Who says you need a New York City zip code to sling world-class pizza?
Two pizzerias in Upstate New York have been named among the 50 best in the country by an Italian guide that knows a thing or two about the perfect pie.
Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria, located just north of Buffalo in Kenmore, earned the No. 4 spot on the 2025 Top 50 Pizzas in the USA list—its highest ranking yet. It was surpassed by Manhattan’s Una Pizza Napoletana and two California pie shops.
Jay’s Artisan Pizza was ranked No. 4 in a recent list of top 50 pizzas in America by an online Italian guide. The shop is located in Kenmore, just outside of Buffalo, N.Y. Provided photo | Jay’s Artisan PizzaProvided photo | Jay’s Artisan Pizza
The guide praised Jay’s Artisan for mastering two distinct styles: the 12-inch Neapolitan and a thick, crunchy-edged Detroit-style. Owner Joe Powers sharpened his pizza-making skills in Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza.
Jay’s Artisan Pizza was ranked No. 4 in a recent list of top 50 pizzas in America by an online Italian guide. The shop is located in Kenmore, just outside of Buffalo, N.Y. Provided photo | Jay’s Artisan PizzaProvided photo | Jay’s Artisan Pizza
Jay’s doesn’t have a phone, so don’t try calling, but you can order Jay’s Artisan pizza online.
Just 30 miles away, another Western New York pizzeria also cracked the top 50. Pizzeria Florian in East Aurora climbed five spots from last year to land at No. 39. It’s the second straight year it has made the list.
Pizzeria Florian in Western New York was ranked No. 39 on the top 50 pizzas in America. Provided photo | Pizzeria FlorianProvided photo | Pizzeria Florian
The two top pizza shops are linked by more than just their dough. Pizzeria Florian is owned by Amanda Jones and Jay Langfelder —the same Jay who founded Jay’s Artisan before selling it to Powers years ago.
The guide highlighted Pizzeria Florian’s wood-fired pies, noting their light, crisp crust and high-quality toppings. The standout is a “cacio e pepe” pizza, a clever twist on the Roman classic. The menu also features fresh salads and attentive service, all served up in a cozy, detail-rich space.
50 Top Pizza is expected to release its global pizza rankings later this year.
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