Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza is much more than just a pizzeria in Midwood, Brooklyn: it’s a culinary temple, the epicenter of authentic New York pizza where tradition is savored in every bite 🍕. Founded by the legendary Domenico DeMarco in 1965, this place is world-renowned for its artisanal pizza, the use of fresh ingredients imported from Italy, and the almost ceremonial dedication in its preparation. It represents the soul of classic New York pizza.

Located on Avenue J, Di Fara is a mandatory stop for every lover of good pizza visiting the city—and for New Yorkers who know the secret. Although the master Dom DeMarco is no longer with us, his family continues his legacy with the same passion. The simple atmosphere and the often long wait are part of an unforgettable experience that celebrates authenticity and pure flavor.

Why Visit Di Fara Pizza?

Visiting Di Fara Pizza is like making a pilgrimage to the heart of New York’s pizza tradition. It’s a mythical place that combines family history, ingredients of supreme quality, and a hard-to-find artisanal dedication. Here, each pizza is carefully crafted using San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, freshly grated Grana Padano cheese, and fresh basil cut with scissors 🌿.

Its cultural importance is undeniable: it has been acclaimed by food critics, chefs, and pizza lovers from all over the world, becoming a symbol of Brooklyn’s culinary excellence. Although it’s not on the usual tourist circuit, its location in Midwood offers an authentic glimpse into a New York neighborhood outside of Manhattan.

Di Fara is also a symbol of perseverance and love for the craft. For decades, Dom DeMarco prepared every pizza himself, creating a legend. Today, although the wait can be considerable and the place is modest, trying a slice from Di Fara is connecting with an essential part of New York’s gastronomic history. If you want to try what many consider the best pizza in the city, this is the place.

How to Get to Di Fara Pizza by Subway?

Main Station

The main subway station that drops you just steps away from Di Fara Pizza is Avenue J, located on the Q line. This station places you directly in the heart of the Midwood neighborhood in Brooklyn, very close to the pizzeria. 🚇

Subway Lines That Take You to Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza is conveniently connected via the New York City subway. The main line that takes you directly to your destination is:

• Q (yellow line) – Stop: Avenue J

Other lines may require transfers to connect to the Q line.

How to Get to Di Fara Pizza from:

Central Park / Times Square

From the Midtown Manhattan area (Times Square or near Central Park), take the Q line southbound (towards Coney Island) directly to the Avenue J station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)

From Lower Manhattan, you can take the Q line (northbound/uptown) at stations like Canal St or Union Square, and continue to Avenue J. Another option is to take the R or W line to Canal St and transfer to the Q line.

Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)

From DUMBO, you can walk to the York St station (F line) and take it to Jay St-MetroTech to transfer to the southbound Q line to Avenue J. From Williamsburg, take the L line to Union Square and transfer to the southbound Q line.

Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)

If you’re coming from Long Island City or Flushing in Queens, you can take the 7 line to Times Sq-42 St and transfer to the southbound Q line to Avenue J. Or take the N or W line to Herald Square (34th St) and change to the southbound Q line.

Harlem

From Harlem, you can take the southbound 2 or 3 line to Times Sq-42 St, or the A or C line to 42nd St–Port Authority, and then walk to Times Square to take the southbound Q line to Avenue J.

Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)

From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, transfer to the subway (E line) to 7th Ave/53rd St, and change to the southbound Q line. From LaGuardia, take a bus (like the Q70-SBS) to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and change to the F line to Jay St-MetroTech, then transfer to the southbound Q. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and from there, take the southbound Q line to Avenue J.

What to Do at Di Fara Pizza?

Di Fara Pizza is an experience centered on one thing: the pizza. Don’t expect luxuries or modern fast service. You come here to savor a piece of culinary history and enjoy the process, even if it’s just watching from the line. Every moment has its rustic charm. 🤔

Savor the Legendary Pizza

The main thing is, of course, to eat. Whether it’s a classic slice or a whole pie, prepare for an intense and balanced flavor. Notice the quality of the dough, the perfect acidity of the San Marzano tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the final touch of fresh basil and olive oil. It’s a simple masterpiece.

Watch the Preparation (If Possible)

Although Dom DeMarco is gone, watching how the pizza is still carefully made can be part of the experience. The open kitchen allows (or used to allow) you to see the care put into each step, from stretching the dough to baking. It’s a reminder of the value of craftsmanship.

Order Like an Expert

Decide if you want a round slice or a square slice (Sicilian style). Both are excellent but offer different textures. Don’t get complicated with strange toppings; the classic Margherita or pepperoni are the stars. And be prepared to pay in cash! 💵 (Important: Confirm if they are still cash-only before you go).

Soak in the Authentic Atmosphere

Di Fara is not a modern restaurant. It’s a small place, often crowded, with simple decor that has barely changed in decades. Sit down (if you find a spot) or eat standing up, and simply enjoy the genuine atmosphere of a neighborhood pizzeria that became a legend.

Capture the Moment (Respectfully)

Di Fara’s classic facade and, of course, the pizza itself, are photo-worthy. Capture the essence of the place, but remember it’s a family business and often a crowded space. Be respectful when taking photos, especially if many people are waiting. 📸

Around Di Fara Pizza

Di Fara Pizza is located in Midwood, a residential Brooklyn neighborhood that offers a different New York experience, away from the tourist bustle of Manhattan. Although you won’t find major iconic attractions right next door, exploring the area will allow you to discover a more authentic and local Brooklyn.

Avenue J

Avenue J itself, where Di Fara is located, is a vibrant commercial street with a mix of local shops, small family businesses, and restaurants reflecting the neighborhood’s cultural diversity. Strolling along it will give you an idea of daily life in this part of Brooklyn. 🛍️

Explore Midwood

Midwood is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and its Victorian and Tudor-style houses. Taking a walk through the nearby residential streets can be a pleasant way to walk off the pizza and enjoy interesting architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Brooklyn College

Not far from Di Fara is the Brooklyn College campus, part of the City University of New York (CUNY). The campus has some historic buildings and pleasant green areas if you want a quiet stroll after eating. 🎓

Other Local Culinary Gems

Midwood and nearby neighborhoods like Flatbush have a diverse food scene, especially known for its kosher and Caribbean delights. If you have more appetite or time, you can explore other bakeries, specialty grocery stores, or restaurants in the area.

Marine Park

Although it requires a short bus or car ride, Marine Park, Brooklyn’s largest municipal park, is relatively close. It offers vast green spaces, trails for walking or biking, and areas for outdoor activities along Jamaica Bay. 🌳

A Neighborhood Experience

More than specific attractions, what the surroundings of Di Fara offer is the opportunity to experience a real New York neighborhood, observe local life, and enjoy a less touristy, more community-oriented atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting Di Fara Pizza

Visiting Di Fara Pizza is a unique experience, but it requires some preparation and patience to enjoy it fully. Here are some tips to make your pilgrimage to this pizza temple perfect. 🙌

Best Time of Day to Go

To try and avoid the longest lines, consider going on a weekday and outside of peak meal times (before 12:00 PM or between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM). However, keep in mind that Di Fara is popular almost any time, so patience is key. Weekends are usually especially busy.

Prepare for the Wait

The lines at Di Fara are legendary. You might wait anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially on busy days. Consider it part of the experience. Bring something to entertain yourself or simply enjoy observing the neighborhood atmosphere. The reward is worth the wait! ⏳

Bring Cash (Essential!)

Historically, Di Fara has been a cash-only establishment. While it’s always good to check for recent changes, the safest bet is to bring enough cash to pay for your order. You don’t want to wait in line and then be unable to pay. 💰

What to Bring and What Not To

Wear comfortable clothes, as you’ll likely be standing while waiting. Bring the essentials: cash, your phone (for photos and entertainment), and maybe a water bottle if it’s hot. You don’t need anything special, but you do need plenty of patience and appetite. The place is small, so avoid bringing large backpacks or lots of luggage. Enjoy the moment and the authentic flavor. ✨