New York City is home to five boroughs: Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Each borough has a personality of its own, and pizza is no exception.
When it comes to the famous New York-style pizza, the neighborhoods capitalize on the chance to customize the notoriously thin-crusted, massive slices.
I went to a popular pizzeria in each borough to put the slices to the test and answer the ultimate question: Which borough has the best pizza?
QUEENS: Nick’s Pizza
My pizza adventure began in Queens at Nick’s Pizza. Nick’s Pizza has been hailed as a top choice by the New York Times, which praised its “beautifully thin and crisp” crust.
The location is a bit far from Manhattan, almost an hour by train, but the peaceful restaurant and polite staff made it worth it.
I asked for a simple, small, pepperoni pizza and was presented with a delicious looking pie within minutes. Sprinkled with cracked pepper and fresh bay leaves, the thin crust was just the right balance with the hefty tomato flavors from the sauce and the thick mozzarella cheese in the center.
The atmosphere was quaint and comfortable. Families have been dining here for over 20 years.
MANHATTAN: Artichoke Basille Pizza
Next, we went to the Manhattan pizzeria that's been making waves since 2008. Artichoke Basille Pizza is known for its creamy, soup-like pizza.
Lines stretch from the counter to the door for the artichoke slice as well as other delectable pies. Artichoke Basille Pizza has been featured by numerous media.
Every pizza is made and baked right in front of the customers. If someone only orders a slice, that slice is then warmed up in the stone oven before serving to ensure everyone is satisfied.
The pizza is smothered in cheese, spinach and artichoke. The pizza oozes and drips everywhere while eating it but the taste is well worth the mess.
THE BRONX: Coals
Coals is a favorite of the Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr. I was excited to see what it was about.
The bar had a large assortment of drinks and appeared to be a favorite place to mingle with others. The restaurant itself was dimly lit. The staff was friendly, polite and quick despite the full restaurant.
The "Dean Martin" pizza was very similar to a classic pepperoni but with large pockets of tomato sauce, massive pepperonis and a crust so thin that it was as flexible as paper.
BROOKLYN: ROBERTA'S
Following up Coals and its sophisticated atmosphere, I traveled to Brooklyn to try Roberta's. Roberta's had been recommended to me by many people on numerous occasions, so I had high expectations going in.
The aesthetic of Roberta’s was most impressive. It matched the artistic personality of Brooklyn while also allowing the customer to be front and center with the pizza cooks as they tossed, topped and cooked the pizzas in the wood-burning stove.
A hipster favorite, Roberta’s even sold its own merchandise so customers can rock the pizzeria anywhere.
I ordered ‘The White Guy,’ a delicate balance of mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, olive oil and sea salt. The wait was around a half hour as the small restaurant was packed. The garlic on the pizza rang true and strong compared to the rest of the flavors but overall, the pizza did not disappoint.
STATEN ISLAND: Joe & Pat's
This restaurant is a local favorite because of its welcoming staff, open dining space and diverse menu - serving everything from snacks to whole pizzas.
There are two dining areas but I found the back room had the most uplifting vibe. I was served bread before my pizza and the waiters attended every customer quickly.
I ordered the Sicilian-style, cheese pizza and was not disappointed. The crust was flavorful, doughy and smothered in fresh tomato sauce. The hype around this place is well-earned. So who won the challenge?
THE WINNER: Queens, Nick's Pizza
Queens is the place to go. Nick's Pizza had the most flavorful slices that left me counting down the days until I can go back.