When you think of iconic foods from New York City, pizza is often the first dish that comes to mind. New Yorkers claim their city as the pizza capital of the world, and millions of pizza lovers from around the globe visit the city each year to taste a slice of what many call the best pizza on Earth.
But is New York pizza really the best, or is it just the most famous? To answer this, let’s explore what makes New York pizza special, and whether or not the city deserves its title as the pizza champion of the world.
1. What Makes New York Pizza Unique?
The legendary New York-style pizza is instantly recognizable: a large, thin crust, hand-tossed and topped with a simple layer of tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and minimal toppings. It’s baked in a gas-fired oven until the crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often with a slight char on the bottom. When done right, it’s foldable, chewy, and deliciously satisfying.
Several factors contribute to what many believe sets New York pizza apart from the rest:
– The Water: One of the most common claims is that New York City’s tap water, known for being exceptionally soft, plays a critical role in the taste and texture of the pizza dough. Bakers and pizzaiolos (pizza makers) in the city often credit the unique mineral composition of the water for giving New York pizza its perfect chewy crust.
– The Simplicity: New York pizza prides itself on minimalism. A classic New York slice typically features just a handful of ingredients: dough, sauce, cheese, and a few optional toppings like pepperoni or sausage. This simplicity allows the quality of each component to shine. The sauce is usually made from crushed tomatoes, not overly seasoned, letting the natural sweetness of the tomatoes come through.
– The Slice Culture: Pizza in New York isn’t just food—it’s part of the city’s culture. New Yorkers don’t sit down for a full pizza meal every time; they grab a slice from one of the city’s many corner pizzerias. A typical New York slice is big, cheap, and meant to be folded in half and eaten on the go, making it a perfect fit for the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.
2. The Historic Influence of Italian Immigrants
New York’s pizza legacy can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the city. In 1905, Gennaro Lombardi opened what is widely considered to be America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s, in Little Italy. His pizza was similar to the traditional Neapolitan-style pizza of Naples, but as the recipe evolved, it became larger, thinner, and better suited to the American palate.
The style spread quickly, and New York’s pizza scene flourished. By the mid-20th century, corner pizza shops had become a staple of New York City life, with locals and visitors alike enjoying affordable, oversized slices.
3. New York vs. Italy: The Pizza Rivalry
When it comes to the world’s best pizza, the most obvious contender to challenge New York is Naples, Italy: the birthplace of pizza. Neapolitan pizza is quite different from its New York counterpart. It’s smaller, with a soft, pillowy dough, simple San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and a charred, blistered crust from being baked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures.
For purists, Naples is the true home of pizza, with a style that adheres to strict standards. In fact, there’s even an organization—the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN)—that regulates what can officially be called “Neapolitan pizza.” While New York pizza has taken the dish in a different direction, many still see Naples as the gold standard for authenticity and tradition.
While Naples may have the historical claim, New York pizza has evolved into something equally beloved but distinct. It’s larger, thinner, and more flexible (literally and figuratively), allowing for a wider range of toppings, from classic pepperoni to more experimental combinations. The focus on size and convenience makes New York pizza a favourite for those who want a filling and flavourful meal on the go.
Whether or not New York pizza is the best in the world largely depends on your personal taste and what you’re looking for in a pizza experience. If you value a no-fuss, oversized slice that’s crispy yet chewy, with the right balance of sauce and cheese, then New York pizza may indeed take the crown.
However, for those who prioritize authenticity and tradition, Naples might take the top spot with its soft, doughy crust and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Meanwhile, pizza lovers who enjoy a heartier, more indulgent experience may even favour Chicago’s deep-dish or Detroit’s square pan pizza.
The beauty of pizza is its versatility—each city and region brings its own unique spin to the dish, offering a variety of flavours and textures. The debate over where the best pizza in the world comes from may never be settled, but New York will always be a central player in that conversation.
