
NY Pizza Suprema
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where authentic New York-style pizza reaches its purest expression, NY Pizza Suprema New York City stands as the city's most uncompromising pizzeria, serving the definitive plain cheese slice since 1964. Located steps from Madison Square Garden on bustling 8th Avenue, this family-run institution has elevated simplicity to an art form, becoming a pilgrimage destination for pizza purists worldwide.
Founded by Italian immigrant Salvatore Riggio, NY Pizza Suprema built its legendary reputation on an unwavering philosophy: "Do one thing and do it better than anyone else." For twenty-four years, Sal refused to sell anything but plain cheese slices by the piece, forcing customers seeking toppings to purchase entire pies. This radical commitment to perfection created a devoted following that understood the profound difference between good pizza and transcendent pizza. Today, third-generation owner Joe Riggio continues his father's legacy, maintaining the exacting standards that have made NY Pizza Suprema synonymous with New York City's finest pizza.
The cuisine centers on the sacred plain cheese slice—a masterpiece of balance featuring hand-stretched thin crust, perfectly seasoned San Marzano tomato sauce, and premium mozzarella that achieves the ideal cheese-to-sauce ratio. Every element receives meticulous attention: oregano imported exclusively from Greece, Italy, or Turkey; dough crafted daily using time-honored techniques; and sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. While the menu now includes the Suprema Special with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, plus options like the creamy White Pizza and seasonal Veggie Pizza, the plain slice remains the gold standard by which all others are measured.
The experience embodies old-school New York authenticity within a no-frills setting that prioritizes substance over style. Vintage memorabilia adorns the walls, including framed reviews and Sal's original motto, creating an atmosphere steeped in pizza history. The efficient, straightforward service reflects decades of feeding hungry New Yorkers and tourists streaming from nearby Penn Station. This isn't fine dining in the traditional sense—it's something rarer: absolute mastery of a singular craft, where each slice represents sixty years of refinement and dedication.
For the ultimate NY Pizza Suprema experience, arrive during off-peak hours to avoid the Madison Square Garden crowds and always order the plain cheese slice first—it's the truest expression of what makes this legendary pizzeria an essential New York City dining destination.
CHEF
Shinya Takamasu
ACCOLADES
