Brooklyn: A Pizza Story

Apr 8

If you are pizza lover, it's impossible to ignore the deep and rich history that Brooklyn has with pizza. The borough has played a critical role in shaping pizza culture in New York City and beyond. The pizza scene in Brooklyn is as diverse and eclectic as the borough itself, with pizzerias that cater to every taste and preference. In this article, we'll explore the history of pizza in Brooklyn, its cultural significance, and some of the best pizza spots in the borough.

Origins of Pizza in NYC

Pizza first arrived in the United States in the late 1800s with Italian immigrants, and it quickly gained popularity in New York City. Lombardi's, located in Manhattan, is widely considered to be the first pizzeria in the United States, having opened in 1905. However, it wasn't long before Brooklyn emerged as a pizza powerhouse in its own right. Today, Brooklyn produces some of the best pizza in the country with spots that rival Manhattan’s best.

One of the earliest and most influential pizzerias in Brooklyn was Totonno's, which opened in Coney Island in 1924. Totonno's is still operating today and is widely regarded as one of the best pizza spots in Brooklyn. The pizzeria's coal-fired oven gives its pies a unique flavor and texture, and its thin crust and fresh ingredients are a testament to the simplicity of classic Neapolitan pizza.

*The historic Tottono’s of Coney Island*

Brooklyn’s Iconic Pizzerias

Another iconic Brooklyn pizzeria is Di Fara, which opened in Midwood in 1965. The pizzeria is known for its slow-cooked sauce, homemade mozzarella, and toppings like spicy soppressata and fresh basil. The pizza at Di Fara is notoriously expensive and the shop often has long lines, but it's worth the wait for a taste of one of Brooklyn's most beloved pies.

One of the more recent additions to the Brooklyn pizza scene is Lucali, which opened in Carroll Gardens in 2006. Despite its relative youth, Lucali has quickly become one of the most popular pizzerias in Brooklyn, known for its thin crust, fresh toppings, and minimalist decor. The pizzeria only offers a few different types of pies, but they're all made to perfection and cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Baked into the Borough

Brooklyn's pizza scene is more than just a collection of individual pizzerias, however. It's an essential part of the borough's culture and identity. Pizza is a unifying force in Brooklyn, bringing together people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Whether it's a casual slice joint or a fancy sit-down restaurant, pizza is a staple of Brooklyn cuisine and a symbol of the borough's diversity and resilience.

Brooklyn's pizza history is as rich and diverse as the borough itself. From Totonno's to Di Fara to Lucali, Brooklyn has some of the best pizzerias in the world. But more than that, pizza is a fundamental part of Brooklyn culture, connecting people from all walks of life over a shared love of delicious, cheesy, saucy pies.

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