When it comes to iconic foods, few things capture the essence of New York City like its legendary pizza. At the heart of every authentic slice lies the soul of it all — the crust. But what makes the crust so special? Why does it stand out compared to other pizza styles? What is New York style pizza crust?

At Mario’s Pizza, we are proud to say we offer authentic NY-style pizza. Our owners hail from Brooklyn so we know first-hand what this pizza entails!

This post dives into what defines New York style pizza crust, its ingredients, techniques, and more. Ready to learn all about this famous pizza style?

Four Features That Define New York Style Pizza

If you’ve had a slice of New York style pizza, you know it’s more than just food. In fact, it’s truly a cultural experience. One bite of the thin crust and that perfect balance of flavors hits you right away.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Thin and foldable. The base of a NY-style pizza is remarkably thin, making it easy to fold and eat on the go. Despite its thinness, it’s sturdy enough to hold an abundance of toppings without sagging.
  • Chewy texture. Unlike crispier styles, NY crust achieves just the right amount of chew thanks to its unique flour and kneading techniques.
  • Slightly charred, golden crust. Authentic New York pizzas are baked in super-hot ovens, frequently using a stone deck. This results in a crust with a beautiful golden hue and occasional charred bubbles.
  • Subtle flavor. The crust has a mild yet slightly tangy flavor. This is likely due to the fermentation process. The process involves letting the dough rest for a day or two to develop its unique taste.

These characteristics, combined with a perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio, offer a pizza experience that’s instantly recognizable.

Ingredients and Techniques Behind the Perfect New York Crust

What’s the secret recipe for the beloved New York style crust? It all boils down to a few key ingredients and some essential techniques. While home bakers might have some challenges without access to a professional pizza oven, you can still achieve impressive results by following these basics:

Key Ingredients

  • High-Gluten Flour: At the core of the recipe is high-gluten flour, which gives the dough its elasticity and chewiness. Gluten helps the dough stretch easily, which is critical for creating that thin base.
  • Water: Some purists claim the unique taste of New York pizza crust comes from the NYC tap water, which has a specific mineral composition. However, high-quality filtered water works just as well for home bakers.
  • Yeast: Yeast is essential for fermentation, enabling the dough to rise and develop its soft, airy texture.
  • Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and a hint of flavor.

Preparation Techniques

  • Extended Fermentation: One of the key steps is letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 24 to 48 hours. This slow fermentation process allows the yeast to develop flavorful compounds that give the crust its unique tang.
  • Hand Stretching: Authentic New York style dough isn’t rolled out with a pin — it’s hand-stretched to maintain the perfect thickness and structure.
  • High-Temperature Baking: Traditional New York style pizzas are baked in ovens that reach temperatures of 700-900 degrees Fahrenheit. This is what creates the signature bubbly, golden crust.

How Does New York Style Compare to Other Pizza Styles?

New York style pizza is one among several beloved styles across the globe. Each pizza has its own unique identity. Here’s how it stacks up against other heavyweights.

Neapolitan Pizza

  • Differences: The ancestor of modern pizza, the Neapolitan style is much smaller, with a thicker and softer crust that often requires utensils to eat. It’s known for its simplicity (just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) and its dough is typically wetter.
  • Similarities: Both styles emphasize natural fermentation and cook at high heat.

Chicago Deep Dish

  • Differences: The complete opposite of New York’s thin crust, Chicago deep-dish pizza features a dense, thick, buttery crust that resembles a pie. It’s a lot heavier, with layers upon layers of toppings and sauce.
  • Similarities: Both are deeply rooted in regional pride and culture.

Detroit-Style Pizza

  • Differences: Detroit pies are rectangular with a thick, crispy crust often baked using cheese to caramelize the edges.
  • Similarities: Like New York style, Detroit-style uses high-protein flour, creating a chewy texture despite the thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions about NY-Style Pizza

Still wondering exactly what is New York style pizza crust and how to know the difference? We think our FAQ section below will help answer those questions. Be sure to also visit our website for more helpful information.

Why is the crust key to NY-Style pizza?

The crust isn’t just a supporting actor for toppings — it’s the star of the show when it comes to New York style pizza. Unlike other pizza styles where toppings or fancy cheeses shine, the New York style crust is all about harmony. Its mild flavor lets the sauce, cheese, and toppings work their magic together. The crust also provides a satisfying mouthfeel. This delicate balance between firmness and elasticity is key to the iconic fold.

What is the Fold Factor?

One of the telltale signs you’re dealing with New York style pizza is how easy it is to fold the slice lengthwise. This isn’t just a fun gimmick. It’s a practical design. The pliable crust allows for convenient eating while ensuring the toppings stay firmly in place. It’s the ultimate food for people on the move (a nod to bustling New York City life).

Does it matter what sauce or toppings are used on New York style pizza?

For true New York style pizza, you’ll need marinara sauce. As to toppings, one of the best aspects of this style of pizza is you can choose your favorites!

Where can I find authentic NY-Style pizza?

Why at Mario’s Pizza, of course! You’ll notice from the taste and fold our pizza is true New York style pizza! We have nine convenient locations throughout the Piedmont Triad, including in Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, and Clemmons. Visit our website to find the closest location to you.

Mario’s Pizza Has the Answer to What is New York Style Pizza Crust!

When it comes to New York style pizza, the crust always rises to the occasion. You’ll recognize and enjoy this unique pizza style as soon as you taste Mario’s Pizza!

So, now that you have the answer to, what is New York style pizza crust, it’s time to eat some. Head over to our website today to find a location near you.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, specials, and more!

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the globe, yet debates about its perfect form rage on. Among the most passionate discussions is hand tossed pizza vs pan pizza. After all, the crust is the foundation of your ‘pie’!

Surprisingly, many people love to debate the taste of each popular style but don’t know the origins or craftsmanship behind each. In addition to providing delicious food at Mario’s Pizza, we also love to educate our patrons. That’s why we put together this blog diving into each pizza style, including the background of pizza itself.

If you already have a hankering for our NY-style pizza, then head over to one of our many locations in the Piedmont Triad. Or if you keep reading and your mouth is watering while you learn about pizza, then stop in to see us to satisfy your pizza cravings.

A Brief History of Pizza and How These Two Styles Emerged

Pizza’s origins trace back to Naples, Italy, where it began as a humble street food in the late 18th century. The traditional Neapolitan pizza featured a simple, hand tossed crust topped with tomatoes, cheese, and basil, symbolizing the Italian flag. This classic preparation laid the foundation for what we now know as hand tossed pizza.

Pan pizza, on the other hand, has roots in the United States. It emerged in the mid-20th century as pizzerias sought new ways to cater to American preferences for thicker, heartier meals. The introduction of deep-dish and pan styles allowed pizzerias to experiment with thicker crusts and more toppings, giving birth to the pan pizza we know today.

Both styles have since gained global popularity, with each offering a distinct experience. Understanding their histories helps us appreciate how these iconic dishes evolved and why they remain so cherished today.

The Art of Hand Tossed Pizza and Crafting the Perfect Crust

A hallmark trait of hand tossed pizza is its thin, airy crust. Achieving this requires skillful technique, as dough is stretched and tossed by hand to create a uniform base. This process allows air to circulate through the dough, resulting in a light and crispy texture once baked.

Another component of a successful hand tossed crust is the right balance of ingredients. Flour, water, yeast, and salt are combined in precise ratios, with the dough often being left to rise for several hours. This fermentation process enhances flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful experience.

If you’ve ever visited Mario’s Pizza, then you know we are experts at hand tossing our pizza to capture our satisfying NY-style pizzas!

The Appeal of Pan Pizza – Thick, Fluffy, and Filling

Pan pizza is known for its thick, fluffy crust. Baked in a deep, well-oiled pan, this style offers a satisfying, hearty base that contrasts with its hand tossed counterpart. The resulting texture is soft and chewy inside, with a crispy, golden exterior.

The method of preparation for pan pizza involves pressing dough into a pan and allowing it to rise, creating an airy structure. The addition of oil not only aids in baking but also imparts a rich flavor and ensures a delightfully crispy bottom.

You typically find pan style at chain restaurants, like Pizza Hut and Domino’s Pizza.

Celebrating the Diversity of Pizza Regardless of Your Preference

Though the hand tossed pizza vs pan pizza debate may never reach a consensus, it’s a testament to pizza’s universal appeal. The rich diversity of styles, flavors, and experiences makes pizza a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide.

Celebrate this diversity by exploring different pizza joints and trying both classic and innovative creations. Support local pizzerias and savor their unique interpretations of hand tossed and pan pizzas. Be sure to explore different pizza toppings as well since that will drastically change the taste of your pizza.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong choice. Your pizza preference is a reflection of your personal taste, and that’s what makes it special.

Frequently Asked Questions at Marios’ Pizza

Are you still wondering about our Brooklyn style pizza or have questions about our business? We’ve got you covered in our FAQ section below. Or visit our website for tons of great pizza information as well.

Does Mario’s Pizza offer Gluten-Free Pizza!

Yes, we do! We have both a gluten-free crust as well as a cauliflower crust. However, we are not a certified, gluten-free kitchen so there is always a risk of cross contamination. If you let us know about your food restrictions when ordering we do our best to accommodate

Where is Mario’s Pizza?

We have 9 convenient locations spread in the Triad. They are located at:

  • Cloverdale – 2205 Cloverdale Ave., Northwest Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  • Hanes Mall – 1066 Hanes Mall Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  • Stratford – 266 Harvey St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103
  • Clemmons – 1469 River Ridge Dr., Clemmons, NC 27012
  • North Main – 2645 N Main St., High Point, NC 27265
  • Palladium- 5824 Samet Dr., High Point, NC 27265 336-883-0813
  • Wendover – 4215 W Wendover Ave. Greensboro, NC 27407
  • New Garden – 1575 New Garden Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410
  • Friendly Center – 3354 W. Friendly Ave. Suite 142 Greensboro, NC 27410

If you are in the Charlotte area, be sure to visit our sister chain, Tony’s Pizza.

We also offer takeout and delivery options!

Is It Authentic NY-Style Pizza at Mario’s Pizza?

Yes! Our owners hail from Brooklyn and are committed to providing nothing but authentic, hand tossed NY-style pizza! Click here to learn more about our background.

Let Mario’s Pizza Help You End the Hand Tossed Pizza Vs Pan Pizza Debate!

Are you ready to end your own debate on hand tossed pizza vs pan pizza? At Mario’s Pizza , we will provide you with some amazing hand tossed pizza to help you decide how much you like it! Stop in today at one of our nine Triad locations to give us a try!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tasty content and updates on our specials and promotions!

Searching for some of the best food in Lewisville NC? Luckily, we think you just found it – Mario’s Pizza! Although, we’re technically located in Clemmons. However, we’re just a few minutes away right off Highway 421 on Lewisville-Clemmons Rd (on River Ridge Dr).

What Makes Mario’s Pizza the Best Around?

Obviously, we’ve now begged the question: what makes Mario’s Pizza the best restaurant?

Lots of Experience

First, we’ve been mastering our craft for awhile – over 40 years to be exact. Likewise, we use authentic Italian family recipes passed down through generations from Calabria, Italy. Moreover, our owners hail straight from Brooklyn so we’ve got some of the best NY-style pizza around. Plus, we have tons of other dishes to choose from as well from subs and salads to appetizers and fun desserts.

Options Abound

Second, as mentioned, we offer lots of options. Here are some of our Italian dishes:

  • Eggplant parmigiana
  • Chicken parmigiana
  • Ravioli
  • Baked ziti
  • Lasagna
  • Spaghetti/spaghetti with meatballs

Or, choose from a variety of sub sandwiches:

  • Steak
  • Grilled chicken
  • Chick-o-filly
  • Sausage parmigiana
  • Eggplant parmigiana
  • Chicken parmigiana
  • Meatball parmigiana
  • Sausage, peppers, and onions
  • Italian
  • Turkey
  • Vegetable

Likewise, we offer calzones, strombolis, salads, over a dozen appetizers, and delicious desserts. Plus, our kids’ meals are currently all under $5. Click on our menu for a full list with current pricing for our Clemmons/Lewisville location.

Fresh Ingredients

Third, we try to keep it fresh! Whenever possible, we order locally and make your dishes from scratch. Fresh ingredients mean more vibrant flavor and better nutrients!

We Hand Toss Our Crust

Fourth, one of the main ingredients for our NY-style pizza that is hard to replicate is technique. We hand-toss our homemade crust which stretches the dough just right. Thus, you end up with a chewy yet crispy crust that New Yorkers love.

Lot of Toppings

Fifth, folks love to personalize their pizza. It’s easy to do with our fun toppings:

  • Pepperoni
  • Sausage
  • Mushrooms
  • Black Olives
  • Pineapple
  • Bell Peppers
  • Anchovies
  • Artichoke Hearts
  • Onions
  • Banana Peppers
  • Bacon
  • Basil
  • Beef
  • Beef Roni
  • Broccoli
  • Canadian Bacon
  • Chorizo
  • Crispy Chicken
  • Feta
  • Tomatoes
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Green Olives
  • Ham
  • Jalapenos
  • Kalamata Olives
  • Meatballs
  • Roasted Red Peppers
  • Salami
  • Steak
  • Sliced Sausage
  • Spinach
  • Sun dried Tomatoes

Similarly, we offer specialty pizza pies including meat lovers, vegetarian, white pizza, or a-little-bit-of everything (the Worx). For customers with dietary issues, we offer rice-based and cauliflower crusts.

Friendly Staff

Moreover, the best food in Lewisville NC isn’t just about tastiness. Customer service matters as well. Thus, our team members work hard to ensure our customers get the best experience possible. We appreciate you taking the time to come see us and we do our best to show it. If you ever have an issue, please let us know immediately, and we’ll try our best to make it right. We want you to enjoy your visit with us!

Mario’s Pizza Reviews

Finally, we suggest you check with our customers. Here are just a couple of reviews from our happy guests.

“They have the most unbelievable NY-style pizza. I’ve had many a slice in NYC and this is still my favorite.. It has that ever so sight crunch to the crust that it should. You can order by the slice also. Many toppings to chase from. Tons of appetizers and pasta dishes. Their garlic bread is no joke. Be prepared 😆 I go out of my way anytime in the same state as this place! “- cary boebel

“Tried them out for the first time, and again 1.5 weeks later. Both times I got a basic 19″ NY style pizza. Quality is good, flavor is on point, toppings and cheese was evenly spread both times. They put a good portion of sauce on there so it does not taste dry or flavorless which I appreciate. Some places are frugal with their sauces. I ordered in the middle of the day, not at peak hours. So when they told me it was going to be ready in 15min it was ready in 12.” – Patrick

“Always a super consistent experience. Great pizza and great prices. Their 24 inch pizza can easily feed a group of 8. The employees are really nice, too! “– Jesse Leonard

FAQs About the Best Food in Lewisville NC

Still wondering why Mario’s Pizza has the best food in Lewisville NC? Below, find some answers to commonly asked questions about our restaurants.

Do you have a Loyalty Program

Yes! We want to reward our customers for coming to see us. Just for signing up, you get a free slice of pizza. Plus, get points for your orders. Currently, when you reach 50 points, you get a $5 certificate to use on your next meal.

Do You Cater?

While we don’t deliver, we do offer party trays for large gatherings.

  • Lasagna
  • Baked Ravioli
  • Eggplant parmigiana
  • Chicken parmigiana
  • Spaghetti/Spaghetti with meatballs
  • Greek salad
  • Garden salad
  • Garlic knot
  • Cannoli

Likewise, our variety of pizza sizes makes it easy to feed a crowd. Choose from 10, 15, 17, 19, or 24-inch (huge!).

Furthermore, with advance notice, we customize your order. Simply call the nearest Mario’s Pizza to discuss your needs.

Do You Offer Deals?

Hailing from a large Italian family, we get the expense of eating out. Thus, in addition to offering competitive prices, we provide daily specials. Check out our deals on our website under the Specials tab.

Do You Offer Online Ordering?

Order via our app or website at any of our Mario’s Pizza restaurants including our Clemmons location. Or, call us at 336-778-2002 to get delicious Italian food.

Moreover, we have additional locations in Winton-Salem, Greensboro and High Point. Find us at:

  • 1066 Hanes Mall Boulevard, Winston-Salem
  • 2205 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem
  • 266 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem
  • 1469 River Ridge Dr. Clemmons
  • 4215 Wendover Avenue, Greensboro
  • 1575 New Garden Road, Greensboro
  • 3354 W. Friendly Ave Suite 412 Greensboro (Friendly Center)
  • 5824 Samet Drive, High Point
  • 2645 North Main Street, High Point

We look forward to serving you and proving why we have some of the best food in Lewisville NC and beyond!

What are you searching for when you want good pizza near me? Of course, it begins with something that’s delicious. Yet, you also want excellent customer service at a great price. Mario’s Pizza is one of those family-owned restaurants that consistently delivers everything you expect in a pizzeria.

The Mario’s Difference

Who knows pizza better than an Italian family from Brooklyn, NY? After moving south, brothers Vinny, Tony, and Mario opened their first NC restaurant in 1981. Since then, we’ve been using our traditional family recipes to bring you a taste of Italy. We use fresh ingredients and specialty ovens to create the perfect pie.

Our NY style pizza has a thin hand-tossed crust. Then, we cover it with our homemade tomato sauce. Finally, we top it with mozzarella to the edge before baking it at the ideal temperature for ultimate flavor. Plus, we offer plenty of topping so you can customize your pie:

  • Pepperoni
  • Sausage
  • Mushrooms
  • Black olives
  • Pineapple
  • Bell peppers
  • Anchovies
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Onions
  • Banana peppers
  • Bacon
  • Basil
  • Beef
  • Beef roni
  • Broccoli
  • Canadian bacon
  • Chorizo
  • Crispy chicken
  • Feta
  • Tomatoes
  • Grilled chicken
  • Green olives
  • Ham
  • Jalapenos
  • Kalamata olives
  • Meatballs
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Salami
  • Steak
  • Sliced sausage
  • Spinach
  • Sun dried tomatoes

Moreover, we also offer several specialty pizzas embracing your favorite flavors:

1. 5 Boroughs

Meat lovers will appreciate this one. Named after our home turf in NY, we load it with five different meats: sausage, pepperoni, bacon, beef, and ham.

2. The Greenhouse

If you prefer vegetables, order “The Greenhouse”. We top this pizza with mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and black olives.

3. The Worx

When you’re in the mood for a little bit of everything, order The Worx. It has sausage, pepperoni, beef, Canadian bacon, black olives, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

4. Spicy Buffalo Chicken

The newest trend is pizza with a savory kick. Topped with onions, bacon, cheese, chicken, and our own buffalo sauce, you’ll love the heat of this pie.

5. Bianco

A lack of tomato sauce is what gives this pizza its name. Instead, this pizza has mozzarella, ricotta, and garlic.

We also offer varying proportions depending on the crowd you’re feeding. You can order any of these delights in 10″, 15″, 17″, 19″, and 24” sizes. Our super-sized 24-inch is great for a party! Likewise, we offer party trays of our Italian dishes as well. 

Finally, we understand how difficult it is to eat out when you have dietary restrictions. Thus, we also offer both a rice-based and cauliflower crust as well as vegan cheese. However, while we make every effort to avoid cross-contamination, we only have one kitchen. Hand-tossing pies can potentially allow flour to settle on your gluten free pizza.

Other Menu Items At Mario’s Pizza

While pizza pies are our specialty, we also create several other mouth-watering Italian dishes. Of course, we have pasta on the menu including spaghetti and baked ziti. Additionally, you’ll find parmigiana, lasagna, ravioli, calzones, and strombolis at our restaurants. Plus, we also serve a variety of salads and sub sandwiches.

To start your dining adventure, we offer over a dozen appetizers to tantalize your taste buds. Popular items include toasted ravioli, garlic knots, and breaded mozzarella sticks. Finally, to finish off your dinner, you can choose from one of our yummy Italian desserts. We offer cannoli, tiramisu, cheesecake, and limoncello mascarpone cake.

FAQs About Good Pizza Near Me

If you’ve been searching for good pizza near me, stop by Mario’s Pizza. Customers in North Carolina have been enjoying our food for over 40 years. Below, we give some fun facts about pizza and answer a few questions about our Italian restaurants.

What Is The Favorite Style Of Pizza In America?

Most people have strong preferences when it comes to their favorite style. As you travel across the United States, you’ll find pizzerias serving a variety of pizzas with different characteristics:

  • Neapolitan
  • Greek
  • Chicago
  • Detroit
  • Sicilian
  • New York
  • St. Louis
  • California

What’s the favorite among Americans? Typically, most consumers prefer thin over thick crust by a narrow margin. Moreover, the most popular thin crust pizza is NY style. While cheese pizza is the overwhelming favorite, pepperoni is the number 1 topping.

Which States Love Pizza the Most?

If we measure pizza restaurants per person as the benchmark for popularity, Connecticut wins. This state has 3 pizzerias per person. Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Iowa round out the top 5 states with the most pizzerias.

How Many Slices Of Pizza Does The Average Person Eat?

Americans love pizza and consume over 6000 slices in their lifetime. Thus, if you’re planning a party, pizza is a great menu option. It’s popular, affordable, and customizable. Furthermore, as we mentioned, we offer several party trays of Italian dishes to add variety to your menu.

Plus, we can help you determine the perfect number of pies and trays to order based on your guest list. Simply call your local Mario’s Pizza to discuss your catering needs.

Where Is The Nearest Mario’s Pizza?

Our Mario’s Pizza restaurants are convenient and easy to reach. You’ll find one of our Italian restaurants at each of these locations:

  • 1066 Hanes Mall Boulevard, Winston-Salem
  • 2205 Cloverdale Avenue, Winston-Salem
  • 266 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem
  • 1469 River Ridge Dr. Clemmons
  • 4215 Wendover Avenue, Greensboro
  • 1575 New Garden Road, Greensboro
  • 3354 W. Friendly Ave Suite 412 Greensboro (Friendly Center)
  • 5824 Samet Drive, High Point
  • 2645 North Main Street, High Point

So, the next time you’re looking for good pizza near me, stop by Mario’s Pizza. Once you try a bite of our pie, you’ll understand why we’re a favorite among residents of North Carolina.