This list of best pizza on the Upper East Side was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
New York City is a global destination for many reasons, but nothing draws in folks more than its goldmine of pizza joints. Of all the Big Apple’s neighborhoods, the Upper East Side (UES) is a destination not to be missed thanks to its array of both new and old, classic and trendy pizzerias.
So if you’re looking for the best pizza in the Upper East Side you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent an irresponsible amount of my paychecks on an unhealthy amount of slices, gaining first-hand experience on what Upper East Side pizza joints are really worth your moolah.
But enough of the small talk, let’s talk about the best pizza the Upper East Side!
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Best Pizza Upper East Side
Table of Contents: Upper East Side Pizza
San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina
Website: San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina
Address: 1559 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
A small unassuming corner restaurant is responsible for the best pizza in the Upper East Side. That restaurant is San Matteo (on 81st Street) and you need to drop what you’re doing and make a reservation. Opened in 2010 it didn’t take long for locals to start singing the praises of the wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas.
The care and dedication translate with every bite and even though you’re stuffed it’s hard to put the slice down. The Neapolitan pies are masterfully created to be thin, flavor-loaded, and with the perfect audible crisp. The buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto pie is an absolute joy to indulge in and one of my personal favorite pies in all of New York City.
And for those of us who like to enjoy our dinner with wine, San Matteo has more than a few bottles to choose from. The robust selection of quality wines cements San Matteo as the premier Upper East Side pizza joint for a date night. You can place an order online but the best experience is when you visit the charming little restaurant with a friend, clinking glasses and sharing pies.
Emmy Squared Pizza
Website: Emmy Squared Pizza
Address: 1426 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Emmy Squared looks like a modern, trendy restaurant rather than a hole-in-the-wall Upper East Side pizza joint. They specialize in Detroit-style pizza, which is square and with a thick crust, and extremely satisfying if I do say so myself.
This isn’t the place to come to if you’re after a quick slice. Emmy Squared is one of the best sit-down pizza spots on the UES. Getting a table at Emmy usually isn’t an impossible task, but if you’re planning to visit on the weekend I’d still encourage reservations.
Famous Famiglia
Website: Famous Famiglia
Address: 1248 Lexington Ave #2012, New York, NY 10028
Sometimes all you need for a feast is a greasy slice of cheese pizza along with a soda. If you can relate to this, may I suggest Famous Famiglia Pizzeria? I’ll be honest, there isn’t any one thing that makes this one of the best pizza spots in the Upper East Side.
It’s a combination of the family-business vibe, the convenient location with a great, neighborhood feel, and the simple yet flavor-filled pies that make the joint memorable. Not to mention you’ll be hard-pressed to find better value pizza in the Upper East Side.
And no, I don’t mean dollar pizza, but I’m not mad paying $3 for a cheese slice when it tastes like this! When I’m in the neighborhood at a friend’s place or a bar it’s easy to stumble in for one of the best pizza slices in the Upper East Side.
Patsy’s Pizzeria
Website: Patsy’s Pizzeria
Address: 1279 1st Ave., New York, NY 10065
Originally opened in 1933, Patsy’s is a grandfathered coal-oven pizzeria living up to the responsibility of churning out exceptional pies. Unlike most of the other places mentioned on this list of pizza joints on the Upper East Side, Patsy’s is actually an Italian restaurant that just so happens to serve pizza.
Considering this, it’s impressive that their pizzas can steal the show in a city peppered with restaurants specializing in pizza alone. We ordered the original pie and were taken aback by the rich complexity of of three simple flavors (dough, sauce, and cheese).
The crust was thin, as to be expected with a coal-fired oven, and the sauce-to-cheese ratio was executed perfectly. My favorite part was the flavor of the sauce, it’s so memorable. We weren’t surprised to learn that Frank Sinatra considered this one of his favorite pizzas in New York City, it’s delicious!
Williamsburg Pizza
Website: Williamsburg Pizza
Address: 1617 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Don’t let the name throw you off — Williamsburg on the Upper East Side is in fact some of the best pizza in the neighborhood. The friendly and extremely efficient staff do a great job at creating a welcoming environment for folks to enjoy a classic slice of NYC pizza. Those who are partial to a bit of a crispy, crunchy crust should make a beeline here.
With every bite you take the greasy-goodness just melts in your mouth and the crust adds a layer of texture you didn’t know you needed. Fans of thicker crusts need to try the grandma square-style pizza. Another stand out at this UES pizza joint is the garlic knots. Although they look more like a cinnamon bun, the flavor and garlic punch are *chefs kiss* and deserve some love.
Mariella Pizza
Website: Mariella Pizza
Address: 965 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10021
Simple and unfussy, Mariella Pizza makes some of the best pies you’ll find in the Upper East Side. Their convenient location on 72nd St. makes Mariella’s one of my first-choice pizzerias when I’m on the go. Like most classic Upper East Side pizza joints there’s a variety of pies for you to choose from. I like to mix and match, so I’ll often order a cheese-heavy slice and a fun, out-of-the-ordinary slice to keep things interesting.
Don Filippo
Website: Don Filippo
Address: 1133 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10075
A quintessential New York pizzeria, Don Filippo has been an Upper East Side favorite for more than four decades. Inside you’ll find an assortment of slices and combos that help make it an easy grab-and-go lunch. If you’re a sucker for soft dough, this is some of the best pizzas in the Upper East Side. The shop is generous with its cheese too, and the inner kid in me loves that.
The selection is mostly made up of classic pies like Margherita, pepperoni, and meat lovers. Besides the pizza Don Filippo also makes paninis. But no matter what you do, order some garlic knots for the road, you won’t regret it.
Marinara Pizza
Website: Marinara Pizza
Address: 1376 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128
Marinara Pizza is a straightforward establishment with two-person tables and a display counter showcasing pizzas like prized jewelry. Unlike many other Upper East Side pizza spots, Marinara doesn’t seem rushed; it’s an easy, no-frills slice shop.
Embracing the social media trend, this UES pizza joint also caters to those who crave cauliflower pizza without the hassle of making it themselves. Marinara conveniently fills that gap by offering their own cauliflower pizza, allowing customers to easily swing by after work and indulge.
Nick’s Pizza
Website: Nick’s Pizza
Address: 1814 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
If you’re searching for one of the best pizza spots in the Upper East Side for a date night you should consider Nick’s Pizza. The service is friendly and the food is satisfying, what more can you ask for? It’s far from a Michelin Star restaurant but when it comes to an impromptu dinner date you won’t find much better.
The brick walls and wood tones give the restaurant a homey vibe and the food is reasonably priced compared to other Upper East Side pizza joints. Not to mention Nick’s Pizza has the added benefit of a wood-fired oven. Electric and gas ovens can try their best but the char from a wood-fired oven on a thin-crust pie will always be elite in my book.
Delizia 92
Website: Delizia 92
Address: 1762 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128
For over 30 years, Delizia 92 has been a local favorite for comforting Italian cuisine. Whether you’re dining in their cozy space or grabbing takeout, you’re in for some of the best pizzas on the Upper East Side. Their Margherita pie is a standout, leaving you craving more with each bite. Don’t miss their tempting grandma slice either, with its perfect fluffy crust and melted cheese. Plus, they offer a variety of other delicious Italian dishes, like their chicken parm.
Saba’s
Website: Saba’s
Address: 1217 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10028
Serving some of the best pizza on the Upper East Side, Saba’s has created a loyal fan out of me and half the neighborhood apparently. The simple flavor that comes from the tomato sauce alone is enough to bring me back. It’s both sweet and savory and pairs heavenly with the cheese. The classic margarita slice can turn even the most cynical critic into a fan.
With limited seating inside I recommend ordering your pizza to-go. Saba’s also makes some of the most creative pizzas on the Upper East Side. A flavor I have yet to try anywhere else is the falafel slice. Made with cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, and falafel… don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. As odd as it may sound it’s surprisingly delicious and one go my go-to’s!
Salvo’s Pizzabar
Website: Salvo’s Pizzabar
Address: 1477 York Ave, New York, NY 10075
Salvo’s Pizzabar has been around since 2012 and has provided the neighborhood with some of the best pizza in the Upper East Side for over a decade. The place is exactly what it sounds like, a laid-back pizza parlor offering beers that pair nicely with Italian dishes. Think of it as if a sports bar and a pizzeria had a baby.
At this UES pizza joint, you can order by the slice or a full pie. I have yet to try the pasta dishes but the pies are some of the best pizza on the Upper East Side when I’m in a pinch. On a sunny summer day, grabbing a couple of slices and settling by the East River is one of the best ways to savor both the scenic views and the delectable pizza.
Best Pizza UES (Post Summary)
- San Matteo Pizzeria e Cucina
- Patsy’s Pizzeria
- Salvo’s Pizzabar
- Famous Famiglia
- Saba’s
- Delizia 92
- Nick’s Pizza
- Marinara Pizza
- Don Filippo
- Emmy Squared Pizza
- Mariella Pizza
- Williamsburg Pizza
UES Pizza Spots (Map)
And there you have it, the best pizza in the Upper East Side according to yours truly. Let me know if you think I missed a spot.
Cheers!
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