Unearth The Voyage
Staten Island has quietly become one of New York City’s best-kept pizza secrets. From coal-fired crusts to ultra-thin bar pies, the borough offers an incredible variety that rivals any neighborhood in the city. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these pizza spots will show you why Staten Island deserves serious respect in the pizza world.
1. Mona Lisa Pizzeria
Fresh dough made every morning sets the stage for something special at this neighborhood favorite. The classic cheese pie earns rave reviews for its perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crust.
But the real showstopper is the Gold Medal pie, drizzled with mushroom cognac cream sauce and truffle oil that creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Many regulars order the half-white, half-regular combination to enjoy two styles in one meal.
After polishing off your pizza, the Cannoli in a Cup offers a sweet finish that locals swear by. The homemade approach to everything on the menu means quality you can taste in every bite.
2. Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern
Since opening decades ago, this tavern has built a reputation that extends far beyond Staten Island. The thin-crust margarita pies come out bubbling hot with fresh mozzarella and bright tomato sauce.
Order the M.O.R. if you want to experience what keeps people coming back for generations. Meatball, onion, and ricotta combine in ways that sound simple but taste extraordinary.
The fried calamari is crispy perfection, making it hard to choose between starting with an appetizer or going straight for pizza. The casual, no-frills vibe means you can bring the whole family without worrying about dress codes or fancy table manners.
3. Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Operating since 1960 means this place has had plenty of time to perfect its craft. The crust here is so thin and crunchy that each bite delivers a satisfying snap.
The Royal pizza piles on sausage, meatballs, pepperoni, and mushrooms in generous portions that never overwhelm the delicate crust. Watch how the sausage curls up into crispy little bowls that trap all the flavorful juices.
Even a simple pepperoni slice shines here because the quality ingredients speak for themselves. Generations of families have made this a tradition, and one taste explains why the legacy continues strong today.
4. Lee’s Tavern
Bar-style pizza reaches new heights at this beloved tavern that critics and locals agree is something special. The ultra-thin crust gets perfectly crispy without ever turning dry or brittle.
Clam pie enthusiasts consider this version among the finest in all of New York City. Garlic, herbs, and tender clams combine on a white sauce base that lets each ingredient shine through.
The casual tavern atmosphere means you can enjoy a cold drink alongside your pizza without any pretense. Simple surroundings let the food do all the talking, and what it says is pretty impressive.
5. Goodfella’s Brick Oven Pizza
National recognition doesn’t come easy in the competitive pizza world, but this spot has earned it through consistently outstanding pies. The brick oven creates a distinctive char and texture that gas ovens simply cannot replicate.
Their vodka sauce pizza has become legendary, with a creamy pink sauce that balances richness and brightness perfectly. Wood-fired classics bring pizza lovers from all five boroughs and beyond.
The inventive specialties show that tradition and creativity can coexist beautifully. Whether you stick with a classic margherita or try something adventurous, quality remains the constant that defines every pie.
6. Ungaro Coal Fired Pizza Cafe
Coal-fired ovens produce heat that creates something truly unique on a pizza crust. The perfectly charred edges and smoky flavor transport you to old-world pizzerias where this method originated.
Fans travel from across the city specifically for these pies, claiming they rank among New York’s absolute best. The intense heat creates those signature leopard spots and a crispy-yet-chewy texture that feels almost impossible to achieve.
Every bite carries subtle smokiness that enhances rather than overpowers the fresh toppings. The cafe atmosphere provides a comfortable setting where the star of the show is always the pizza coming out of that coal-fired oven.
7. Mimmo’s Brick Oven Pizza & Trattoria
Authentic Italian-style pizza means paying attention to details that many places overlook. The brick oven here imparts a signature texture that immediately tells you this is the real deal.
Families feel welcome the moment they walk through the door, with warm hospitality that matches the quality of the food. Kids and adults alike appreciate the generous toppings and perfectly balanced flavors.
The trattoria atmosphere creates a dining experience that goes beyond just grabbing a quick slice. Each pizza emerges from the brick oven with a beautiful golden-brown crust that looks as good as it tastes, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
8. Reggiano’s Brick Oven Pizza & Cafe
Cracker-thin crusts require skill and precision that not every pizzeria can master. Here, the delicate base provides the perfect canvas for creative topping combinations.
The arugula-sausage pizza showcases San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella in ways that highlight each ingredient’s unique qualities. Peppery arugula balances the rich sausage, while the tomatoes add brightness.
Creative pies demonstrate that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. The cafe setting offers a relaxed environment where you can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each carefully constructed pizza, proving that thin doesn’t mean lacking in flavor or satisfaction.
9. Brother’s Pizzeria
Sicilian squares occupy a special place in Staten Island pizza culture, and this spot delivers them beautifully. The thick, fluffy crust supports generous amounts of cheese and sauce without getting soggy.
Classic thin-crust options provide variety for those who prefer a different style. Loyal locals have been coming here for years, often ordering both styles to satisfy different cravings in one visit.
The perennial favorite status comes from consistency and quality that never wavers. Whether you grab a quick slice or order a whole pie for the family, the dedication to doing pizza right shines through in every bite.
10. Panini Grill
A wide-ranging menu means everyone in your group can find something to love. Pizza with premium toppings shares menu space with hearty Italian dishes that satisfy any appetite.
The relaxed, full-service setting makes this an ideal spot for a leisurely meal where you’re not rushed. Quality ingredients elevate familiar dishes into something memorable.
Premium toppings might cost a bit more, but the difference in taste justifies every penny. The variety ensures that even picky eaters will find options that make them happy, while adventurous diners can explore different flavor combinations across multiple visits.
11. Tony’s Brick Oven
Brick-oven crust draws devoted regulars who wouldn’t dream of getting their pizza anywhere else. The cooking method creates texture and flavor that gas ovens struggle to match.
Italian entrees complement the pizza menu, making this a destination for full Italian meals. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza or pasta, the quality remains consistently high.
Devoted regulars often have their usual orders, but the menu rewards exploration with excellent execution across the board. The major draw remains that brick-oven crust that achieves the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior, keeping people coming back week after week.
12. Jimmy Max
An informal atmosphere makes families with kids feel completely at ease. The menu sticks to familiar pizzas and comfort food that children actually want to eat.
Pizza-making classes for kids turn dinner into an educational experience that creates lasting memories. Young chefs learn the basics while having fun, and then get to enjoy their creations.
Popular with families means you won’t worry about noise or mess the way you might at fancier establishments. The focus on making everyone comfortable, especially the youngest diners, creates a welcoming environment where pizza night becomes a genuine family adventure rather than just another meal.
13. Nonna’s Pizza in Great Kills
Charred crusts deliver flavor that lighter baking simply cannot achieve. The slight bitterness of the char contrasts beautifully with sweet tomato sauce and creamy cheese.
Clam pizza here ranks among the borough’s finest, with tender clams distributed generously across a garlicky white pie. But the real conversation starter is the upside-down pie.
Cheese goes on first, then sauce on top, creating a completely different eating experience. Specialty slices showcase creativity while respecting pizza traditions. The Great Kills location serves a neighborhood that takes its pizza seriously, and this spot consistently delivers what locals demand.
14. Campania
Delicious signature pies pair perfectly with a lively atmosphere that makes dining feel like an event. Energy fills the room as servers deliver beautiful pizzas to excited diners.
Those seeking both taste and ambience find exactly what they’re looking for here. The environment enhances the food rather than distracting from it.
Signature pies showcase creative combinations that work surprisingly well together. The go-to status for many Staten Islanders speaks to consistency in both food quality and dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to enjoy great pizza in a fun setting, this spot delivers on all fronts.
15. Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café
Traditional pizzas coexist peacefully with innovative creations on a menu that respects both approaches. The brick oven ensures that whatever style you choose gets cooked to perfection.
Consistently good reviews for crust and toppings reflect attention to detail at every step. Fresh ingredients and proper technique combine to create pizzas that satisfy traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
The cafe setting provides a comfortable spot to enjoy pizza without formality or fuss. Whether you order a classic margherita or try something more creative, the quality remains constant, proving that you don’t need to sacrifice tradition to embrace innovation in the pizza world.
