By the Slice: The Haute 5 Pizzerias in NYC

New York City has often been called the cultural capital of the world. Home to people of just about every ethnic background, the sum of the city’s unique culinary parts yields an immaculate infusion of unmatched decadence that can only be found in The Big Apple. And though New York is masterfully diverse in its culinary selection, the type of food New York City may be most famous for is pizza. Like it or not Chicago, New York pizzerias produce some of the world’s best, and most creative pizzas, ever to grace the tongues of man.

Lucali

If you’re in the mood for huge slices of foldable New York style pizza, look no further than Lucali pizzeria located in Carroll Gardens in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Owner/operator Mark Iacono has dedicated himself to creating the thin-crust, brick-oven pizza that has made New York famous. With a wide variety of fresh toppings offered daily, Lucali delivers unmatched quality in every bite. The chalkboard menu is restricted to include only pizzas and calzones, and this cash-only, BYOB spot has been a local favorite for years. With prices suited to fit even the most modest budget, succulent slices of culinary mastery are affordable for anyone who has an appetite for excellent pizza.

Lucali is located at 575 Henry St., 718.858.4086

Motorino

Motorino restaurant is without a doubt one of the brightest culinary gems New York has to offer. With locations in the East Village as well as Brooklyn, this traditional Italian restaurant features a wide variety of luscious cuisine that wows with every bite. And though Motorino features more than just pizza, it is this Italian pie that we so adore that keeps New Yorkers coming back for more. The secret to Motorino’s pizza is in the sauce. Made fresh daily, the sauce has an enjoyable sweet flavor that undoubtedly sets it apart from its competitors. One of the more unique and flavorful selections at Motorino’s is the Brussels Sprout pizza. That’s right readers, Brussels Sprout pizza. Though it may sound mildly off-putting, Motorino’s has unquestionably found a way of making the greens we avoided as children taste fantastic. Now that’s a pizza mother’s everywhere can envy.

Motorino is located at 349 East 12th St. and in Brooklyn on 319 Graham Ave.

Otto Enoteca

Greenwich Village has been home to some of the most creative minds in the history of our great country. And it is that same creative spirit that has inspired many culinary proprietors of this posh neighborhood to create some of the most delicious and unique pizza pies in the city. Otto Enoteca is proudly located in the heart of Greenwich Village, and this classic Italian eatery is home to some of the best pizza New York has to offer. All of the pizza delights at Otto Enoteca are made on a thin crust that is lightly charred and noticeably crispy. Once you bring that first slice to your mouth, you will begin to realize that it is indeed possible to have a “slice” of heaven on earth.  The ingredients are so fresh, and the flavors are so masterfully infused, that to find a better, more creative pizza pie anywhere the Village would almost be impossible. Otto Enoteca is without question the newest star to hit the streets of Greenwich. Bob Dylan, eat your heart out.

Otto Enoteca is located at 1 Fifth Ave. 212.995.9559

Vezzo

Located in the East Village, Vezzo is highly regarded for cooking up one of the best pizzas in New York.  Served on an extremely thin crust, Vezzo’s pizza embodies the standard that makes New York pizza a step above the rest. The ingredients are both fresh and sophisticated. Featuring more than 40 different toppings, the creative culinary combinations are endless. So whether you’re a straightforward one-topping type, or the one who likes to pile on the extras, Vezzo promises to deliver some of the highest quality pies in the city. One of the in-house favorites is the Shroomtown pizza made with marinara sauce, cheese, four kinds of mushrooms, and finished with a white truffle oil. Another specialty is the El Greco pizza made with mozzarella cheese, green bell peppers, feta, fresh tomatoes, sweet red onions, and black olives. These two pizzas, and every other combination of ingredients you can throw together, undoubtedly give new meaning to two simple words, and those words are, absolutely fantastic.

Vezzo is located at 178 Lexington Ave. at 31^stSt.; 212.839.8300

Di Fara

When chef and proprietor Dom DeMarco of Di Fara restaurant is at the top of his game, it is hard to find a better pizza anywhere in Brooklyn. Known for its unmatched quality, Di Fara usually has a line of New Yorkers that extends from the counter tops to the sidewalk. And why would people wait so long to pay $5 for a slice you ask? Well, the answer is quite simple. Di Fara embodies all the beautiful things that make New York style pizza so good. Amazingly fresh ingredients served on a thin crisp crust bring the New York faithful out daily to literally line up for these foldable, Goliath size slices.

But if waiting in a long line to get a fantastic slice of pizza is not something you’re into, no worries. Di Fara is proudly a BYOB establishment, so feel free to grab a six-pack and drink with the rest of the pizza junkies who can’t seem to get enough of Dom DeMarco’s culinary mastery. And if you think about it, is there honestly a better combination than an ice-cold beer and New York’s best pizza? Yeah, didn’t think so.

Di Fara is located at 1424 Ave. J, Brooklyn; 718.258.1367