This NYC Pizzeria Is Best In The State, New Ranking Says

NEW YORK CITY — The verdict is in: The state's top pizza pies have been ranked for 2025, and an iconic New York City joint has topped the state's chart.

The legendary L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, is the best pizza in New York, according to Food Network's 50 Best Pizza Slices By State 2025.

The ranking recognizes one pizzeria from each of the 50 states, and ranging in slice styles from the thin and crispy New York style to the deep-dish and square-cut varieties.

Though many entries on the list feature "New York style" pizza — one pizzeria in Virginia actually filters its water to match the flavor of New York City tap — New York's top slice doesn't actually match the archetype.

The "World Famous L&B Sicilian slice" from L&B Spumoni Gardens sets itself apart with an upside-down composition, where the cheese is sprinkled right on top of the dough, underneath the sweet tomato sauce, which is dusted with Parmesan flakes on top, Food Network's Sara Ventiera writes.

"When it’s pulled out the oven, the thick crust is lightly browned around the edges with a springy center," Ventiera writes.

L&B Spumoni Gardens, opened by Italian immigrant Ludovico Barbati in 1939, started as an ice cream shop specializing in spumoni, an Italian layered gelato-based dessert with nuts and fruits mixed in.

By the 1950s, the location grew into a full-fledged ice cream parlor, with a connected pizza joint as well as a red-sauce restaurant on site, all surrounding a courtyard with bright red tables.

"It’s certainly not your typical New York slice — but fans swear it’s better," Ventiera writes.

See all 50 top slices here.

L&B Spumoni Gardens is located at 2725 86th St., Brooklyn, NY, 11223.

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