When you visit New York City, you come for the culture, nightlife, Broadway, the shops, and the food. There’s so much to do and, unless you live in the city, so little time to do it in. That’s why you need the best recommendations around.
New York pizza is a well-known must-try across the world. Italy may have invented it, but New York perfected it. When you’re in New York, you want to be sure you’re getting a real New York slice.
Like with any restaurant, some places are just better than others. It’s a big city which is why we divided up our recommendations by neighborhood. If you’re spending the day in or near Central Park, I’ll show you where to get pizza near Central Park. Check out my list of the best pizza near Central Park below!
My Pie Pizzeria Romana
690 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-317-1850
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My Pie Pizzeria Romana is steps from the Lexington Ave + 59th street subway stop (NRW) and a few blocks from an entrance to Central Park. This east-side location is near several major hotels and large department stores like Saks Off 5th and Bloomingdales.
After your walk through the park and/or shopping extravaganza, stop by this quaint pizzeria for Roman-style pizza and dessert. They say that they import their flour directly from Italy, so this is the perfect true Italian New York blend. The pizza isn’t overly-greasy, the crust is fluffy, and the sauce is perfectly between sweet and salty. The Parma Prosciutto Cotto pizza is topped with prosciutto imported from Parma, Italy, and part-skim mozzarella – a really delicious standout.
Sacco Pizza
819 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-582-7765
Located just blocks from The Shops at Columbus Circle and right at the top of Hell’s Kitchen, you have hole-in-the-wall Sacco Pizza. This classic New York pizza restaurant is mostly a counter, drink cooler, and limited seating, so be prepared to eat and go.
Sacco offers cheap, highly flavorful, and fast thin crust pizza. You can eat here after exiting Central Park at the Columbus Circle entry. Grab a few slices, then go out to the trendy Hell’s Kitchen lounges and LGB bars. Fuel up with some protein. You can’t go wrong with their BBQ chicken pizza.
Angelo’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
117 W 57th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-333-4333
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Angelo’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is two blocks from Central Park’s W59th and 6th avenue entrance. It’s a block from Carnegie Hall and surrounded by the city’s more upscale hotels – you may be staying nearby. This sit-down restaurant has great pizza alongside pasta, salads, and appetizers.
Thin crispy crust and perfect amounts of gooey cheese can be found on any of their pizza offerings. They have fairly traditional toppings, but I don’t think you need any – the crust, fresh cheese, and sauce are all extremely flavorful. You can really taste the slight smokiness of that coal oven. Order a plain cheese or white slice, and you’ll be very happy.
Angelo’s Pizza
1697 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-245-8811
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If you’re looking for a pizza around Central Park, Angelo’s is just a few minutes’ walk to the Museum of Modern Art as well as Central Park. Stop here for lunch between both of those activities. This casual two-level restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a rest and a delicious slice or two of pie. Angelo’s also has a full pasta menu, salads, and regular plates (chicken parm, grilled salmon, lasagna, etc).
Angelo’s prides itself on its classic coal oven pizza. The crust is smoky and crispy and, the sauce flavorful, and the mozzarella extremely fresh. You should order an old-fashioned Margherita pizza when you go. The simple ingredients of only the freshest basil and mozzarella really let their sauce and coal-blackened crust shine. You’ll taste everything and regret nothing.
B Side Pizza & Wine Bar
370 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 646-679-7225
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If you have theater tickets, B Side Pizza & Wine Bar, at the top of the theater district, is the perfect pre-show dinner. It’s just a block from the Gershwin Theater (currently housing Wicked) and two minutes from the 50th street subway stop (ACE trains). You can walk here in about 10 minutes from Central Park’s Columbus Circle entrance.
They have a great menu overall (tacos, fajitas, salads, and burritos) – share some pre-pizza veggie nachos if you’re hungry enough. You should also add on one of their killer margaritas – you’re on vacation. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Killer Bee pizza is a delicious and unusual combo of tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, garlic puree, chili oil, and honey.
Pizza Collective
2060 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Phone: 646-693-0949
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Pizza Collective is very well located. It’s a few steps from the 72nd street subway, (123 trains) a few blocks from Central Park’s Strawberry Fields and the Museum of Natural History. Stop here as you go about your tourism business. It’s also near the upper west side location of the famous magnolia bakery – so you have a built-in dessert place too.
Pizza Collective uses fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations – you’ll want to keep coming here to try them all. If you’re looking for greens, get the Crostino Zucchini pizza – it’s a mass of organic zucchini squash perfectly seasoned with ground black pepper. All the zucchini obscures the fresh mozzarella sitting under it – it’s so good.
99 Cent Fresh Pizza
1723 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-245-2155
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New York City is expensive. Save money. Go to 99 Cent Fresh Pizza. The deal is in the name. This cash-only location is near all the shopping Midtown has to offer and around the corner from Carnegie Hall.
There are a few 99 Cent pizzas around the city, and this particular location is cash-only and counter-only. You can eat standing in a small standing space, but it’s best to go for a takeout and walk – after all, pizza is the most popular walking food. Despite the low price, this place doesn’t skimp on sauce, cheese, or flavor. They’re small, so there are no specialty items, but they offer all the traditional toppings. Get some classic pepperoni and eat while you walk to your next fabulous destination.
New York City has great pizza. No matter which neighborhood you’re exploring, you’ll find a mouth-watering slice. So have fun, taste test, and eat as much as you possibly can! Need a recommendation for other neighborhoods? Check out our list of the best pizza places in NYC.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!