Leo

In a city overflowing with legendary pizza spots that often require planning weeks in advance, Leo stands apart as a refreshing exception. This Williamsburg gem from the Ops team delivers some of New York’s finest pies without the usual hassle of impossible reservations. Walk in on a whim with your friends, and you’ll likely score a table in this spacious, casual space without breaking a sweat.

What sets Leo apart is their distinctive sourdough crust—a beautiful hybrid that lands somewhere between classic New York flatness with a slight crisp and pillowy Neapolitan chew. You’ll notice a pleasant tang in every bite that makes these pies unmistakably their own. While most pizzerias push the margherita as the go-to order, Leo’s topped pies are where the magic really happens. The clam pie, loaded with garlic and cream, might just render your next trip to New Haven completely unnecessary. For larger gatherings, the 18-inch NY Slice Pie lets you build your dream pizza on a rich three-cheese foundation.

Don’t overlook the non-pizza offerings here. The housemade pasta, particularly the tagliatelle bolognese when available, is worth sacrificing a pie for. Start with the butter beans and charred cabbage—an unexpectedly stellar appetizer that catches many diners off guard. Pair everything with something from their extensive natural wine list, and you’ve got yourself a proper evening out. Whatever rotating soft serve flavor they’re featuring that day, just order it without question.

Leo proves that exceptional pizza doesn’t have to come with exceptional hassle. It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why every great restaurant can’t be this effortlessly enjoyable—delicious food, easy atmosphere, no drama. For anyone who’s ever craved top-tier pizza without having the foresight to plan weeks ahead, this is your answer.