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Message
TulaneLSU's Top 100 pizzas of America in 2024
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:27 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:27 am
Dear Friends,
50 Top Pizza, the most prestigious pizza ranking institution in the world, released its top 50 American pizzas tonight at an event in New York I had hoped to attend. However, Grandfather, in his senescence, required that I tend his tomato garden this week. The season is at its peak, and though I wish I could have given Anthony my congratulations on another top ranking, I am grateful for the opportunities at home also.
50 Top Pizza's list is filled at the top almost exclusively with the Neapolitan style. That is to be expected, as its founders and voting members overwhelmingly hail from Naples. In Naples, pizzaiolos thumb their noses at anything that is not Denominazione d' Origine Protetta. In order to give the appearance of being even-keeled and inclusive of other styles of pizza, they included a few outliers like Pizza Delicious in New Orleans at #38 and Pizza Rock of Las Vegas at #28, both of which are NY style, but would not land in a top 100 list of NY style pizzerias written by a lover of NY style pizza.
I, however, love bread, tomato sauce, and mootz cheese. America is the place where these three simple yet entirely difficult to master ingredients have reached a level of sophistication that Italy lacks. As I have said for years, the capital of pizza is not Naples. It is a 150 mile corridor from New Haven to Philadelphia. It is here that American ingenuity, immigrant passion, and human artisanry have brazed together in ovens diverse and wonderful. The outcome is the world’s best pizza.
It is only in the last five years that I became serious about recording my pizza quest. In the process, I have used an experimental algorithm, similar to the one I used to compare H-E-B, Rouses, and Publix, which uses weight, flavor, smell, and texture to give a rating. Often requested in previous years, here are TulaneLSU’s 2024 Top 100 Pizzas in America:
100. Frank’s Pizza (Shreveport, LA) 7.10
Louisiana’s best pizza. I would much rather eat a pie here than Bianco in Phoenix.
99. Antico (Atlanta, GA) 7.17
Antico makes a lot of national lists. It is above average, surely, but a great Neapolitan pie? Not quite.
98. Gypsy Poet (Houston, TX) 7.28
The best pizza I have had in Texas, The Gypsy Poet is a hole in the wall serving solid pizzas. Even though the pizza maker refused my request to touch her oven, I would not hesitate to return if invited while in Houston.
97. Via Napoli (Epcot Center, FL) 7.31
Laugh if you will, but the best pizza in the south of Florida I have tried, and admittedly, I have never visited Miami, is at Epcot Center. Via Napoli has a wonderful Neapolitan style. An added bonus is that the Parm cheese and red pepper flakes they bring to the table are formed in the shape of Mickey the Mouse’s head. A warning: do not ever eat at PizzeRizzo at Hollywood Studios; it is terrible.
96. Lou Malnati’s (Chicago, IL) 7.44
Deep dish is not my favorite, second favorite, third favorite, fourth favorite or even fifth favorite style of pizza. Deep dish lacks grace and elegance. It tries to win with pure muscle. The problem is the crust is underwhelming and the cheese overwhelming. Lou’s however, has an amazing red sauce.
95. Buddy’s (Detroit, MI) 7.53
I once took a flight to Detroit solely to try Buddy’s pizza, since it is credited with inventing the Detroit style. It was good, but not worth the trip.
94. Sky’s Pizza (Pensacola, FL) 7.62
A solid NY slice, Sky’s has an even better calzone, which plants it firmly as the top pizzeria on the Gulf Coast in my book.
93. Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta (Black Mountain, NC) 7.70
A shocking discovery in the little mountain town, this pizzeria is excellent. I only wish it had a better name.
92. F&F (Brooklyn, NY) 7.72
When it first opened, it roared out of the gates as one of Brooklyn’s best slice shops. It has since settled into a very good slice shop.
91. L&B Spumoni Gardens (Brooklyn, NY) 7.77
Do you remember Pizza Hut pan pizza before Pizza Hut ruined it? L&B pizza contains echoes of that pizza. Sure it is a hike from the city and you will also, if you take the subway, traverse some less than desirable blocks to arrive there. But the atmosphere, especially in the summer, is one of pure joy.
90. Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop (Brooklyn, NY) 7.80
New Orleans lost a great pizzeria when Paulie Gee’s closed. Although he says he is still looking for a new NOLA location, I am not convinced. If you ever make it to this slice shop, get the sesame crust. Trust me.
89. Sam’s Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY) 7.82
Few people think of Sam’s as a pizzeria. It was recently profiled in the NYT as a restaurant that thrives on its old school charm, making it a hot spot for filming. But the pizzas here are solid old school NY style. The interior certainly is faded, but that piping oven in the back is a thing of beauty.
50 Top Pizza, the most prestigious pizza ranking institution in the world, released its top 50 American pizzas tonight at an event in New York I had hoped to attend. However, Grandfather, in his senescence, required that I tend his tomato garden this week. The season is at its peak, and though I wish I could have given Anthony my congratulations on another top ranking, I am grateful for the opportunities at home also.
50 Top Pizza's list is filled at the top almost exclusively with the Neapolitan style. That is to be expected, as its founders and voting members overwhelmingly hail from Naples. In Naples, pizzaiolos thumb their noses at anything that is not Denominazione d' Origine Protetta. In order to give the appearance of being even-keeled and inclusive of other styles of pizza, they included a few outliers like Pizza Delicious in New Orleans at #38 and Pizza Rock of Las Vegas at #28, both of which are NY style, but would not land in a top 100 list of NY style pizzerias written by a lover of NY style pizza.
I, however, love bread, tomato sauce, and mootz cheese. America is the place where these three simple yet entirely difficult to master ingredients have reached a level of sophistication that Italy lacks. As I have said for years, the capital of pizza is not Naples. It is a 150 mile corridor from New Haven to Philadelphia. It is here that American ingenuity, immigrant passion, and human artisanry have brazed together in ovens diverse and wonderful. The outcome is the world’s best pizza.
It is only in the last five years that I became serious about recording my pizza quest. In the process, I have used an experimental algorithm, similar to the one I used to compare H-E-B, Rouses, and Publix, which uses weight, flavor, smell, and texture to give a rating. Often requested in previous years, here are TulaneLSU’s 2024 Top 100 Pizzas in America:
100. Frank’s Pizza (Shreveport, LA) 7.10
Louisiana’s best pizza. I would much rather eat a pie here than Bianco in Phoenix.
99. Antico (Atlanta, GA) 7.17
Antico makes a lot of national lists. It is above average, surely, but a great Neapolitan pie? Not quite.
98. Gypsy Poet (Houston, TX) 7.28
The best pizza I have had in Texas, The Gypsy Poet is a hole in the wall serving solid pizzas. Even though the pizza maker refused my request to touch her oven, I would not hesitate to return if invited while in Houston.
97. Via Napoli (Epcot Center, FL) 7.31
Laugh if you will, but the best pizza in the south of Florida I have tried, and admittedly, I have never visited Miami, is at Epcot Center. Via Napoli has a wonderful Neapolitan style. An added bonus is that the Parm cheese and red pepper flakes they bring to the table are formed in the shape of Mickey the Mouse’s head. A warning: do not ever eat at PizzeRizzo at Hollywood Studios; it is terrible.
96. Lou Malnati’s (Chicago, IL) 7.44
Deep dish is not my favorite, second favorite, third favorite, fourth favorite or even fifth favorite style of pizza. Deep dish lacks grace and elegance. It tries to win with pure muscle. The problem is the crust is underwhelming and the cheese overwhelming. Lou’s however, has an amazing red sauce.
95. Buddy’s (Detroit, MI) 7.53
I once took a flight to Detroit solely to try Buddy’s pizza, since it is credited with inventing the Detroit style. It was good, but not worth the trip.
94. Sky’s Pizza (Pensacola, FL) 7.62
A solid NY slice, Sky’s has an even better calzone, which plants it firmly as the top pizzeria on the Gulf Coast in my book.
93. Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and Pasta (Black Mountain, NC) 7.70
A shocking discovery in the little mountain town, this pizzeria is excellent. I only wish it had a better name.
92. F&F (Brooklyn, NY) 7.72
When it first opened, it roared out of the gates as one of Brooklyn’s best slice shops. It has since settled into a very good slice shop.
91. L&B Spumoni Gardens (Brooklyn, NY) 7.77
Do you remember Pizza Hut pan pizza before Pizza Hut ruined it? L&B pizza contains echoes of that pizza. Sure it is a hike from the city and you will also, if you take the subway, traverse some less than desirable blocks to arrive there. But the atmosphere, especially in the summer, is one of pure joy.
90. Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop (Brooklyn, NY) 7.80
New Orleans lost a great pizzeria when Paulie Gee’s closed. Although he says he is still looking for a new NOLA location, I am not convinced. If you ever make it to this slice shop, get the sesame crust. Trust me.
89. Sam’s Restaurant (Brooklyn, NY) 7.82
Few people think of Sam’s as a pizzeria. It was recently profiled in the NYT as a restaurant that thrives on its old school charm, making it a hot spot for filming. But the pizzas here are solid old school NY style. The interior certainly is faded, but that piping oven in the back is a thing of beauty.
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 1:42 am
10
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:27 am to TulaneLSU
88. Antonio’s Real NY Pizza (Estes Park, CO) 7.85
If you are ever visiting Rocky Mountains National Park, you must do yourself the favor of visiting Antonio’s. The pizza ovens alone, watching them work in harmony, alone is reason enough to go. The fact that it is the best pizza between Chicago and Phoenix is all the more reason.
87. Prince Street Pizza (Manhattan, NY) 7.88
The spicy Spring square is a thing of beauty. At some point, though, one wakes up that the massive amount of pepperoni hides a crust that is good, not great. I would wait in line for Rubirosa. I probably would not wait at Prince Street Pizza.
86. Piece (Chicago, IL) 7.91
Piece serves the best New Haven style outside of New Haven. Chicago is not exactly a pizza desert, but it would be were it not for a few outside pizza styles like what Piece serves.
85. Pequod’s (Chicago, IL) 7.93
Pequod’s for me was always a Detroit style, far superior to the best of Chicago’s deep dish. Its frico unmatched, it has outgrown its location. Is it worth a long wait? It depends.
84. Santarpio’s (Boston, MA) 7.99
Were you expecting Regina’s here? It is a solid pie and the history elevates it to a top 100 pizzeria.
83. Zeneli (New Haven, CT) 8.01
New York has recently become enamored with Detroit pan style with Emmy’s, Nate’s, and Ace’s, so it is unsurprising to see New Haven shifting from its bread and butter, or should we say, bread and sauce? Neo-Neapolitan style is having a renaissance in our land, and New Haven is keeping up with Zeneli.
82. Santillo’s (Elizabeth, NJ) 8.02
The coal fired pizzas here are beautiful and taste great.
81. Blotto (Seattle, WA) 8.03
I was crushed to find out recently that Blotto closed. I had it at the peak of the pandemic and found peace in it.
80. Angelo’s (Philadelphia, PA) 8.04
Famous for their cheesesteaks, I think it is the best classic American style pie in Philadelphia.
79. Donatina (Long Island, NY) 8.05
Both Detroit style and Neapolitan styles are represented here. I think it would be better if they stuck to one and mastered it.
78. Krispy Pizza (Brooklyn, NY) 8.06
They are not the crispiest pizza you will ever have, but what I would not give to have a pizzeria like Krispy in New Orleans.
76. Zero Otto Nove (The Bronx, NY) 8.07
I have only tried the Arthur Avenue location, which was beautiful.
76. Salvy’s (Philadelphia, PA) 8.07
Small and great Neapolitan pies.
75. Pomo (Scottsdale, AZ) 8.08
Forget Bianco, which was great two decades ago, but hasn’t been good in a decade and is now teetering on average. Pomo is Phoenix’s best pizza overall and best Neapolitan style.
74. Pizza Wagon (Brooklyn, NY) 8.09
Crispy Pizza and Pizza Wagon are to me the classic Brooklyn slice shops.
72. Giuseppina’s (Brooklyn, NY) 8.10
Somehow one would expect Mark’s brother to have the family secrets. But he doesn’t. And we are left with an imitation of Lucali that is excellent, but deeply inferior.
72. Denino’s (Staten Island, NY) 8.10
Eating here, in a relatively run down neighborhood, feels like you’ve gone back in time. The service isn’t great, but the pizza is solid.
70. Brooklyn DOP (Brooklyn, NY) 8.11
Park Slope is home to some fine pizzerias, including Luigi’s, which is good, but not top 100. Its best pizzeria is easily DOP.
70. Ribalta (Manhattan, NY) 8.11
Kermit the frog comes to mind every time I say Ribalta. Hi-ho, Ribalta is serving a world class Neapolitan style these days.
69. Smith & Lentz (Nashville, TN) 8.12
All the pizzerias in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama cannot hold a candle to Smith & Lentz. It is home to the Deep South’s best pizza.
68. Umberto’s (Long Island, NY) 8.13
Who invented the Grandma pie? Umberto’s? Some say it was Manhattan’s Lazarra. Umberto’s, though, has the best.
67. Williamsburg Pizza (Brooklyn, NY) 8.14
When in the neighborhood, some will direct you to Best Pizza or Leo. But I say go here or L’Industrie.
66. Scarr’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.15
Is it the best slice shop in NY as some claim? No. Is it a great slice shop? Yes.
65. Sal and Carmine’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.16
The Upper West Side was for many years the pizza desert of Manhattan. Mama’s Too changed that, but holding the fort for many years was this classic slice shop that puts Joe’s to shame.
64. Full Moon Pizza (The Bronx, NY) 8.17
This is the Bronx’s most New York style slice shop. It could be to Fordham students and alumni what St. Elmo’s was fictionally to Georgetown alumni.
63. Dario’s (Long Island, NY) 8.18
Dario’s made a name for itself with Roman and NY style. I prefer the NY, as Roman pizza, like that of Bonci, which lasted in the Warehouse District just a few months, is arguably the worst form of pizza. Maybe only deep dish is in that running.
62. Don Antonio (Manhattan, NY) 8.19
Some say it is the best Neapolitan in the city. It is not, but it is still one of the best in America.
61. Torri T’s (Long Island, NY) 8.20
Torri T’s just opened a couple of months ago, so my sample size for this one is n=1. Nevertheless, Torri’s exceeded expectations and she is going outside the boundaries of Louie & Ernie’s in the Bronx, which her dad and uncle own. I look forward to reading of, and tasting, her successes.
60. Bird Pizzeria (Charlotte, NC) 8.21
Mother and I happened on this wonderful little pizzeria earlier this year after our flight to Asheville was canceled and we were redirected through Charlotte. I only had one slice left by the time we arrived at The Grove Park.
If you are ever visiting Rocky Mountains National Park, you must do yourself the favor of visiting Antonio’s. The pizza ovens alone, watching them work in harmony, alone is reason enough to go. The fact that it is the best pizza between Chicago and Phoenix is all the more reason.
87. Prince Street Pizza (Manhattan, NY) 7.88
The spicy Spring square is a thing of beauty. At some point, though, one wakes up that the massive amount of pepperoni hides a crust that is good, not great. I would wait in line for Rubirosa. I probably would not wait at Prince Street Pizza.
86. Piece (Chicago, IL) 7.91
Piece serves the best New Haven style outside of New Haven. Chicago is not exactly a pizza desert, but it would be were it not for a few outside pizza styles like what Piece serves.
85. Pequod’s (Chicago, IL) 7.93
Pequod’s for me was always a Detroit style, far superior to the best of Chicago’s deep dish. Its frico unmatched, it has outgrown its location. Is it worth a long wait? It depends.
84. Santarpio’s (Boston, MA) 7.99
Were you expecting Regina’s here? It is a solid pie and the history elevates it to a top 100 pizzeria.
83. Zeneli (New Haven, CT) 8.01
New York has recently become enamored with Detroit pan style with Emmy’s, Nate’s, and Ace’s, so it is unsurprising to see New Haven shifting from its bread and butter, or should we say, bread and sauce? Neo-Neapolitan style is having a renaissance in our land, and New Haven is keeping up with Zeneli.
82. Santillo’s (Elizabeth, NJ) 8.02
The coal fired pizzas here are beautiful and taste great.
81. Blotto (Seattle, WA) 8.03
I was crushed to find out recently that Blotto closed. I had it at the peak of the pandemic and found peace in it.
80. Angelo’s (Philadelphia, PA) 8.04
Famous for their cheesesteaks, I think it is the best classic American style pie in Philadelphia.
79. Donatina (Long Island, NY) 8.05
Both Detroit style and Neapolitan styles are represented here. I think it would be better if they stuck to one and mastered it.
78. Krispy Pizza (Brooklyn, NY) 8.06
They are not the crispiest pizza you will ever have, but what I would not give to have a pizzeria like Krispy in New Orleans.
76. Zero Otto Nove (The Bronx, NY) 8.07
I have only tried the Arthur Avenue location, which was beautiful.
76. Salvy’s (Philadelphia, PA) 8.07
Small and great Neapolitan pies.
75. Pomo (Scottsdale, AZ) 8.08
Forget Bianco, which was great two decades ago, but hasn’t been good in a decade and is now teetering on average. Pomo is Phoenix’s best pizza overall and best Neapolitan style.
74. Pizza Wagon (Brooklyn, NY) 8.09
Crispy Pizza and Pizza Wagon are to me the classic Brooklyn slice shops.
72. Giuseppina’s (Brooklyn, NY) 8.10
Somehow one would expect Mark’s brother to have the family secrets. But he doesn’t. And we are left with an imitation of Lucali that is excellent, but deeply inferior.
72. Denino’s (Staten Island, NY) 8.10
Eating here, in a relatively run down neighborhood, feels like you’ve gone back in time. The service isn’t great, but the pizza is solid.
70. Brooklyn DOP (Brooklyn, NY) 8.11
Park Slope is home to some fine pizzerias, including Luigi’s, which is good, but not top 100. Its best pizzeria is easily DOP.
70. Ribalta (Manhattan, NY) 8.11
Kermit the frog comes to mind every time I say Ribalta. Hi-ho, Ribalta is serving a world class Neapolitan style these days.
69. Smith & Lentz (Nashville, TN) 8.12
All the pizzerias in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama cannot hold a candle to Smith & Lentz. It is home to the Deep South’s best pizza.
68. Umberto’s (Long Island, NY) 8.13
Who invented the Grandma pie? Umberto’s? Some say it was Manhattan’s Lazarra. Umberto’s, though, has the best.
67. Williamsburg Pizza (Brooklyn, NY) 8.14
When in the neighborhood, some will direct you to Best Pizza or Leo. But I say go here or L’Industrie.
66. Scarr’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.15
Is it the best slice shop in NY as some claim? No. Is it a great slice shop? Yes.
65. Sal and Carmine’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.16
The Upper West Side was for many years the pizza desert of Manhattan. Mama’s Too changed that, but holding the fort for many years was this classic slice shop that puts Joe’s to shame.
64. Full Moon Pizza (The Bronx, NY) 8.17
This is the Bronx’s most New York style slice shop. It could be to Fordham students and alumni what St. Elmo’s was fictionally to Georgetown alumni.
63. Dario’s (Long Island, NY) 8.18
Dario’s made a name for itself with Roman and NY style. I prefer the NY, as Roman pizza, like that of Bonci, which lasted in the Warehouse District just a few months, is arguably the worst form of pizza. Maybe only deep dish is in that running.
62. Don Antonio (Manhattan, NY) 8.19
Some say it is the best Neapolitan in the city. It is not, but it is still one of the best in America.
61. Torri T’s (Long Island, NY) 8.20
Torri T’s just opened a couple of months ago, so my sample size for this one is n=1. Nevertheless, Torri’s exceeded expectations and she is going outside the boundaries of Louie & Ernie’s in the Bronx, which her dad and uncle own. I look forward to reading of, and tasting, her successes.
60. Bird Pizzeria (Charlotte, NC) 8.21
Mother and I happened on this wonderful little pizzeria earlier this year after our flight to Asheville was canceled and we were redirected through Charlotte. I only had one slice left by the time we arrived at The Grove Park.
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 1:32 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:28 am to TulaneLSU
59. Arturo’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.22
Sure, it may not have the best coal fired pizza on Manhattan. But blend a great pizza with soulful jazz and you have one of the best pizzerias downtown.
58. Speedy Romeo (Brooklyn, NY) 8.23
Local Brooklynites love it. Classic.
57. Andy’s Pizza (DC) 8.24
NY style, it is the only pizza in DC that is currently noteworthy in my notebook.
56. Mario’s of Arthur Avenue (The Bronx, NY) 8.25
More known for its Italian entrees, Mario’s is one of the oldest pizzerias in America and makes a great pizza.
55. Juliana’s (Brooklyn, NY) 8.27
The owner of Grimaldi’s sold the franchise. And a decade later, what did he do? He opened up Juliana’s next door to the original Grimaldi’s at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge with a recipe that is strikingly similar.
54. Patsy’s (Patterson, NJ) 8.29
So thin and so good, eating here is joy.
53. DaVinci (Brooklyn, NY) 8.30
Famous for their squares, DaVinci is a dying breed in Bensonhurst. I prefer J&V just down the road. Did you know the original location of Sbarro is just a block or two away? Never tell me that the Sbarro in Canal Place was not a top 10 pizzeria in New Orleans when it was open.
52. Song’ E Napule (Manhattan, NY) 8.32
Song’ E Nuova Orleans, where we can only dream about pizza this good. One of the smallest pizzerias on Manhattan, Song’E is not an easy table to get. When you do, get the classic Margherita. One of the best Neapolitans in America.
51. Stella (Philadelphia, PA) 8.33
It isn’t just the name that gets it in the top 100.
50. NY Pizza Suprema (Manhattan, NY) 8.34
Occasionally ribbed as a tourist spot, owing to its location next to Madison Square Garden, Suprema has a great, if overpriced, slice. Plain is best, but some of the creative slices are worth a try.
49. Paulie Gee’s (Brooklyn, NY) 8.35
Slice shop or OG restaurant? That’s the question one asks when in Greenpoint in search of pizza. If the OG has little to no wait, go there.
48. Patsy’s (Manhattan, NY) 8.36
The original location in Spanish Harlem is not in the worst of neighborhoods, but I also would not recommend most of you walk there at night. Whether the slice at the window or the whole pie inside, you will be hard pressed to find a better coal fired pizza on Manhattan. And it is a bargain here. After John’s of Bleecker, it is the second oldest pizzeria on Manhattan.
47. Brooklyn Square (Jackson, NJ) 8.37
L&B gets all the publicity for square pizza, but Brooklyn Square in the middle of nowhere New Jersey is better.
46. Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco, CA) 8.39
Tony’s does everything well. NY style and Neapolitan there are world class. It is hard to choose. You may give me some grief with this relatively low rating, especially after 50 Top named it the #2 in America. The last time I ate here was with Mother in 2021 during the pandemic. We were shocked to see so many people out and about in the Little Italy of San Francisco.
45. Moto (Seattle, WA) 8.40
Detroit style pizza is not a great style, but Moto is the best Detroit style I have had. The sauce was excellent.
44. Wizard Hat (Brooklyn, NY) 8.41
I do not believe in wizards, but I believe Wizard Hat is an underappreciated gem.
43. The Pizza Shop (Hoboken, NJ) 8.42
The guy behind the counter told me they mill their own flour there. I believe it. Worth the train from NY, square or round pies are world class.
42. Amore (Long Island, NY) 8.45
A standard on Long Island, this slice shop is better than Joe’s and perfects what a NY slice is.
41. Sally (Philadelphia, PA) 8.47
Wood fired and small, Sally makes an American-Neapolitan blend that is scrumptious.
40. Del Corso (Seattle, WA) 8.49
My favorite pizza in Seattle, where Neapolitan is king.
39. Nunzio’s (Long Branch, NJ) 8.50
To me, the Louie & Ernie’s of New Jersey. I do not think I could distinguish the two in a blind taste test.
38. Sottocasa (Manhattan, NY) 8.51
Simple and elegant Neapolitan.
37. Pugsley’s (The Bronx, NY) 8.52
Pina and Sal are both from Sicily and they endeavored to make the best gas deck oven NY style pizza when they arrived in the Bronx. Some say they succeeded.
36. Keste’ (Manhattan, NY) 8.55
It suffered when it was over on Bleecker Street, just due to the competition there, but Keste’ and its owner, Roberto, are arguably the biggest influencers in American Neapolitan style.
35. Bread and Salt (Jersey City, NJ) 8.56
It may be a bit too artisan for some of the pizza purists here. To me, though, the bread is so amazing that I can forgive the unorthodox toppings.
34. Pizzeria Beddia (Philadelphia, PA) 8.58
The cloud that hangs above the pizza bar is gauche, but if you like a crunch in your crust, Beddia may have the crunchiest of crusts. Reminiscent of Trenton style, Beddia is not as popular as it was a decade ago, but it is still undeniably great.
33. Flour & Water (San Francisco, CA) 8.59
Fluffy and fiery, these Neapolitan pizzas are the best on the West Coast. Please note that I have never eaten pizza in Los Angeles or San Diego. I hope to remedy that soon.
32. Grimaldi’s (East of Destin, FL) 8.61
People may look at me cockeyed and suggest I am trolling with this inclusion. But I kid not when I say I had one of the best pizzas of my life East of Destin not long before one of our best fishing trips out of Destin on Uncle’s Viking.
31. Louie and Ernie’s (The Bronx, NY) 8.62
Everyone raves about their meatball pies, but I prefer their plain slice and white slices. It’s a trek from the city to get here, but so worth it. One of the two brother owners recently retired and his daughter is, as you now know, running Torri T’s in Long Island. So can Louie and Ernie’s continue to serve the same consistently best pizza in the Bronx? Time will tell.
30. Totonno’s (Brooklyn, NY) 8.67
Currently for sale, Totonno’s is one of the original pizzerias of NY. For a time, it was excellent. It never fully reopened after 2020, and the family seems more interested in selling frozen pizzas than excelling, so this ranking could be mightily inflated today.
29. Regina’s (Boston, MA) 8.72
If you only have time for one meal in Boston, I recommend Regina’s. Boston has many good pizzerias, but in my view, only one great one.
28. Bivio (Little Falls, NJ) 8.78
Diminutive and due west from Central Park, it is the best true Neapolitan style pizza in New Jersey.
27. Spacca Napoli (Chicago, IL) 8.89
The best pizzeria in Chicago does not serve deep dish or tavern style. I am sure more than one article about Spacca has started that way. And it is true.
26. Jay’s Pizza (Kenmore, NY) 9.05
Simply put, a great Neapolitan pie. It is the best pizzeria in Upstate NY.
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 1:33 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:28 am to TulaneLSU
25. Ken’s Pizza (Portland, OR) 9.10
Portland is becoming known in pizza circles as a great pizza city. This reputation is entirely undeserved. Apizza Scholls and Lovely’s 50 50 are grossly overrated and should not sniff a national top 1000 list. But Ken’s Artisan is the exception in this overhyped city. Although Ken no longer owns it. As some of you will remember, I spoke with the head pizza maker there, Vince, and recommended he visit Tower, not Delicious, if he ever eats pizza in New Orleans.
24. L’Industrie (Brooklyn, NY) 9.15
Locals rave about the plain slice. It is good, but to me, very dry and lacking sauce. What makes L’Industrie so great is its famous slice with burrata. Creamy and moist, the burrata elevates this slice to greatness.
23. Naples (Farmington, CT) 9.18
Neapolitan style in a gas fired Bakers Pride? Shh, do not tell anyone. The product is the most surprising in America.
22. J&V Pizzeria (Brooklyn, NY) 9.21
When you go south, way south, in Brooklyn, most people will guide you to L&B, Totonno’s, or DaVinci. But I am here to tell you that J&V is the dark horse in the nether regions of Brooklyn. Both the slice and the square are tops in that area. And the JoJo is a thing of beauty.
21. Coniglio’s (Morristown, NJ) 9.22
I visited here by chance, if such a thing exists, with Cousin, after searching for breakfast. God would have it that Nino (no relation to the owner of the previously great Carrollton pizzeria of that name) was there. After striking up a conversation about my pizza travels, he made me a specialty pizza that I have not yet forgotten.
20. Mama’s Too (Manhattan, NY) 9.26
When Frank is behind the counter, it is hard to find a better slice or square in America. Now that there are two locations, consistency will be a question. But even on an off day, it is better than anything in the South.
19. Lucia’s of Avenue X (Brooklyn, NY) 9.30
Now that there is a location in Manhattan, Lucia’s will grow in fame. But the glory days of Lucia’s are in the past when it was only operating way down in faraway Brooklyn. Rumor has it they “borrowed” the clam pie recipe from Andrew Bellucci’s.
18. Ops (Brooklyn, NY) 9.36
Far surpassing nearby Roberta’s, Ops can make even the strictest NY or New Haven styler fall in love with Neapolitan style.
17. DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pies (Robbinsville, NJ) 9.38
People talk about New Haven being the pizza capital of America. Maybe it is time to mention Robbinsville, NJ in that conversation. Per capita, there is not a better pizza town in the world.
16. L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (Manhattan, NY) 9.40
The second best Neapolitan style in America. New Yorkers are not enamored and because it is not in a tourist area, getting a table here is embarrassingly easy. Still, the pies are world class and huge. It is every bit as good as the original in Naples, which happens to be the oldest pizzeria in the world.
15. DeLucia’s (Raritan, NJ) 9.44
Coal fired, DeLucia’s was far more enjoyable to visit before it became internet famous. A Raritan institution, you have not tried New Jersey pizza without a trip to the great three: DeLucia’s, Papa’s Tomato Pies, and DeLorenzo’s.
14. DiFara (Brooklyn, NY) 9.48
DiFara ten years ago would have been in the top ten, but a series of poor decisions, namely to open locations in Las Vegas, the Lower East Side, and Staten Island have soured my love of DiFara. Dom was a legend. His son still runs the Brooklyn location, which remains great. The other locations, however, are just money grabs with poorly trained staff and terrible pizza. Someone needs to tell this family they are hurting the value of the company with their satellite locations.
13. Upside (Manhattan, NY) 9.55
The sauce is good, but Upside’s upside is its remarkable dough. Proofed for up to two days, there is true artisanry in the bread here. I believe they opened a second location down in Little Italy not too far from Prince Street.
12. DeLuca (Hot Spring, AR) 9.61
If this pizzeria were in New York, you would hear about it in the same breath as Lucali and John’s of Bleecker. It flies under the national pizza radar, but you now have no excuse to act surprised when you realize that the best pizza outside the Northeast Corridor is in the middle of Arkansas.
11. Rubirosa (Manhattan, NY) 9.65
Unquestionably the best pizza in the Lower East Side, the crust is what makes it great. Paper thin, and yet it is not cracker-like as are the Chicago tavern style like Vito and Nick’s, which tastes like a thin crust from Domino’s. Rubirosa crust is a crowning achievement in American pizza.
10. Joe & Pat’s (Staten Island, NY) 9.67
Joe & Pat’s and Rubirosa are essentially the same pie, but Joe & Pat’s is significantly cheaper and you do not have to be bothered by the tourists and Instagrammers who flock Rubirosa.
9. Papa's Tomato Pies (Robbinsville, NJ) 9.68
The oldest continuously run pizzeria in America, Papa’s does not get as much publicity as DeLorenzo’s. And that’s a shame because it is better. Try the mustard pie, which is remarkable and inoffensively wonderful.
8. Frank Pepe’s (New Haven, CT) 9.71
Andrew Bellucci was inspired by FP’s clam pie and when he made a few shortly before his death last year, it was one of the highlights of his life. If you ever get to try a Frank Pepe clam pie, you do it.
7. Modern Pizza (New Haven, CT) 9.75
Some people say it is not worth arguing over pizza rankings. Until you try some of the best pizzas in this list, I would hold that thought. Now if you say it is not worth arguing over which of the Big Three in New Haven is best, I could find common ground.
6. John’s of Bleecker St (Manhattan, NY) 9.80
Some people say Joe’s is the classic NY style, but to me it is truly John’s of Bleecker. While individual slices are not for sale, these coal fired pies are too good to eat just one slice anyway. Go early to avoid the lines.
5. Razza (Jersey City, NJ) 9.89
Dan in the man, and I will never say no to a trip across the Hudson for stunningly great pizza that blends Neapolitan with the best of NY style. Reservations are much easier to get now than they were five years ago, but do plan ahead.
4. Andrew Bellucci’s (Queens, NY) 9.90
While the plain pies are fabulous, the late and great AB’s claim to pizza fame comes from perfecting the clam pie. The clam pie at Andrew Bellucci’s is arguably the greatest non-plain pizza in the world.
3. Sally’s Apizza (New Haven, CT) 9.92
The true Queen of New Haven style. Everyone has their favorite of the big three. All three are great, but I have always loved Sally’s the most. When Uncle studied at Yale, he loved it most too.
2. Lucali (Brooklyn, NY) 9.95
Mark learned the trade from Dom and his mom. And he elevated it. Is waiting on the sidewalks of Carroll Gardens for three hours just to get your name on the list worth it? Yes. The atmosphere is unparalleled and the pizza and calzone exceptional.
1. Una Pizza Napoletana (Manhattan, NY) 9.99
Arguably the hardest pizza reservation in America, if you do not have a connection, as Uncle does, you will need to be ready at exactly 8:00 two weeks before your date. Una is only open three days a week, and often less than that, as Anthony is doing private events, traveling or shooting film. If you are ever so blessed, you will see he makes every single pie with his fingers, painted with the words faith and hope. And with that, he massages the dough in an artisan’s act of love. The product is nothing short of Paul’s triad. And yes, for at least the second year in a row, Una was named #1 in America. Will he win #1 in the world for the second time in three years? If justice prevails, yes.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
Portland is becoming known in pizza circles as a great pizza city. This reputation is entirely undeserved. Apizza Scholls and Lovely’s 50 50 are grossly overrated and should not sniff a national top 1000 list. But Ken’s Artisan is the exception in this overhyped city. Although Ken no longer owns it. As some of you will remember, I spoke with the head pizza maker there, Vince, and recommended he visit Tower, not Delicious, if he ever eats pizza in New Orleans.
24. L’Industrie (Brooklyn, NY) 9.15
Locals rave about the plain slice. It is good, but to me, very dry and lacking sauce. What makes L’Industrie so great is its famous slice with burrata. Creamy and moist, the burrata elevates this slice to greatness.
23. Naples (Farmington, CT) 9.18
Neapolitan style in a gas fired Bakers Pride? Shh, do not tell anyone. The product is the most surprising in America.
22. J&V Pizzeria (Brooklyn, NY) 9.21
When you go south, way south, in Brooklyn, most people will guide you to L&B, Totonno’s, or DaVinci. But I am here to tell you that J&V is the dark horse in the nether regions of Brooklyn. Both the slice and the square are tops in that area. And the JoJo is a thing of beauty.
21. Coniglio’s (Morristown, NJ) 9.22
I visited here by chance, if such a thing exists, with Cousin, after searching for breakfast. God would have it that Nino (no relation to the owner of the previously great Carrollton pizzeria of that name) was there. After striking up a conversation about my pizza travels, he made me a specialty pizza that I have not yet forgotten.
20. Mama’s Too (Manhattan, NY) 9.26
When Frank is behind the counter, it is hard to find a better slice or square in America. Now that there are two locations, consistency will be a question. But even on an off day, it is better than anything in the South.
19. Lucia’s of Avenue X (Brooklyn, NY) 9.30
Now that there is a location in Manhattan, Lucia’s will grow in fame. But the glory days of Lucia’s are in the past when it was only operating way down in faraway Brooklyn. Rumor has it they “borrowed” the clam pie recipe from Andrew Bellucci’s.
18. Ops (Brooklyn, NY) 9.36
Far surpassing nearby Roberta’s, Ops can make even the strictest NY or New Haven styler fall in love with Neapolitan style.
17. DeLorenzo’s Tomato Pies (Robbinsville, NJ) 9.38
People talk about New Haven being the pizza capital of America. Maybe it is time to mention Robbinsville, NJ in that conversation. Per capita, there is not a better pizza town in the world.
16. L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele (Manhattan, NY) 9.40
The second best Neapolitan style in America. New Yorkers are not enamored and because it is not in a tourist area, getting a table here is embarrassingly easy. Still, the pies are world class and huge. It is every bit as good as the original in Naples, which happens to be the oldest pizzeria in the world.
15. DeLucia’s (Raritan, NJ) 9.44
Coal fired, DeLucia’s was far more enjoyable to visit before it became internet famous. A Raritan institution, you have not tried New Jersey pizza without a trip to the great three: DeLucia’s, Papa’s Tomato Pies, and DeLorenzo’s.
14. DiFara (Brooklyn, NY) 9.48
DiFara ten years ago would have been in the top ten, but a series of poor decisions, namely to open locations in Las Vegas, the Lower East Side, and Staten Island have soured my love of DiFara. Dom was a legend. His son still runs the Brooklyn location, which remains great. The other locations, however, are just money grabs with poorly trained staff and terrible pizza. Someone needs to tell this family they are hurting the value of the company with their satellite locations.
13. Upside (Manhattan, NY) 9.55
The sauce is good, but Upside’s upside is its remarkable dough. Proofed for up to two days, there is true artisanry in the bread here. I believe they opened a second location down in Little Italy not too far from Prince Street.
12. DeLuca (Hot Spring, AR) 9.61
If this pizzeria were in New York, you would hear about it in the same breath as Lucali and John’s of Bleecker. It flies under the national pizza radar, but you now have no excuse to act surprised when you realize that the best pizza outside the Northeast Corridor is in the middle of Arkansas.
11. Rubirosa (Manhattan, NY) 9.65
Unquestionably the best pizza in the Lower East Side, the crust is what makes it great. Paper thin, and yet it is not cracker-like as are the Chicago tavern style like Vito and Nick’s, which tastes like a thin crust from Domino’s. Rubirosa crust is a crowning achievement in American pizza.
10. Joe & Pat’s (Staten Island, NY) 9.67
Joe & Pat’s and Rubirosa are essentially the same pie, but Joe & Pat’s is significantly cheaper and you do not have to be bothered by the tourists and Instagrammers who flock Rubirosa.
9. Papa's Tomato Pies (Robbinsville, NJ) 9.68
The oldest continuously run pizzeria in America, Papa’s does not get as much publicity as DeLorenzo’s. And that’s a shame because it is better. Try the mustard pie, which is remarkable and inoffensively wonderful.
8. Frank Pepe’s (New Haven, CT) 9.71
Andrew Bellucci was inspired by FP’s clam pie and when he made a few shortly before his death last year, it was one of the highlights of his life. If you ever get to try a Frank Pepe clam pie, you do it.
7. Modern Pizza (New Haven, CT) 9.75
Some people say it is not worth arguing over pizza rankings. Until you try some of the best pizzas in this list, I would hold that thought. Now if you say it is not worth arguing over which of the Big Three in New Haven is best, I could find common ground.
6. John’s of Bleecker St (Manhattan, NY) 9.80
Some people say Joe’s is the classic NY style, but to me it is truly John’s of Bleecker. While individual slices are not for sale, these coal fired pies are too good to eat just one slice anyway. Go early to avoid the lines.
5. Razza (Jersey City, NJ) 9.89
Dan in the man, and I will never say no to a trip across the Hudson for stunningly great pizza that blends Neapolitan with the best of NY style. Reservations are much easier to get now than they were five years ago, but do plan ahead.
4. Andrew Bellucci’s (Queens, NY) 9.90
While the plain pies are fabulous, the late and great AB’s claim to pizza fame comes from perfecting the clam pie. The clam pie at Andrew Bellucci’s is arguably the greatest non-plain pizza in the world.
3. Sally’s Apizza (New Haven, CT) 9.92
The true Queen of New Haven style. Everyone has their favorite of the big three. All three are great, but I have always loved Sally’s the most. When Uncle studied at Yale, he loved it most too.
2. Lucali (Brooklyn, NY) 9.95
Mark learned the trade from Dom and his mom. And he elevated it. Is waiting on the sidewalks of Carroll Gardens for three hours just to get your name on the list worth it? Yes. The atmosphere is unparalleled and the pizza and calzone exceptional.
1. Una Pizza Napoletana (Manhattan, NY) 9.99
Arguably the hardest pizza reservation in America, if you do not have a connection, as Uncle does, you will need to be ready at exactly 8:00 two weeks before your date. Una is only open three days a week, and often less than that, as Anthony is doing private events, traveling or shooting film. If you are ever so blessed, you will see he makes every single pie with his fingers, painted with the words faith and hope. And with that, he massages the dough in an artisan’s act of love. The product is nothing short of Paul’s triad. And yes, for at least the second year in a row, Una was named #1 in America. Will he win #1 in the world for the second time in three years? If justice prevails, yes.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 1:34 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 1:28 am to TulaneLSU
P.S. Reserved for a possible release of TulaneLSU's Top 10 pizzas of the NOLA Metro in 2024
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 1:34 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 2:43 am to TulaneLSU
Welcome back.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 6:12 am to TulaneLSU
I have only been to three on your list but I totally disagree with your take on deep dish pizza.
Looking forward to your NOLA list.
Looking forward to your NOLA list.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 6:56 am to BigApple
first bite of deep dish is great, all downhill after that and then you realize you wish you had eaten something else
good list friend though I’ve not eaten at any of those except deluca. My daughter is in providence now so maybe next trip up we can go to the city and try some of these
good list friend though I’ve not eaten at any of those except deluca. My daughter is in providence now so maybe next trip up we can go to the city and try some of these
Posted on 6/26/24 at 6:56 am to BigApple
quote:
I have only been to three on your list but I totally disagree with your take on deep dish pizza.
I do agree with Tulane on the deep dish, but it's all about the crust, it totally ruins everything for me. I guest it has to be like that to hold the mere weight of the ingredients, but I can get past that crust and just don't like it at all.
Been to most of the name pizza joints in Chicago and they are all very similar and for me crust is all the same and that is the deal killer for me.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:07 am to TulaneLSU
You've been to none of those places.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:14 am to Tiger Ugly
The crust is the best part of the deep dish 
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:30 am to BigApple
quote:
The crust is the best part of the deep dish
Well, we could not disagree more. I have no issue with the other ingredients, but the crust to me is disgusting. For me it's like serving pizza with an apple pie crust - don't get it, don't like it, but hey if you do.......
That's why they call it taste I guess.
This post was edited on 6/26/24 at 7:42 am
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:32 am to TulaneLSU
I'll poke a hole in this and say I like Chicago Tavern-style pizza better than Deep Dish by a large margin.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:40 am to t00f
Peter Piper >>>
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:40 am to t00f
Yep. Same for me.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:43 am to S
quote:
Peter Piper
After smoking a bowl, PP hits hard
Posted on 6/26/24 at 7:45 am to t00f
I like tavern style, deep dish, and New Haven better than NY style. I’ve tried probably 30 pizza joints in NYC and want to enjoy it as much as everyone else, but I find it to be good, but not great. I do like NY style better than Detroit style.
Not a popular opinion, but my opinion nonetheless.
Not a popular opinion, but my opinion nonetheless.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 8:06 am to TulaneLSU
Years back my Aunt and Uncle ran a Campground up in Creede, Colorado. After a day of 4 Wheel Jeep riding. We would stop in Colorado Springs, for an Alfred Packer Pizza, it's loaded with meat. The reason it's called the Alfred Packer Pizza? A little backstory.
"Alfred Griner Packer (January 21, 1842 – April 23, 1907), also known as the "Colorado Cannibal", was an American prospector and self-proclaimed wilderness guide who confessed to cannibalism during the winter of 1874. Though no clear or definitive evidences have been found to this day, and despite in-deep researches about proofs of his deeds, he is one of the four persons historically convicted for cannibalism in the United States. After emerging as the sole survivor of a six-man party who had attempted to travel through the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Territory, he eventually confessed to having lived off the flesh of his companions, giving more than one version of his account as to the circumstances."
Now I want Pizza.
"Alfred Griner Packer (January 21, 1842 – April 23, 1907), also known as the "Colorado Cannibal", was an American prospector and self-proclaimed wilderness guide who confessed to cannibalism during the winter of 1874. Though no clear or definitive evidences have been found to this day, and despite in-deep researches about proofs of his deeds, he is one of the four persons historically convicted for cannibalism in the United States. After emerging as the sole survivor of a six-man party who had attempted to travel through the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Territory, he eventually confessed to having lived off the flesh of his companions, giving more than one version of his account as to the circumstances."
Now I want Pizza.
Posted on 6/26/24 at 8:07 am to Pandy Fackler
quote:
You've been to none of those places
You underestimate his powers
Posted on 6/26/24 at 8:11 am to TulaneLSU
Sorry friend but while you were wise to list Santarpio’s and Regina Pizzeria from Boston, the fact that you didn’t include Galleria Umberto in your well-curated list was an egregious error that must be rectified post haste.
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