Pizza in Brooklyn isn’t just food—it’s a rite of passage. I’ve spent more hours than I’d ever confess, wandering from a tiny slice shop in Bed-Stuy to a candlelit corner in Carroll Gardens, biting into pies both classic and unique. Sometimes, it’s a tangy tomato sauce that pulls me back for another slice, other times it’s the smoky char from a coal oven that seals the deal. There’s a story behind every crust in this borough, and I’ve tried my best to taste them all.
People often ask if Brooklyn really holds the title for the best pizza. My answer is always the same: try a few places, and you’ll stop asking. Each shop has a style—Neapolitan, Sicilian, or New York thin—and everyone’s definition of ‘perfect’ depends on one thing: that first bite. If you want to find your go-to or simply taste the greatest hits, this guide will lead you straight to the must-try pies across Brooklyn, no guesswork required.
Where to find the best pizza in Brooklyn, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best pizza in Brooklyn, NY:
- Sottocasa Pizzeria
- Fandi Mata
- Juliana’s
- Front Street Pizza
- Oregano
- Roberta’s
- L&B Spumoni Gardens
- Saraghina Pizzeria
- Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
1. Sottocasa Pizzeria
Sottocasa Pizzeria sits quietly on Atlantic Avenue but can be hard to forget once you’ve tried their pizza. The exposed brick walls and open kitchen give off a cozy, unpretentious vibe. I once lost track of time watching dough fly through the air and come out crisp and fragrant from their wood-fired oven.
Sottocasa stands out for its careful ingredient choices and friendly service. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, there’s something tailored just for you.
It’s hard to go wrong, but the Margherita pie is a revelation. The balance of sweet tomato, bubbling mozzarella, and charred crust will spoil you for any other slice. If you want a deeper dive, try the Quattro Formaggi. This cheese-forward masterpiece captures everything that makes Brooklyn pizza special.
2. Fandi Mata
Fandi Mata in Greenpoint is the sort of spot that makes pizza night feel like an adventure. The dining room is an explosion of color and greenery, buzzing with energy. I remember my first visit—what started as a quiet dinner turned into hours spent munching and people-watching under low lights and hanging plants.
What sets Fandi Mata apart is the blend of Mediterranean influences woven seamlessly into Brooklyn’s pizza scene. The menu features options that travel far beyond traditional pies, yet the oven pies are a highlight.
If you want their signature style, order the Mushroom Truffle Pizza. Earthy mushrooms, bubbling cheese, and a fragrant truffle aroma on a thin, crisp crust—this is Fandi Mata at its freshest and most inventive. It’s the sort of pizza you’ll want to savor slowly, one flavorful bite at a time.
3. Juliana’s
Juliana’s has an air of old Brooklyn—the kind of place where tradition is as thick as the aroma wafting from the coal oven. Sitting just under the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s easy to imagine generations gathering here for their favorite pies. My first meal here came after a cold walk along the river, and the first bite was all comfort: barely-there char, gooey cheese, and robust tomato sauce.
Juliana’s stands out because it channels decades of pizza expertise and history into every slice. It’s not just nostalgia—the ingredients and care are genuinely top-notch.
Start with the classic Margherita. The interplay of the fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and thin, blistered crust defines what New York-style pizza should be. The No. 1, loaded with peppery arugula and shaved Parmigiano, is another winner for fans of greens with their pizza.
4. Front Street Pizza
Front Street Pizza is a true local standby, nestled in a lively pocket of DUMBO where everyone is always in a hurry—except for that moment when they stop for a hot slice. I’ve ducked in more times than I can count, usually to grab a quick lunch between meetings. No frills, just fast service and pizza that feels like it’s straight from your daydreams.
What makes Front Street Pizza special is its unpretentious charm and versatility. Here, you’ll spot families, office workers, and tourists all grabbing a bite without missing a beat.
The spinach and ricotta slice is a personal favorite. Creamy ricotta and tender spinach balance on a crisp crust, making each bite feel both hearty and fresh. The thin, sturdy New York crust perfectly represents how Brooklyn slices should be—easy to fold, even easier to love.
5. Oregano
Oregano sits on a sunny Williamsburg corner, offering a slice of classic Italy amid Brooklyn’s energy. My last visit started with a friendly hello from the staff and ended with the satisfaction only a perfect pizza can summon. The small dining room buzzes softly, making it just right for both solo meals and nights with friends.
Oregano stands out for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a Neapolitan flair. The pizza arrives with a cloudlike, chewy crust and a balanced bite every time.
For the full Oregano experience, order the Caprese pizza. Creamy mozzarella, basil leaves, and bright tomatoes showcase the kitchen’s skill at simplicity. It’s a vibrant, fresh option that nods to the core of great Brooklyn pizza: quality in every bite.
6. Roberta’s
Roberta’s in Bushwick feels like a secret garden for pizza fans. My first time there, I wandered through the red door and into the bustle of picnic benches and music. It’s impossible not to feel like part of the scene, with a staff that treats everyone like a regular and ovens that never rest.
What makes Roberta’s unforgettable is the confident creativity and wood-fired expertise in every pie. Pizzas here have personality, with playful combinations and spot-on technique.
If you’re curious, start with the Bee Sting. This pie pairs chili and honey for a sweet, spicy contrast on top of a chewy, blistered crust. For something classic, the Famous Original is proof that Roberta’s does the basics with stellar results—bubbling cheese, zippy sauce, and just the right amount of crunch.
7. L&B Spumoni Gardens
L&B Spumoni Gardens is a Brooklyn legend, with crowds that spill onto the sidewalk on summer nights and generations of families trading stories over trays of pizza. I remember my first trip: laughter, a hum of conversation, and a square slice that changed the game for me. The experience is as much about atmosphere as it is about what lands on your plate.
What puts L&B on the map is its iconic Sicilian-style square pizza, known for its pillowy dough and rich, sweet tomato sauce layered on top of the cheese. It’s a flavor and texture combo you rarely see done this well.
Don’t overthink your order. The classic square pie is the move—airy crust, just enough cheese, a glossy layer of sauce, and a taste that makes Brooklyn pizza history with every bite.
8. Saraghina Pizzeria
Saraghina Pizzeria sits on a leafy Bed-Stuy block, always alive with friends catching up over wood-fired pies. My first visit was on a rainy night—candles on tables, the smell of fresh dough, and the hum of quiet laughter filled the air. It felt like a little reprieve from the rush of city life.
Saraghina excels at simple, rustic pizza with a distinctly Italian soul. Their dough has a hint of sourness, blistered and chewy, making every bite interesting.
The Margherita is where to start. Perfectly balanced tomato, silky mozzarella, and basil leaves—all sitting atop a crust that’s chewy in the middle and crisp at the edges. If you want variety, their seasonal veggie pies showcase the kitchen’s love for local produce, paying homage to Brooklyn’s blend of tradition and creativity.
9. Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza
Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza brought something new to Brooklyn: coal oven slices, served up for anyone on the go. My first time, I was lured in by the smoky scent drifting down Atlantic Avenue. Watching that pie crisp up in the coal oven made me a believer before I’d even tasted a bite.
Table 87 stands apart for its ultra-thin, crisp yet chewy crust, shaped by a careful coal-fired process. You notice the char, the lightness, and the unmistakable flavor right away.
The classic Margherita is the headline act. Bursting with fresh mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and basil, it’s made to showcase the oven’s power and the kitchen’s precision. If you crave a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Table 87’s slice is a snapshot of Brooklyn’s best traditions done right.
10. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is as Brooklyn as it gets, tucked just under the Brooklyn Bridge and forever surrounded by a hungry crowd. My first trip was after a riverside walk, and getting inside felt like reaching the city’s pizza summit. The coal-fired scent hits first, followed by the sight of giant pies sliding from the brick oven.
Grimaldi’s is legendary for its coal-fired brick oven technique, producing pizzas with a crispy, smoky crust you can’t duplicate at home. Every pie starts with a family recipe, house-made mozzarella, and bright tomato sauce.
If you want the real experience, order the classic Margherita with extra basil. The crust blisters just right, and each slice balances stretchy cheese and fresh sauce—an unmistakable taste of Brooklyn tradition.
More Things to Try in Brooklyn, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of pizza is Brooklyn known for?
Brooklyn is famous for its classic New York–style pizza: large, thin-crust pies with a crisp yet chewy bite. You’ll also find standout Sicilian square slices and spots serving wood-fired or Neapolitan-style pies.
Are there vegetarian or vegan pizza options in Brooklyn?
Absolutely. Most pizzerias offer loaded veggie pies, and many have vegan cheese or gluten-free crusts. Spots like Sottocasa, Oregano, and Saraghina go the extra mile with plant-based options.
What’s the difference between coal-fired and wood-fired pizza?
Coal-fired ovens burn hotter and deliver an ultra-crisp, smoky crust. Wood-fired pies have a softer char and a slightly chewier texture. Both methods are worth trying if you want real Brooklyn flavor.
Do I need a reservation at popular Brooklyn pizzerias?
For famous spots like Lucali or Juliana’s, reservations or a spot in line are smart, especially on weekends. Many slice shops and casual places operate first-come, first-served.
Is delivery or takeout available at most Brooklyn pizza places?
Definitely. Nearly every spot offers takeout, and most deliver right to your door. Perfect for those lazy nights or big group hangouts.