Post Overview: Where to find pizza on the Upper West Side
The Upper West Side (UWS) isn’t the first neighborhood that springs to mind when considering the best places to eat in New York City, and I’ll be the first to admit that. However, having lived in the UWS for the past ten years, I’ve had time to sort out which spots are worth the trek and which can be skipped.
In this guide we’re going to cover the best spots to grab pizza in the Upper West Side. Whether you’re just looking for a slice to grab and go or you’re planning a picnic in Central Park and want the whole pie, we’ve got you covered.
Finding great pizza in New York City shouldn’t be complicated. But if you don’t know where to look you might find yourself overwhelmed with options just to later settle and be left disappointed.
The goal of this list is to steer you clear of any subpar joints so you can indulge yourself in greasy-goodness and leave the beautiful Upper West Side satisfied.
So enough talking, let’s get right into the good stuff — here are the best spots to find pizza on the Upper West Side!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Pizza Upper West Side
Marinara Pizza
Marinara Pizza looks like your typical Upper West Side pizza joint, and in most ways it is. A small and simple room with two person tables set up and an ordering counter with the different pizzas on display like jewelry.
When the weather is nice Marinara sets up a little outdoor seating area underneath their awning and it’s easy to linger. Unlike a lot of Upper West Side pizza spots there doesn’t seem to be any rush at Marinara. It’s just an easy, no frills slice shop.
But there is one thing that Marinara is known for, and that’s their cauliflower pizza. That’s right, this UWS pizza joint has hopped on the social media train folks, and it makes perfect sense.
Cauliflower pizza was all the rage on Instagram and TikTok, but in our consumerist society a lot of folks didn’t want to make it themselves. Marinara filled that void by selling their own cauliflower pizza in the Upper West Side, so folks can swing by easily after work and enjoy.
Address: 483 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Made in New York Pizza
Made in New York Pizza is what my husband and I like to refer to as “reliable and satisfiable”. The pizza is nothing to write home about, however that doesn’t mean it isn’t good.
We are spoiled by living in New York City because we have tried some of the best pizza joints around. Whether we mean to or not (shame on us, I know), we inevitably compare neighborhood pizzerias to some of the best in the game.
So is this some of the best in the Big Apple? Absolutely not, but is it some of the best pizza in the Upper West Side? You can bet your bottom dollar it is.
Whether you’re popping in for a late-night slice or taking an entire pie home, Made in New York Pizza is going to scratch any pizza itch you may have. The dough is chewy, the sauce isn’t overwhelming and the toppings are generous.
One of the biggest reasons I consider Made in New York Pizza some of the best pizza in the Upper West Side is largely due to the staff. Not only are they quick and efficient, but they’re some of the coolest people we’ve come to meet in the neighborhood.
Address: 271 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Freddie & Pepper’s
In full transparency, I used to live a block away from Freddie & Pepper’s so there’s a special place in my heart for this Upper West Side pizzeria.
Now I’m not going to sit here and claim it’s the best pizza you’ll taste in the Upper West Side, but what I can tell you is that Freddie & Pepper’s will get you through just about anything.
I can attest with my firsthand experience, that if you’re feeling down, this UWS pizza shop can fix that. If you’ve had too much to drink the night before, Freddie & Pepper’s can cure you back to life. And if you’re just down right not in the mood to cook in your tiny shoebox apartment, I know just the place to take you to curb the hunger and hit the spot.
As far as flavors go, the sky is the limit it seems. Along with classic toppings like pepperoni and cheese you can expect unique pairings like chicken tex-mex (bacon, salsa, jalapeño and cheese) or nacho. Pizzas can be purchased by the slice or in a full pie.
Friends with dietary restriction have not been forgotten here either! In fact, this is one of the few pizza joints in the Upper West Side that offers gluten-free, dairy-free and whole wheat options.
Address: 303 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Pizza Collective
In New York City, finding pizza is one of the simplest tasks you can undertake. In any given neighborhood, if you walk three blocks, I guarantee you will pass at least four pizzerias.
Most places hold some sort of history and are awarded for their years of service. And then there are rare places like Pizza Collective, a pizza shop on the Upper West Side that is modern, industrial and doesn’t hold an ounce of history.
Serving Roman-style pizza, the flavor options at this UWS pizza shop are some of the most delightful. Some clear standouts are the Cacio e Pepe and Calabrese. If squared, thick-cut pizza is more your style, Pizza Collective has some of the best in the Upper West Side.
Address: 2060 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Pizza Pete’s
A true hole in the wall Upper West Side pizza joint, Pizza Pete’s has that authentic neighborhood feel that draws locals in like a magnet.
It looks like the pizzeria you’d see in a kid’s cartoon show set in New York City. This is thanks to the checkerboard tiles, red-painted accents and a menu above the counter that looks like it’s been there since the 70’s (with current prices, of course).
And the place swells with neighborhood kids from the nearby high school too. When the bell rings and the flood gates release you’ll find a swarm of teenage kids equipped with their parents’ cash and an appetite. That’s why I avoid the Upper West Side pizza joint weekdays around three. 😉
Pizza Pete’s is well known for their Sicilian slices, but you’ll be well served regardless of which pizza you order. My go-to is the margherita, while my wife prefers the buffalo pie.
Address: 528 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
Sometimes all you need for a feast is a slice of cheese pizza and soda, and when that’s the case I make a beeline to 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 West Side. It’s a combination of the family-business vibe, the corner location with a great, neighborhood feel and the simple yet flavor-filled pies that makes the joint memorable.
Not to mention you’ll be hard pressed to find better value pizza in the Upper West 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!
On the weekends (Friday & Saturday) Famous Famiglia Pizzeria is open until 1AM. 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 West Side.
Address: 734 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Koronet Pizza
Whoever coined the phrase “everything’s bigger in Texas” never went to Koronet. The Upper West Side pizza spot is well known for serving giant slices of pie!
Incredibly, the jumbo slices don’t translate to jumbo prices. This means a budget-savvy local (like me) or a student from the nearby Columbia University can enjoy their fill without breaking the bank.
And the best part is Koronet still makes some of the best pizza in the Upper West Side, not just the biggest. The flavor is still incredible and enjoyable. There isn’t a need to worry about a dip in quality when ordering the jumbo slices.
And although it’s not pizza, Koronet’s rolls also warrant a shoutout. They’re essentially a rolled up pizza, like a pizza-burrito that are easy to eat on the go and delicious.
Address: 2848 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
Sal and Carmine Pizza
Sal and Carmine’s Pizza has been an Upper West Side pizza institution since 1957! That’s more than 65 years of capturing hearts and filling bellies with their no frills approach to great pies.
Thanks to its storied history you’ll find Sal and Carmine’s oozes that old-school NYC pizzeria vibe. It’s small and narrow with a standing bar for folks to eat and pizza boxes stacked to the ceiling.
And in its counter there’s a respectable variety of different pizzas. You’ll find both veggie loaded and meat-forward slices as well as the classics like margherita, cheese and pep.
Address: 2671 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Motorino
Motorino’s is a great Upper West Side pizza establishment if you prefer Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
This UWS pizza joint is different compared to the classic New York style pizza that folks have come to love. The bottom of the pie is typically charred, the crust is thinner with a bit of a flop and the toppings are full of flavor and quality.
If you need help deciding which pie to try, I have a couple recommendations. For folks who like a red-based pizza, the classics like Margherita and Soppressata Piccante will not steer you wrong. Both are solid and memorable.
Now if you’re anything like me and are a sucker for a white pizza, do not sleep on the Brussels sprout! Combining garlic, Brussels and pancetta is a match made in heaven.
Address: 510 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Famous Original Ray’s Pizza
In the movie Elf (2003) Buddy is preparing for a trip to New York City and Santa Claus is giving him tips. Sant mentions, “there are like 30 Ray’s Pizzas,” and boy is that true. It can feel like there’s a Ray’s Pizza every other street.
One of those pizzerias is responsible for some of the best pizza in the Upper West Side. It’s on 82nd Street just off Columbus Ave and its signage reads “The Original Ray’s Pizza.” If I’m being honest, I don’t think it’s the original but who cares!
It’s essentially across the street from the American Museum of Natural History. My wife and I have made it a date to grab a slice from the Upper West Side pizza joint and park ourselves on a bench, people watching and chatting away in the afternoon.
The different arrays of slices are all tempting, but it’s hard to beat the original cheese or pep at an original pizzeria like Ray’s. 😉
Address: 462 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Little Italy Pizza
Little Italy Pizza has a special place in my heart. This Upper West Side pizza joint has seen me at my worst and celebrated with me at my best.
The biggest draw to this UWS pizza shop is the fact that they’e open 24/7. Not many other pizza spots on the Upper West Side can say the same.
My husband and I travel a lot, and for some reason all our flights back to the Big Apple happen to be at night. By the time we’ve landed, grabbed our luggage and ride the subway 1.5 hours into the city, we’re starved. We find happiness in knowing that this Upper West Side pizza spot will be eagerly waiting for us as soon as we exit the 72nd subway stop.
The amount of pizzas they can fit behind the case is astonishing. Serving pies of every flavor, you can order pizza by the slice or in its entirety. The pepperoni pizza is perfectly greasy, cheesy and downright delicious!
Address: 2047 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Francesco’s Pizza
One of the most affordable pizza spots on the Upper West Side is Francesco’s Pizza. Located a block away from Central Park, there is no better spring activity than grabbing a slice and strolling through the blooms.
Churning out classic pies, pastas and calzones, this UWS pizza joint has mastered the art of the single slice. The dough is chewy, the sauce isn’t overwhelming and the toppings might be basic but they’re the perfect addition.
Francesco’s Pizza is a great grab and go spot when you need a quick slice. The counter service makes it easy to see which pizzas are on display and the staff works quickly and efficiently.
Slices cost around $3-5 depending on the toppings you choose and you’ll find pepper flakes and parmesan cheese accessible to top off your pizza. This is a great Upper West Side pizza shop if you’re trying to save a buck!
Address: 186 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
La Traviata Pizzeria
The first time I tried La Traviata Pizzeria was out of pure curiosity. I had done no prior research and randomly walked by one day and decided to give it a shot. I wanted to see if it was worth a spot in the running for best pizza Upper West Side.
To my surprise, for a local neighborhood joint that sells pizza by the slice, I was left shocked. I went with a plain ol’ cheese slice and classic pepperoni and both were exceptional.
Slices will run you about $4-6 a slice, which is a steep considering the $1 slices exist, but the quality speaks for itself. The crust is thin and has a crunch, the sauce has a level of sweetness that just feels right and the cheese pulls the way it’s suppose to. What more could you ask for?
I almost don’t want to share this Upper West Side pizza spot because it feels like a hidden gem and I want it all to myself. But I’m a gal who gives credit where credit is due and La Traviata Pizzeria has made a fan out of me.
Address: 101 W 68th St, New York, NY 10023
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Living on the Upper West Side has many benefits, including easy access to Central Park and excellent museums like the American Museum of Natural History. Two places that I inevitably take out-of-town visitors out who stay with me.
I quickly learned that if you have a large group your trying to accommodate, a reliable Upper West Side pizza spot is Uno Pizzeria & Grill. The close proximity to both the park and the museum just makes it such a convenient, natural stopping point and the pizza is tasty.
Since Uno is both a pizzeria and a grill, the options are endless and feeding multiple palates won’t be an issue. As far as the pizza goes, this Upper West Side pizza shop has everyone covered. This restaurant is a crust lover’s dream, serving normal, thin, and deep dish pizzas.
Address: 432 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Mama’s Too!
Mama’s Too!, a small pizza shop in the neighborhood, is making headlines for not only serving the best pizza on the Upper West Side but some of the best in all of NYC.
Having only opened in 2017, this UWS pizza joint doesn’t have the extensive history of all the other best pizzerias in New York City. The reason this newcomer is blowing the competition out of the water is that it makes up for its historical shortcomings with its extravagant flavor.
With it’s continued rise in popularity New Yorkers are traveling from farther and farther away to try Mama’s Too!. It’s not uncommon to have to wait more than 2+ hours for your pie on the weekends (let me save you the headache and just order online — skip the line all together!).
Serving both classic New York slices and Sicilian squares it’s sometimes hard to choose. But choose you must, they don’t allow change orders or customizations. They know what they have is gold and they won’t allow anyone to tell them otherwise.
Why would they, so many New Yorkers consider them the best pizza in the Upper West Side.
As far as my recommendation, you have to try the Angry Nona. If that brings back memories of your grandma chasing you around with a belt I’m sorry. This Sicilian slice combines a hot salami with Calabrian chili oil and hot honey for a *chef’s kiss* pizza.
Address: 2750 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Further Reading: Mama’s Too! is also featured on our list of 15 EPIC Pizza Joints in New York City You Can’t Afford to Miss
Patsy’s
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 West 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!
Address: 61 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
Best Pizza UWS (Post Summary)
- Patsy’s
- Mama’s Too!
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill
- La Traviata Pizzeria
- Franceso’s Pizza
- Little Italy Pizza
- Famous Original Ray’s Pizza
- Motorino
- Sal and Carmine Pizza
- Koronet Pizza
- Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
- Pizza Pete’s
- Pizza Collective
- Freddie & Peppers
- Made in New York Pizza
- Marinara Pizza
UWS Pizza Spots (Map)
And there you have it my friends, the best pizza in the Upper West Side according to yours truly. Let me know if you think I missed a spot.
Cheers!
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