Astoria, Queens, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and pizza reigns supreme. This isn't just any pizza; we're talking about New York-style pizza, with its thin crust, crisp edges, and flavorful sauce. This guide dives into the top 23 pizza places in Astoria, offering a diverse range of styles and tastes to satisfy every pizza lover. From classic Neapolitan to creative gourmet pies, Astoria has it all. Prepare for a delicious journey through Astoria's pizza paradise!
Finding Your Perfect Astoria Pizza Slice: A Guide to Styles
Before we jump into the list, let's briefly explore the different types of pizza you'll encounter in Astoria:
- New York Style: Thin crust, large slices, foldable, often with a slightly sweet tomato sauce. This is the quintessential Astoria pizza.
- Neapolitan: A lighter, more airy crust, often cooked in a wood-fired oven, with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
- Sicilian: Thick, rectangular crust, with a slightly softer texture and often topped with abundant ingredients.
- Grandma-style: A rectangular, thin crust pizza baked on a sheet pan, creating a slightly crispy bottom and chewy interior.
The Top 23 Pizza Places in Astoria, NYC
This list is carefully curated, blending local favorites with critical acclaim, considering factors like quality of ingredients, taste, consistency, and overall customer experience. This isn't ranked in order – each deserves its spot in Astoria’s pizza pantheon!
Classic New York Style:
- Sal & Carmine's Pizzeria: A long-standing Astoria institution, known for its classic New York slices and generous portions. They consistently deliver a high-quality product.
- Famous Famiglia: This spot is a local favorite for its consistently good pizza, friendly service, and affordable prices. It's a great example of a classic Astoria pizzeria.
- A&A Pizza: Another popular choice for classic New York slices, A&A provides a reliable and tasty experience.
- Enzo's Pizza: Simple, delicious, and consistently good, Enzo’s is perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.
Neapolitan and Gourmet Options:
- Grimaldi's Pizzeria (Astoria Location): While a chain, this Grimaldi’s location maintains the high standards of its Brooklyn counterpart, offering coal-fired Neapolitan pies.
- L&B Spumoni Gardens (Astoria Location): Another well-known chain, L&B's Sicilian-style pizza is a must-try. Their thick crust and flavorful toppings are legendary.
- Pizza Moto: Known for its creative and gourmet pizzas with interesting topping combinations and high-quality ingredients.
- Parea: This upscale restaurant offers Neapolitan-style pizzas made with top-notch ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
Unique and Quirky Spots:
- Patsy's Pizzeria: A family-run establishment known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious, traditional pizza.
- Omonia Restaurant: While primarily a Greek restaurant, Omonia serves surprisingly excellent pizzas.
- Arepazo: This Venezuelan restaurant provides a unique twist on pizza with their arepa-based flatbreads.
More Astoria Pizza Gems:
- Astoria Pizza: A solid neighborhood spot for a reliable, tasty pizza.
- The Original Pizza Place: True to its name, this place serves classic New York slices done well.
- Pizzaria Romana: Offers a more Roman-style pizza with a thin and crispy crust.
- Pizza Stop: A convenient and quick option for a late-night pizza craving.
Expanding your Astoria Pizza Experience:
- Broadway Pizza: A long-standing local favorite known for generous portions.
- Little Italy Pizza: This spot delivers on taste and is a good option for a casual dining experience.
- Joe's Pizza: A dependable place that provides standard slices and is a regular choice among the locals.
- Villaggio: Their unique, wood-fired pizzas provide a taste of Italian culinary expertise.
Beyond the Slice:
- Mykonos: This Greek restaurant offers a great selection of appetizers and sides to complement your pizza experience.
- Taverna Kyclades: Another option for Greek food to pair with your Astoria pizza adventure.
- La Boulangerie: This bakery might not be known for pizza, but their bread and pastries are amazing. Order a pizza from one of the locations above and enjoy your delicious meal!
- D’Amico’s: Though primarily known for their pasta, they deliver a great pizza that should be checked out.
Finding Your Astoria Pizza Adventure
This list represents just a fraction of the incredible pizza options Astoria offers. Explore, experiment, and find your personal favorites! Remember to check for hours of operation, online ordering options, and customer reviews before your next pizza quest in Astoria, NYC. Happy eating!