Pizza in New York has a long-standing debate about who is the best. One thing’s for sure, the pizza that comes off the streets of New York and other nearby neighborhoods is where pizza got its big start. Pizza lovers are sure to find some places that will have some of the best pizzas in the world. So what is the difference between different pizzerias?

Lombardi’s Pizza was the first pizzeria in America when it was established in 1905. It took a few years for pizza to gain popularity. It wasn’t until after WWII that pizza became a household must-have. Because Lombardi’s was the first pizzeria, many would say that Gennaro is the father of pizza in America. It all started as a grocery store trying to sell something that was a quick lunch for all the busy people passing by. The first cakes were simply tomato cakes. Many of the Italians in the neighborhood would pick them up and take them to the workplace. Since they couldn’t always afford the whole cake, they only bought portions. It closed for about 10 years after the grandson ran it off for a while. It eventually reopened the doors and has been running ever since.

Grimaldi’s calls itself an institution. They also have charcoal brick ovens, giving it a unique smoky flavor and a crunchy crunch to the crust. This is the pizza place that Frank Sinatra would have sent him wherever he was performing across the country. Certainly to Las Vegas. Former New York City Mayor Guiliani would also get his pizza from Grimaldi’s. The fresh ingredients and cooking style make it high on many people’s list.

Totonno’s also began creating excellent pizzas in 1905. Anthony Totonno But says he is the first Master Pizziolas. He opened his first pizzeria in 1924 on Coney Island. Totonno’s is the oldest continuously operating pizzeria in the United States. The business has been passed down from generation to generation in the same family. They import artisan mozzarella cheese from Italy and the dough is made every day in each store. The first pizzeria was more informal and the family has opened shops in the city, they have become more exclusive.

Some of the celebrities of modern fame like to have a pizza at John’s Pizzeria, which is located on Bleecker Street. Jack Black, Vanilla Ice, and Regis Philbin have all posted their comments to give the pizza some elevated feedback. True to the local pizza tradition, they also have wood-fired ovens with the freshest ingredients. They have been open since 1929 and only sell pizza by the whole pie with cash. No slices is printed in bold across the exterior canopy.