Romeo
Named after the owner’s champion racehorse, Speedy Romeo is as heavily accoladed as its namesake. Using a hardwood fired oven, they churn out irresistibly light and crispy pizza that keeps locals coming back for more.
Speedy Romeo is located in a 100-year-old bar turned sit-down restaurant, so they don’t sell pizza by the slice. However, after one bite you’d regret having less than a full pie of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Looking for vegan and vegetarian options? You’re in luck, Speedy Romeo serves some of the best vegan pizza in Brooklyn (in addition to classic vegetarian options). For those who like meat though, the King Salami (marinara, spicy and sweet soppressata, finocchiona, roasted red peppers, mozzarella) is hard to beat.
Address: 376 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
#10. Krispy Pizza
With a slogan like, “if it’s not Krispy, it’s not pizza” you better believe this joint serves some of the best thin crust pizza in Brooklyn. The audible crunch of the crust is extremely satisfying and leaves no question as to where they get their name.
The family-owned and operated pizzeria has expanded to multiple locations, but their famous pizzeria in Brooklyn is undoubtedly the best. They make just about everything in-house, churning out traditional and creative pies daily.
Pizza topped with pastas, fries, and chicken tenders — if you can dream it Krispy Pizza makes it a reality. And if you find yourself overwhelmed by the creative options, order their famous vodka square pie (homemade vodka sauce, mozzarella, grated cheese).
To that end, it doesn’t matter if you’re after classic or unique pizza places in Brooklyn because Krispy Pizza is sure to fit the bill.
Address: 7112 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11228
#9. Luigi’s
Luigi’s is a quintessential hole-in-the wall Brooklyn pizzeria opened by Luigi Lanzo in 1973. Once unknown outside of the neighborhood, Luigi’s now serves some of the most famous pizza in Brooklyn.
Giovanni, Luigi’s son, now runs the joint and is frequently touted by Brooklyn’s top chefs as the best pizza maker in the city. The menu doesn’t boast fancy pies but rather focuses on making traditional pizzas exceptionally well.
The best part? Luigi’s prioritizes keeping Brooklyn’s best pizza by the slice affordable. On par with New York City’s famous pizza principle a classic cheese slice runs the same price as a subway fare ($2.75).
Needless to say, it’s hard to be disappointed at this beloved Brooklyn pizza joint.
Unfamiliar with New York City’s pizza principle? Be sure to read 25 Thought-Provoking Facts About New York City (You Probably Don’t Know)
Address: 686 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
#8. DaVinci Pizzeria
For those looking for the best deep dish pizza in Brooklyn, DaVinci warrants a visit. Their famous deep dish pie creates a fluffy canvas that can be topped a variety of different ways.
Family-owned and operated for more than 50 years, the art of pizza making has been perfected over generations.
Unlike most pizzerias DaVinci’s doesn’t offer delivery services, with the reason being that they’re “worth the trip”. After making the trek from the Upper West Side all the way to Bensonhurst I can’t say I disagree.
Address: 6514 18th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11204
#7. L’Industrie
L’Industrie is the new kid on the block serving some of the best pizza Brooklyn has to offer. Even though they only opened in 2017 their popularity has already seen enough growth to force a move to a bigger location.
Their cult following can be partially attributed to being featured by prominent NYC figures like Lil Mo Mozzarella and Action Bronson. The latter of which proclaims it not only as the best pizza in Brooklyn, but of all New York City.
But even though celebrities bring people in, the pizza keeps them coming back.
As far as the pies are concerned, the burrata slice is a non negotiable. It looks, smells and tastes incredible. The new kids on the block came to play and are giving the most famous pizza in Brooklyn a run for their money!
Address: 254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#6. Paulie Gee’s
Paulie Gee’s is the best pizza Greenpoint has to offer. They have two unique locations with the same name, both churning out delicious wood fired pizza. They have both a sit-down restaurant and a slice shop.
The restaurant wants guests to enjoy their pizza straight out of the oven so they don’t offer any takeout orders. No big deal since it’s a beautiful setting for dates and get-togethers. Not to mention they offer such a large variety of pies everyone in your party can get a different one and you still wouldn’t have tried half.
The slice shop has a significantly smaller menu but still dishes out pies with the same high quality you expect from the restaurant. It’s more of a low-key setting reminiscent of a mom & pop shop.
They’re less than a 5 minute walk from each other so I like to show up to the restaurant and if the wait is too long stop by the slice shop. Either way you’re guaranteed a slice of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Restaurant Address: 60 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Slice Shop Address: 110 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
#5. Julianna’s
Julianna’s Pizza is one of those pizza joints I return to time and time again without loss of enthusiasm. It consistently hits the spot thanks the best pizza Brooklyn has to offer.
Their history is interesting in and of itself. The founder, Patsy Grimaldi, also founded legendary Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (ring a bell?). He sold that establishment and opened Julianna’s two decades later right next to Grimaldi’s!
Since then, there’s a constant debate between who has the best pizza in Brooklyn. It’s impossible to judge because the lines at both pizza joints stretch the block.
For me personally, the best pizza in Brooklyn is Julianna’s white pie. The fresh ingredients shine through in the most memorable ways. The crust is perfectly thin — just enough to provide a delightful foundation without intruding. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the sauces! Everything feels like it was picked the morning of.
Perhaps Julianna’s success can be attributed to their hand-built coal fired ovens (the first commissioned in NYC in over 50 years). Whether it’s thanks to the history, the experience, or the ingredients one thing is for certain, they’re making some of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Further Reading: Julianna’s is also listed on 15 EPIC Pizza Joints in New York City You Can’t Afford to Miss
Address: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#4. Di Fara
Opened in 1965 to Italian transplant Domenico (Dom) De Marco, Di Fara has been a labor of love for over 50 years. Working 7 days a week for decades, De Marco had an uncompromising and relentless pursuit to create the best pizza in Brooklyn.
After his passing in March of 2022, New Yorkers from all over flooded the pizzerias social media pages with words of support and love. The significance Di Fara has on the neighborhood and New York City as a whole is palpable.
His kids have continued De Marco’s legacy, continuing to dish out the most famous pizza in Brooklyn. The pizzeria is still as busy as ever, with their notoriously famous long lines.
Nearly every ingredient is imported from Italy, and every pie is topped off with their signature freshly cut basil. A lot of folks attribute the unique and exceptional taste to the generous helping of olive oil that douses each pie both before and after coming out of the oven.
Address: 1424 Ave J, Brooklyn NY 11230 & 108 South St, New York NY 10038
#3. L&B Spumoni Gardens
The name L&B comes from Ludovico Barbati, who decided to begin making and selling his own spumoni (gelato). The gelato is still there, but what drew L&B Spumoni Gardens to stardom is some of the best pizza Brooklyn has to offer.
They make the best Sicilian pizza in Brooklyn, certified, put a stamp on it. Since opening in 1939 it’s been a local favorite and one that I make the hour trip for more often than I’d like to admit.
Because they use fresh, never frozen or prepackaged ingredients it’s only fitting the finished product is delicious. From the dough to the mozzarella, every layer comes together to make some of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
And after your meal, finish with some of that sweet spumoni that’s in their name.
Address: 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
#2. Roberta’s
If you’re in search of the best pizza in Brooklyn run, don’t walk, to Roberta’s.
Roberta, I wave my white flag eagerly at your feet. You have shown me the promised land with your perfectly charred pizza and delectable marinara sauce and I will never be the same. I am weak in the knees but I assure you I will gladly hobble over for the best pizza in Brooklyn every chance I get.
The wood fired pizza at Roberta’s is made in an oven that churns out thousands of pies a week. The pizza crust is expertly charred and the Bee Sting pie is the perfect union of flavors (tomato, mozzarella, sopressata, chili, basil, honey). The Little Stinker hit the spot too.
Upon taking my first bite I looked at my husband and said “this is the best pizza in Brooklyn”. Honestly, if this blog exists for the sole purpose of telling you (dear reader) about Roberta’s Pizza than it’s completely worth the effort.
Address: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, NY 11206 & 6 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
#1. Lucali
Before opening Lucali, Mark Iacono was in the construction industry with no aspirations as a restauranteur. However after he opened Lucali in 2006 he’s been credited as the creator of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Lucali is one of the most popular pizzerias in New York City and has the long lines to prove it. The restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, which means the only way to try the famous Brooklyn pizza is to wait in line.
They open at 5 and begin taking names for their waitlist at 4. I suggest showing up before 3 to have a shot at getting a table. Once you’re on the list kill some time nearby, but don’t forget to turn on the ringer on your cell. That’s one phone call you really don’t want to miss!
Serving some of the best thin crust pizzas in Brooklyn, guests are welcome to bring their own beer and wine to cap off the meal properly. It goes without saying that the most popular Brooklyn pizza joint is worth the extra effort to try!
But take note, this is a cash-only establishment, so come prepared!
Address: 575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Best Pizza in Brooklyn (Post Summary)
- Lucali
- Roberta’s
- L&B Spumoni Gardens
- Di Fara
- Julianna
- Paulie Gee’s
- L’Industrie
- DaVinci Pizzeria
- Luigi’s Pizza
- Krispy Pizza
- Speedy Romeo
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Map of the Best Pizza in Brooklyn
And there it is my friends, my list of the best pizza in Brooklyn.
Hope you enjoyed. Cheers!
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