The Tiny But Charming Upstate New York Town With One Of The World's Best Pizzerias

In the quiet, unassuming village of Kenmore, New York, just north of Buffalo, lies a hidden gem that has earned an impressive reputation on the world stage: Jay's. Despite its small-town location, Jay's has garnered widespread acclaim — it ranks 28 on the list of 50 best pizzerias in the world and sixth on the U.S. Top 50 list by the Italian organization 50 Top Pizza, which describes it as "a neighborhood pizzeria that has become a reference point for the whole country." What makes this tiny artisanal pizzeria so special, and why are people traveling to Kenmore to taste what it has to offer — and why should you?

Kenmore, a 20th-century village known for its tree-lined streets and classic small-town ambiance, might not seem like the place you'd expect to find world-class pizza, especially with the likes of New York City nearby. However, since its opening in 2017 at 2872 Delaware Avenue, Jay's has consistently made waves in the pizza world. The pizzeria's success can largely be attributed to its focus on locally sourced organic ingredients, authenticity, and an obsessive passion for creating the perfect pie. Jay's specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza, known for its thin, soft crust, bubbly edges, and slightly charred exterior.

Inspired by traditional pizza-making techniques from Naples, Italy — a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage — the first owner, Jay Langfelder, crafted a menu that respects the time-honored methods of pizza making while incorporating his own innovative twists. In 2019, Joe Powers, a part-time prodigious pizzaiolo of Jay's, then at just 22 years old, got the keys to the restaurant and has been running it since. The young talent packs a punch; he was trained in Naples at the AVPN pizza school and has won multiple national and international awards.

What sets Jay's apart from other pizzerias is its serious dedication to craftsmanship. Every pizza is made with dough that undergoes a long fermentation process, resulting in a light, airy crust with just the right balance of chewiness and crispiness. The restaurant uses 00 flour, a finely milled Italian flour with a smooth texture. The attention to detail doesn't stop at the dough, though! Jay's sources high-quality ingredients, such as imported San Marzano tomatoes, Italian DOP (Denominazione d'Origine Protetta) products like prosciutto and olive oil made according to very strict standards, and mozzarella from a local family farm. Every pizza is cooked for around 60 seconds in an all-wood fire oven that reaches temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The menu at Jay's offers a variety of classic and experimental options. For the most traditional pie of them all, Margherita — a simple yet flavorful combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. If you're seeking something a little different, try the award-winning 'Nduja with fontal cheese, 'nduja spicy pork spread, red onion, chili honey, and basil. Jay's also serves Detroit-style square pizza, like the eclectic Chicken Finger (blue cheese, Frank's Hot Sauce, cheese blend, and chicken fingers) or Red Top (cheese blend, tomatoes, pepperoni, garlic, oregano, Parmigiano Reggiano). The menu changes seasonally (and creatively). Enjoy your pie with some side dishes and a draft beer — the only drink you should order with pizza, according to Italians. Food critics, pizza aficionados, and locals praise Jay's for consistently delivering some of the best pizzas they've ever tasted. Whether you're a Buffalo local or a traveler on the hunt for an unforgettable slice, this pizzeria makes the trip to upstate town more than worth it.