Traditional Neapolitan vs. Classic New York: Which pizza is better?

The classic slice of pizza is one of the few constants in New York City. From a post-workday treat to a hangover cure, pizza is a quick, easy, and essential bite. Many consider the cheesy, saucy triangle of goodness the soul food of New York. There are a lot of slices to choose from in the city. But, where is the best piece of pizza near The New School campus? By sampling two of the top contenders, Joe’s Pizza with their classic New York-style slice and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele with their much fancier yet traditional slice, we will determine where to find the best pizza in New York. 

Joe’s Pizza

Price: $4 slice, Location: 1435 Broadway, Times Square

First up was Joe’s Pizza in Times Square. Just a short train ride away, Joe’s is located at 1435 Broadway. The spot was first opened by none other than Joe Pozzuoli in 1975. It is regarded as a Greenwich Village Institution, serving visitors and locals for over 47 years. The line curved around the side of the shop, flooded with hungry tourists. After stepping inside the shop, the famous walls with photos of celebrities that had visited the shop definitely amped up the appeal. 

The crowd inside was just as hectic as the line on the way in, with employees yelling orders while clueless customers fled to grab their pizza. When it was finally my turn, I chose the classic slice of cheese pizza that was $4. The cheese was perfectly melted with an oily finish on the top. The thick and subtle sauce perfectly complemented the cheese. The crust was baked to perfection, not too crispy or chewy, and tied all the components together. Although it was simple, Joe’s Pizza counters the chaos of New York with pure comfort taken in the form of a slice. 

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

Price: $18 pie, Location: 2 Bank St, Greenwich Village

After indulging in the classic New York slice, I headed down to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele to take on the Naples pie. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a renowned Neapolitan pizzeria that opened its first New York location in December 2021, at 2 Bank St. in Greenwich Village. 

The original pizzeria first opened in 1870 in Naples, Italy. Using century-old recipes and techniques, L’Antica creates a saucy, spice-fueled, crisp taste with every bite. The restaurant has a classy and modern feel. The high ceilings, mood lighting, gray cushioned seats, and full bar built an ambiance that raised the expectations for the food. Like Joe’s Pizza, there’s a wait at the door to get in and every table was taken. I ended up ordering the Marinara, which was $18, a more high-end experience compared to Joe’s. It was a plain pie with tomato sauce, thinly sliced garlic, basil, and oregano. The pie was fresh out of the oven, allowing the aroma of spices to consume the space. Sauce coated the entire pizza, soaking into the crust to create a chewy sensation with each bite. The spices, sauce, and crust were a beautiful combination that created a memorable taste. While not as simplistic as a slice of cheese pizza at Joe’s, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele provided a unique experience with a crossover between true Italian cuisine and New York City culture. 

Results:

Joe’s Pizza and L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele were both equally fun experiences, but there was one clear winner: the New York slice. As Andrew Steinthal at The Infatuation explained, “Joe’s isn’t ‘famous’ for their coal burning oven or fresh, imported ingredients. They’re famous for their no-frills, crave-worthy slices.” Although the Naples pizzeria delivered complex and distinctive flavors, there is nothing like a classic slice at Joe’s Pizza.

People are coming to New York for New York. The city is chaotic, fast-paced, and sometimes frightening. But, it’s also simple; it’s a place where people come to find where they belong. Joe’s embodies the energy of New York, with flavors that overwhelm you just enough to comfort you.