2024-03-02
This food critic's guide slices through New York’s pizza scene, serving up a comprehensive look at the city’s most beloved pizzerias, from timeless institutions to new favorites.
Firmly seated in the heart of Queens, Fresh Meadows Pizzeria & Restaurant dishes out authentic NY-style pizza with a side of kid-friendly service. The joint jingles with the laughter of family meals, serving up generous portions of lunch comfortably under $10. Highlights include the fan-favorite Penne Alla Vodka and a nostalgically famous lasagna slice, with ample parking out back to sweeten the deal. A spot that consistently garners praise, this pizzeria stands tall as a must-visit for pizza aficionados trekking through New York.
Location: 195-09 69th Ave, Queens, NY 11365
Capri Pizza & Pasta, once the crown jewel of Tarrytown for Italian comfort food, now teeters on the edge of glory and doubt. Though it still has hits like the BBQ chicken wings and Cajun selections, some patrons speak of sliding standards that undermine its historic acclaim. A 'Support Local Fee' and thinner-than-expected Sicilian slices add to the debate of its worth. Even if Capri Pizza & Pasta is presently navigating rough waters, it remains a place where the daring diner can chase culinary highs and root for a return to its heyday.
Location: 350 S Broadway #5614, Tarrytown, NY 10591
Beachside cravings in Long Beach meet their match at West End Pizza & Restaurant, where every morning's fresh dough heralds a day of epicurean delight. Special touches like the chicken Caesar slice satisfy those seeking a twist on the traditional. Still, the establishment's enthusiastic cleaning regimen and premium pricing might give some pause. Fortunately, their outdoor seating proves to be a charming respite for the foodie lured by the prospect of indulging in fresh, zesty flavors under the open sky. Despite the occasional inconvenience, West End is the go-to for a transcendent pizza experience.
Location: 918 W Beech St, Long Beach, NY 11561
Stepping into Joe's Pizza on Carmine Street is akin to a flavorful journey through time. This no-nonsense sanctuary of the Sicilian slice buzzes with energy that complements the simplicity and mastery of its menu. Cold hard cash is your golden ticket to bliss here, amidst an ambiance thick with authenticity. Frequently bustling with die-hard fans, this Greenwich Village staple has been churning out crowd-pleasers for over four decades. Joe’s Pizza stands out as an unmissable destination for those seeking a quintessential New York bite.
Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana resonates with the echoes of 1925, stirring high expectations with its storied walls. Clean and animated, the atmosphere is a fitting canvas for what appeared to be a culinary hit or miss. During my visit, the pizza’s reputation outshone the reality, offering a chewy base rather than the expected transcendent crunch. The divisive feedback from patrons suggests inconsistency is at play. Still, this pizzeria's enduring legacy and friendly staff beckon for a second chance. A revisit could very well unveil that legendary slice, cementing Frank Pepe's position in the New York pizza anthology.
Location: 1955 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710
