About East Village Pizza
I arrived in New York on January 2, 1997. I had almost no money and almost no English.
The next day I found a job at a pizza place on 1st Avenue called East Village Pizza. I worked whatever they needed — deliveries, dishes, whatever. Six months later they fired me.
I kept going. I got a job at another pizzeria in the East Village and learned how to actually make pizza. Then I went to a Domino's on Long Island and they made me store manager in eight months. That's where I learned how to run a business — inventory, labor, marketing, how a kitchen actually operates.
By 2003, I heard the original owners of East Village Pizza were selling. I borrowed money from my aunt in Turkey. I bought the place with my brother and a business partner.
I came in the next day and changed everything.
- Frank Kabatas, Owner of the East Village Pizza
A True New York Pizza Experience
Every ingredient is made or sourced fresh. The dough proofs for 72 hours before it goes anywhere near the oven. The Baker's Pride gas oven I bought in 2003 is still running — I'm not replacing it. The heat, the timing, the way the crust finishes — you don't get that from newer equipment.
I don't put more than three toppings on a pizza. When you stack four or five, you stop tasting the dough. The dough took 72 hours. It deserves to be tasted.
I've been making pizza this way for over 20 years. The process hasn't changed. The execution keeps getting better.
At East Village Pizza, we’ve been serving authentic New York style pizza in Manhattan for over 25 years. Located in the heart of the East Village, our shop has become a go-to destination for locals and visitors searching for the best pizza in NYC.
Founded by owner Frank Kabatas, East Village Pizza was built on a simple idea: great pizza comes from quality ingredients, consistency, and experience. With decades in the pizza industry, Frank and the team focus on perfecting every detail—from dough preparation and fermentation to sauce balance and oven temperature.
New York style pizza is more than just food—it’s part of the city’s culture. At East Village Pizza, we stay true to that tradition with:
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Thin, crispy, foldable crust
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Freshly made dough prepared daily
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High-quality mozzarella and ingredients
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Balanced tomato sauce with rich flavor
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Classic and specialty slices served all day
Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or ordering a whole pie, every pizza is made with the same care and attention.
More Than Just Pizza
While we’re known for some of the best pizza in Manhattan, our menu goes beyond the classics. Customers love our:
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Signature heart shaped pizzas for special occasions
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Double stacked pizza, a unique NYC specialty
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Sicilian square pizza with thick, airy crust
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Calzones, mozzarella rolls, and garlic knots
We combine traditional recipes with creative options, giving everyone something to enjoy.
Serving East Village & Beyond
Conveniently located near Union Square, Astor Place, and Washington Square Park, East Village Pizza is a favorite for:
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Local residents
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NYU students
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Tourists exploring Manhattan
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Late-night pizza lovers
If you’re searching for “best pizza near me” in NYC, chances are you’ll find us at the top for a reason.
The Recognition
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Dave Portnoy One Bite Score: 8.0
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Selected for the One Bite Pizza Festival at Randall's Island, September 2025
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Manhattan's Best Pizza - Good Day New York Best of the Boroughs, May 2024
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Featured by NBC New York, Food Network NYC Wine & Food Festival 2025
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2 million Instagram followers — organic, since 2012