Need a Slice But Can’t Get to the Big Apple? Here are the Best Pizzerias Outside of New York City!

This blog post was updated on August 17, 2021.

Do you “heart” New York pizza? What if we told you that some of the tastiest pies are actually baked beyond the bridges and tunnels of the big apple? Foodies worth their crust know that they can head upstate or out to Long Island and still get a fantastic slice.

Have a look at this list of some of the best pizzerias outside of New York City!

3 Brothers Pizza Café (Long Island)

It’s no wonder that vegan, lactose intolerant, and gluten-free individuals book cheap domestic flights to Farmingdale, Long Island just for some vegan pizza at 3 Brothers Pizza Cafe. It’s one of the only pizzerias in New York to offer tofu and seitan as toppings. More omnivorous pizza lovers have no reason to eschew 3 Brothers though. There’s a more traditional and rather lengthy menu to suit all tastes. The “Make Your Own Brick Oven Pizza & Calzones” option allows patrons to customize their dishes with a selection of three different crusts, sauces, cheeses, and more than 20 different toppings.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria (Yonkers)

Frank Pepe opened his first pizzeria in 1925. Although Frank passed in the late 1960s, his pizzas continue to delight foodies at his original New Haven, Connecticut location as well as the few other outlets across the greater New York City area and Connecticut. Perhaps Frank’s most celebrated eatery is the Yonkers location, where the white clam pizza is a must-bite slice. The parlor’s unique slice holds the 2013 and 2014 Daily Meal awards for the best pizza in the country. Located just 15 miles outside of NYC, Frank Pepe’s has been visited by Bill Clinton, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Vince Vaughn, and many more celebs.

Pizzeria Sapienza (Albany)

Home of “the legendary taste,” Albany’s Pizzeria Sapienza is best known for its distinctively large slices spanning across two paper plates. It’s not just the size of the slice that’s impressive here, though. Sapienza offers an extensive range of toppings and a selection of stuffed pizzas.

Slyce (Westchester)

 

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Slyce redefines the common perception of pizza as a simple dish through its selection of artisan offerings. Among their most sophisticated slices are the goat cheese, fig, and honey slices – composed of all local ingredients, except for the all-important flour shipped in from Milan. The popular parlor also serves an assortment of craft beer paired to perfection with your chosen slice.

Pizzeria Posto (Hudson Valley)

A pie from Pizzeria Posto may come adorned with just a few toppings, but it will pack a distinctive punch of flavor. This Hudson Valley pizzeria showcases pistachios on their Morandi and fennel sausage on their Mama-Mia. Pizzeria Posto’s authenticity comes from pies baked in a wood-fired oven brought over from Italy and put together in their open kitchen. If you’re looking for a slice with an artisan’s touch, this Hudson Valley gathering spot should be on your list. Chef Patrick Amedeo’s love of his craft brings visitors and locals to the table in Pizzeria Posto for simple, yet exquisite offerings like the Margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and the Ponte Vecchio made with fresh ricotta.

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Caffe Rustica (Lake Placid)

A popular haunt for Lake Placid residents, Caffe Rustica serves up wood-fired pizza made with locally sourced ingredients in a Tuscan farmhouse setting. Chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America create unique pizzas like the Bianco Rustica featuring roasted eggplant and the Meatball Rosso. For diners looking for a classic pie, the Marinara Pepperoni Rosso is made with Neapolitan pepperoni. Be sure to also try their antipasti, salads, and pasta when you dine on their patio, take a seat in their rustic dining room, or call in for takeout. For a fresh, earthy experience, order the Pan-Roasted Goat Cheese paired with heirloom beets and fresh herbs.

DeFazio’s Pizzeria (Troy)

Big cities aren’t the only places with a “Little Italy” neighborhood. DeFazio’s is one of a few businesses left in the “Little Italy” section of Troy, a town just upriver from Albany. Whether dishing up old-world flair with their sausage and cheese or offering patrons a new twist with Buffalo chicken pizza, DeFazio’s always satisfies on pizza night in Troy. The star of the show at DeFazio’s is their dough. You can order traditional white or try unusual varieties like the spicy red pepper and the dough made with Brown’s Brewing Brown Ale. At DeFazio’s, gluten-free pizza lovers can still indulge with their special gluten-free dough.

Pappardelle’s Pizzeria (Long Island)

Pappardelle’s Pizzeria is known for some of the best pizzerias outside New York City. When you go, you should also check out their sandwiches, calzones, and pasta. You can treat yourself to the typical Sicilian slice, Neopolitan pizza, or even make your own. Or, you can also order more adventurous options like pizza topped with chicken fingers. If you’re still hungry, order some fresh slices of ricotta, sweet Italian sausages, chicken, and even broccoli on the side. Bon appetit!

Little Vincent’s (Huntington)

Head out to Long Island to Little Vincent’s in Huntington for one of their famous “cold cheese” slices if you’re looking for something a little different. Cold, shredded mozzarella is heaped onto a regular hot cheese pizza, and the melding of temperatures and textures will have you coming back for more. Traditional toppings as well as options like the lasagna pizza and broccoli pizza make Little Vincent’s a spot that will satisfy everyone’s craving. Make sure to add an order of garlic knots or fried calamari to give your meal some extra zing. This popular late-night pizzeria is known for fast service in a simple setting and appeals to locals, tourists, and nearby college students.

Apizza Regionale (Finger Lakes)

 

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If you’re looking for the most “New York” of pizzas you’ll have to plan a getaway to the Finger Lakes to find it. Not only are the pies at Apizza Regionale made in the traditional New York-style, but many of the ingredients come from sources in New York State. Owners Paul Messina and John Stage use the Italian approach of regional and seasonal cooking. The stone-ground wheat used in their dough comes from Trumansburg, New York, and the mozzarella uses dairy from 2 Kids Farm in Cuyler, New York. Pizza aficionados will love everything from the simple Garlic & Herb pizza to the Calabrian, which features tomato sauce, soppressata, mozzarella, caciocavallo, fresh oregano, and fresh Calabrian chili-infused local honey.

So, did we leave any off the list? What are some of the other best pizzerias outside of New York City? Tell us below!