For generations, Long Islanders have fiercely debated the best pizza on the island, where to find the crispiest crust, and whether a proper slice should be folded or eaten flat. Long Island pizza is more than just food—it's a way of life. It carries a history deeply intertwined with the island's Italian-American roots, an unmatched level of craftsmanship, and a flavor profile that stands apart from the competition.
The History of Long Island Pizza
Pizza came to Long Island by way of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until after World War II that the island saw an explosion of pizzerias. Returning veterans, having developed a taste for Italian cuisine during their time abroad, helped fuel the demand for pizza in America. With New York City as a neighbor and cultural influence, Long Island developed its own style of pizza that, while rooted in the traditions of NYC, evolved into something uniquely Long Island.
One of the reasons Long Island pizza is so special is the dedication of its pizzerias to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Unlike chain pizzerias that rely on mass production, Long Island is home to family-run establishments where recipes have been handed down through generations. Many of these pizzerias still make their dough fresh daily, use locally sourced tomatoes for their sauce, and insist on the highest quality mozzarella.
What Makes Long Island Pizza Unique?
Long Island pizza stands out for several reasons:
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The Water: Many believe that Long Island’s pizza owes its superior taste to the local water supply, which has a unique mineral composition that affects the dough's texture and flavor.
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Crust Perfection: The hallmark of Long Island pizza is its thin yet sturdy crust, often with just the right amount of char from the oven.
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Balanced Sauce and Cheese: Unlike some styles that drown the crust in toppings, Long Island pizzerias pride themselves on achieving the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and crust.
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Diverse Offerings: While the traditional cheese slice reigns supreme, Long Island pizzerias also excel in specialty slices, Sicilian pies, grandma slices, and even Long Island's own creation: the Cold Cheese Slice, where a handful of fresh, cold mozzarella is piled onto a hot slice.
The Great Pizza Debate: Folded vs. Open
One of the most defining aspects of pizza culture on Long Island is the debate over how to eat a slice. Some insist that the proper way to eat a slice is folded, while others argue that pizza should be enjoyed flat and open.
The Case for Folding
For many Long Islanders, folding a pizza slice is second nature. This method offers several advantages:
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Better Grip: Folding a slice creates a sturdier hold, preventing floppiness and potential mess.
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Less Mess: With gooey cheese and sauce, folding helps keep everything neatly contained inside, reducing the risk of toppings sliding off.
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A True New York Experience: Folding is associated with the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle of New Yorkers, allowing for quick bites without missing a beat.
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Enhanced Flavor Experience: When folded, the cheese and sauce press together, intensifying the flavors in each bite.
The Case for Eating It Flat
While many swear by folding, there is a sizable portion of Long Islanders who prefer to eat their pizza flat. Here’s why:
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Appreciating the Full Slice: Eating pizza flat allows one to enjoy the full visual appeal of the slice, including the spread of cheese and toppings.
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Crispy Crust Appreciation: Folding can soften the crust slightly, whereas keeping it flat preserves its full crunch and texture.
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Savoring Each Bite: Without folding, every bite contains a balanced ratio of crust, cheese, and sauce rather than concentrating them together.
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A Slower, More Enjoyable Experience: Many pizza lovers argue that pizza should be savored, not scarfed down in a rush, making the open-faced method superior for a leisurely meal.
Regional Influences and Pizza Styles
While the debate rages on, Long Island’s pizza scene remains diverse and innovative. In addition to the classic New York-style slice, several styles have gained a loyal following:
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Sicilian Pizza: A thick, square-cut slice with a crispy bottom and airy interior, often with a robust tomato sauce and a generous cheese layer.
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Grandma Slice: A thinner, crispier take on Sicilian pizza with a lighter tomato sauce and a rustic, homemade taste.
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Cold Cheese Slice: Originating in Huntington, this slice is served hot but topped with a handful of cold shredded mozzarella, offering a unique texture and taste.
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Vodka Sauce Pizza: This Long Island favorite swaps out traditional tomato sauce for a rich, creamy vodka sauce, often with fresh basil and parmesan.
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BBQ Chicken & Buffalo Chicken Slices: While traditionalists may scoff, these modern creations have become staples at many Long Island pizzerias.
The Culture of Pizza on Long Island
Long Island’s love for pizza extends far beyond the slice itself. Pizza nights are a tradition in many households, with families ordering from their favorite local spots, often engaging in friendly debates over which pizzeria is truly the best. Pizzerias serve as community hubs, where kids celebrate sports victories, friends catch up, and couples share first dates over a shared pie.
Long Islanders are also known for being loyal to their favorite pizzerias, often driving past several other spots just to get to the one they trust the most. Many pizzerias have been serving communities for decades, their walls adorned with pictures of generations of customers who have grown up eating their slices.
Bottom Line: No Wrong Way to Eat a Slice
At the end of the day, whether you fold your slice or eat it flat, one thing remains undeniable: Long Island has some of the best pizza in the country. The combination of tradition, quality ingredients, and passion for the craft make Long Island pizza truly special.
So next time you grab a slice, take a moment to appreciate the history behind it. Whether you fold it, eat it flat, or even stack two slices together for a pizza sandwich (yes, some do that), one thing is certain—on Long Island, pizza is more than just food. It’s an experience, a tradition, and a way of life.
Some of Long Island's BEST Pizza can be enjoyed at:
- LA PORTA Pizza
- Spaghettini Pizza
- Borrelli's
- One10 Modern Italian Restauran
- Pizza Network
- Locale Gastro Bar Pizzette
