Best Pizza Restaurants In Brooklyn: Expert Picks And Tips

I’ve spent years taste-testing slices and pies across the borough, from old-school coal ovens to new-wave slice shops pushing the craft forward. If you’re searching for the best pizza restaurants in Brooklyn, I’ve got you covered with a curated list, practical tips, and what to order at each spot. I’ll keep this guide conversational, evidence-backed, and packed with real-world advice so you can eat like a local without wasting time in the wrong line.

How I Chose The Best Pizza Restaurants In Brooklyn

I built this list using a blend of on-the-ground tasting, industry research, and consistency checks over time. My criteria:

• Dough and technique: Fermentation, texture, flavor, and bake. I look for balanced char, structural integrity, and an aromatic crumb.
• Sauce and cheese: Tomatoes with natural sweetness and acidity, plus high-quality mozzarella or blends that don’t oil out.
• Oven and execution: Wood, coal, or steel deck ovens are all great when properly managed. I prioritize even heat and repeatable results.
• Menu and identity: Each pizzeria should have a clear style and execute it well, whether it’s coal-fired thin, New York street slice, Sicilian squares, or neo-Neapolitan.
• Value and experience: Service, wait times, neighborhood vibe, and price fairness.

I also reference reputable rankings and industry recognition to validate choices. Several places below have been featured in national pizza lists in 2023–2024 and have earned nods like Bib Gourmand distinctions or top spots in respected pizza awards. I revisit often to confirm standards haven’t slipped.

The Definitive List: Best Pizza Restaurants In Brooklyn

Here are the places I recommend first, along with what sets each apart and what to order. I’ve included personal notes so you can match your taste and time constraints.

• Lucali, Carroll Gardens
  What to know: Brick-oven pies and calzones with a cult following. No reservations, cash only, BYOB. Lines start before opening.
  Order this: Classic pie with pepperoni and basil, or a white pie if you like garlic and ricotta.
  Pro tip: Arrive 60–90 minutes before opening to put your name down. Perfect for a celebratory night.

• Di Fara Pizza, Midwood
  What to know: A Brooklyn legend where pies are hand-finished with basil and olive oil. Expect a wait; hours can vary.
  Order this: A classic round pie or a square if available. The balance of sauce, cheese, and herbs is the draw.
  Pro tip: Check same-day hours on their social channels. Be patient; quality is the point.

• L’Industrie Pizzeria, Williamsburg
  What to know: New-school slice shop with extraordinary dough and playful toppings. Praised by major pizza rankings in recent years.
  Order this: Burrata slice with added balsamic or fig jam when available; also the spicy pepperoni slice.
  Pro tip: Go off-peak; it gets slammed. Great for sharing a flight of different slices.

• Paulie Gee’s and Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, Greenpoint
  What to know: The original does inventive wood-fired pies; the Slice Shop next door nails classic NY slices with a retro vibe.
  Order this: At the Slice Shop, the Hellboy with pepperoni and hot honey. At the restaurant, try the Greenpointer or a seasonal special.
  Pro tip: If the restaurant wait is long, pivot to the Slice Shop for faster service.

• Roberta’s, Bushwick
  What to know: The modern Brooklyn icon that helped define the borough’s pizza renaissance.
  Order this: The Bee Sting with soppressata and honey, or the Margherita to taste the dough and sauce unmasked.
  Pro tip: Pair with a veggie or seasonal salad—great balance to the char and spice.

• Juliana’s, DUMBO
  What to know: Coal-fired pies from pizza royalty. Classic, clean flavors and a crisp, smoky finish.
  Order this: Margherita or a white pie with arugula and prosciutto.
  Pro tip: Lines move steadily. Reward yourself with a post-pizza walk under the Manhattan Bridge.

• L&B Spumoni Gardens, Bensonhurst
  What to know: The city’s quintessential Sicilian square slice—airy crumb, tangy sauce on top, caramelized edges—and iconic spumoni.
  Order this: Square slice, well-done. Finish with a tricolor spumoni cup.
  Pro tip: Best enjoyed outside on a sunny afternoon.

• Best Pizza, Williamsburg
  What to know: Classic New York slices with a sesame-studded crust for extra texture and aroma.
  Order this: White slice with caramelized onions and sesame crust; plain slice for baseline.
  Pro tip: Ask for it a touch well-done for more snap.

• F&F Pizzeria, Carroll Gardens
  What to know: A slice shop from seasoned restaurateurs with an artisan touch; consistent, bright-tasting sauce.
  Order this: Vodka square, pepperoni round, and a plain slice for control.
  Pro tip: It’s a perfect pre- or post-drink stop along Court and Smith Streets.

• Ops, Bushwick
  What to know: Naturally leavened dough and thoughtful toppings baked in a beautiful oven; often cited by critics for craft.
  Order this: The square pie and whatever seasonal pie is on offer.
  Pro tip: Great for a sit-down dinner with wine; book if possible.

• Cuts & Slices, Bed-Stuy
  What to know: Creative, culture-forward slice shop with lines that speak for themselves.
  Order this: Signature specialty slices; try one classic and one wild-card like oxtail if available.
  Pro tip: Follow their socials for drop times and specials.

• Luigi’s Pizza, South Slope
  What to know: Old-school neighborhood gem. No gimmicks—just a beautifully balanced, foldable slice.
  Order this: Plain slice, square if you see fresh trays coming out.
  Pro tip: Ideal for a quick, affordable bite between stops.

Note on legacy spots: Some classic names have fluctuated hours or have been intermittently closed in recent years. Always check current status before trekking across the borough.

What To Order By Style

If you know your preferred style, here’s where to go and what to get.

• Classic New York slice
  L’Industrie, Best Pizza, F&F, Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop, Luigi’s
  Order tip: Ask for reheat to well-done if you like a crisper base.

• Coal-fired thin
  Juliana’s
  Order tip: Keep toppings light so the coal oven’s char and chew shine.

• Wood-fired neo-Neapolitan
  Lucali, Roberta’s, Paulie Gee’s, Ops
  Order tip: Balance richness with a bright salad or bitter greens.

• Sicilian and grandma squares
  L&B Spumoni Gardens, F&F, Ops (square), Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
  Order tip: Request corner or edge if you crave caramelized cheese crust.

• Creative and contemporary
  L’Industrie, Cuts & Slices, Roberta’s, Paulie Gee’s
  Order tip: Try one classic and one inventive slice to calibrate your palate.

Simple drink pairings:

• Sodas with acid like Mexican Coke cut cheese richness.
• Dry Italian lager or a crisp pilsner enhances char.
• If you drink wine: light, chillable reds or a zippy Lambrusco work wonders.
  

  

Insider Tips For Beating The Lines And Eating Smart

Based on a lot of line-standing and learning the hard way:

• Timing is everything: Hit popular spots on weekdays, late afternoons, or right at open. Avoid rainy-day assumptions—locals queue anyway.
• Walk the line: If there are two sister concepts nearby (like Paulie Gee’s and the Slice Shop), check both waits and pivot.
• Share strategically: Order one plain slice everywhere you go as a baseline, then add one signature slice to compare styles.
• Cash and cards: Some legacy spots lean cash-only or have spotty terminals. Carry a small amount of cash just in case.
• Watch the oven: If a fresh pie is about to drop, wait one minute. Fresh out beats a tired reheat.
• Hydrate and pace: High-sodium toppings can creep up on you during a crawl. Alternate water with bites to keep tasting sharp.
• Respect the board: If a pie or topping is 86’d, don’t haggle. Great shops won’t push product that isn’t up to standard.

Mistakes I learned to avoid:

• Overloading toppings on coal or wood-fired pies; it sogs the center.
• Eating only at peak times; you’ll waste your day in lines.
• Skipping plain slices; it’s the truth serum for sauce, cheese, and dough.
  

  

Budget, Hours, And Practical Info

What to expect on price:
– Plain slice: 3 to 5 dollars at most slice shops; specialty slices can run 5 to 7 dollars.
– Whole pies: 18 to 35 dollars depending on style and toppings; premium shops and coal/wood-fired pies can be higher.

Reservations and waits:

• Lucali and some sit-down spots operate list systems or first-come seating. Plan to queue.
• Slice shops move fast; sit-down restaurants can mean 30–120 minutes at peak.

Dietary notes:

• Several shops offer vegetarian standouts and occasional vegan options; gluten-free is limited at the legacy spots but more available at modern pizzerias. Always ask about cross-contact if sensitive.

Safety and transport:

• Most places here are near subway lines. Late-night waits are common but stick to well-lit, busy corridors and use common sense.

Quality signals I trust:

• Tight, focused menus.
• Dough proofing visible or discussed confidently by staff.
• Fresh pies cycling rapidly during service, not languishing in the case.
  

  

Brooklyn Pizza Crawls: Ready-To-Use Routes

If you want to turn this into an afternoon adventure, here are three efficient routes I’ve done with friends.

• Williamsburg heat check
  Start: L’Industrie
  Next: Best Pizza
  Optional: Swing to Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in nearby Greenpoint
  Finish: Walk the waterfront for skyline views

• Old guard to new wave in Carroll Gardens
  Start: F&F Pizzeria for a slice flight
  Next: Lucali for a sit-down pie
  Finish: Dessert or espresso along Court Street

• Bushwick craft night
  Start: Roberta’s for a Bee Sting
  Next: Ops for a square and a glass of wine
  Finish: Local bar for a nightcap

Pro tip: Split slices and drink water so you can hit 3–4 stops without tapping out.

Frequently Asked Questions of best pizza restaurants in Brooklyn

What is the single best pizza spot if I only have time for one?

If you want a sit-down classic, go to Lucali or Juliana’s. For a fast slice with serious cred, L’Industrie or Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop.

Do I need cash at these places?

Some legacy shops may be cash-only or have spotty card systems. Bring a small amount of cash to be safe, especially for old-school institutions.

How long are the lines, really?

At peak hours, 30–120 minutes for the most famous names. Weekdays and off-peak times can cut that to 10–30 minutes or none at all.

What should I order to judge a pizzeria fairly?

Start with a plain slice or a Margherita pie. Then add one signature slice or topping to see how they handle creativity.

Where can I get the best Sicilian or square slice?

L&B Spumoni Gardens is a must. Also try F&F for its vodka square and Ops for a crafted square pie.

Are there good options for vegetarians?

Absolutely. Many shops offer standout white pies, Margheritas, and veggie-forward specials. Ask about rennet-free cheeses if that matters to you.

Is Brooklyn pizza kid-friendly?

Yes. Most slice shops are casual and quick, and several sit-down spots welcome families at earlier hours.

Conclusion

Brooklyn’s pizza scene is a living, breathing craft—equal parts tradition and innovation. If you follow the picks and tips above, you’ll taste the borough’s full range, from coal-fired classics to wildly inventive slices. Start with one route, trust the plain slice as your compass, and build your own shortlist from there. If you found this helpful, subscribe for more neighborhood food guides, or drop a comment with your favorite slice so I can check it out next.

Watch This Video on best pizza restaurants in Brooklyn