It's on 1 of my list. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.
- SubwayQ to 86 St, 5 min
- Address1559 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Health gradeA, city inspection
- From my guide, updated September 2026.
Upon first glance, it’s hard to believe that this unassuming corner restaurant is responsible for some of the best pizza on the Upper East Side. After San Matteo (on 81st Street) opened in 2010 it didn’t take long for locals to start singing the praises of the wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas made here.
Their dedication to the craft translates with every bite and even though you’re stuffed it’s hard to put the slice down. These Neapolitan pies are masterfully created to be thin, flavor-loaded, and with the perfect soupy middle. The buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto pie is an absolute joy to indulge in and one of my personal favorite pies in all of New York City.
And for those of us who like to enjoy our dinner with wine, San Matteo has more than a few bottles to choose from. This robust selection of quality wines. You can place an order online but the best experience is when you visit the charming little restaurant with a friend, clinking glasses and sharing pies.
Unpopular opinion. I’ll die on this hill, coal-fired > wood-fired > gas oven, and I don’t care who disagrees.