The 5 Best Cities For Pizza In The U.S. (PHOTOS)

There are two types of food in the world: Italian food and the rest. And pizza? It's so prevalent here in the U.S., and with so many local versions, that many of us make the mistake of thinking it's a local invention, along with the car (Germany), badminton (made by bored Brits in India), or turtle races (wait, that apparently is American).

But figuring out who makes the best pizza pie in the USA is a heated question, one that gets nerdy quick. Take a look at Lonely Planet's picks for best pizza in the country and join the debate below! Text and captions courtesy of Lonely Planet's Robert Reid.

 

Have a favorite city and/or place for pizza? Send us your pick!

5 Best Cities For Pizza

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New York

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Thin-crusted pies, sold as slices at greasier take-away stands or in sit-down pizzerias with brick ovens, is a legendary part of the New York experience. A lot of Manhattanites tout Joe’s in the West Village, John’s in the West Village or Midtown, Patsy’s uptown. Great, but not the best. You’ll find that in Brooklyn. Grimaldi’s, under Brooklyn Bridge, is a hit with tourists − and it’s good − as are the hole-in-the-wall Di Fara, Franny’s gourmet offering in Prospect Heights, and Totonno’s by Coney Island. But the best, for the moment, has to be Lucali’s in Carroll Gardens. Owner/chef Mark Iacono opened it up after testing pizzas for fun and neighbors starting asking about the mouth-watering smells. It’s a pocket-sized, candle-lit place with a handful of tables that are open for dinner only (lines form quick — you can wait hours, though you can call ahead to get on the list, as do Beyonce and Jay-Z often enough). There’s no alcohol license (bring in your own wine or beer) and nothing but a couple rotating pizzas and calzones. Very, very good ones.

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Thin-crusted pies, sold as slices at greasier take-away stands or in sit-down pizzerias with brick ovens, is a legendary part of the New York experience. A lot of Manhattanites tout Joe’s in the West Village, John’s in the West Village or Midtown, Patsy’s uptown. Great, but not the best. You’ll find that in Brooklyn.

Grimaldi’s, under Brooklyn Bridge, is a hit with tourists − and it’s good − as are the hole-in-the-wall Di Fara, Franny’s gourmet offering in Prospect Heights, and Totonno’s by Coney Island.

But the best, for the moment, has to be Lucali’s in Carroll Gardens. Owner/chef Mark Iacono opened it up after testing pizzas for fun and neighbors starting asking about the mouth-watering smells. It’s a pocket-sized, candle-lit place with a handful of tables that are open for dinner only (lines form quick — you can wait hours, though you can call ahead to get on the list, as do Beyonce and Jay-Z often enough). There’s no alcohol license (bring in your own wine or beer) and nothing but a couple rotating pizzas and calzones. Very, very good ones.

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Pizza

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Bland. Great!

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Comments

[Doc Wattson]

03:50 AM on 09/13/2010

New York #1 and the rest of the list doesn't really matter after that.

[ZenCrusader]

09:30 PM on 09/12/2010

TORONTO has more Italians than ANY other city in the world outside Italy. Lots of great Italian restaurants and pizza. Terroni pizza is just like they make in Naples - all ingredients are from Italy except fresh vegetables. Terroni in Toronto has the best pizza outside Italy.

[lightdata]

12:47 PM on 09/12/2010

What about Uno's Pizza that is one great deep dish pizza

[Mirabai305]

08:56 PM on 09/11/2010

I was just in Chicago a couple of weeks ago. Tried both Giordano's and Lou Malnati's. Malnati's blew Giordano right out of the water. Their crust is far superior.

[Kara Srnka]

04:03 AM on 09/11/2010

Portland, Oregon has the best pizza, hands down.
Hammy's (delivery 'til 4AM)
Pizzacato- Gourmet goodness
Dove Viva-handmade cornmeal crust
Stark Naked- for your greasy-as-can-be endeavors
Escape from New York-Small, greasy, New York style
Hotlips-more local goodness and vegan pies

I am just naming a few. There are so many awesome, locally owned pizza joints here, but nobody ever credits of Portland or it's greatness.

[VanTroi]

02:28 AM on 09/11/2010

This article made me very hungry

[dickdarwin]

10:59 PM on 09/10/2010

Also, why on earth is the image for the St. Louis style pizza a stack of Chicago deep dish crusts?
A quick google search. Seriously.

[dickdarwin]

10:56 PM on 09/10/2010

In St. Louis, Cecil Whittaker's DESTROYS Imo's. There is no debate.

[PelePele10]

01:07 PM on 09/10/2010

Pizza in NY is outta of control delicious. I really suffered when I moved to London. REALLY suffered.

[MetrointheWoods]

12:14 PM on 09/10/2010

Is that an egg on the California Pizza?

[desertdweller]

04:40 PM on 09/09/2010

Please do your homework. Providence, RI should be on the list. Caserta's Pizzeria in particular although there are several other world-class establishments in the city. Oooh-fa!

[jefke]

03:44 PM on 09/09/2010

How about Italy?

[PelePele10]

01:06 PM on 09/10/2010

Not a city...

[VanTroi]

02:29 AM on 09/11/2010

The 5 Best Cities For Pizza In The U.S

[whowhatwhywherewhen]

03:00 PM on 09/09/2010

I live in New Haven and laugh hysterically at the LONG lines to Pepes & Sallys...never tried Sally's, but if it's as bad as Pepes, I have no need.

Seriously folks...people wait for HOURS to get into these places and it is NOTHING spectacular.

There are much better pizza places in New Haven.

[Absolon]

02:26 PM on 09/09/2010

I'm an Uno's fan. Always will be. However, LaVera in Santa Rosa is incredible for a flat one.

[Candobetter212]

02:20 PM on 09/09/2010

I must find out if any of the New York restaurants deliver to California...ASAP!