6. Perhaps the best pizza in New York City, Di Fara Pizza, is located in Midwood
Located on Avenue J in Midwood, Di Fara Pizza is considered by many to be the best pizza in New York City. The restaurant was owned and operated by Domenico DeMarco, who passed away in 2022 after working nearly every day since 1965. DeMarco moved to the U.S. in 1959, and after spending a few months in Huntington, he moved to Brooklyn and later opened Di Fara with partner Farina. Over the years, DeMarco and his children perfected the recipe, using only imported ingredients from Italy such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, grana padano, extra-virgin olive oil, and many other types of cheese and meats. The restaurant has also grown its own oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. The pizzas are baked in an 800 °F oven and are topped with fresh basil cut with a pair of scissors.
With all these imported ingredients, regular slices cost $5 and square slices cost $6. Whole pies range from $30-$40 and range from the Di Fara Special with sausage, peppers, and mushroom to the Louisa Pizza with sun-dried roasted peppers and Kalamata olives. There is also a Staten Island location and a recently opened South Street Seaport post as well. Though the interior is currently closed off, it hosts about 15 seats inside. The pizza has received rave reviews over the years, including Bill de Blasio who declared it the best pizza in the city in 2013. Anthony Bourdain highly praised it, as did Zagats, Frommer’s, and mostly every newspaper.