We all may have heard about Greenwich Village in New York City. It is a treasure trove for anyone in search of amazing pizza, nestled in the heart of downtown Manhattan. This neighborhood has become a food lover’s haven (particularly for pizza enthusiasts). Whether you’re on the hunt for a classic New York slice that you can fold and devour on the go or a sit-down, gourmet pie experience, the Village has you covered. Let me dive into the best pizza in downtown Manhattan that will have you craving a slice before you even finish reading.
Why Greenwich Village is NYC’s Pizza Hotspot
Trust me, there’s something magical about the food scene in Greenwich Village. The neighborhood is brimming with culture, creativity, and history, which translates directly into its vibrant pizza offerings. You’ll find everything from cozy, hole-in-the-wall spots serving up the perfect slice to upscale pizzerias that add a touch of finesse to their pies. The pizza in this part of town reflects the diversity of its residents: authentic, bold, and never boring. The moment you step into the Village, you can smell the dough baking and the mozzarella melting. And that’s when you know you’re in the right place.
The Best Pizza in Downtown Manhattan
Joe’s Pizza – The Quintessential New York Slice
You can’t talk about pizza in Greenwich Village without mentioning Joe’s Pizza. This place is a legend for a good reason. Open since 1975, Joe’s has been serving what many believe to be the perfect New York slice. The vibe here is simple: you get your slice, fold it, and eat it while you walk down the street. And honestly, that’s how New York pizza is meant to be enjoyed.
The crust is thin but sturdy enough to hold up all that delicious cheese and sauce. There’s just the right balance between crispy and chewy, with a flavor that hits the sweet spot between tangy and savory. Whether you’re a tourist or a native New Yorker, Joe’s will make you feel right at home.
John’s of Bleecker Street – A Slice of History
If you’re looking for a more classic coal-fired pizza experience , John’s of Bleecker Street is the one. Dating back to 1929, this coal-fired pizza joint is iconic, both for its history and its pizza. The crust comes out with that perfect char you can only get from a coal oven, giving it a slightly smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
One thing to note: John’s doesn’t do slices. You have to commit to a whole pie. This is a great spot if you’re with friends or family. The pizzas here are loaded with toppings, but still maintain a delicate balance of flavors. Every bite makes you feel like a nostalgic journey through New York’s rich pizza history.
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Artichoke Basille’s Pizza – Indulgent, Rich, and Unforgettable
If you’re the kind of person who loves trying bold flavors then Artichoke Basille’s Pizza is the one I recommend. Their signature Artichoke Pizza is a slice that defies tradition. Instead of the usual tomato sauce, it’s covered in a creamy spinach-artichoke dip. It’s rich, it’s gooey, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Another amazing part is they have Carb Pizza for seafood lovers. It features fresh crab meat, mozzarella, and a garlicky tomato sauce. You should try one of these. Artichoke Basille’s is the place to go when you want something that breaks the mold and delivers an indulgent twist on classic pizza.
Keste Pizza & Vino – A Taste of Naples in the Village
Don’t you want to crave something a little more authentic? Keste Pizza & Vino brings a taste of Naples right to Greenwich Village. Here, it’s all about tradition. The pizzas are made in a wood-fired oven at incredibly high temperatures, giving the crust that signature Neapolitan softness and charred edges.
The ingredients are very simple but top-quality. It is imported straight from Italy. Keste’s pizzas are more about finesse than flashy toppings. The Margherita is a prime example: just San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and basil, but each bite is a revelation in flavor and texture. For a pizza purist, Keste is a must-visit.
Bleecker Street Pizza – Home of the Nonna Maria
If you’re on the hunt for a pizza slice with serious flavor then try Bleecker Street Pizza. This should be at the top of your list. Their Nonna Maria pie is famous throughout the city, and for good reason. This pizza has a thin, crispy crust that’s topped with a delicious marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. The result is a pizza that’s hearty without being heavy, and every bite is packed with flavor.
Whether you’re grabbing a slice on the go or sitting down to enjoy a whole pie, Bleecker Street Pizza never disappoint you.
Village Square Pizza – For Thick Sicilian Slices
Sometimes, you’re in the mood for something a little different, right? And that’s where Village Square Pizza comes in. Known for their thick, square Sicilian slices, this place serves up pizza that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of toppings. Their Spinach and Artichoke is particularly popular, made with creamy, indulgent slices with a healthy twist.
Village Square is perfect if you’re looking for a heartier slice that’ll fill you up and satisfy your pizza cravings in one go.
Emmett’s – Chicago-Style Deep Dish Done Right
If you’ve been dying to try deep-dish pizza but don’t want to hop on a plane to Chicago, Emmett’s in Greenwich Village is your answer. This spot serves up true Chicago-style deep dish, and they do it right. The pies are thick, with a buttery crust that’s loaded with cheese, toppings, and sauce. All baked to perfection in a deep pan.
It’s a different kind of pizza experience. One that’s more about savoring each bite rather than grabbing a quick slice. If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious, Emmett’s is worth the visit.
Here’s a look at some of the best pizza spots in Greenwich Village and what they bring to the table.
| Pizzeria | What to Order | Specialties |
| Joe’s Pizza | Classic Cheese Slice, Margherita Slice | Timeless New York slice |
| John’s of Bleecker Street | Meatball Pie | Charred crust, whole pies only |
| Artichoke Basille’s Pizza | Artichoke Pizza, Crab Pizza | Rich, creamy toppings |
| Keste Pizza & Vino | Pizza del Re (Truffle Pizza) | Traditional Neapolitan, wood-fired oven |
| Bleecker Street Pizza | Nonna Maria Slice, Sicilian Slice | Thin-crust, hearty Nonna Maria pie |
| Village Square Pizza | Grandma Slice, Spinach and Artichoke Slice | Thick, crispy Sicilian squares |
| Emmett’s | Classic Chicago-Style Deep Dish | True Chicago deep dish in NYC |