The DiPietro family just can’t stay away from the restaurant business. Despite taking a break for a while to focus on family, John and his wife Alicia now own Dolce Pizzeria. The restaurant serves pizza as well as other Italian dishes in Fords (a town within Woodbridge Township).
At first, John owned and operated multiple pizzerias in New Jersey for several years. But he sold them in 2008, instead opting for a traditional 9-to-5 job and starting a family. However, his time away didn’t last long. John and Alicia now have two young children, Gio and Gianna. (Both have a menu item named after them!) With their family goals achieved, the couple decided it was time to get back into the restaurant business.
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A Family Pizzeria in Fords
Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant is in a 2,100-square foot building no stranger to housing Italian pizzerias and restaurants. “We focused on building a business grounded in our passion for Italian food and pizza,” says John. Meanwhile, Alicia raves about her husband’s business sense. “This is a business my husband knows and loves,” she says. “He amazes me every day with his extensive knowledge of both Italian food and entrepreneurship.”
The couple doesn’t doubt their decision to open Dolce Pizzeria at all. “It just felt right to both of us,” Alicia explains. “We certainly had reservations about opening during an unprecedented pandemic; but we didn’t want to lose the right opportunity for a long-term commitment based on a temporary situation. After weighing our options, we felt that the potential benefits outweighed the risks.”
The modern-looking dining room can typically seat about 50 guests. They do also close the dining room to host private parties, so they always encourage calling ahead. Dolce Pizzeria does not have outdoor seating.
The Menu at Dolce Pizzeria
At Dolce, you’ll find recipes that the family has served and loved for several generations; many of which originate from their small town of Guardia Lombardi in Italy. Popular entrees include eggplant rollatini and, of course, pizza. So far, signature pies such as the shrimp scampi pizza and vodka pizza are big hits. They also offer family specials; you can get chicken, pasta, salad, and garlic bread for $49.95 (serves four to five). Alicia’s favorite dish is gnocchi vodka, while John adores the chicken scarpiello.
They offer a 10-inch gluten-free pizza, as well as gluten-free penne for those who want it. Likewise, they can do a 10-inch cauliflower crust and vegan cheese. Click here to see the full dinner menu.
As already mentioned, Gianna and Gio both have salads named after them. The Gianna salad is made of spinach, quinoa, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella with balsamic vinaigrette. The Gio salad includes string beans, grape tomatoes, red onions, goat cheese, sliced almonds and is tossed in light balsamic.
You can visit Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant at 432 New Brunswick Avenue in Fords. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit the website or you can click here to give them a call.
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Dolce Pizzeria FAQs
Yes (large groups should also call ahead).
Yes, they do offer Gluten-free options
There are vegan and vegetarian options, yes
Yes, Dolce Pizzeria offers takeout
Yes, there are delivery options
No (BYO)
Yes, they do have a kids’ menu
All Photos: © Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant / Facebook
