I’ve been to over 11 pizza places across the globe, so I’m well-versed in my pizza knowledge. From famous institutions to hidden gems, I am now ready to proclaim my criteria for what makes the “Best Pizza in Lower Manhattan.”
This article will be humorous and lighthearted as I take you on a journey through the best of what Lower Manhattan has to offer. Let’s get started and find out which pizza reigns supreme!
If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of New York
#1 uncle sam’s pizza
From the second I stepped into the restaurant, I knew uncle sam’s pizza was going to be something special. The warm, inviting atmosphere of this family owned and operated pizzeria was enough to make me feel right at home.
The best part is the pizza itself! I mean, just look at that cheese – it’s dripping off the edges! The crust is perfectly cooked and crispy on the outside, yet light and fluffy on the inside. Plus, they use high quality ingredients so you know you’re getting a great tasting pie. It definitely rivaled some of the best pizzas I’ve had in Italy!
Oh, and don’t forget about the service. The friendly staff made sure my meal was perfect from start to finish – from greeting me when I entered to bringing out my order in no time flat.
Overall, uncle sam’s pizza is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking for delicious pizza in Lower Manhattan. This place certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the best spots around!
If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in New York!
#2 Grand Street Pizza
- Great place to watch sports
I admit that I was skeptical at first—how could pizza from Lower Manhattan compare with some of the more renowned pizzerias in Naples or Rome? But as soon as I stepped foot into the restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was incredible—warm and cozy, with a hint of garlic wafting through the air.
The menu didn’t disappoint either, featuring classic pies like margherita and pepperoni along with innovative options like tuna and Brussels sprouts. After much deliberation (and drooling), I finally decided on their signature Grand Street Pizza: spicy Italian sausage, caramelized onions, fontina cheese, and red peppers. It was absolutely amazing—the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!
As an added bonus, all of the pizzas were cooked fresh to order in their big brick ovens. The crusts were perfectly crispy yet still light and fluffy on the inside. Plus, they used quality ingredients that you won’t find at most chain restaurants.
Overall, my experience at Grand Street Pizza was fantastic! It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever looking for some truly authentic New York-style pizza. They’ve earned my stamp of approval—it’s some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan!
#3 Song’ E Napule
- Nice tourist spot
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Offers dessert
I was immediately struck by the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant. From the moment I walked in, I felt like family – perhaps they sensed my discerning palate and passion for pizza? Regardless, I was truly welcomed with open arms.
The pizza itself was spectacular! The Neopolitan-style crust was thin and crispy, with a light charring around the edges that added an excellent crunch to every bite. The sauce had robust flavors of tomatoes and basil that were perfectly balanced, making for a delightfully savory taste experience. And the cheese – oh my goodness, it just melted in my mouth!
Overall, I’m convinced that Song’ E Napule has some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for delicious Italian cuisine with a neighborhood vibe. Mangia!
#4 Rubirosa
- Has insanely good dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
The first time I went, I was blown away by the pizza’s perfect crust. It had a delicious crunch when bitten into, yet was still light and airy enough to hold up the topping without becoming soggy.
The sauce is full of flavor and really complements the other toppings. Every bite is like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. The cheeses they use are top-notch and melt beautifully. And don’t even get me started on their amazing selection of fresh toppings; from pepperoni to pesto to prosciutto, there’s something for everyone.
On top of having great food, Rubirosa has a cool, laidback atmosphere that makes it even more enjoyable. The staff are always friendly and attentive which adds to the experience as well.
Overall, Rubirosa has secured its spot as my favorite pizzeria in Lower Manhattan! If you’re looking for amazing pizza, this is definitely the place to go!
#5 Kesté Pizza & Vino
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol (and hard liquor!)
- Has some vegetarian options
- Offers dessert
The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. The servers are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and the wood-fired oven in the middle of the restaurant definitely adds to the atmosphere.
The pizzas here are delicious! I particularly enjoyed their tomato, mozzarella and basil pizza – it had all of the flavors perfectly balanced out. The crust was thin but still crispy, with a great char flavor from the wood-fired oven.
I’ve tasted pizza from around the world, but Kesté Pizza & Vino is definitely one of the best places for pizza in Lower Manhattan! Highly recommended!
#6 Biga Bite
- Offers dessert
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
- Serves alcohol
The first thing that struck me about Biga Bite was the atmosphere. It had a homey, rustic feel to it, like I was stepping into an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. It was cozy, comfortable and inviting – everything you would want for a great evening of pizza-eating.
What really blew me away at Biga Bite was their selection of pizzas. They had traditional American pies, as well as thin-crust Neapolitan options, and even some unique creations you won’t find anywhere else. My personal favorite was the “Smokey Bacon Carbonara,” a combination of smoky bacon and creamy carbonara sauce topped with crispy prosciutto and fresh herbs – delicious!
The crust was perfectly thin and crunchy with just enough breadiness to satisfy your taste buds without being heavy on the stomach. The toppings were always fresh and flavorful, adding an amazing dimension to every bite. My only complaint is that they offer small slices – although this could also be seen as a good thing if you’re trying to maintain your waistline!
Overall, Biga Bite provides some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan. Whether you’re looking for classic American pies or something more unique, you will definitely find something to please your palate here. Highly recommended!
#7 John’s of Bleecker Street
- Has some vegetarian options
- Serves alcohol
- Nice tourist spot
It only took one bite of the classic Margherita pizza to prove that John’s serves up some truly delicious pies. The crust is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of char and a satisfying crunch. The plum tomato sauce was just tart enough, and the mozzarella cheese was perfectly melted.
I also sampled a few slices of their white pizza – an uncommon choice for me, but one I’m now a fan of! The combination of ricotta, garlic and herbs gave the pizza layers of amazing flavor – definitely worth a try if you’re looking for something different.
The atmosphere at John’s adds to the experience as well – you can sit in the cozy restaurant or outside on their patio while you enjoy your food. Best of all, they offer a pleasant selection of Italian beer and wines to go along with your meal.
All in all, after years on my search for great pizza around the world, I can definitely say that John’s of Bleecker Street serves up some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan!
#8 Champion Pizza – Soho
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere of the restaurant was not what I expected; it had a cozy, old-school feeling with exposed brick walls and classic Italian music in the background. Despite its old-fashioned vibe, the interior was extremely clean and well-maintained.
The staff at Champion Pizza – Soho is incredibly friendly and attentive. I found myself in deep conversation with one of the servers about the best way to make pizza dough!
Now, let’s get to the main event: the pizza itself. The slices at Champion Pizza – Soho are large and cooked to perfection. I had a traditional Margherita slice as well as a few others that included an array of tasty ingredients like pesto, ham, and roasted vegetables. Every bite had me wanting more.
Overall, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan then look no further than Champion Pizza – Soho!
If you’re willing to go an extra 1 miles, you can get to 29 more pizza places in New York!
#9 Scarr’s Pizza
- Serves alcohol
- Has some vegetarian options
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting. The staff greeted me like an old friend and took great care of me throughout my meal. I can see why Scarr’s Pizza has such a loyal following!
The star of the show is the incredible pizza. Their dough is crisp and flavorful, with just the right amount of cheese and toppings. They offer a variety of choices, from classic Italian pies to more exotic flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, on my last visit they had a pizza topped with black truffles that was out of this world!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable pizza experience in Lower Manhattan, look no further than Scarr’s Pizza!
#10 Prince Street Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
The first time I stopped by, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the pizza. The dough was perfectly crisp and chewy, and the toppings were generous and flavorful. The ingredients were fresh and the cheese melted to perfection.
I’ve tried several of their signature pies – the pepperoni, sausage & ricotta pie is a real crowd pleaser, but it’s hard to beat my favorite: The Spicy Spring which covers the pie with their homemade spicy sauce and Calabrian chili pesto. It’s like a party in your mouth!
What really sets Prince Street Pizza apart from other pizzerias is their commitment to local community involvement. Not only do they use local farmers’ produce when available, but they also donate 5% of their profits back to charities in lower Manhattan. It’s heartwarming to support a business that really stands behind its values
In conclusion, Prince Street Pizza serves some of the best pizza in Lower Manhattan – it’s delicious, fresh and made with love!
#11 Joe’s Pizza
- Nice tourist spot
The atmosphere at Joe’s is excellent. The place has a cozy, inviting feeling that just makes you want to eat there. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better.
As for the pizza itself, it was amazing! It had a nice crunchy crust that was thin but not too thin – just perfect. The toppings were flavorful and complementary to each other, creating an overall delicious experience. I enjoyed every bite of my pizza, and I’m sure others will too.
I have to say that Joe’s Pizza truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best pizza places in Lower Manhattan. If you’re looking for an amazing pizza experience, don’t hesitate to pay Joe’s Pizza a visit!
