The Best Pizza Restaurants In Brooklyn

Nestled within the vibrant borough of Brooklyn lies a culinary treasure trove — its legendary pizza scene. A fervent testament to the area's rich cultural tapestry, Brooklyn's pizza joints stand as veritable landmarks of flavor and innovation, drawing hordes of locals and tourists alike. While the borough boasts an array of pizzerias, each with its unique charm, it's no secret that some establishments are worth more of a visit than others.

In a world where pizza is not merely a dish but a way of life, the challenge isn't finding a good pie, but choosing among the best. Brooklyn's pizza pedigree is undeniable, tracing back to its roots in Italian-American communities. It has continued to evolve into a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the global culinary map. From quaint corner pizzerias with time-honored recipes to avant-garde eateries pushing the boundaries of tradition, the borough offers something for every pizza enthusiast.

Our gastronomic adventure will delve into some of the most exceptional pizzerias in Brooklyn, each celebrated for its distinct approach to crafting the perfect pie. Join us as we slice through Brooklyn's finest pizza parlors, unveiling the gems that deserve a special place on your culinary bucket list. 

No list of the best Brooklyn pizza restaurants would be complete without mentioning Grimaldi's. It's well-known for serving some of the best pizza in the U.S. — let alone just in Brooklyn. Located under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, Grimaldi's has been running since 1990 and has picked up quite a reputation over the years. It's known for its classic coal-fired brick oven pizzas and is one of the last restaurants in the city to make this style.

Grimaldi's pizzas are characterized by their thin and slightly charred crust, a result of the oven's high heat. The pizzas are often foldable and have a chewy texture with a crisp exterior. The restaurant typically follows the New York-style pizza tradition, which focuses on thin pies with a balance of cheese, sauce, and toppings. That said, it's not the sort of place that you can pop into for a slice on the go, as it only sells whole pies.

Expect an authentic, old-school pizzeria vibe at Grimaldi's. The interior is simple and traditional, featuring brick walls, wooden tables, and a bustling open kitchen where you can watch the pizzaiolos craft the pies by hand. It's popular enough that there's always a line, so come prepared to wait.

Situated in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn, Crosta is a relatively new kid on the block, having opened for business in 2021. However, its owners, Andres Rodas and Andres Whang, are no strangers to the restaurant game and have several other successful eateries in the area, including Piccoli Trattoria in Park Slope and Belli Osteria in Clinton Hill.

Rather than sticking to the classic New York pizza style, Crosta is all about neo-Neapolitan. Typical Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its puffy, slightly charred crust and minimal toppings. However, neo-Neapolitan gets a bit more creative with garnishes. For instance, at Crosta, you can get everything from a four-cheese white pizza to a Hawaiian pie — but pineapple on pizza certainly wouldn't be tolerated by Neapolitan purists.

Inside, expect a modern update on a classic look. The restaurant has the feel of a little neighborhood pizzeria yet the decor doesn't look like it was already dated in the '80s. It's a great spot for dinner, and it's even open for brunch — that's right, you can get brunch pizza. You're welcome.

If you end up in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, you'd be remiss not to hit up Not Ray's Pizza — or just "Not Ray's" as regulars refer to it. A classic neighborhood pizzeria, this shop sells pizza by the slice or whole pies. So, if you're just looking for a classic NY slice to fold up and eat on the go, you're in luck. But, you could also order a whole pie and sit down.

You can buy both New York-style pizza and grandma pizza, covering all the Brooklyn bases. While Not Ray's isn't known for being highly innovative or cutting-edge, it serves some of the best classic pizza in the borough — what more could you ask for? The menu is sizable with a choice of over 30 topping combinations, plus other favorites such as garlic knots and stromboli. It might not be much to look at, but it has the feel of an authentic hole-in-the-wall pizza shop.

Although it's somewhat of a newbie on the Brooklyn pizza scene having opened in 2017, L'Industrie already has a reputation for serving some of the best pizza in the borough. It's known for its artisanal approach to pizza-making and its emphasis on high-quality ingredients. The idea was to blend the classic New York slice with the techniques and flavors used in Italian pizza-making.

The restaurant has a modern-industrial ambience, combining a mix of rustic and contemporary design elements that creates a comfortable and inviting space for diners. L'Industrie's jam is creating artisanal pizzas with simple, yet innovative topping options. You won't find a huge menu of choices, but each one is carefully thought out. The focus is on fresh ingredients, sometimes even imported from Italy. The dough is a cross between a Roman pizza, a New York slice, and a Neapolitan pie. It's thin yet slightly puffy, with plenty of air bubbles and a hint of char from the wood firing process. The long fermentation process really boosts the flavor too. So, if you're looking for a next-level experience, head to L'Industrie.

Vinnie's Pizzeria is a well-known, quirky spot located in Williamsburg. Not only does it serve delicious pizza, but it also has a creative approach to menu items and presentation. Its playful, whimsical atmosphere and approach to decor add a special touch to the dining experience. It's known for its "special boreds," which have eye-catching illustrations as well as the restaurant's innovative specials.

While it might just look like a simple neighborhood slice shop from the outside, you'll be surprised about Vinnie's twists on classic pizza offerings. In addition to traditional slices, you can find specialty pizzas with inventive toppings and playful names. The pizza itself is a classic New York-style affair, but the toppings say otherwise, with options such as elote or black bean taco pizza. You can also buy grandma pies or veggie and vegan slices and pies, which is good news for those who avoid meat or animal products. Vinnie's is also known for its "pizza boxes" made entirely out of pizza — strange but true.

One of the standout features of Vinnie's is its sense of humor and creativity. The pizzeria includes funny, imaginative menu item names, as well as unexpected and unique garnishes that surprise and delight customers. So, you might end up getting a laugh as well as a pie.

Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo are the two Fs behind F&F Pizzeria. Although it only opened in 2019, it has already made a name for itself as one of the best in Brooklyn. Situated in Caroll Gardens, this shop takes an elevated approach to New York pizza, focusing on quality ingredients. The cooks also ferment the dough for longer than is typical, improving the texture and flavor.

Look out for the usual classic topping options, such as cheese and pepperoni. However, there are plenty of inventive options too, such as cacio e pepe pizza. You can buy both classic New York-style thin crust pizza and thicker grandma pies, so there's something to suit most palates. The pizzas are available in pies and slices and you can get them from noon until "whenever" — service stops when the dough runs out, so avoid arriving too late or you might miss out.

Looking for something other than a classic New York-style slice? Try heading to Hoek, which serves Roman-style brick-oven pizza. This style is slightly thinner and crispier than New York pizza and veers toward a more typical Italian flair with its toppings. You'll find combinations such as anchovies, capers, cured black olives, garlic, and tomato, or soppressata, fior di latte, and tomato. It's like a slice of Rome on the streets of Red Hook. There's vegan mozzarella on the menu too, so you can customize pies to be free from animal products. The wood-fired brick oven gives the pizza a delicious char and smoky flavor that you won't forget about any time soon.

This is also a gorgeous spot to dine at, with contemporary decor complementing original features, such as exposed red brick walls. The cocktail and wine menu selection is great, making this a nice place to linger with a drink or two.