New York has been ranked the top state for pizza in the United States, according to a recent survey based on Google Reviews, reaffirming its status as the nation’s pizza capital. The ranking placed New York in first place with 43.05% of statewide customer reviews marked as positive, ahead of New Jersey at 39% and Rhode Island at 36.26%.
The survey, conducted by Maine Lobster Now, evaluated customer satisfaction with pizza across the country and notably ranked Connecticut, a state that has publicly challenged New York’s pizza supremacy, in 16th place with a 29.20% positive review rate. This ranking was behind several states not traditionally known for pizza, including Texas, Oregon, and Missouri, which made the top 10, along with Wisconsin and Utah, both surpassing Connecticut in the ratings.
Connecticut has been assertive in promoting itself as a pizza destination, particularly highlighting the New Haven “apizza” style. In 2024, the Connecticut Office of State Marketing and Tourism launched an advertising campaign that featured billboards in New York City boasting messages such as “Connecticut Pizza Wins. NYC Takes The L” and “The Nation’s Best Pizza. Not You, New York.” Despite these efforts, officials from Connecticut maintained confidence in their local offerings. Morgan Nyerick, Director of Connecticut Statewide Marketing & Tourism, expressed respect for Maine Lobster Now’s expertise but insisted that Connecticut still proudly claims the pizza title within the state.
Illinois, home to Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza, also ranked lower than might be expected, placing 19th with just 27.23% positive reviews.
New York pizza restaurateurs welcomed the survey results. Michael Vendome, owner of Fermento in Manhattan’s West Village, described the ranking as “100% true and 100% accurate,” emphasizing New York’s dominance in variety and innovation in pizza styles. He pointed to the extensive number of pizzerias and the resulting competitive environment as factors driving quality and creativity. Similarly, Michael Ayoub, chef and owner of Fornino in Brooklyn, celebrated the ranking as unsurprising, citing nearly a quarter-century of experience in the city’s pizza scene.
The survey underscores the ongoing regional rivalry over pizza supremacy but cements New York’s position at the top of the nationwide pizza landscape, reflecting a combination of longstanding tradition, diverse culinary approaches, and a highly competitive market.