Vito's Slices and Ices — Restaurant in New York

4 1/2 stars

This is about as NYC as it gets. I stumbled across Vito's a few weeks ago during one of my lunchtime constitutionals, and it's a beacon in a sea of shady porn stores, drab garment stores and garbage juice-filled gutters (not my favorite neighborhood, if you can't tell). This block is actually one of the only decent ones in the area that I've found - there's a few other intriguing spots right here, including a sushi place and a very popular Thai establishment that always has a ton of customers. But I've continued coming back to Vito's. Low maintenance, reasonable prices and a decent slice.

You can tell just from looking at the exterior that Vito's is different from the mainstream by-the-slice pizza places in the city; I don't know if it necessarily has a history rivaling Lombardi's in Little Italy, but it doesn't look like they've changed the logo in decades. The business model inclusion of the Italian ices also feels pretty old school (and is something on my list to sample soon given that it's starting to get pretty sweltering out there). Once you actually walk in, it almost gives off 1950s diner vibes - a jukebox to the side wouldn't be out of place here. It's definitely not a large space, and every time I've come in I've had to deal with at least a few other customers and sometimes more than that. Yesterday was the first opportunity I had to snag an actual seat by the window, and it was definitely a better alternative to munching a slice walking down 34th. If you have the time, I'd stay to soak in the atmosphere.

I'm a simple creature when it comes to my pizza, especially the more blue-collar slice action like this. I almost always opt for two plain slices, rarely heated up. Once it's been cooked in those ovens, I don't need it making additional cameo appearances in there and drying out the sauce. As you can see from the attached, it's visually appealing - I like my cheese slightly overcooked, and it's certainly a generous size. My only real issue with the slice is that there's a solid half inch or so of sauce at the bottom where the cheese runs out before the crust begins. I'm very much about my cheese to sauce equilibrium. The crust is also a little doughier than average, which isn't my preference; I like more crisp to it, especially since it automatically translates to the rest of the slice, which is a bit saggier than the ideal. Still, that's a nitpick at the end of the day. Overall this is a solidly above average slice, and there's a ton of competition for that honor.

Despite the chaos that typically greets me here, everyone I've interacted with has been professional and efficient. It's not really a conducive situation for small talk so I wouldn't expect oodles of smiles and extra conversation, but it's not necessary and not a negative - you're here to get some pizza, not a new chum. And no one is UNfriendly.

You might have to sidestep over some riffraff and walk by some touristy 3-star hotels to get over here, but it's worth the trip. One of my go-to...

Vito's Slices and Ices has quickly become our go-to pizza spot in Manhattan, and after two visits, my wife and I are hooked! Conveniently located just a short walk from the Courtyard Marriott on 37th Street, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick, high-quality slice in the heart of the city.

Pizza: The pizza is what truly sets Vito's apart. My wife is all about their white slices, which are absolutely loaded with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a touch of garlic – perfectly balanced and rich in flavor. Meanwhile, I can’t get enough of their pepperoni slices. The crust is thin and crispy, with just the right amount of chew, while the pepperoni is deliciously spicy and perfectly crisp around the edges. Every slice is generously topped and full of flavor, making it some of the best pizza we’ve had in the city.

Quality & Price: What really impressed us at Vito’s is the quality. You can tell that they use fresh, top-notch ingredients, and every bite reflects that. The dough has that ideal NYC-pizza texture, and the cheese melts just right. Despite the high quality, the prices are surprisingly affordable. For Manhattan, where you can easily pay way too much for a mediocre slice, Vito’s offers fantastic value. It’s great pizza that won’t break the bank.

Service: The staff at Vito's is just as warm and inviting as the pizza itself. Both times we visited, the people behind the counter were friendly and quick to serve, making the experience feel welcoming and easygoing. Even during busier times, they keep things moving efficiently without sacrificing that personal touch.

Overall: Vito’s Slices and Ices is a gem of a pizza spot, and easily some of the best pizza we've had in NYC. Whether you're a fan of classic toppings or specialty slices like their white pizza, you’ll be impressed by the quality, flavor, and price. With its convenient location and consistently great service, this is a place we’ll be coming back to whenever we’re in the...

My boyfriend and I walk by Vito’s almost daily and let me tell you, it always smells incredible. That warm scent of garlic and fresh-baked bread wafts through the air, and there’s usually a crowd packed inside. The place has this super cute, old school, retro vibe that totally pulls you in.

One evening the smell was just too captivating and we were starving, so we finally gave in. We stepped inside without any idea what they were known for, but we both immediately locked eyes on the grandma pepperoni slice. It looked absolutely incredible with its thick cut pepperoni. The upside down grandma slice also caught my attention, it just looked special.

As we waited in line, my heart sank a little as we watched them pull every last slice of that pepperoni square right before we got to the front. They told us it would be another 20 minutes for a fresh pie, and since it was already late and we had actually ordered Thai food for dinner (this was just a “snack”), we didn’t want to wait that long.

So I went with the upside down grandma slice and my boyfriend grabbed a classic pepperoni. Honestly, that upside down grandma slice blew my mind. The tomato sauce had the perfect hint of sweetness, the mozzarella was tucked underneath, and the crust had this amazing focaccia like texture. It was SO good. The classic slice was solid too, but if you’re going to Vito’s, the upside down grandma is the star of the show.

We already went back again within the same week and finally got to try the grandma pepperoni slice. It was delicious, but in my opinion the upside down grandma is still number one.

We haven’t tried the Italian ices yet, but they’re definitely on our list for next time. If you’re craving the pepperoni square, be prepared to wait at least 20 minutes for a fresh pie. It’s popular, but trust me,...