For those seeking the quintessential New York pizza experience, particularly near the iconic Times Square, I’ve gathered information on several highly-regarded spots. My aim is to help you navigate the options and find a delicious slice. It’s important to note that not all pizzerias promise top quality, so I’ve focused on places with a reputation for excellent ingredients and preparation, drawing on local insights and verified reviews.
Joe’s Pizza Broadway
Joe’s Pizza is a name that resonates with New York pizza lovers. With origins in Naples, Italy, the founder brought his expertise to Greenwich Village in 1975. This spot is celebrated for its classic New York-style thin crust pizza. I think you’ll appreciate the perfectly golden crust topped with generous layers of cheese and rich tomato sauce. Many celebrities are reportedly fans. The Broadway location often has a line, which I see as a good sign of its popularity. You can choose from classic cheese, pepperoni, or even a thick Sicilian slice. While there isn’t much seating, you can enjoy your slice at the counter or small bar-top tables.
I’ve found that Joe’s Pizza offers a straightforward, high-quality pizza experience. The menu, while not extensive, focuses on delivering a perfectly executed New York slice. It’s a great place for a quick and satisfying bite before a show or while exploring the area.
Capizzi
Just a short distance from Times Square, in Hell’s Kitchen, Capizzi offers a more intimate, old-school Italian restaurant feel. This family-owned place specializes in wood-fired pizzas with thin crusts, inspired by a grandmother’s cooking from Brooklyn. I like that they offer personal-sized pizzas, allowing you to try more than one. The pizzas are customizable with a wide array of toppings, from classic options to more unique choices like caramelized fennel. They also have standout white pizzas, such as the Asparagus Special with truffle oil.
The atmosphere at Capizzi is noted for being charming, blending New York and Italian decor. I think this makes it a lovely spot for a sit-down meal. They even offer signature desserts like Oreo truffle cannoli and Nutella pizza, which could be a fun end to your meal.
Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared stands out by offering Detroit-style pizza, a departure from the typical New York slice. Founded in Williamsburg, this popular spot now has multiple locations. Their signature is a thick, focaccia-like dough that is wonderfully crisp on the bottom and piled high with cheese. I find the concept of a pillowy dough with a crispy base appealing. They offer a range of delicious options, including vegan and gluten-free choices. The pizzas are served hot on a cooling rack, a thoughtful touch.
I imagine the thick, square slices would be very satisfying. For families, the variety of options, including vegan pizzas like the Artie Bucco, is a definite plus. It seems like a place that can cater to different tastes within a group. This could be a fun alternative if you’re looking for something different from the traditional thin crust.
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza gained fame with its namesake artichoke pizza, a creamy, tangy creation featuring artichoke hearts, spinach, and mozzarella. This unique slice became an institution, and they now have locations near Times Square. I’m intrigued by this unusual flavor combination; it sounds like a rich and decadent option. Beyond the artichoke pizza, they also offer other interesting choices like a crab pizza and classic Margherita.
They offer both takeout and dine-in options. The dining room is described as warm and vibrant, suitable for a casual bite or a late-night craving. For those who love trying distinctive flavors, this spot seems like a must-visit. It’s always good to have options that offer something a little different from the norm for when you’re exploring.
Upside Pizza
Upside Pizza, launched in 2019, is described as an elevated take on the New York slice. Owned by the same team behind 2 Bros Pizzerias, it maintains the classic thin crust, gooey cheese, and seasoned sauce but uses artisanal ingredients. I appreciate the focus on quality here, especially the use of a homemade sourdough starter and house-made mozzarella. The modern and funky vibe inside, with small tables, suggests a casual yet trendy dining experience.
From the menu, I’m drawn to the Mushroom WWLC with its white wine lemon cream sauce and the spicy vodka pizza. They also offer garlic knots made with their signature butter crust. This spot seems ideal for those who enjoy a well-crafted pizza with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s a great option for a satisfying meal that still feels a bit special.
B Side Pizza & Wine Bar
For a slightly more upscale pizza experience near Times Square, B Side Pizza & Wine Bar offers specialty personal pies paired with a vast wine selection. The pizza here is described as having a slightly fluffier crust with a satisfying char. I like the sound of the blackened bubbles along the edges, indicating a well-cooked crust. The interior is described as modern yet rustic, offering a pleasant atmosphere for dining.
Their signature pizzas sound particularly enticing. The Killer Bee with soppressata and a drizzle of honey, and the Carbonara pizza, which reimagines the classic pasta dish, both sound delicious. All pizzas are made to order in a Pavesi wood oven. I think this place is a good choice if you’re looking for a more refined meal with excellent drink pairings. It’s a nice option for a date night or a celebratory meal.
Vito’s Slices and Ices
Vito’s Slices and Ices perfectly combines two New York staples: pizza and Italian ice. Located just outside Times Square in Hell’s Kitchen, this old-school restaurant serves New York-style pizza and house-made Italian ice in seasonal flavors. I love the idea of pairing a savory pizza slice with a refreshing Italian ice. They are committed to using fresh, local ingredients, which is always reassuring for quality.
Their white pizza with ricotta and basil sounds delightful. I’m also intrigued by the Upside Down Sicilian, which has mozzarella baked into the bottom of the crust. They even offer vegan and gluten-free options, making it accessible for more people. This spot seems like a great casual and high-quality choice for a quick meal, especially with the fun addition of Italian ice.
Sacco Pizza
Venturing north into Hell’s Kitchen, Sacco Pizza is a classic slice shop that has been serving locals for over 50 years. It’s described as a down-to-earth, authentic New York pizza experience. Tucked away in a small storefront, they offer no-frills, quality pizza by the slice or whole pies. I like that it’s a long-standing establishment, suggesting a consistent quality and deep connection to the community. The Sacco special, loaded with toppings, or even their PB&J pizza with pineapple, bacon, and jalapeños, sounds like they offer something for everyone.
They also serve popular garlic knots and pepperoni rolls, which are pizza dough stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. This place seems perfect for a truly traditional New York pizza experience. It’s a fantastic spot if you’re looking for a no-fuss, delicious meal with genuine local flavor. I think this kind of authentic experience is what many visitors seek.
Pop’s Pizzas
Pop’s Pizzas, located just north of Hell’s Kitchen, offers a laid-back atmosphere in a brick-wall-lined joint. People travel from across the city for their pies. I’m drawn to their specialty pizzas, prepared fresh and available by the slice or as whole pies. The pesto marinara pizza, which combines two popular sauces, sounds like a delicious innovation. The chicken bacon ranch white pie and the garlic white pizza also sound like tempting options for those who enjoy white pizzas.
A great feature for families or groups is their half-and-half pizza option, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred toppings. They also offer a flavorful vegan pizza packed with sautéed vegetables. This flexibility makes Pop’s Pizzas a very accommodating choice for diverse dining needs. It’s a place that seems to understand how people like to enjoy their pizza together.
Bar Dough
Bar Dough, situated in Hell’s Kitchen, offers an extremely thin crust pizza with a crispier base than traditional New York styles. With options for both classic and specialty pizzas, they also have gluten-free crusts. The dining area is described as having an elevated sports bar feel with high-top tables. I like that the menu is robust, offering pasta and appetizers alongside their pizzas, making it a complete dining destination.
Among their specialty pizzas, the Smoking Bardough with a roasted red pepper cream sauce sounds particularly unique. The Sprout, a more vegetable-forward option with ricotta cream sauce and Brussels sprouts, also seems interesting. The inclusion of vegan pizzas, like “The Vegan” with dairy-free cheese, further expands their appeal. This spot seems like a good balance of an enjoyable dining environment with creative pizza options.
La Vela
La Vela offers Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza near Times Square in a brightly decorated Italian restaurant. The interior features vibrant blue walls and colorful tiles, with a clear view of the wood-fired oven. Along with Italian specialties, they serve personal pizzas prepared in the Neapolitan style, characterized by a soft, thin crust with blackened edges. I find Neapolitan pizza to be particularly delightful with its distinct texture and flavor from the wood-firing process.
The Tartufata white pie, with prosciutto and truffle oil, sounds luxurious. The Pizza Vela, featuring fried zucchini and ricotta, also seems like a unique offering. For those who prefer classic flavors, their marinara and Peperonata pizzas offer traditional tastes with high-quality ingredients. La Vela seems to provide a more traditional restaurant dining experience with excellent pizza quality.
Planning Your Pizza Adventure
When you’re thinking about where to grab a slice in the Times Square area for your 2026 visit, I’ve found that considering the style of pizza you’re after can really help. If a classic, foldable New York slice is your priority, Joe’s Pizza and Vito’s are strong contenders. For those who enjoy a richer, unique flavor, Artichoke Basille’s offers its signature artichoke creation. If you’re open to different styles, Emmy Squared’s Detroit-style squares or Bar Dough’s thin, crispy crusts could be excellent choices. For a more relaxed, sit-down experience with a good wine selection, B Side Pizza & Wine Bar is quite appealing.
I’ve noticed that many of these places are quite accommodating for families. For instance, Emmy Squared offers vegan options, and Pop’s Pizzas has a half-and-half option that’s great for diverse tastes. When I consider places for Emma and Sofia, ease and child-friendliness are key. Seeing these options available makes planning a meal enjoyable. I think for families, checking the atmosphere and menu variety beforehand is always a good strategy, and these spots seem to have a lot to offer.
Remember that popular spots, especially around tourist hubs like Times Square, can get busy. I usually find that visiting slightly off-peak hours, like mid-afternoon or later in the evening, can help avoid long waits. If you’re heading to a Broadway show, factor in extra time for your meal. When I am planning like this, I always check the latest operating hours and their exact locations on their websites before heading out. Details about restaurants and their hours can change, so it’s always best to verify before you go.
For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, it’s heartening to see the increasing number of places like Vito’s Slices and Ices, Emmy Squared, and Pop’s Pizzas offering vegan and gluten-free options. This inclusivity means more people can enjoy the vibrant pizza culture of New York. My goal is to find places where everyone in the family can have a delicious and safe meal without compromising on flavor. It makes the whole experience of dining out much more pleasant for everyone involved.
When you are researching dining options, I recommend looking into our family dining guide for New York City. It might offer additional insights into places that are particularly welcoming to children and families. This way, you can feel confident about planning your meals, ensuring everyone has a great time while exploring the city.
Ultimately, the best pizza is subjective, but the options around Times Square offer a fantastic range. Whether you crave a traditional thin crust, a hearty square, or a unique specialty pie, you’re likely to find something wonderful. I’m always excited by the sheer variety and quality available, and I hope this information helps you find your perfect slice.
I hope this guide helps you plan a delightful pizza experience. Enjoy your trip to New York City in 2026!
