Est. 1985 · Garment District, Manhattan
A New York Pizza Legend Since 1985
The story of two brothers, one perfect square pizza, and 39 years of NYC history.
W 38th St
Garment District, NYC
Tucked Up a Flight of Stairs in the Heart of NYC
There's a red awning on West 38th Street that leads up a flight of stairs to pizza heaven. Since 1985, Lazzara's has occupied this hidden gem in Manhattan's Garment District—a second-floor sanctuary with pressed tin ceilings and vintage charm.
What started as a lunchtime refuge for factory workers quickly became a destination for fashion industry icons. Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Vera Wang have all climbed those stairs for our famous square pizza.
Pressed Tin Ceilings
Original 1920s architecture
Fashion Industry Hub
Serving designers since '85
How It All Began
In 1985, brothers Sebastian and Tony Lazzara opened a small pizzeria on the second floor of a Garment District building on West 38th Street. With a modest space, a family recipe, and a dream, they set out to serve the best pizza in New York City.
Their secret? A unique thin-crust square pizza, inspired by their Sicilian heritage but perfected for the New York palate. Cracker-thin, perfectly crispy, topped with a tangy-sweet sauce and the finest mozzarella—it was unlike anything else in the city.
Word spread quickly through the fashion industry. Designers, models, and executives from nearby showrooms became regulars. Before long, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Vera Wang were among those climbing the stairs to discover Lazzara's.
“Every pizza tells a story. Ours has been 39 years in the making.”
— Tony Lazzara, Founder
Garment District Pioneer
First pizzeria on West 38th Street
Where NYC's Icons Dine
For nearly 40 years, the fashion industry's biggest names have made Lazzara's their go-to
Donna Karan
Fashion Icon
“A Garment District staple”
Calvin Klein
Designer
“Fashion industry favorite”
Vera Wang
Designer
“Where fashion meets flavor”
Stephen Colbert
Late Show Host
“My favorite pizza in NYC”
“My favorite pizza in New York City... It's like cracker thin, every slice is just tangy and sweet... I eat the entire thing.”
Recognized by the Best
"Perfectly crispy square slices"
— The New York Times
"Best square pizza in Manhattan"
— NY Daily News
"9.3/10 - Elite pizza"
— Barstool Sports
"4.9★ from 1,000+ reviews"
— Goldbelly
39 Years of Pizza History
From a small Garment District pizzeria to an NYC institution
Lazzara's Pizza Cafe opens in the Garment District
Becomes known as 'the fashion industry's cafeteria'
Featured in The New York Times
Expands menu to full Italian restaurant
Launches nationwide shipping via Goldbelly
Receives 9.3 rating from Barstool Sports
Stephen Colbert declares it his favorite NYC pizza
Announces franchise expansion program
Be part of the next chapter
39 Years of Excellence
The numbers that tell our story
Years in Business
Serving NYC since 1985 — a Garment District institution
Barstool Rating
“That's an elite score” — Dave Portnoy
Goldbelly Rating
States Shipped
Reviews
Territories
Perfect Corners
of a Kind
The Famous Square
Our square pizza isn't just a shape—it's a philosophy. The thin-crust Sicilian style allows for the perfect ratio of crispy crust to flavorful toppings. Each corner delivers a satisfying crunch, while the center remains perfectly balanced. It's the kind of pizza that makes you want a second piece, then a third.
“Four corners are better than none.”
Proven Excellence Since 1985
Continue the Legacy
Bring Lazzara's famous square pizza to your community.
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