Manhattan has the tourists, but Brooklyn has the pizza. If you are serious about finding the best slices and pies in New York City, you need to cross the East River. Brooklyn’s pizza scene ranges from century-old coal oven institutions to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be. These are the Brooklyn pizza spots actually worth planning your day around.
Brooklyn’s pizza dominance is not a new phenomenon. The borough has been home to America’s oldest pizzerias and some of its most influential modern spots. Totonno’s has been firing pies since 1924. Di Fara became legendary under Dom DeMarco’s decades of hands-on dedication. Roberta’s sparked the neo-Neapolitan movement from a Bushwick warehouse in 2008. Each wave built on the last, creating a pizza culture that now rivals any city in the world.
What makes Brooklyn pizza worth the trip from Manhattan is the combination of history, variety, and accessibility. You can eat a slice from a shop that has not changed in 50 years, then walk to a trendy spot serving natural wine with your pie. The subway makes most neighborhoods reachable within 30 minutes from Midtown. The experience costs a fraction of what you would spend on a tourist-trap meal in Times Square.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks: Three Brooklyn Pizza Spots You Cannot Miss
Before diving into the full list, here are three spots that represent the essential Brooklyn pizza experience. These are the places locals recommend when friends visit from out of town.
Best Overall: L’Industrie Pizzeria in Williamsburg consistently tops Reddit threads and food critic lists. Their burrata slice redefined what a topping could be. It is fast, affordable, and consistently excellent.
Best Old-School Experience: Di Fara Pizza in Midwood remains a pilgrimage-worthy destination despite Dom DeMarco’s passing. The family continues his methods, and the experience of watching your pie get finished with fresh basil and olive oil is unmatched.
Best Sicilian Square: L&B Spumoni Gardens in Gravesend serves what many consider the best Sicilian slice in America. The sauce-on-cheese construction, the crispy-yet-fluffy crust, and the spumoni dessert afterward create a complete Brooklyn experience.
Brooklyn Pizza at a Glance
Use this quick reference table to plan your pizza crawl. Cash-only spots are marked so you do not get caught without bills.
| Spot | Style | Neighborhood | Price | Wait | Cash Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L’Industrie | NY-style slices | Williamsburg | $ | 5-10 min | No |
| Lucali | Neapolitan pies | Carroll Gardens | $$$ | 1-2 hours | No |
| Di Fara | NY-style | Midwood | $$ | 30-60 min | No |
| L&B Spumoni Gardens | Sicilian squares | Gravesend | $ | 15-30 min | No |
| Totonno’s | Coal-oven NY | Coney Island | $$ | 30-60 min | No |
| Roberta’s | Wood-fired Neapolitan | Bushwick | $$ | 30-90 min | No |
| Best Pizza | NY-style slices | Williamsburg | $ | 5-10 min | Yes |
| Paulie Gee’s | Neapolitan | Greenpoint | $$ | 30-60 min | No |
| Luigi’s Pizza | Old-school NY | South Slope | $ | No wait | Yes |
| Scarr’s | NY-style | Williamsburg | $$ | 10-20 min | No |
1. L’Industrie Pizzeria – The Burrata Slice That Broke the Internet
L’Industrie sits at the top of nearly every best pizza in Brooklyn list for good reason. The Williamsburg slice shop has perfected the art of the elevated NY-style slice without losing the accessibility that makes pizza great. Their plain cheese slice is excellent. Their pepperoni slice features perfectly cupped roni that crisp at the edges and hold pools of oil. But it is the burrata slice that makes the trip mandatory.
The burrata slice starts with a thin, crispy crust that holds up under the weight of fresh toppings. House-made burrata sits atop a bright tomato sauce, finished with olive oil and basil. The contrast between the hot crust and the cool, creamy cheese creates something genuinely special. At around $7, it is not cheap for a slice, but the quality justifies the price.
What makes L’Industrie worth the trip from Manhattan is the combination of accessibility and excellence. The L train from Manhattan drops you three blocks away. The line moves fast, even when it stretches out the door. You can be in and out with a transcendent slice in under 15 minutes, then explore Williamsburg’s shops and waterfront.
The space is small and utilitarian. A few counters along the window provide standing room only. This is not a sit-down experience, and that is part of the charm. You are there for the pizza, not the ambiance. Order at the counter, wait for your name, and eat while it is hot.
What to Order and Pro Tips
First-timers should get the burrata slice. If you are hungry, add a pepperoni slice to compare. The sesame seed crust option adds texture and nuttiness that works especially well with plain cheese. Visit during off-peak hours (2-5 PM) to avoid the longest lines.
L’Industrie is located at 254 South 2nd Street in Williamsburg. From Manhattan, take the L train to Bedford Avenue. Walk three blocks south on Bedford, then two blocks east on South 2nd. The shop is on the north side of the street. They accept cards and are open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
2. Lucali – The Brooklyn Pizza Experience Worth the Wait
Lucali represents the pinnacle of the Brooklyn pizza pilgrimage. The Carroll Gardens institution has hosted celebrities, food critics, and dedicated pizza lovers since 2006. Jay-Z and Beyonce have been spotted here. The pizzeria has appeared on every best pizza list that matters. The wait can stretch to two hours. None of this hype has diminished the quality.
The space itself contributes to the experience. Housed in a former candy store, Lucali features exposed brick, dim lighting, and a wood-fired oven visible from every table. Mark Iacono, the owner and sole pizzaiolo for years, still oversees every pie that leaves the kitchen. The BYOB policy keeps costs reasonable despite the high demand.
The pizza is Neapolitan-American in style. The crust is thin but has structure, with leopard-spotted charring from the wood oven. The sauce is bright and slightly sweet. The mozzarella is fresh and applied with restraint. Toppings are available but unnecessary. The basil is added after baking so it stays fresh and aromatic.
What makes Lucali worth the trip is the complete experience. Arrive before 5 PM on weekends to get your name on the list. Bring a bottle of wine and take a walk around the beautiful Carroll Gardens neighborhood while you wait. The brownstones and tree-lined streets provide a perfect appetizer. When your table is ready, you will enjoy one of the best pizzas in America in an intimate setting.
Planning Your Visit
Lucali only accepts names in person. There are no reservations. Weekday dinners have shorter waits than weekends. The line starts forming around 4:30 PM. Bring cash for the pizza but cards are accepted. A large pie with a calzone (their other specialty) feeds three to four people.
Lucali is located at 575 Henry Street in Carroll Gardens. From Manhattan, take the F or G train to Carroll Street. Walk five blocks west on Carroll Street, then one block south on Henry. From lower Manhattan, the walk from the subway takes about 10 minutes through a beautiful residential neighborhood.
3. Di Fara Pizza – A Living Legend in Midwood
Di Fara Pizza stands as perhaps the most famous pizzeria in Brooklyn, if not all of America. For decades, Dom DeMarco made every pie himself, often taking 10-15 minutes per pizza as he carefully distributed toppings and finished each with fresh snipped basil and olive oil from a silver dispenser. Dom passed away in 2022, but his family continues the tradition in the same unassuming corner space in Midwood.
The experience of visiting Di Fara is as much about watching the process as eating the pizza. The DeMarco family still uses the same methods Dom perfected over 50 years. The sauce is bright and acidic. The cheese blend creates perfect pull. The basil is cut fresh with scissors moments before serving. The crust has the ideal balance of chew and crunch.
What makes Di Fara worth the trip is the history and the quality. This is the pizza that convinced many people that Brooklyn was the center of the pizza universe. The prices have risen over the years, a whole pie now costs around $30, but the experience remains singular. You are eating pizza made by the family that defined modern NY-style.
The space is basic. A few tables and chairs in a utilitarian room that has not been renovated in decades. The walls are covered in photos and memorabilia. The line often stretches out the door, especially on weekends. Waits can reach an hour during peak times. Bring patience and cash.
What You Need to Know
Di Fara serves both slices and whole pies. Slices are available during limited hours and go fast. A whole pie guarantees you get the full experience. The square pie is thicker and has more sauce than the round. Both are excellent. Order at the counter and wait for your name.
Di Fara is located at 1424 Avenue J in Midwood. From Manhattan, take the Q train to Avenue J. The pizzeria is one block east of the station on the south side of the street. The Q express from Midtown gets you there in about 35 minutes. They accept cards but cash is appreciated for tips.
4. L&B Spumoni Gardens – Home of the Upside-Down Sicilian
L&B Spumoni Gardens in Gravesend serves the most unique slice experience in Brooklyn. Their Sicilian square is constructed upside-down, with the cheese applied directly to the dough and the sauce layered on top. The result is a slice that stays crispy underneath while delivering a bright, acidic tomato punch on top. Locals have been making the trip for generations.
The outdoor seating area is as iconic as the pizza. A large patio with covered tables sits behind the takeout counter. In summer, families gather here for full dinners, not just slices. The spumoni for dessert is non-negotiable. The tri-color ice cream, served in a paper cup with a wooden spoon, completes the ritual.
The full menu includes pasta and Italian-American entrees, but you are there for the Sicilian squares. The round pies are good but unremarkable. The squares are transcendent. The crust achieves a texture that is simultaneously fluffy and crisp. The cheese layer insulates the dough from sogginess. The sauce on top stays bright and uncooked.
What makes L&B worth the trip is that you cannot get this experience anywhere else. The upside-down construction is unique to this spot. The combination of great pizza, iconic dessert, and outdoor dining creates a full afternoon destination. Many visitors pair an L&B trip with a visit to Coney Island, making a day of outer Brooklyn exploration.
How to Do L&B Right
Order at the window and find a table outside. Get a square slice and a spumoni. If you are hungry, the full Sicilian pie is the move. The pasta dishes are good but filler. Focus on the pizza and dessert. Weekday afternoons have the shortest waits.
L&B Spumoni Gardens is located at 2725 86th Street in Gravesend. From Manhattan, take the N train to Avenue U (about 45 minutes from Midtown). Walk three blocks south to 86th Street. The patio is visible from the street. They accept cards and are open late, perfect for post-beach dining in summer.
5. Totonno’s – Coal Oven History in Coney Island
Totonno’s has been making pizza since 1924, making it one of the oldest pizzerias in America. The Coney Island institution uses a coal-fired oven that has been burning for nearly a century. The blistered, charred crusts that emerge from this oven set the standard for what coal-oven pizza should be. The DeMarco family (yes, related to Dom) still runs the operation.
The space is unpretentious to the point of being intimidating. Neon signs in the window advertise coal oven pizza. The interior has changed little in decades. Booths line the walls. The oven dominates the back of the room. There are no slices here. Whole pies only. This is a sit-down experience, not a grab-and-go slice shop.
The pizza is classic NY-style with the distinctive char and flavor that only a coal oven can produce. The crust is thin and cracker-crisp at the edges but maintains chew in the center. The sauce is simple and bright. The mozzarella is fresh and applied with restraint. Toppings are available but the plain cheese showcases the oven best.
What makes Totonno’s worth the trip is the combination of history and location. You are eating pizza made in the same room, in the same oven, for a century. The Coney Island location means you can combine your pizza pilgrimage with a boardwalk stroll, a ride on the Cyclone, or a walk on the beach. Few pizza experiences offer this much context.
Planning Your Totonno’s Visit
Totonno’s keeps limited hours, typically Thursday through Sunday. Call ahead to confirm they are open before making the trip. Whole pies only, no slices. A large pie feeds two to three hungry people. The wait can stretch to an hour on weekends. Arrive early or late to minimize waiting.
Totonno’s is located at 1524 Neptune Avenue in Coney Island. From Manhattan, take the Q, N, W, or F train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue. Walk three blocks north on Neptune Avenue. The pizzeria is on the west side of the street. The trip takes about 50 minutes from Midtown. They accept cards.
6. Roberta’s – The Bushwick Pioneer Still Setting Trends
Roberta’s opened in 2008 in a Bushwick warehouse, helping spark the neighborhood’s transformation from industrial no-man’s-land to creative hub. The pizzeria has expanded multiple times, added a bakery, launched a shipping operation for frozen pies, and opened locations in California. The original location remains essential.
The space embodies Brooklyn’s DIY ethos. Outdoor seating under a canopy, indoor tables in a rustic dining room, and a bar area for waiting. The garden in back hosts events and provides an escape from the urban intensity. The crowd is a mix of locals, food tourists, and industry people.
The pizza is wood-fired Neapolitan with an attitude. The Bee Sting, topped with mozzarella, soppressata, and honey, has been copied by pizzerias nationwide. The margherita is excellent. The Famous Original features tomato, mozzarella, caciocavallo, oregano, and chili. The crust has the leopard-spotting and chew that defines the style.
What makes Roberta’s worth the trip is the complete experience. The vibe is distinctly Brooklyn, creative without being pretentious. The pizza is consistently excellent. The natural wine list is thoughtful. You can spend an afternoon here, moving from the garden to the dining room, trying different pies.
What to Know Before You Go
Roberta’s does not take reservations for small groups. Waits can stretch to 90 minutes on weekend nights. Weekday lunches are easier. The bakery next door sells excellent bread and pastries to take home. The frozen pizza shipping operation means you can try Roberta’s at home, but the in-person experience is better.
Roberta’s is located at 261 Moore Street in Bushwick. From Manhattan, take the L train to Morgan Avenue. Walk three blocks east on Morgan, then one block south on Moore. The trip takes about 20 minutes from Manhattan. They accept cards and have a full bar.
7. Best Pizza – The Name Says It All
Best Pizza in Williamsburg lives up to its ambitious name. The slice shop, opened by Frank Pinello (of The Pizza Show fame), focuses on perfecting the classic NY-style slice without gimmicks or trendy toppings. The result is one of the best plain slices in Brooklyn, served in a no-frills space that puts the focus entirely on the pizza.
The sesame seed crust option is their signature move. The seeds add texture and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the classic slice. The plain cheese is excellent. The white slice, topped with ricotta and herbs, is a sleeper hit. The Sicilian is thick and fluffy with a crispy bottom.
What makes Best Pizza worth the trip is the purity of the experience. You are not waiting in line for a trend. You are getting a slice from someone who truly understands the craft. Frank Pinello has become a pizza personality through his show, but his shop remains focused on the product.
The space is small and straightforward. A counter for ordering, a few stools for eating, and a window to watch the pizza being made. This is a slice shop, not a restaurant. You order, you eat, you leave happy. The efficiency is part of the appeal.
Visitor Information
Best Pizza is cash only. Bring bills. The slices are large and filling. Two slices satisfy most appetites. The Williamsburg location puts you in walking distance of L’Industrie, so you can do a comparison crawl. Visit during off-peak hours to avoid lines.
Best Pizza is located at 33 Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg. From Manhattan, take the L train to Bedford Avenue. Walk four blocks south on Havemeyer. The shop is on the west side of the street. The trip takes 15 minutes from Manhattan. Remember, cash only.
8. Paulie Gee’s – Creative Toppings Done Right
Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint proves that creative toppings do not have to be gimmicks. The wood-fired Neapolitan pizzeria offers combinations that sound unusual but taste inevitable once you try them. The Hellboy, with mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Berkshire soppressata, and Mike’s Hot Honey, balances sweet, spicy, and savory perfectly.
The space is cozy and welcoming. Exposed brick, warm lighting, and a wood-fired oven visible from the dining room. The Greenpoint location feels neighborhood-y in a way that Williamsburg spots sometimes do not. The crowd is a mix of locals and pizza pilgrims who have made the trip specifically for Paulie’s pies.
Vegan options are a major draw here. Paulie Gee’s was offering excellent vegan pizza before it became standard. The vegan options use house-made cashew mozzarella that actually melts and tastes like cheese. The In ricotta da Vegan, with cashew ricotta, baby arugula, and olive oil, satisfies even committed carnivores.
What makes Paulie Gee’s worth the trip is the creativity combined with technical excellence. These are not random topping combinations thrown together for Instagram. Each pie is thoughtfully constructed. The crust is properly Neapolitan, with the right balance of chew and char.
Pro Tips for Paulie Gee’s
The Hellboy is the signature order, but do not sleep on the simpler pies. The Regina, with mozzarella, Italian tomatoes, Pecorino Romano, olive oil, and fresh basil, showcases the fundamentals. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners. The wait for walk-ins can stretch to an hour.
Paulie Gee’s is located at 60 Greenpoint Avenue in Greenpoint. From Manhattan, take the G train to Greenpoint Avenue. Walk one block east. The trip takes about 25 minutes from Manhattan. They accept cards and have a full bar with natural wine options.
9. Luigi’s Pizza – The Real Brooklyn Neighborhood Spot
Luigi’s Pizza in South Slope represents the authentic Brooklyn neighborhood pizzeria that tourists often miss. Family-owned for generations, this cash-only spot serves classic NY-style slices to locals who have been coming for decades. No hype, no waits, just excellent pizza at honest prices.
The space is exactly what you picture when you think of old-school Brooklyn pizza. Counter service, a few tables, photos on the walls, and the same staff working the ovens year after year. The regulars know each other. The conversation flows. This is a community gathering place as much as a restaurant.
The slices are classic NY-style done right. The crust is thin and foldable. The sauce is seasoned perfectly, not too sweet, not too acidic. The cheese is applied generously but not excessively. The pepperoni cups hold pools of oil. The Sicilian is thick and fluffy with a crispy bottom.
What makes Luigi’s worth the trip is the authenticity. You are not waiting in line with tourists. You are eating pizza alongside Brooklynites who have been coming here since childhood. The prices remain reasonable. Two slices and a drink cost less than a single slice at trendier spots.
What to Expect
Luigi’s is cash only. Bring bills. There is rarely a wait. The slices are ready immediately. The South Slope neighborhood is worth exploring, with Prospect Park nearby and interesting shops along 5th Avenue. Combine a Luigi’s visit with a park walk for a perfect Brooklyn afternoon.
Luigi’s Pizza is located at 686 5th Avenue in South Slope. From Manhattan, take the N, R, or W train to 9th Street in Brooklyn, then transfer to the B61 bus south on 5th Avenue. Alternatively, take the F or G to 4th Avenue-9th Street and walk east. They are cash only and open late.
10. Scarr’s Pizza – Next-Level Ingredients
Scarr’s Pizza started on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and opened a Williamsburg location in 2026 that quickly became a destination in its own right. The pizzeria mills its own flour in-house, sources high-quality ingredients, and pairs the pizza with a natural wine program that rivals dedicated wine bars.
The flour milling operation sets Scarr’s apart. They buy whole grains and mill them fresh daily, creating a crust with depth of flavor that standard pizzerias cannot match. The sourdough fermentation adds complexity. The toppings are sourced from quality purveyors. The result is pizza that tastes more vibrant than typical NY slices.
The Williamsburg space is stylish without being stuffy. A full bar, proper seating, and the same energy that made the original location a hit. The natural wine list is curated by people who know wine, not just pizza. The combination of excellent pizza and thoughtful wine makes this a date-night destination.
What makes Scarr’s worth the trip is the ingredient quality. You can taste the difference that fresh-milled flour makes. The crust has a nuttiness and complexity that elevates even a plain slice. The creative pies, like the one with pickled chilis and hot honey, showcase what happens when quality ingredients meet creative vision.
Planning Your Visit
The margherita is the best test of the crust quality. The white pie with ricotta is excellent. The natural wine list changes regularly, ask for recommendations. Weekday afternoons are quiet. Weekend nights get busy. Reservations are available for larger groups.
Scarr’s is located at 336 Graham Avenue in Williamsburg. From Manhattan, take the L train to Graham Avenue. The shop is two blocks north. The trip takes 20 minutes from Manhattan. They accept cards and have a full bar.
Practical Guide: Making the Trip Worthwhile
Visiting Brooklyn for pizza requires some planning. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your experience.
Subway Directions from Manhattan
For Williamsburg spots (L’Industrie, Best Pizza, Scarr’s), take the L train to Bedford or Graham Avenue. The trip from Union Square takes 10-15 minutes. For Carroll Gardens (Lucali), take the F or G to Carroll Street. For Greenpoint (Paulie Gee’s), take the G to Greenpoint Avenue. For Bushwick (Roberta’s), take the L to Morgan Avenue. For Midwood (Di Fara), take the Q express to Avenue J. For Gravesend (L&B), take the N to Avenue U. For Coney Island (Totonno’s), take the Q, N, W, or F to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue.
Cash-Only Warnings
Several spots on this list are cash only. Best Pizza and Luigi’s Pizza do not accept cards. Bring bills to avoid awkward situations. Di Fara and Totonno’s accept cards but prefer cash for tips. ATMs are available nearby at all locations, but fees add up.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-5 PM) offer the shortest waits at most spots. Lucali is an exception, arrive before 5 PM to get on the dinner list. Weekend lunches are busier than weekday lunches but less crowded than weekend dinners. Summer weekends at L&B Spumoni Gardens and Totonno’s are busiest due to beach traffic.
Slice vs Whole Pie Strategy
Some spots serve slices (L’Industrie, Best Pizza, Luigi’s, Di Fara during limited hours). Others are whole pie only (Lucali, Totonno’s, Roberta’s). Plan accordingly. If you want to try multiple spots in one day, stick to slice shops. If you want the full experience at a whole-pie spot, make it your primary destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brooklyn Pizza
What is the most famous pizza in Brooklyn?
Di Fara Pizza is the most famous pizzeria in Brooklyn due to Dom DeMarco’s 50-year tenure making every pie himself. L&B Spumoni Gardens is famous for its unique upside-down Sicilian squares. Lucali has become celebrity-famous through Jay-Z and Beyonce sightings.
What is the number one pizza in Brooklyn?
L’Industrie Pizzeria in Williamsburg currently tops most best pizza in Brooklyn lists. Their burrata slice has redefined what a slice can be, combining accessibility with exceptional quality. Reddit threads and food critic reviews consistently rank it at the top.
What is the best part of Brooklyn for pizza?
Williamsburg offers the highest concentration of top-tier pizza with L’Industrie, Best Pizza, and Scarr’s all within walking distance. For a full day trip, combine Williamsburg with Bushwick (Roberta’s) or head to outer Brooklyn for Di Fara (Midwood) and L&B Spumoni Gardens (Gravesend).
Is Brooklyn known for pizza?
Yes, Brooklyn is home to some of America’s most famous pizzerias including Totonno’s (operating since 1924), Di Fara, and Grimaldi’s. The borough sparked the neo-Neapolitan movement with Roberta’s and continues to lead NYC’s pizza culture.
Is Di Fara still worth it after Dom DeMarco passed?
Yes, the DeMarco family continues Dom’s methods and the quality remains exceptional. While prices have increased, the experience of watching the family make pizza using the same techniques Dom perfected for 50 years remains a worthwhile pilgrimage for pizza lovers.
Should I go to Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s?
Locals consistently recommend Juliana’s over Grimaldi’s. Juliana’s is run by Patsy Grimaldi himself and uses a coal oven, while the current Grimaldi’s location is a different operation. Juliana’s offers better pizza and shorter waits in the same DUMBO neighborhood.
Why Brooklyn Pizza Is Worth the Trip in 2026
The best Brooklyn pizza spots offer something Manhattan cannot replicate. History, authenticity, and accessibility combine to create experiences that justify the subway ride. From century-old coal ovens to innovative newcomers, Brooklyn’s pizza scene rewards the effort of getting there.
Whether you are a visitor planning a food-focused day trip or a local looking to expand your pizza knowledge, these ten spots represent the full spectrum of what Brooklyn offers. The old-school institutions like Totonno’s and Di Fara provide a connection to pizza history. The new generation at L’Industrie and Scarr’s pushes the craft forward. Neighborhood gems like Luigi’s remind us that great pizza does not require hype.
Plan your trip, bring cash for the cash-only spots, and arrive with patience for the places with waits. The best pizza in Brooklyn is worth the effort. Start with the quick picks if you are short on time, or work through the full list for a complete education in why Brooklyn has become America’s pizza capital.