An Upper West Sider’s List of the Best Pizzerias

So maybe we don’t have John’s of Bleecker Street right on our doorstep. Or Frank and Pepe’s or Sally’s of New Haven, DiFara of Brooklyn, or Joe’s of Greenwich Village around the corner. But then, they don’t have many of the Upper West Side attractions that we love and wouldn’t trade either. If you get an urge for pizza and don’t feel like battling the subway or heaven forbid, moving your car, look no further. Six of the best Upper West Side pizza places are below and within easy reach. 

Mama’s Too

Two words. Go. There. Better still, go there hungry. Not for the ambiance (it’s a tiny storefront that allows one customer inside at a time.) Not for a recommendation (staff are super busy; protocol is you order snappily, pay promptly, and repair outside to wait patiently for your name to be called. And not for the seating (it’s, outdoors, limited, and basic.) But the pizza comes quickly, and boy, is it worth it. Where to eat? That’s up to you. (Hint hint: Pepperoni Square – photo above). Most people dive right in at one of the outside tables or eat off the paper plate, their hands, and towel napkin as they hustle up or down Broadway.  

Beloved by hordes of college students, locals, and tourists alike, this pizza spot addresses your inner pizza beast each day from noon to 11 pm. There is a menu of roughly 10 whole round and square pizzas, from the basic house pie to the Angry Nonna, to the Poached Pear. Whole pizza, take your pick. by the slice, go with what’s available. You won’t regret it. Orders are accepted online for delivery. Located at 2671 Broadway (between 105th & 106th Streets) 212.510.7256

Sal & Carmine

The kind of neighborhood institution you might thoughtlessly wander past, only to learn of its magnetic pull after the fact. No frills and fripperies, just good old-fashioned pizza. Locals value the speedy and friendly service. Order whole pizza or by the slice in the narrow railroad inside. Good crust, good sauce, and good toppings. Limited outdoor seating, or grab-and-go. Open midday to 9 or 10 pm. Located at 2671 Broadway (between 101st Street & 102nd Streets) 212.663.7651

Marinara

A self-proclaimed ‘classic NYC slice joint with a modern twist’ Marinara has round and square pizza. Both are available whole (personal or large) and by the slice. The cauliflower crust pizza is a good option for those seeking to avoid carbs. Chopped salads, a variety of meatball starters, pasta, heroes and platters round out the offerings. Marinara Pizza is a solid pizza spot that is open Monday through Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm. Located at Broadway & W. 97th Street. 917.265.8780

La Traviata

Another in the apparently long list of tiny, tight, and best pizza places on the Upper West Side. La Traviata has been serving its Lincoln Square neighborhood since the 70’s and has a reliable local following. Tourists on the run also find it a quick and affordable option in the busy neighborhood.  Pizza is whole or by the slice, with a good variety of combination toppings. Tasty pastas, calzones, garlic knots, and hot and cold heroes are available. Service is friendly, although seating is extremely limited. Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm. A new outpost (La Traviata II) opened recently farther north on 2753 Broadway and 106^th Street. Located at 101 W. 68th Street (between Columbus & Broadway) 212.721.1101

Patsy’s Pizza

For many New Yorkers, Patsy’s is synonymous with old-school Italian cuisine. You may recall that Frank Sinatra and other celebrities frequented the midtown Patsy’s restaurant in the theater district. East Harlem’s Patsy’s Pizzeria, with its coal-fired oven pizza, opened in 1933. After the death of its original owner, the pizzeria was sold, trademarked, and franchised. Patsy’s Pizzeria on 74^th Street is an offshoot that prides itself on authentic, coal-oven pizza. The round pie and calzones are reliably good in contrast to some of the other best Upper West Side pizza places, this restaurant offers ample seating and good service. With pasta, pizza, calzones, weekday lunch specials, desserts, and wine, Patsy’s is family-friendly and worth a visit. Located at 61 W. 74th Street (between Columbus & Central Park West) 212.579.3000

Motorino

A part of the Upper West Side pizza scene since 2016, Motorino prides itself on three main principles: observing its Neapolitan traditions, sourcing premium ingredients, and how it’s done. “Pizze are baked in a custom-made Stefano Ferrara oven and cooked in extremely high heat for less than ninety seconds. The result is a malleable pizza that is soft on the inside and slightly charred on the outside”.  Along with its two other locations in New York City, Marinara has restaurants in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, and Manila. Motorino serves up a lunch special, as well as dinner and weekend brunch. Try one of their salads (shaved fennel or octopus), whole pizza pies (white, red, and vegan; choice of toppings include meatballs, soppressata, and brussels sprouts), reasonable wines by the glass, and delectable desserts. There is indoor and outdoor seating, as well as delivery, and pizza to go. You might even be inclined to book one of their pizza-making parties.  Located at 510 Columbus Ave. (between 84th & 85th Streets) 917.675.7581