Let's be honest, everyone claims to know where to find the best pizza in Staten Island. But after living here 15 years and eating my weight in slices weekly, I've learned most "best pizza" lists are recycled nonsense. You know what I'm talking about - those generic rankings that just copy Yelp reviews. Not helpful when you're actually hungry.
I remember my first month in Staten Island, wandering into random pizzerias hoping to find that perfect slice. Some were downright disappointing - like that place near the ferry with the cardboard-like crust (won't name names, but locals know). That's why I'm doing this deep dive. No fluff, no sponsored placements, just real talk about where you'll actually find amazing pizza on this island.
Here's what matters when we talk Staten Island pizza: That perfect foldable crust with just enough char. Sauce that tastes like actual tomatoes, not sugar water. Cheese that pulls without turning rubbery. And that intangible "wow" factor when you bite in. Some places nail it, others... well, let's just say I've had better frozen pizza.
Full disclosure: I paid for every slice mentioned here. No freebies, no special treatment. That time at Denino's? Waited 45 minutes on a Tuesday like everyone else. Totally worth it, by the way.
Breaking Down the Best Pizza Spots in Staten Island
Look, pizza preference is personal. My neighbor swears by thin crust while my sister would bathe in deep dish if she could. So I'm breaking this down by style, because one-size-fits-all recommendations are useless. Here's what you need to know before we dive in:
The Thin Crust Masters
Denino's Pizzeria & Tavern
538 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302
Hours: Sun-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-11PM
Price Range: $18-$25 for 16" pie
The OG. Opened in 1937, these folks invented Staten Island pizza culture. Their brick oven produces a crust so perfectly thin and crispy you'll wonder why other places bother. I always get the classic Margherita - simple ingredients done right. Sauce has that bright acidity I love. Only downside? Tourist crowds can be brutal on weekends. Go Tuesday at 3PM like I do.
"Their clam pizza? Game changer. Never knew seafood belonged on pizza till I tried it here." - Mike, regular since 1998
Joe & Pat's
1758 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10314
Hours: 11:30AM-10PM daily (closed Tuesdays)
Price Range: $20-$28 for 18" pie
Okay, controversial opinion time: I think Joe & Pat's vodka sauce pie is overrated. There, I said it. But their regular thin crust? Perfection. The crust has these beautiful leopard spots from the coal oven. Cheese-to-sauce ratio is scientific precision. Grab a table outside in summer - best people-watching on Victory Boulevard. Cash only though, so hit the ATM first.
Sicilian Squares Worth the Calories
Lee's Tavern
60 Hancock St, Staten Island, NY 10305
Hours: 4PM-11PM daily (bar open later)
Price Range: $22 for 16-square Sicilian
This place looks like someone's grandma's basement - wood paneling, dim lighting, zero pretension. Their thick Sicilian slices? Absolute magic. Crust is pillowy yet crispy underneath. They use low-moisture mozzarella that doesn't make the base soggy. I skip dinner and just get two squares with extra garlic. Warning: Bring breath mints. Seriously.
Top Contenders Beyond the Usual Suspects
| Pizzeria | Address | Must-Try Pizza | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother's Pizza | 589 Forest Ave, SI | Grandma Pie (square thin crust) | $19-$26 | Late-night cravings (open till 4AM Fri/Sat) |
| Pier 76 | 76 Richmond Terr, SI | Waterfront Special (white pie with clams) | $24-$32 | Date night with harbor views |
| Ralph's Italian Ices & Pizza | 501 Port Richmond Ave, SI | Slice + Italian Ice combo | $4.50/slice + $3.50 ice | Summer afternoons (cash only) |
| Project Brutus | 379 Forest Ave, SI | Honey Chili Pepper slice | $4/slice | Foodies seeking gourmet twists |
Local Secret: Most spots offer "sheet pizzas" for parties. Order 24 hours ahead at Denino's or Brother's for 20% discount. School team fundraiser? They'll usually throw in free garlic knots.
What Makes Staten Island Pizza Different?
You ever notice how Staten Island pizza has its own personality? After eating at 63 pizzerias (yes, I counted), here's what stands out:
The Water Theory - Old-timers swear our tap water makes better dough. I used to roll my eyes till I tried replicating Denino's crust with Brooklyn water. Didn't work. Something's in our pipes.
Coal vs. Gas Ovens - Places like Joe & Pat's still use original coal ovens. Gives that distinct char. Modern gas ovens (like at Brother's) cook faster but lack that smoky depth. Personal preference really.
The "Staten Island Fold" - Our slices are engineered to fold without flopping. Sauce viscosity and cheese melt point matter. That floppy Manhattan nonsense? Won't find it here.
Your Staten Island Pizza Questions Answered
Which Staten Island pizzeria has the best gluten-free options?
Honestly? Most old-school spots don't do GF well. Try Nucci's (1600 Hylan Blvd) - they use separate ovens. Or Slice Cafe (558 Forest Ave) for cauliflower crust that doesn't taste like sadness.
Where's good for large group orders?
Brother's handles big orders like champs. Ordered 15 pies for my nephew's baptism last month - arrived hot, on time, no mess-ups. Denino's requires 48-hour notice for 10+ pies.
What's the average wait at top places?
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min. Friday dinner? Arm yourself with patience:
- Denino's: 40-60 minute waits
- Joe & Pat's: 30-45 minutes (call-ahead helps)
- Lee's: Usually under 20 min (shhh!)
Can I find late-night pizza in Staten Island?
Brother's (Forest Ave) is my go-to after concerts - open till 4AM Friday/Saturday. Ralph's serves slices till 11PM. Avoid 24-hour chains unless you enjoy disappointment pizza.
My Delivery Disaster: Tried getting Denino's delivered once. Big mistake. Pizza arrived lukewarm and soggy. Some pies just don't travel. Eat in or pick up - trust me.
Price Comparison: What You'll Really Pay
Forget those "under $20" claims. Here's real 2024 pricing:
| Pizzeria | 18" Cheese Pie | Specialty Pie | Slice + Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denino's | $23.50 | $28 (Clam) | $6.25 |
| Joe & Pat's | $24 | $30 (Vodka) | $6.75 |
| Lee's Tavern | $22 (Sicilian) | N/A | $5.50/square |
| Brother's | $20.75 | $25 (Grandma) | $5.25 |
See why I prefer slices? More variety, less commitment. Plus you avoid the "day-old pizza" dilemma.
Beyond Cheese: Specialty Pies Worth Trying
If you're going beyond plain slices (and you should), these are knockout:
The "Burnt Ends" at Project Brutus - Brisket, pickled onions, and BBQ sauce on pizza? Sounds weird, tastes incredible. Messy though - bring extra napkins.
White Clam at Denino's - Fresh clams, garlic, oregano, no cheese. Sounds minimalist but the flavors explode. My go-to when feeling fancy.
Vodka Rigatoni Pizza at Enoteca Maria (27 Hyatt St) - Yes, pasta ON pizza. Carb-lover's dream. Only on weekend menus.
Final Slice: My Personal Rankings
After countless pepperoni-induced naps, here's where I stand:
- Denino's - The blueprint. Consistent excellence since FDR was president.
- Lee's Tavern - That Sicilian haunts my dreams. Worth the calories.
- Joe & Pat's - Ignore the hype, just enjoy perfect thin crust.
- Brother's - The people's champ. Always solid, always open.
- Ralph's - Best cheap slice + Italian ice combo on earth.
Most Overrated? Sorry, but Nunzio's. Went last month - crust was undercooked, sauce too sweet. Maybe an off night? But when Denino's is two blocks away... why risk it?
At the end of the day, finding the best pizza in Staten Island depends on your mood. Jet-lagged and need comfort food at 2AM? Brother's won't judge. Anniversary dinner with harbor views? Pier 76 delivers (the ambiance, not the pizza - seriously, don't get it delivered).
The real magic? None of these "best pizza Staten Island" spots cost more than $30 for a pie that feeds four. In today's crazy world, that's a miracle worth celebrating. With extra pepperoni.