New York Ranks as Top State for Pizza
A new industry survey ranks New York first in pizza quality while Connecticut places 16th.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Italian Food
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A nationwide survey from Maine Lobster Now identifies New York as the premier state for pizza, with 43.05% positive reviews. New Jersey followed in second place with 39% positive reviews, and Rhode Island claimed the third spot.
Why it matters
The ranking provides a data-driven look at regional pizza satisfaction across the country. It notably conflicts with recent efforts by Connecticut to promote its own pizza as superior to the New York standard.
New York led the national rankings with 43.05% positive reviews, followed by New Jersey at 39% and Rhode Island at 36.26%. Connecticut secured the 16th position with a 29.20% satisfaction rate, trailing behind Illinois which ranked 19th.
The players
Maine Lobster Now
This organization conducted the nationwide survey to determine pizza quality rankings based on online consumer feedback.
Connecticut Office of State Marketing and Tourism
This state agency is responsible for promoting regional tourism and previously launched a campaign contesting New York's pizza dominance.
The details
The rankings were determined by analyzing the percentage of positive Google Reviews for pizza establishments across the United States. Despite the 2024 campaign by the Connecticut Office of State Marketing and Tourism to claim pizza superiority via billboards in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the state fell outside the top tier of the study.
Timeline
2024: The Connecticut Office of State Marketing and Tourism launched a campaign claiming superior pizza quality.
October 21, 2026: Maine Lobster Now published the survey results.
Culture Shift
This survey follows the pattern set by the 2024 Connecticut pizza marketing campaign, which attempted to challenge the status quo of regional food rankings. The new data suggests that state-led promotional efforts have yet to shift the long-standing consumer perception of pizza quality.
Readers looking for the highest-rated pizza can use these state-level trends to guide their dining decisions when traveling. The data highlights that popular marketing claims regarding local food quality may differ significantly from the aggregate consumer experience.
The takeaway
Regional pizza quality is often a matter of subjective preference despite the quantitative data provided by aggregate review sites. Consumers should consider using these rankings as a broad starting point rather than a definitive guide to the best individual pizzerias.
Further reading
For more on the national culinary landscape, explore Italian Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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