Here are 5 of the Best Pizzerias in Harlem

HARLEM, NY — New York is the home to the best pizza in the United States, and don't let anyone tell you differently. Anyone who would try to convince you that — as the great Jon Stewart put it — the "tomato soup in a bread bowl" served up in Chicago is better than New York pizza is a sad individual.

So why on earth would anyone living in New York ever order pizza from one of the big chains? Leave that to the suburbanites. Patch checked out what your fellow New Yorkers had to say on Yelp to determine where you should be grabbing a slice in Harlem.

Here are five of the best pizzerias in Harlem, according to reviews on Yelp:

Sottocasa Pizzeria — 227 Lenox Ave

Yelp reviewer Yann F said: "Really nice Pizza Italian style!!! Very tasty and full of flavor just close your eyes when you savor it. If you had it in Italy, then you know it is the real deal. The owner an Italian from Milano, took good care of us. It was a new experience in Harlem, this side North of Little Italy and west of RAO."

Bettolona — 3143 Broadway

Wendy H, loved the mushroom pie, "The blanca pizza with mushrooms is my favorite. Nice, thin, crispy crust with a wonderful mellow yet savory top. A good amount of umami from the mushrooms... Next favorite was the margherita pizza. The sausage pizza was okay but the spicy sausage flavor didn't quite work for me."

Harlem Pizza co. — 135 W. 116 St.

Kern C, of Brooklyn, said: "Can't wait to return! This was one of the best if not the best pizza I ever had. Very light, great toppings and I came out feeling like I actually ate something healthy. I ordered the margherita and added mushroom and chicken to it with only a drizzle of their hot bird sauce.The crust was perfect the toppings were perfect and without any visible oil or that unsightly grease."

King's Pizza of Harlem — 110 W 145th St

Yelper Lin O orders from here regularly: "Have been ordering from here for about 4 years with consistently good service and quality. Great delivery and the pies are always so so good. WHEN they have garlic knots (they always run out on busy nights), those are always super tasty."

Patsy's Pizzeria — 2287 1st Ave

Reviewer Dasie K has high praise: "You know that moment when you bite into a slice of pizza and you cry for joy because it's so delicious? Yes, that moment. If you haven't had this moment yet, take a trip to East Harlem to the original Patsy's."

Don't agree with these reviewers? Let us know your favorite pizzeria in Harlem in the comments section.

Photo: Flickr user Aaron Harmon via creative commons