We Asked 3 Chefs About Their Go-To Spots for a New York Slice—Here’s What They Said

New York pizza is legendary. It's a food that's available at any hour of the day, and perfect for nearly any occasion. But finding a true New York slice? Well, you'd have to ask a local for that. Fortunately, we've done the work for you, consulting three restaurant owners about their go-to spots for a real New York slice.

1. Kesté Pizzeria

The mission of Kesté Pizza e Vino is simple yet profound: for "everyone to feel at home at our table." What you'll find here is authentic Neapolitan pizza, complete with premium imported ingredients but with an undeniable New York flair. Corporate Chef at Orlando Foods, Domenico “Mimmo” Tolomeo weighs in on what makes Kesté Pizzeria so special:

"Kesté isn’t just another great pizza spot in a city overflowing with them, it is one of the true pioneers of traditional Neapolitan pizza in New York. Long before Neapolitan pizza became a trend, Kesté was setting the standard, staying fiercely committed to authenticity, technique, and respect for the craft."

Chef Tolomeo believes that the secret of this fantastic wood-fired pizza lies in the details. From the imported ingredients—including Caputo flour, Ciao tomatoes, Torre Lupara Mozzarella di Bufala, and Italian frying oil from Olitalia—to the homemade mozzarella and custom oven built using stone made with volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius, it all tells a story. And if you happen to be gluten-free, you will feel more than accommodated here. In fact, many claim this to be some of the best gluten-free pizza around. No matter your pizza preference, you'll feel at home here, especially considering the restaurant's comfortable decor. Think exposed brick, a lively bar, and cozy seating.

2. East Village Pizza

East Village Pizza can best be described as "A Slice of NYC Perfection." The restaurant's owner and operator, Frank Kabatas, has nearly three decades of experience in pizza-making and a passion for New York's iconic food scene. East Village Pizza holds a legendary place among the city's best pies, and it's even been named "Best Pizza in Manhattan" by Good Day New York's Best of the Boroughs competition. Needless to say, you'll need to try this pizza for yourself.

The atmosphere here is busy and packed—not unlike the city itself. But this only adds to the charm, setting the stage perfectly for your new favorite slice of pizza. Looking for something a bit unexpected and totally unforgettable? Try the Buffalo Chicken pizza.

As you can imagine, Chef Kabatas has gained quite a loyal following for his own pizza, but he also enjoys trying new spots whenever he has the chance. His recommendation? "When I’m on the West Side, I go to Joe’s Pizza." According to Chef Kabatas, there's a real joy in trying different pizzerias throughout the city: "I don’t mind trying different pizzerias, and I totally respect them because more pizzerias in the city brings more people."

3. Elegante Pizzeria in Bay Ridge

Now for a tried-and-true staple: Elegante Pizzeria. It's a place infused with nostalgia, but don't mistake that for boring or predictable. This Brooklyn pizza joint has a lot on offer, including calzones, sandwiches, and salads, but by far the most popular order is the Margherita Cheese Round Pizza, an 18-inch pizza that will surely win you over. Take it from a local, Harry Nicolaou, the founder of Tziki in Chelsea:

"Elegante Pizzeria in Bay Ridge is a standout for a true New York slice. My family owns the movie theater up the block, and a slice from Elegante was something I always looked forward to. Elegante is a beacon of old school New York in a neighborhood that's seen big changes the last few decades. We have been blessed with some amazing pizza in more recent years, but this is one slice I think about a lot. Call it nostalgia or maybe the very crispy undercarriage, Elegante holds a special place in my heart."

So there you have it: some of the very best pizza NYC has to offer. Of course, this list isn't exhaustive, and there are quite literally hundreds of spots to choose from. Do you have a favorite? Share this article with a fellow foodie and begin planning your culinary adventures today!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.