New Jersey doesn’t just make pizza, it is pizza. Okay, not literally, but the entire state is one big world-class pizza destination. Grabbing a slice of pizza in New Jersey isn’t just a business transaction, it’s a multi-generational culinary tradition. Today, we celebrate The 10 Best Central Jersey Pizzerias.
The spots on this list could hang their pies in a museum. From the legendary, crisp bite of authentic Trenton tomato pies and thin tavern crusts, to heavy Brooklyn-style Sicilian squares and authentic Mustard Pies, the level of craftsmanship is staggering. When it comes to combining dough, sauce, and cheese, The 10 Best Central Jersey Pizzerias somehow do it better than everyone else. Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
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The 10 Best
Central Jersey Pizzerias
Featured From Somerset County:
Luca’s Ristorante
Where: 2019 NJ-27, Somerset
Details: The secret is out on this hidden gem tucked inside Country Plaza using authentic Ischia recipes. Luca’s Ristorante Owner/Chef Andrea Di Meglio has been offering authentic, mouthwatering Italian fare for 3 decades now. The menu boasts flavors and cooking styles native to his Italian homeland. They are already one of the Best Italian Restaurants in New Jersey, so it’s no surprise they make great pizza. Everything at Luca’s is made from scratch, from the table bread and 100% organic pastas to the desserts. Their brick oven, 12-inch pies are made with a sourdough crust and come in 14 different options. The most unusual is their Figlio ‘E ‘Ntrocchia, topped with short rib, cognac beef sauce, shallots, and smoked mozzarella. But most fans always come back to their classic Margherita with tomato sauce, fresh basil, and mozzarella. We also recommend the Cuoppo Allesse (truffled mushrooms, ricotta, and fontina.)
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AMA Pizza
Where: Hillsborough
Details: The AMA in AMA Pizza represents the three members of the Confuorto family; Achille (owner/chef), Michael (GM), and Andre (assistant manager). Together they create classic Italian dishes, which of course include a variety of brick-oven Neapolitan pizzas. For example, their dolce e piccante pie blends ricotta and tomato sauce, roasted red peppers, spicy salami, and spicy honey. Meanwhile, their Tre Colori (3 Color) pie is a feast for the senses, with margherita, parma, and pesto. Their white Salsiccia e Friarielli pie is also a must-try.
Benny’s Pizza
Where: Woodbridge
Details: This casual spot doesn’t slouch when it comes to making high-quality, thin crust pizzas. Like any truly exceptional pizzeria, Benny’s requires no extra toppings, relying on the strength of their crust, sauce, and cheese. While they offer exceptional vodka chicken parm, veggie, eggplant parm, and other specialty pies, the regular pies, white pies, and tomato pies all stand on their own as worthy meals. But if you really want to get fancy, their Shrimp Fra Diavolo pie is a must-try. (The Chipotle Cheesesteak is also a winner.)
DeLorenzo’s The Burg
Where: Hamilton/Trenton
Details: The Burg is a strange tale, with ties to the famous DeLorenzo’s Tomato pies that once inhabited the same space. Though the previous landmark closed on a sour note, a new generation from the DeLorenzo family is bringing his popular style and aesthetic over from Levittown, PA. The Burg still offers the family’s legendary tomato pies, in addition to a number of specialty pizzas. This includes favorites like Clam Casino, Buffalo Chicken, and our favorite, the authentic Mustard Pie (with spicy brown mustard).
DeLucia’s Brick Oven
Where: Raritan
Details: DeLucia’s story dates back to 1917, when Italian immigrant Costanio DeLucia opened his first bread bakery. But by the 1950s, pizza became so popular in America that DeLucia converted the menu to all pizza. Today, the restaurant (and DeLucia family) still uses the bakery’s original brick oven to make their pizza. Their unique preparation method that exclusively cooks pies using residual heat in the oven limits how many pies they make. Which only adds to the excitement for fans who are willing to line up just for a pie.
Lombardi Pizza Co.
Where: Martinsville
Details: Famous for both their pizza truck and brick-and-mortar location, Lobardi Pizza Co. masters the Neapolitan style pie. Their fan favorite dough uses just four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. With a wood-fired oven and a lot of love, current co-owners Jenna Hope and Nick Carvalho do their best to uphold the legacy of original owner Peter Lombardi; who himself trained in Naples, Italy to learn the fine art of pizza making. We recommend the 7051 Pizza, with fresh mozzarella, soppressata, and jalapeno puree.
Mancini Pizza
Where: East Brunswick
Details: This family-run and family-friendly pizza joint offers Brooklyn style pies. The menu is almost overwhelmingly large, with 24 specialty pies to choose from. From favorites like the Godfather (a 12-slice, thin crust Sicilian) and Chicken Bacon Ranch, to the Burrata Pie and Quattro Stagioni (with artichokes, Kalamata olives, ham, and mushrooms), you’re almost obligated to come back and try them all. We recommend the 14″ Truffle pie, with fresh mozzarella, fresh mushrooms, and prosciutto with a creamy truffle drizzle.
Nancy’s Towne House
Where: Rahway
Details: What business does a bar and grill have serving world famous pizza? You’ll have to stop in and ask owner Nancy Knudson yourself. After more than 80 years in operation, Nancy’s is thin crust royalty in New Jersey. Their large plain pies don’t need anything extra to be thoroughly enjoyed. That said, their Buzz Pie (hot cherry peppers and bacon), Philly Cheesesteak Pie, and Drunken Grandma are top notch orders. We also recommend the unique Italian Pizza, topped with meatballs, roasted red peppers, and ricotta cheese.
Papa’s Tomato Pies
Where: Robbinsville
Details: Another century-old spot, Papa’s has been serving one of NJ’s best tomato pies since 1912. In fact, Papa’s claims to be the oldest continuously family-owned pizzeria in the country! While they specialize in classic Trenton tomato pies, they are also uniquely known for their Mustard Pie. This local delicacy adds a thin layer of spicy brown mustard to the dough before it is baked; it is then topped with tomato and cheese. It’s definitely different, and since it isn’t really found anywhere else, we say it’s worth a try.
Rome Pizza
Where: Dunellen
Details: Rome wasn’t built in a day, but locals demand this pizzeria crank out Brooklyn style pies like they’re going out of style. Open since 1967, Rome Pizza is on the verge of celebrating 60 years in business. In all that time, this old school pizzeria has only continued to flourish; thanks in part to their tried and true menu featuring a curated selection of pies. Standouts include the Pork Pie (pepperoni, sausage, bacon) and Nonna’s Sicilian (oil, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and oregano with no cheese.) They also make a gluten free crust.
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