10 New York style pizzerias that even Columbus style pizza purists should try
There’s three types of people in Columbus: those who prefer to grab a square of crispy Columbus style-pizza, and those who would rather fold their large, pliable, New York style pizza slice in half, eating it almost like a sandwich. And then, there’s those like myself, who would just take any pizza how they can get it.
While some claim that Columbus style pizza has roots tracing back to the Massucci family in the 1950’s (think Massey’s Pizza), New York style pizza originates all the way back to 1905 in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan. Italian immigrants were craving a “slice of home,” so they would create large, Naples style pizzas for the community, selling each slice for only five cents.
However, today’s NY style pizza is a little different compared to traditional Neapolitan pies. Each slice of NY pizza is thin, with a crispy crust, yet soft middle, so soft that you can fold it in half and eat it on the go. Usually, it’s topped with a thin layer of tomato sauce, another thin layer of cheese, and then a topping of your choice. The pockets of grease and olive oil add even more flavor.
Maybe you’re ready to expand your pizza taste outside of the Columbus region, but not ready to book that flight to NYC? No worries – we rounded up some pizzerias in Columbus that serve NY pies that are as close as you can get to being in New York yourself.
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Sarefino’s Pizzeria – 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Their website claims that, “Yes – this is the best New York-style pizza in Columbus! We hand toss every pizza and serve it pie-shaped by the slice daily. Favorites include pepperoni, cheese, and a mouthwatering veggie pizza with spinach, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.”
Brooklyn Pizza – 240 N Liberty St, Powell, OH 43065
This slice joint owner is from NY, NY, so you know it’s real. One review mentions, “If you want authentic NY style pizza, this is the place!” Another comment on Facebook says, “I am a native New Yorker, and it’s just about the closest in taste as the pizzas back home.”
Pizzeria New York – 7950 E Broad St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
This family-owned pizzeria also traces its roots back to NYC. “When I first arrived from Queens, NY I couldn’t find any authentic NY/East Coast Pizza so I brought my family recipes to the Columbus area. Our family recipe dates back to 1969 and is still strong in the Brooklyn/Queens neighborhood,” their website mentions.
East Coast Pizzeria – 5060 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
One Google review says, “This is by far the BEST pizza place in Columbus.”
Papa Giorgio’s – 5216 Bethel Center Mall, Columbus, OH 43220
“Every day we take 5 simple ingredients and create dough that is amazing. This tradition began in 1987 when Mario the Baker (Mario Scinicariello) taught his art of pizza making to our Dad. Papa Giorgio is the affectionate nickname we gave our father as kids growing up.”
Other NY style pizzerias to try:
Gatto’s – 3420 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214
Borgata – 2285 W Dublin Granville Rd #113, Worthington, OH 43085
Aracri Pizzeria – 51 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
Pizzano – 2460 Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
Joe and Mimi’s – 943 River Rd, Granville, OH 43023
Even if you’re devoted to Columbus style, it might be worthwhile to try to go out of your comfort zone and try one of these East Coast inspired joints. Let us know which is your favorite!
Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new June issue here!
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