Why New York-Style Pizza Is Different

Not all pizza is made the same way, and the differences show up in the crust, the size of the slice, and even how you eat it. Here's a breakdown of why New York-style pizza is different from other styles you'll find around the country, and how Ray's New York Pizza in Midtown Atlanta approaches it.

The Dough and Crust

New York-style pizza starts with a hand-tossed dough that's thin but sturdy enough to hold toppings without falling apart. The crust is crisp on the outside with a chewy interior, unlike deep-dish styles that lean heavily on a thick, bread-like base, or Neapolitan pizza, which uses a softer, more delicate crust baked at very high heat for a short time.

The Slice, Not Just the Pie

One of the clearest markers of New York-style pizza is the slice itself. A proper New York slice is large enough that you fold it in half lengthwise to eat it, which helps the toppings stay put and keeps the tip from flopping down. That's part of why pizza by the slice is such a common way to order it, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or trying a few different flavors in one visit.

Sauce and Cheese

New York-style pizza typically uses a simple, slightly tangy marinara sauce and a generous but not overwhelming layer of mozzarella. The goal is balance: you should be able to taste the sauce, the cheese, and the crust together, rather than one ingredient dominating the others.

How Ray's Approaches New York-Style Pizza

At Ray's New York Pizza in Midtown Atlanta, the menu sticks to these fundamentals while adding a range of specialty options, from a classic Cheese Slice to a Buffalo Chicken or BBQ pizza. Pies are available in 10", 14", and 16" sizes, and slices are available for anyone who wants a quicker option.

Because the dough and sauce are the foundation of the style, getting those basics right matters more than piling on extra toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New York-style pizza different from other styles? It comes down to a thin, hand-tossed crust that's crisp outside and chewy inside, a large foldable slice, and a balance of simple marinara sauce with mozzarella cheese.

Why do people fold New York pizza slices? Folding the slice helps support its size and weight, keeps the toppings in place, and is simply the traditional way to eat it.

Is New York-style pizza the same as Neapolitan pizza? No. Neapolitan pizza uses a softer crust baked very quickly at extremely high heat, while New York-style pizza has a firmer, larger crust designed for slicing and folding.

Where can I try New York-style pizza in Midtown Atlanta? Ray's New York Pizza at 26 5th Street NW serves classic New York-style pizza by the slice or the pie, along with calzones, wings, and more.

Try It for Yourself

Hungry? Stop by Ray's New York Pizza in Midtown Atlanta, order online, or contact us about catering for your next event.