What Is Grandma Pizza? The NY Square Slice Explained

Published on March 27th, 2024
Updated on July 13th, 2026

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ITALIAN AMERICAN GRANDMA STYLE PIZZA

Grandma pizza is a thin, square, Italian-American pizza baked in an olive-oil-coated sheet pan, giving it a crispy golden bottom and a light, airy interior. Topped with sliced mozzarella and dollops of chunky tomato, it originated on Long Island, New York, as a home-style “Pizza alla Nonna.” Thinner than a Sicilian slice and cut into rectangles rather than triangles, it is one of several distinct New York pizza styles. Here is everything you need to know, plus where to get the best Grandma pizzas shipped nationwide.

What is a Grandma Pizza?

Grandma pizza is a thin-crust, square pizza baked in an olive-oil-coated sheet pan. Invented at Umberto’s Pizzeria in New Hyde Park, Long Island, this “Pizza alla Nonna” (Italian for grandmother’s pizza) recreates the simple, home-style pizzas Italian grandmothers made at home. What sets it apart is the crust: pressed straight into an oiled pan, it bakes up crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here is how a classic Grandma pizza comes together:

• The crust: unproofed dough pressed into a heavy steel pan coated in olive oil, giving it a golden, crispy bottom
• The cheese: sliced mozzarella laid directly on the dough
• The sauce: dollops of chunky plum tomato spooned on top, rather than a full layer
• The finish: a drizzle of olive oil with a sprinkle of oregano and Pecorino Romano

Grandma pizza is just one of several distinct New York pizza styles:

• Grandma pizza: thin, crispy, square pizza baked in an oiled pan
• New York pizza: round, thin-crust cheese pizza with slices so big they are often folded when eaten
• New York Sicilian pizza: thick, dense, focaccia-like pizza with a chewy crust, cut into rectangles

Read More: Grandma vs. Sicilian Pizza: What’s the Difference?

What is the Difference Between New York and Grandma Pizza?

The main difference between New York and Grandma pizza is shape and crust: New York pizza is round with a thin, hand-tossed crust cut into foldable triangles, while Grandma pizza is square with a thin, pan-baked crust cut into rectangles. Both are New York staples, but they differ across four key traits:

• History: New York pizza was created in 1905 at Lombardi’s, the first pizzeria in the U.S. Grandma pizza came later, invented by Italian immigrant Umberto Corteo on Long Island and popularized in the 1990s.
• Crust: New York pizza uses proofed dough that is stretched and tossed before baking, yielding a thin, sturdy crust with a slightly puffy outer ring. Grandma pizza uses unproofed dough pressed directly into an oiled steel pan, yielding a flat crust that is golden and crispy on the bottom.
• Shape: New York pizza is round and sliced into triangles. Grandma pizza is rectangular and sliced into squares.
• Cheese and sauce order: New York pizza is topped with sauce first, then shredded mozzarella, for an even cheese-to-sauce ratio. Grandma pizza is topped with sliced mozzarella first, then dollops of chunky tomato, leaving parts of the dough exposed for its signature look.

Read More: What Is New York-Style Pizza?

Most Iconic Grandma Pizzas

It’s hip to be square. No matter how you slice it or top it, Goldbelly has the most iconic Grandma pizzas shipping nationwide!

Washington Squares

James Beard Award-winning Chef Dan Kluger loves pizza so much, he opened a New York City restaurant devoted to it. Washington Squares bakes its rectangular pizzas in oil-slicked pans, creating a thin, fluffy crust with a crispy exterior.

This wheat dough is noticeably nutty and comes with a variety of toppings like: 

• “OG” Cheese: topped with basil, chilies, mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and tomato
• Mushroom Pizza: topped with fontina, mozzarella, ricotta, a mix of mushrooms, and spicy chili crisp
• Meat Lover’s Pizza: topped with mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, soppressata, and house-made sausage
• Vegan Pizza: topped with basic, garlic oil, oregano, and crushed tomatoes

Umberto’s Pizzeria

Founded in 1965 by Umberto Corteo, Umberto’s Pizzeria is a legendary spot for pizza aficionados. The New Hyde Park, New York, pizzeria put Grandma pizza, a uniquely New York-style pizza, on the map. Corteo invented it based on the pizzas his mother made for his family in Italy. 

The Long Island Italian restaurant added the once-secret pizza to the menu in the 1980s. Each rectangular pizza has a signature thin crust. Each is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, marinara sauce, garlic, and oregano. This is the OG Grandma pizza you must try.

Read More: The Best NYC Pizza Joints That Ship Nationwide

Grandma Pizza FAQs

Grandma’s got a pizza our hearts. America’s greatest Grandma pizzas are shipping nationwide on Goldbelly!