Angelo’s Pizza: The Best Kept Secret in New York’s Pizza Scene
During a recent journey to New York City, I set out with one mission: to sample every top 10 pizza spot listed in Dave Portnoy’s One Bite app. The experience was everything a pizza lover dreams of, but one place stood out from the crowd—not for being the most famous, but for delivering the best pizza in town. While legends like John’s of Bleecker and Prince Street Pizza dominate conversations, there’s one hidden gem that deserves equal praise, if not more: Angelo’s Pizza.
Let’s be clear: New York City is packed with exceptional pizza joints, any of which could easily outshine most pizzerias anywhere else. But even in a city where quality is a given, Angelo’s delivered a pie that was simply unforgettable. In my opinion, the only way to judge a pizza place is by its plain pie. Angelo’s nailed it with a perfect combination of sauce, cheese, and crust that continues to make an impression.
The presentation itself is an art form. Angelo’s creates a visually satisfying swirl of sauce, topped with fresh basil that not only enhances the look but also elevates the flavor. It’s simple yet perfectly crafted, showcasing the pizza as both a culinary and visual masterpiece.
In my quest, I realized that New York pizza can be judged on four main criteria: sauce, cheese, crust, and cooking technique. Many famous spots shine in one or two of these categories but fall a little short on others. Angelo’s, however, mastered all four. The sauce was vibrant, tangy, and full of depth. The cheese was fresh and melted to perfection, adding just the right balance of creaminess without overpowering the sauce. The crust—airy and lightly charred from the oven—had that quintessential New York crunch with just a hint of chew, achieving what few places can.
For anyone heading to New York, you’re welcome to hit the usual tourist spots. But if you want the best pizza the city has to offer, make your way to Angelo’s Pizza. It’s a slice of New York that few are talking about yet, but everyone should be.
