It’s an age-old debate: Does New York really have the best pizza in the world? As someone who has tasted pizza from various corners of the globe, I often find myself pulled into this conversation. Recently, I polled a few of my friends about their thoughts, and the responses were as varied as the pizza styles we discussed.

The New York Loyalist
My friend Sarah, a Brooklyn native, is adamant that New York pizza is unbeatable. According to her, it’s all about the water. “The dough just hits different in New York,” she insists. For her, the perfect balance of a thin, crispy crust with the right amount of chew is something you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, the sheer convenience of grabbing a slice on any corner, whether it’s a $1 slice or gourmet, cements it as the best in her book.

The Neapolitan Purist
On the other side of the spectrum, there’s Luca, my friend from Naples. We were in Milan once, enjoying some incredible pizza, and when the topic of the “best pizza” came up, he laughed and said, “Everyone prefers their own version.” For him, pizza is not just food but a tradition. The simplicity of fresh San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and dough baked in a wood-fired oven is the essence of pizza. While he admits New York pizza is good, he believes it’s impossible to top a true Neapolitan pizza.

The California Dreamer
Meanwhile, Julie from San Francisco brings a whole different perspective to the table. She’s all about the creative spins on pizza – from sourdough crust to unexpected toppings like figs and arugula. “New York pizza is great, but pizza is evolving,” she told me. To her, the best pizza is about innovation and experimenting with local ingredients, which is why she swears by some of the gourmet spots on the West Coast.

Pizza Across the Pond
Even my friend Tom in London chimed in. He told me about his favorite pizza spot in Camden Town, where the dough is slow-fermented, and the toppings are British-inspired. His take? “It’s not about where you are; it’s about finding that one place that makes your perfect pie.” He doesn’t think New York has the best pizza but argues that every city has its standout spots.

So, What’s the Verdict?
Is New York pizza the best? It depends on what you value in your slice. Some argue it’s the perfect balance of affordability, convenience, and taste. Others swear by tradition, like in Italy, or by creative freedom in other regions. In the end, like Luca said, everyone just prefers their pizza. Maybe the search for the best pizza is less about finding a universal answer and more about finding your favorite slice.

For me personally, pizza is always a bit of a challenge since I have gluten sensitivity. That’s why I’ve adapted to follow the Mediterranean diet, and while I may not indulge in the classic New York slices as much as I’d like, I’ve found some fantastic gluten-free options while traveling. If you’re curious about how I maintain a balanced, gluten-free lifestyle on the road, check out this link to my favorite diet as a female traveler with gluten sensitivity.

What about you? Where do you think the best pizza is found?