Best Hidden Gems Pizza Restaurants in Washington Heights (North)
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Pizza Heights
Brick-oven Neapolitan pies with Italian ingredients in a café-style space.
Notable Picks
8.4
Pizza Heights is a Neapolitan-focused spot in Washington Heights using imported Italian ingredients and a brick oven for blistered, soft-centered pies. Locals treat it as the neighborhood's upgrade from corner slices, with proper Margheritas, focaccia-style Roman pizza, and Italian desserts in a café-like room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Focaccia Roman-Style Flat Pizza
What Makes it Special: Brick-oven Neapolitan pies with Italian ingredients in a café-style space.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Charlie's Pizza is a long-running, family-owned pizzeria on St. Nicholas Avenue that’s been serving the neighborhood since the mid-1990s. Locals come with kids for classic pies, garlic knots, and friendly counter service that feels more like a community living room than a chain slice shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: A family-run Heights staple where simple pies and warm service anchor weeknight dinners.
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Exclusive Pizza is a narrow counter on 181st better known to locals through delivery apps than signage, focusing on value-priced pies, slices, and garlic knots. It hits the sweet spot for late homework nights and low-key hangouts when you want something hot, cheap, and close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Garlic Knots
What Makes it Special: Delivery-first 181st Street slice shop with sharp pricing and long hours.