The Best New York-Style Pizza in Boston

By Emily Millian
03/27/2023
Regina Pizzeria | Credit: Brian Samuels Photography

Yes, we know, this is Boston. But when it comes to pizza, there’s something about New York-style slices that transcends any rivalry. Thin and crispy crust, the way the sauce meets the cheese just right, and of course, foldability—this style is classic for good reason. When you’re craving a slice and far from the Bronx, check out these spots slinging New York-style pizza.

Union Park Pizza

The Food Lens Blogger Molly Ford -in photo: pizza from Union Park Pizza
The Food Lens Blogger Molly Ford -in photo: pizza from Union Park Pizza

Union Park Pizza is a must-visit to satisfy that craving for a big New York-style slice. Choose from hot-and-ready slices in rotating flavor combinations, a 10-inch individual pizza, or shareable 16-inch pies. We love The Standard, topped with garlic-infused olive oil, house-made tomato sauce, and a duo of aged cheeses (parm and mozz). Union Park Pizza recently moved to Newbury Street, crossing over Boylston from its original South End location.

Credit: Brian Samuels Photography

For most, a trip to East Boston means heading to Logan Airport. For us, it means a visit to Santarpio’s. These thick-crusted cheesy pies defy easy categorization, but they have the foldability and tempting topping combos of New York-style pizza. All but The Works (piled with onions, peppers, garlic, sausage, pepperoni, extra cheese, and anchovies) run less than $20, but this enduring Eastie establishment is beloved even beyond the value. It’s nostalgic and consistent, with endearingly salty service and great food.

Dragon Pizza

Dragon Pizza | The Best Restaurants in Davis Square
Credit: Chris McIntosh

This Davis Square spot is your classic neighborhood slice shop—and more. Serving NY-style pizza, Dragon Pizza has a full bar and a cool, retro music theme. (Be sure to peep the wine, beer, and amaro lists—all of which are impressive.) Don’t expect bar pizza, however: These pies are crispy, foldable, and topped with original ideas like chili-maple syrup on the Maple Bacon Cheddar or Sichuan-style braised Kung Pao Chicken. Pizzas are available whole or by the slice, which is a nice option, especially around lunchtime. 

Florina Pizza

Credit: Chris McIntosh

Don’t be fooled by the small space in Beacon Hill: This pizza joint looms large. Florina Pizzeria & Paninoteca gives all the classic pizza-shop vibes, complete with New York-style thin-crust and big (and we mean big) foldable slices: Whole pizzas are an extra-large 16 inches, and slices comprise a full quarter. Cheese pizza, ’roni, and a slice of the day are always available—so can you see why this shop is in our regular rotation? Florina’s deals mainly in takeout and third-party app delivery, but it has a few seats inside including some prime real estate along windows overlooking the bustling State House area.

Pizzeria Regina

Credit: Brian Samuels Photography

It might surprise you that a nearly century-old Massachusetts institution is on our best of NY-style pizza list, but Regina Pizzeria built its empire on brick oven pizza balanced with ooey-gooey mozzarella and wonderfully acidic red sauce. Whether we’re at the original North End locale ( our fave!) or at outposts from the South Shore to Burlington, we love the Meatball Pomodoro Fresco and the white St. Anthony’s pie topped with sausage, roasted peppers, and garlic sauce. 

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