This list of best pizza in the Upper West Side was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
In this guide, we will 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 planning a picnic in Central Park and want the whole pie, we’ve got you covered. Let’s skip the pleasantries and get right into the good stuff — here are the best spots to find pizza on the Upper West Side!
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Best Pizza on the Upper West Side
Table of Contents: Best Upper West Side Pizza
Table of Contents: Best UWS Pizza
Patsy’s
Website: Patsy’s
Address: 61 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
Initially opened in 1933, Patsy’s is a grandfathered coal-oven pizzeria living up to the responsibility of churning out exceptional pies in the Upper West Side. Despite being an Italian restaurant, their pizzas shine in a city saturated with dedicated pizza joints.
We ordered the original pie and were taken aback by the rich complexity 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!
Mama’s Too!
Website: Mama’s Too!
Address: 2750 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Mama’s Too!, a relatively new addition to the scene, having opened in 2017, is gaining fame not just for being the best on the Upper West Side but among NYC’s top pizzerias. Despite lacking a long history, its extravagant flavors set it apart.
The growing popularity has folks traveling great distances, resulting in weekend wait times of over 2 hours (pro tip: opt for online ordering to skip the line!). Offering classic slices and Sicilian squares, Mama’s Too! doesn’t allow changes or customizations; confident in the gold they serve.
Many consider them the Upper West Side’s best, with the must-try being the Angry Nona – a Sicilian slice featuring hot salami, Calabrian chili oil, and hot honey.
Marinara Pizza
Website: Marinara Pizza
Address: 483 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
Marinara Pizza looks like your typical Upper West Side pizza joint, and in most ways, it is. It is a small and simple room with two-person tables set up and an ordering counter with the different pizzas, like jewelry, on display. It’s just an easy, no-frills slice shop. Notably, Marinara stands out for its cauliflower pizza, catering to those with dietary restrictions in the UWS pizza scene.
Made in New York Pizza
Website: Made in New York Pizza
Address: 271 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Whether you’re popping in for a late-night slice or taking an entire pie home, Made in New York Pizza will 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.
Freddie & Pepper’s
Website: Freddie & Pepper’s
Address: 303 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
Whether you’re recovering from a night of drinking or simply not in the mood to cook in your tiny shoe-box apartment, Freddie & Pepper’s is the go-to UWS pizza place to satisfy your hunger.
When it comes to flavors, the options are limitless. In addition to classic choices like pepperoni and cheese, they offer unique combinations like chicken tex-mex (bacon, salsa, jalapeño, and cheese) or nacho. Pizzas are available by the slice or as a whole pie. Even those with dietary restrictions are accommodated, making Freddie & Pepper’s one of the rare UWS pizza joints offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and whole wheat options.
Pizza Collective
Website: Pizza Collective
Address: 2060 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
In New York City, finding pizza is incredibly easy. Within a three-block walk in any neighborhood, you’ll likely encounter at least four pizzerias, many with rich histories. However, Pizza Collective on the Upper West Side breaks the mold, featuring a modern, industrial vibe and a lack of historical ties. Specializing in Roman-style pizza, it offers delightful options like Cacio e Pepe and Calabrese. If you prefer squared, thick-cut pizza, Pizza Collective offers some of the best slices on the Upper West Side.
Pizza Pete’s
Website: Pizza Pete’s
Address: 528 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Pizza Pete’s, a proper hole-in-the-wall pizza joint on the Upper West Side, exudes an authentic neighborhood charm that magnetically attracts locals. With checkerboard tiles, red-painted accents, and a retro menu, you feel like you’ve transported back in time.
Renowned for their Sicilian slices, Pizza Pete’s caters to all pizza preferences. My top choice is the Margherita, while my husband loves the buffalo pie. Fair warning: the place buzzes with nearby high school students during rush hours, making it wise to avoid weekdays around three.
Francesco’s Pizza
Website: Francesco’s Pizza
Address: 186 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Francesco’s Pizza, located just a block from Central Park, stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options on the Upper West Side. Perfect for a spring stroll through the blooms, they specialize in classic pies, pastas, and calzones. Their mastery of the single slice is evident in the chewy dough, balanced sauce, and simple yet satisfying toppings.
With counter service for quick grabs, prices typically range from $3-5, depending on your choice of toppings. Plus, they provide convenient access to pepper flakes and parmesan cheese for customizing your slice. It’s the ideal spot for those looking to save a few bucks on Upper West Side pizza.
Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
Website: Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
Address: 734 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Sometimes, all you need for a feast is a slice of cheese pizza and soda, and when that’s the case, you make a beeline to Famous Famiglia Pizzeria. 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 make 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! Plus, with weekend hours until 1 AM, it’s the ideal late-night pizza spot in the Upper West Side to satisfy post-fun night out cravings.
Koronet Pizza
Website: Koronet
Address: 2848 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
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.
What makes Koronet even better is that it’s not just about size – they still serve some of the tastier pizza on the Upper West Side. The flavor remains fantastic, and there’s no compromise on quality with the jumbo slices.
Sal and Carmine Pizza
Website: Sal and Carmine Pizza
Address: 2671 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
Sal and Carmine’s has been an Upper West Side pizza institution since 1957! That’s more than 65 years of capturing the hearts of locals 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.
The joint is small and narrow, with a standing bar for folks to eat and pizza boxes stacked to the ceiling. Expect to find both veggie-loaded and meat-forward slices as well as the classics like Margherita, cheese, and pep.
Motorino
Website: Motorino
Address: 510 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
Motorino’s is a fantastic 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 of 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, it’s a match made in heaven.
Little Italy Pizza
Website: Little Italy Pizza
Address: 2047 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
The biggest draw to this UWS pizza shop is that they’re open 24/7. Not many other pizza spots on the Upper West Side can say the same. 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!
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Website: Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Address: 432 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024
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 you’re 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.
Best Pizza Upper West Side (Post Summary)
- Patsy’s
- Mama’s Too!
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill
- 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
Further Reading for the Upper West Side
Things to Do: 20 Fun Things to Do in the Upper West Side (Local’s Guide)
Best Brunch: 10+ Toothsome Upper West Side Brunch Spots (Worth the Wait)
Best Restaurants: 12 Tasty Restaurants on the Upper West Side (Worth the Trek)
Where to Get Coffee: 10 Charming Upper West Side Cafes (Local’s Guide)
More Great NYC Restaurants
Restaurants in Greenwich Village: 12 Charming Restaurants in Greenwich Village
Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants: 10 Amazingly (Affordable) Michelin Star Restaurants in NYC (Worth The Price!)
Iconic Restaurants in NYC: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try
Restaurants Near Central Park: The 20 Best Restaurants Near Central Park
Best Weather Appropriate Restaurants: 15 Cozy Restaurants with Heated
Upper West Side Pizza Spots (Map)
And there you have it, 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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