New Yorkers Reveal Their 'Perfect Pizza' Combo

Thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni top the list, but pineapple remains a divisive topping.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A new survey of pizza preferences in New York State found that residents favor a classic thin-crust pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms as the top toppings. The Margherita pizza was also a popular specialty option, while the national chain Domino's was named the favorite pizza brand among New Yorkers.

Why it matters

Pizza is deeply ingrained in New York culture, with strong opinions and passionate debates around the perfect toppings and crust. This data provides insight into the quintessential New York pizza preferences, which can vary widely across the state's diverse neighborhoods and pizza traditions.

The details

The survey found that thin crust was the top choice for New Yorkers, followed by the classic toppings of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms. When it came to specialty pizzas, the Margherita - with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil - was the favorite. While most New Yorkers stick to traditional toppings, the survey also revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe pineapple belongs on pizza, a topping that remains divisive.

  • The survey was conducted in February 2026.

The players

New Yorkers

Residents of the state of New York who participated in the pizza preference survey.

Domino's

A national pizza chain that was named the favorite among New Yorkers in the survey.

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The takeaway

New York's pizza culture is deeply rooted in tradition, with thin crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni emerging as the quintessential 'perfect pizza' combination. However, the survey also highlights the diversity of pizza preferences, with specialty options like Margherita pizza and the divisive pineapple topping reflecting the passionate debates that surround this beloved food.