The New York pizza slice is known around the world as the pinnacle food to have when visiting the city. People from all over the globe come to get a taste of what is widely regarded as the best.
Although there are many different styles of pizza, they always lead back to the same classic New York pizza slice. Constantly replicated in many different ways, from the $1.50 pizza slice to more expensive and “boujee” pizza found at restaurants around the city.
As a native New Yorker, I’ve had my fair share of slices of pizza, from the cheapest to the most expensive. A classic slice of New York pizza is one of the most consistent foods that you can eat, whether it be at 12 p.m. or 3 a.m.
I am here to tell you what truly sets N.Y. pizza apart from the rest: the amount of gluten.
Let me explain. The pizza is hand tossed ,uses high-gluten bread flour stretched by hand and has a high moisture content. This makes the pizza thicker and more chewy and adds that distinguished crust that is known around New York.
Another important factor is the price of a slice.
New York City pizza, for the most part, averages $3 a slice. There are some outliers, like a really well-known dollar-pizza slice popularized by 2 Bros. Pizza. All you need is a few dollars in your pocket, and you’ve got two slices and a soda. For many New Yorkers, this is a meal they rely on to get through the day.
There are so many different slices and styles that dominate the landscape of pizza that makes these slices of pizza unique.
So what really makes it so iconic?
It all boils down to the consistency of going to any one of the many shops throughout the city. These pizza stores strive to sell the most consistent product.
Now, enough about pizza history, let’s get into some of my favorite slices. There are a few pizza shops that really do the New York pizza slice the best.
Located in 2201 Avenue X, Brooklyn, NY 11235 and 375 Canal St, New York, NY 10013
Price of slice: $3.25
One to highlight is Lucia Pizza with their two locations in SoHo and south Brooklyn. They have mastered the art of the classic New York slice better than their competitors. Salvatore Carlino is a new school owner with old-school techniques.
Carlino knows what he is doing when it comes down to it. Learning the pizza game from his dad, he opened Lucia Pizza in January 2022, and taking a trip doesn’t disappoint. The pizza is the perfect amount of crispy and chewy, along with using top notch ingredients.
The slice from Lucia Pizza is so strong and worth the trip to try one of the best slices in the city. Their specialty clam slice is one of my favorites and only available on Fridays.
Located in 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY 11230 and 108 South St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Price of slice: $5.00
This slice has been constantly rated the best for many years. Di Fara Pizza was opened in 1959 in Brooklyn by Domenico DeMarco, an Italian immigrant.
When I tried this slice again all my memories came back from when I first had this slice. The chunky, sweet tomato sauce and crispy crust keep customers lining out the door.
Be ready for a wait if it is a slice or a pie. The wait time is typically 15 minutes. The perfection of the pizza slice takes time to make it consistent for almost 70 years.
Located in 2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Price of slice: $4.00
This pizza slice is a little different from the classic New York slice. Spumoni Gardens creates a traditional Sicilian slice that keeps mouths watering. It is crisp and sauce packed.
The toppings go on the pizza backwards, cheese going on then the dough following the sauce. The sweet and tangy sauce and the quality of their ingredients shine it’s no frills,
you taste that with every bite.
Their signature Sicilian is very intriguing because it is a lot different than the typical slice. It is definitely worth a visit to try.
Pro tip: don’t forget to have some Spumoni, their iconic ice flavor that is authentically their creation.
