There's something magical about settling into the couch on holiday night with family, your favorite holiday movie queued up, and the smell of fresh pizza filling the room, the kind that instantly makes the movie night feel festive.
At Amici's East Coast Pizzeria, we understand that choosing the right pizza can make or break your cozy evening. But should you go with the classic, foldable New York-style pizza or opt for the indulgent Detroit-style pizza that's taking California by storm? Let’s break down both styles so you can choose the perfect slice for your holiday marathon.
New York Style Pizza: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
New York-style pizza is often the first type of pizza that comes to mind when you’re planning a cozy holiday movie night. According to food historians, New York-style pizza evolved from Neapolitan roots in NYC starting in 1905 with Gennaro Lombardi. Those large, thin-crust pizzas were convenient to eat quickly while on the go or while traveling.
Why Thin, Foldable Slices Work So Well for Holiday Movie Nights
Amici’s bakes these foldable slices in our 700-degree brick ovens, creating thin crusts with crispy edges and chewy centers. The result is foldable slices you can hold in one hand while holding your drink in the other, perfect for uninterrupted movie-watching.
We balance our sauce and cheese intentionally so each slice delivers bold flavor without feeling heavy or overwhelming. As a result, it’s easy to enjoy a few slices of our New York-style pizzas without slowing down your movie-night momentum.
And if you’re wondering which New York–style picks fit your holiday movie mood, Amici’s has a lineup that never fails the crowd:
Pepperoni: classic, crispy-edged, and perfect for “one more slice” moments.
Margherita: light, fresh, and ideal if you want something flavorful but not heavy.
Philly: a richer, heartier option that brings big East Coast comfort to your couch.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: sweet, smoky, and bold for those who want something different during the holidays.
So no matter your movie choice: Elf, Home Alone, or Die Hard, you’ll find an NY slice that fits the vibe.
Detroit Style Pizza: Cozy, Bold, and Built for Winter Nights
If New York-style is the reliable friend, Detroit-style pizza is the guest who walks in and instantly elevates the night. Originating in 1946 at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit, this style was originally baked in blue steel pans borrowed from automotive factories.
When You Want Comfort Food That Feels Like a Treat
At Amici's, we honor the classic Motor City style of pizza using all-natural ingredients and brick-oven adaptations to create the authentic experience California pizza lovers want!
Detroit Style Pizza has a thick, airy texture and is baked in specially designed steel pans with cheese to the edges for crunchy, caramelized, golden corners. Square-cut slices are perfect for sharing with family on cold winter nights. Signature red sauce finish adds authentic Motor City flavor.
If Detroit-style is calling your name, Amici’s has a few winter-ready favorites that bring maximum comfort:
Three Cheese Red Top: mozzarella, provolone, and Romano layered into a true holiday indulgence.
Pepperoni Pie: thick, bubbly, and loaded with caramelized edges for a cold-night bite.
SMOG: sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers for a hearty, full-flavor square.
Veggie: a plant-forward option that still delivers that signature Detroit richness.
Square slices, cheesy edges, and bold toppings, basically everything a cozy December night wants.
New York vs Detroit Pizza: How to Choose for Your Night
If easy, no-mess eating is the priority, New York style wins for minimal fuss. Those foldable slices work whether you're lounging on the couch or gathered around the coffee table. Detroit style requires a bit more attention, but it rewards with satisfaction.
Consider your group size and hunger level:
Casual hangouts and multi-movie marathons pair perfectly with New York style.
Cozy, pre-movie dinners with family call for the heartiness of Detroit style.
Both styles bring their own personality, so you truly can’t go wrong.
Delivery or Dine-In: What Works Best on Holiday Night?
Pizza delivery means you stay in your pajamas, keep the fireplace going, and avoid any stress about timing. Both our New York and Detroit-style pizzas are crafted to travel exceptionally well, maintaining their texture and flavor, even when they’re coming from the Bay Area kitchen closest to you.
Whether you’re dining in at our full-service spots in San Mateo, Vacaville, Danville, or grabbing takeout or delivery from San Jose or Oakland, families love how reliably hot our pizzas arrive.
Order ahead during the holiday rush to lock in your delivery window, and we'll make sure your pizza arrives hot, fresh, and perfectly timed for when the opening credits roll.
FAQs: Quick Answers Before You Order
Is Detroit-style pizza more filling than New York-style?
Yes, Detroit-style is significantly more filling due to its thick crust and generous cheese coverage.
Which pizza style is better for sharing?
Both work wonderfully. New York style encourages casual grazing, while Detroit style creates a more communal, sit-down sharing experience.
Can I order both styles for one group?
Absolutely! Many customers mix both styles to accommodate different preferences.
Which pizza works better for delivery?
Both travel exceptionally well and arrive looking and tasting exactly as they left our kitchen.
Let the Holiday Movie Play, Let the Pizza Decide
There's no wrong choice when it comes to the best pizza for holiday movie night, only mood-based decisions. Choose New York style when you want classic, easy, and nostalgic. Reach for Detroit style when you're craving an indulgent, cozy, and satisfying slice.
Ready to make the holiday movie night effortless and delicious? Order your favorite style or both from Amici's and make holiday movie night a pizza tradition worth replaying every year.