The Best Pizzerias & Pizza Pies in New Jersey: 2023 Edition is written by Vinny Parisi.
New Jersey is known for many things, but pizza is perhaps the largest source of debate. In fact, even amongst New Jerseyans from county to county, everyone has their own idea of the perfect pizza. So it’s no small feat to find and showcase the best pizza slices and pizzerias in New Jersey.
From coal fire to brick oven, and thin crust to pan, New Jersey is an embarrassment of pizza riches. Of course, not all pizza is made equally, so we’re spotlighting where to find the best pizza in NJ. Keep reading to find our list of favorite pizzerias and pizza pies from throughout the state.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Pizza & Pizzerias near you.
North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey
North Jersey
Aquila Pizza Al Forno
Location: 7A Paterson Ave, Little Falls
Details: Aquila is known for their wood-fired, hand-shaped, personal size pizzas. The menu is small, but they are masters of the few pizzas they offer. In particular, the five pies they make are Margherita, Funghi, Bianca, Filetti, and Tre Carni. Each of these are completely unique from one another in terms of flavor profile. For instance, Tre Carni offers smoked prosciutto, capicola, and soppressata, while Funghi has roasted portobello mushrooms.
Why I like it: They prepare all pizzas with homemade mozzarella, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Boardwalk Pizza
Location: 333 Passaic Ave, Fairfield
Details: Boardwalk Pizza has a staggering amount of pizzas, but we don’t mean the toppings. They offer pizza sizes in 8”, 12”, 16”, 18”, and a whopping 24” Jumbo Boardwalk style. But that’s not all, because they also serve Chicago deep dish and cast iron skillet pies. Even the crusts are diverse at this spot, with gluten-free options as well as a caramelized cheese crust. Try the Bruschetta pie with grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, and balsamic glaze. This spot boasts a menu “as diverse as the boardwalk itself”, including entrees, pastas, burgers, heros, desserts, and more.
Why I like it: They offer a half dozen daily specials, like the Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad with Bacon.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Novino
Location: 64 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah
Details: When it comes to pizza, it doesn’t get more Italian than Novino. That’s because they import the flour for their dough from Napoli (Naples) to make authentic Neapolitan pizzas. They use their Forza Forni rotating, wood-burning oven to craft signature pies as well as NY-style pizza. This spot makes pizzas in a number of sizes, from personal 9” pies up to New York-style 16”. Their cooking style chars the pizza on top, but leaves the bottom soft.
Why I like it: Novino only seats up to 50 guests in their dining room, making dinner feel more intimate.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
The Pizza Terminal & Restaurant
Location: 150 Bloomfield Ave, Verona
Details: Pizza Terminal offers traditional, Sicilian, Bar Stool pan pizzas, and gluten-free pies. But the real meat (and veggies) of their menu comes from the specialty Sicilian pies, which mostly feature exotic names. For instance, there’s the Nikki Norker with plum tomatoes, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a thin crust. Then there’s the Bloomfield Avenue, with sausage in place of pepperoni, or the Tipsy Grandma with tomatoes and vodka sauce.
Why I like it: Just like its cinematic counterpart, the Godfather 2 pizza is better than the Godfather 1 pie.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Algieri’s Pizza
Location: Belleville
Details: Algieri’s Pizza offers a variety of classic and special pizzas. Options like Chicken & Roasted Peppers or Italian Veggie make it hard to choose a favorite. But many guests say their regular pie (well done) alone is one of the best around. In addition, low-carb eaters will enjoy their Cauliflower Gluten-Free pie, which comes with Mozzarella cheese. The large menu also includes salads, sides, subs, apps, calzones, burgers, wraps, dinner entrees, and more.
Amici’s Restaurant
Location: Maywood
Details: Wood-fired pizza is the specialty at Amici’s Restaurant (formerly Amici’s Pizza). They offer both classic and signature Neopolitan pizzas, all of them exclusively as 12″ pies. Classic options include 4 cheese (Buffalo Mozzarella, Fresh Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Ricotta) and Toscana, with sweet sausages and basil. Meanwhile, signature pies include the Bianca (artichokes, shrimp, and cheese) and Norm’s Big Sexy (sausage and broccoli rabe).
Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria
Location: Maplewood
Details: Arturo’s offers pizza with a plentiful crust that gets a nice char from their brick oven. Their traditional Margherita pizza has handmade mozzarella, tomato sauce, sea salt, basil, and extra virgin olive oil from California. Another standout is the Maple Bacon pie, with fresh mozzarella, heritage bacon, shaved onions, and maple syrup from Pennsylvania. Arturo’s also develops seasonal pies that rotate regularly, so loyal patrons are always in for a treat.
Brooklyn’s Coal Brick Oven Pizza
Location: Hackensack
Details: Brick oven pies and fresh mozzarella are the signature calling cards of Brooklyn’s. In fact, they’ve been making their pizza the same way since the 1930s in 1,000-degree coal fired brick ovens. Their famous pies have graced the lips of even more famous celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, and Yogi Berra. The pizzas all start as either cheese & tomato pies, or white pies with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic. Toppings are added after that.
Calabria Restaurant & Pizzeria
Location: Livingston
Details: Crunchy, thin crust pies are a popular choice at Calabria. These “crunchy thin” options come in Creamy Spinach, Veggie, Supreme, Diavola, and Upside Down Tomato Pie. But their 18″ specialty pies — from the Eggplant Riccota to the Penne Vodka pizza — are also fan favorites. In fact, patrons who live all across the country order from Calabria, as they offer nationwide shipping. For large groups, they offer an extra large 28″ Boardwalk Pizza.
Cambiotti’s
Location: Landing
Details: Despite their assortment of pizzas, locals know the highlight of the Cambiotti’s menu is their classic Tomato Pie. Their signature thin crust creation comes in 10”, 14”, and 16” sizes, as well as a 12″ square deep dish. However, their gourmet pies are also quite noteworthy, with standout choices such as Spinach Dip, Alla Rizzo, and Pollo Pancetta. The latter lacks tomato sauce, but comes with chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, and ranch dressing.
Delizia Pizza Kitchen
Location: Ledgewood
Details: Delizia’s offers 18″ traditional and gourmet pizzas, as well as square, deep dish Sicilian pies. In particular, we suggest the pretty self-explanatory Grilled Chicken Over Caesar Salad. The Cheesesteak pie with onions and peppers is also a popular pick. Other favorites include the Baked Ziti, Eggplant with Ricotta, and Vegetable Primavera Special. They also have a handful of strombolis including chicken parm, and sausage, pepper, onions, and mozzarella.
Dominick’s
Location: Newton
Details: “Eat well, live well” is the slogan at Dominick’s (as well as every Italian household in New Jersey.) This family-owned and operated pizza joint has been serving Newton crispy, thin-crust pizza since the 1960s. In addition to gourmet pies like Taco Pizza or Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch, they have gluten-free menu options. This means patrons can still enjoy popular appetizers, pasta, paninis, entrees, pizzas, and more, all without wheat products.
Kinchley’s Tavern
Location: Ramsey
Details: Kinchley’s Tavern believes they sell the “#1 Thin Crust Pizza” in New Jersey. This “ultra thin crust” bar pie has been made using the same recipe for over 80 years. These original pies have an extensive list of topping choices, from pepperoni and sweet peppers to broccoli and breaded eggplant. Other popular pies at Kinchley’s include the Sliced Homemade Meatball, Breaded Chicken Cutlet, and Vodka Sauce. But we say keep it simple at this spot.
Mama Rosa Pizza & Pasta
Location: Rutherford
Details: Mama Rosa has been a part of the community since 1971. To this day, patrons still can’t get enough of their thin crust, pan, and Sicilian pizzas. In addition to a variety of toppings and crusts, Mama Rosa loves to mix and match pies. For example, they serve half and half pizzas like the Lasagna x Cheesesteak, or the Penne Vodka x Chicken Parm. That lasagna pie comes topped with lasagna noodles, ground beef, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Mangiano Pizza
Location: Cedar Knolls
Details: This self-proclaimed “modest pizzeria” could sure fool us, as they’ve got over 30 pies to choose from. Specialty pizzas include newer additions like Chicken Teriyaki, Capri, and Mamma Mia, with fresh mozzarella, plum tomato sauce, and basil. Likewise, the Philly Cheese, Tuscany, Arugula, and Paesano Pizzas are popular menu staples. The latter features black olives, plum tomato, garlic, olive oil, basil, fresh mozzarella, and Romano cheese.
Nicolosi’s Pizza
Location: Phillipsburg
Details: Nicolosi’s is a cash-only spot that specializes in plain cheese pizza and the Sicilian pie. In short, they’re about as old school as it gets. Their use of plentiful cheese, a sweeter sauce, and the perfect amount of oregano keep regulars coming back. It’s worth noting this pizzeria is part of Hillcrest Mall, a sprawling shopping center behind a giant medical complex. We recommend looking up a business directory beforehand to get the lay of the land.
Patsy’s Tavern & Restaurant
Location: Paterson
Details: The brick ovens at Patsy’s produce a thin, crispy crust. This no-frills, cash-only restaurant offers dine-in and takeout, but not delivery. In particular, their signature pie is the classic mozzarella pizza with or without toppings. They do have one specialty pie on the menu though, the Garbage Pie. This comes with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Patsy’s Tavern has been owned and operated by its original family since 1931.
Pizza Town USA
Location: Elmwood Park
Details: Pizza Town USA has been a part of New Jersey culture since 1958. In addition to their famous pizza, they also serve both hot and cold subs, calzones, and zeppole. While there’s nothing wrong with the plain or Sicilian pies, the star of the show is their Pizzatown Special. This namesake pie comes loaded with sausage, peppers, mushrooms, meatballs, and extra cheese. The retro-style counter service and classic pies are a slice of pure Americana.
PizzAmore Italian Kitchen
Location: Carlstadt
Details: Compared to some of the legacy pizzerias on our list, PizzAmore is an up-and-comer. Open since 2018, locals already love their signature Grandma Pizza. This thin Sicilian crust with olive oil and garlic is topped with fresh mozzarella and chunky san Marzano tomato sauce. But to really enhance the experience, we recommend adding some meatballs to any pie. PizzAmore owner John Speciale makes fresh, homemade, must-try meatballs.
Ralph’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
Location: Nutley
Details: According to legend (and their website), Ralph’s is the first and oldest pizzeria in Nutley. This award-winning spot serves all the essentials for a classic Italian dinner, including pasta, chicken, fish, and veal. But they win over locals and tourists alike with their famous thin crust pizza. They offer tons of topping choices as well as specialty pies to pick from. Standout choices include the Buffalo Chicken pie and Ralph’s Special Pie (with the works).
Razza Pizza Artigianale
Location: Jersey City
Details: Razza aims to make the most authentically Italian pizza in New Jersey (and maybe the country). They use local, in-season ingredients to craft their rotating pizza menu, which can change daily. This includes using flour milled in nearby Clifton, and making their own bread and butter. Using their own yeast culture process, they typically offer about a dozen pies on their menu. Try the Cavolini with Brussels sprouts, cheese, onion, lemon, & melted anchovy.
Reservoir Tavern
Location: Boonton
Details: Back in 1936, Nicola Bevacqua opened Reservoir Tavern to provide patrons with his expertise in authentic Italian cooking. While the appetizer and entree menus are full of traditional delights, no trip is complete without ordering a pizza. Their homemade crust and sauce is enough flavor to not require any additional toppings. However, they still offer a mix of classic, premium, and deluxe toppings ranging from ham and bolognese to grilled chicken.
Tenth Street Pasta & Pizza
Location: Hoboken
Details: Tenth Street Pasta & Pizza boasts a unique pizza experience locals love. They only serve pies that are prepared well done, with a handful of options to choose from. They serve classic, margherita, and white pies, as well as square pizzas. When it comes to toppings, patrons can select to cover half or the whole pie. They have basic toppings such as black olives, garlic, and anchovies, plus choices like pesto, meatballs, and house made peppers.
The Star Tavern
Location: Orange
Details: There’s a laundry list of accolades associated with this “world famous” pizzeria. The Star Tavern is beloved by locals — as well as many news outlets — for its thin crust pizza. In terms of specialty pies, some standouts include white clam, pesto, and apple pie (yes, apple pie). But their regular, three cheese, and whole wheat options are great as well. These thin crust experts always achieve a perfectly balanced slice, without using too many toppings.
Tony D’s Pizza
Location: Caldwell
Details: Tony D’s is a local favorite because of their consistency for quality. They have many pizzas, most of which can be made as either round or thin Sicilian square pies. The square-only Pizza’lina pie is extra thin and extra crispy, with fresh mozzarella, shaved Parmesan, EVOO, and marinara sauce. Likewise, the Little Italy is a Square pie with crumbled sausage, onions, long hot peppers, marinara sauce, and fresh mozzarella. We say try “The Big Sal” pie.
Uncle Louie’s Pizza
Location: Montvale
Details: Uncle Louie’s makes authentic pastas, soups, and more using Italian family recipes passed down for generations. They serve over 15 kinds of specialty pizzas, but “Uncle Louie’s Pizza” pie is their marquee attraction. This Chicago-style deep dish pizza comes with extra sauce, a little kick of spice, and plenty of flavor. They also offer unique pies like the Primavera Pizza, a white pizza with broccoli, eggplant, spinach, tomatoes, and zucchini.
Central Jersey
DeLorenzo’s Pizza
Location: 147 Sloan Ave, Hamilton
Details: The DeLorenzo family created the first “Trenton Tomato Pie” back in the 1930s. This signature pizza offers a thin, crispy, slightly charred crust with a generous helping of tomato sauce and cheese. Their pies are so famous, they sell frozen pizzas that deliver anywhere in the US (they’re also available for pickup). Locals also love ordering The Works (sausage, mushroom, pepperoni, meatballs, green peppers, anchovies, onion, garlic, and oregano).
Why I like it: As an authentic Italian eatery, DeLorenzo’s closes at 2:00 pm and reopens at 4:00 pm.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Dolce Pizzeria & Restaurant
Location: 432 New Brunswick Ave, Fords
Details: The DiPietro family offers an assortment of pizza options at Dolce, which is also a sit down Italian restaurant. Locals love their specialty pies, which come in large 16″, Sicilian 16″, and personal 10″ sizes. Popular pizzas include the Shrimp Scampi (mozzarella cheese topped with shrimp in a scampi sauce) and the Dolce Special. The latter comes with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives. Meanwhile, their traditional pies with toppings of choice can be made with gluten-free or cauliflower crust for personal sizes.
Why I like it: The couple’s two young children — Gio and Gianna — each have specialty salads named after them.
Click here to visit their website | Order now via ToastTab | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
Massa Roman Square Pizza & Italian Specialties
Location: 405A Park Ave, Scotch Plains
Details: Massa Roman is very particular about their pizza. As the name suggests, they follow the strict Roman Square Pizza process, using dough that slowly rises over 72 hours. On top of that, they only make one batch of dough per day, so pies are limited. The team believes there are no shortcuts on the path to success, and locals say their pizza is worth it. Some of their exotic options include the Ciccia e Blu, with tomatoes, mozzarella, sausage, blue cheese, pecorin, basil, and EVOO. Then there’s the Ortolana, with san marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The pizzas here are larger than the average pie, with twelve slices instead of eight, using 3x the dough.
Why I like it: They also serve an assortment of paninis on either Focaccia or gluten-free bread.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
New World Pizza & Cafe
Location: 1147 Route 601, Skillman
Details: New World Pizza makes their sauce and dough fresh each day. They offer pizzas either plain, white, or “with the works” in 12”, 16”, Sicilian, and personal pan sizes. Guests can either build their own pizza from a selection of toppings or go straight for the signature gourmet pies. These pizzas range from Chicken Chipotle Ranch and Eggplant Parmigiana to Bruschetta and Veggie Lovers. They also make calzones and allow patrons to build their own stromboli using the same regular and gourmet pizza toppings. Try their stuffed pizzas, too.
Why I like it: The options for those stuffed pizzas include Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Parm, and Veggie.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
AMA Pizza
Location: 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 includes pizza. For example, their dolce e piccante pie blends ricotta and tomato sauce, roasted red peppers, spicy salami, and spicy honey. Meanwhile, their 3 Color pie is a feast for the senses, with margherita, parma, and pesto.
Capital Craft
Location: Green Brook
Details: Capital Craft is the perfect pairing of pizza and craft beer. They sport 30 taps which rotate daily, so there’s always something new to try. As for the pizza, they serve coal-fired pies using their homemade crust recipe. The menu features signature pies like the fan favorite Chunky Grandma, Boogie Nights, and the CC Double Stack. The latter is a double layered Grandma pie with pepperoni and mozzarella under dough, bacon, sausage, and more cheese.
DeLucia’s Brick Oven
Location: 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.
Ferraro’s Pizzeria & Pub
Location: Middlesex
Details: More than just a pizzeria, Ferraro’s is also an upscale eatery and bar. Their four primary pies are cheese, white, vodka, and margherita. For there, patrons can select from a wide variety of toppings such as chicken or broccoli rabe. Other popular toppings include bacon, sausage, meatballs, green peppers, eggplant, and jalapeno peppers. But we recommend the Vodka Pizza, with vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a thin, crunchy crust.
It’s Nutts
Location: Titusville
Details: It’s Nutts must have Jersey diner in its DNA, because they serve every meal of the day. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert (including ice cream, cakes, and more). However, for the purpose of this list it’s their tomato pies we’re talking about. These pizzas come in personal (12”) and Family (17”) sizes, with an assortment of toppings to choose from. But even without any toppings at all, fans say the original tomato pie is great.
Joe’s Famous Pizza
Location: Vauxhall
Details: For over 75 years, Joe’s Famous Pizza has been dishing out, well, Joe’s famous pizza. Patrons rave about the thin, crispy crust with just the right amount of sauce and well-done cheese on top. They offer a number of specialty pies — from the Clam Pizza to the Three Cheese pie — plus classic options. But there’s really no beating their plain cheese pizza. Or, for the daring-but-not-too-adventurous, the Classic Extra Cheese thin crust pan pizza.
Lisa Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Location: Laurence Harbor
Details: The pizza at Lisa only gets better when toppings are involved. They of course serve plain pies, but each of their specialty pies offers something unique. For instance, they make a Shrimp & Spinach pizza, plus options for Baked Ziti, Chicken Marsala, and Chicken Parm. They also serve stromboli, packed with sausage, pepperoni, onion, peppers, mushrooms, and cheese. Their Pizza Primavera is something different, with broccoli, tomato, and ricotta.
Manville Pizza
Location: Manville
Details: Manville Pizza has been in operation since 1969. With over 50 years of experience making pizzas, they’ve learned a few tasty techniques. However, they don’t rest on their laurels and stick to the same staples that fans love. Instead, they continue to invent new pies like the Sweet Vanessa, their take on the “Brooklyn Square” pizza. Another unique, thin pizza is La Carmelita, with caramelized onions, gorgonzola cheese, and mild hot honey glaze.
Maria’s Pizza & Subs
Location: Milltown
Details: A Milltown landmark for over 30 years, Maria’s on Main St serves pizza, subs, wraps, burgers, and more. They specialize in 16” gourmet pizzas, as well as classic, Sicilian, and “Grandma” pies (their take on thin, square crust). Some of their gourmet pies include Mashed Potato pizza, the “Cluck-U Atomic” pizza, and the Grease Trucks pizza. Then there’s the Warrior Pie, a relatively new addition which comes with caramelized onions and bacon.
Nola’s Osteria & Pizza
Location: Garwood
Details: Nola’s Osteria (Italian for “tavern”) doesn’t sell slices, only full pies. Owner Marc Spagnola describes their menu and approach to cooking as old world style Italian cuisine. Their focus on only the finest and freshest ingredients allows Nola’s to create pizzas that patrons can’t get enough of. One of their most unique pizzas is the Mustard Pie with sauce, mozzarella, sausage, and spicy brown mustard. But they have many other options as well.
Prima Pizza Kitchen
Location: Somerville
Details: The thin, crispy crust at Prima is no stranger to the title of “best pizza in Somerville”. Some popular pies include the Salad Pizza, with romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, and vinegar. Patrons also enjoy the Prosciutto Parma Pizza with burrata cheese, arugula, and olive oil. Prima has a few different square pizza options, from the Upside Down Sicilian Pizza to the Drunken Grandma pie. Any pizza can use gluten-free and cauliflower crust by request.
Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza
Location: Elizabeth
Details: The Santillo’s story is eerily similar to DeLucia’s Brick Oven. The story begins in 1918 when Lou Santillo began delivering bread via horse and buggy (just like Costanio DeLucia). By 1944, Lou and his family added pizza to the menu. Three generations later (same as DeLucia), the Santillo family owns and operates Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza. For a pizza out of time, try their 1940 Genuine Tomato Pie. This comes without any cheese, only their sauce.
The Brick Oven Westfield
Location: Westfield
Details: There’s no misdirect here, the pizzas at The Brick Oven are really made using a wood-burning brick oven. All of the pies made here are personal size, so groups can each order their preferred toppings. The Brick Oven offers out-of-the-box flavors like Alla Diavola with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and hot salami. Another unique pizza is their Alla Capriciosa, which comes with tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms.
Three Guys From Italy
Location: Kenilworth
Details: Three Guys From Italy is a full Italian restaurant in addition to a pizzeria. So the menu includes options like seafood, chicken, and steak, as well as all the usual Italian classics. As for the pizza, they serve traditional, thin crust, and Sicilian pies. The options and toppings may not shock patrons, but the quality of the pizza speaks for itself. These three guys are also active in the community, frequently donating meals and catering youth sports events.
Jersey Shore
Attilio’s Pizzeria
Location: Matawan
Details: Attilio’s Pizzeria has been serving the community around Matawan for over 50 years. They specialize in thin crust pies that come in mini (12”), medium (14”), large (16”), and 18”. However, they also offer a thick pan crust pizza as well as take-home pizza kits. Popular gourmet pies include the Shrimp Scampi and Vodka and Penne pizzas. For anyone in the mood for a classic Italian dish as an entree, there’s always the Nutella pizza for dessert.
Black Cat Bar & Grill
Location: Absecon
Details: Sometimes good pizza is found in the most unexpected of places. In fact, many people don’t even realize this spot is a full-service, sit down family restaurant. A lot of locals will say most of the menu at Black Cat is nothing to celebrate. However, those same people will also say the pizza here is some of the best around. They serve plain cheese pies, in addition to pizzas with toppings of choice, with each offering authentic, old world flavors.
Bruni’s Pizza
Location: Hammonton
Details: The dough at Bruni’s is made fresh daily, so they never have to refrigerate it. As for their toppings, they offer favorites like thinly sliced pepperoni and homemade sweet Italian sausage. Put it all together, and patrons get a fresh pizza that tastes great and keeps them coming back for more. They offer a number of pie options, including thin crust, thick crust, Sicilian, and white pizza. For DIY makers, they have frozen dough and breads to take home.
Carluccio’s Coal Fired Pizza
Location: Northfield
Details: Carluccio’s offers well-done pizzas done well thanks to their coal-fired oven. They also serve pies NY-style, Sicilian, or on a flatbread. With over 20 signature pies to choose from, it can be tough to order just one. Of course, ordering a pizza “Carluccio’s Way” is never a bad idea. This house favorite features fresh broccoli rabe, sausage, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, and roasted peppers. Their “Grandma’s” pie is also a famous choice.
Capricci Pizzeria Panineria Ristorante
Location: Howell
Details: The team at Capricci uses market-fresh ingredients to craft authentic Italian dishes and pizzas. They offer a large menu, which extends to a sizeable selection of specialty pizzas as well. In particular, their Alla Norma pie is popular, packed with fried eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Other fan favorites include the Vodka, Chicken Caesar Salad, Meat Lovers, and San Marzano Square. The latter also includes Parmesan, mozzarella, and basil.
Denino’s Pizza Place
Location: Aberdeen
Details: Denino’s Pizza Place is a favorite spot for both locals and traveling tourists, as well as a family tradition. Current Owner Michael Denino’s father first created his authentic take on NY-style pizza in 1951. Since then, his passion has grown into a restaurant serving calzones, paninis, pasta, platters, desserts, and much more. Popular pies include their Margherita, the Buffalo, and the “M.O.R.” with homemade meatballs, onions, and whole milk ricotta cheese.
East Bay Italian Grille
Location: Barnegat
Details: Thin crust pizza headlines the menu at East Bay Italian Grille. In fact, they keep the menu short but sweet here, with a few specialty pies and build-your-own options. Their gourmet pies include Margherita, Vodka, East Bay White, Fresh Tomato and Garlic, and Chicken Parm. As for custom toppings, patrons can select from choices like bacon, meatballs, hot cherry peppers, and mushrooms. Pies come in small (10″) and large (16″).
Federici’s Italian Restaurant
Location: Freehold
Details: Federici’s is now over 100 years old, first opening in 1921. That success is partly based on their now-famous thin crust pizza. Locals love their plain cheese pie, but they have toppings like sausage and broccoli as well. But don’t sleep on their specialty pies, with many flavorful options including Eggplant Parm, Shrimp Scampi, and Buffalo Chicken. Plus, their cozy sidewalk cafe is a great place for a hot slice of pizza and a Bulleit Manhattan Martini.
Maruca’s Tomato Pies
Location: Seaside Heights
Details: The name says it all, as Maruca’s is famous for their Tomato Pies. They serve their pizzas as 12” bar pies, 18” large pies, or the extra large 24” pie. Typical toppings range from ricotta to meatballs and peppers, but they have a handful of specialty pizzas as well. In particular, this spot makes Margherita, Buffalo Chicken, Meat Lovers, White, and “Maruca’s Deluxe” pies. The latter includes sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
Mimmo’s Pizza, Pasta & Subs
Location: Forked River
Details: It’s hard to beat authentic Italian cooking from a chef born and raised in Naples, Italy. That’s exactly what patrons can expect at Mimmo’s. In addition to Italian entrees, burgers, and hot appetizers, they offer a huge assortment of pizza pies. Gourmet pie options include Spinach & Artichoke, Mac N’ Cheese Bites, Chicken Francese, Cheesesteak, and Mimmo’s Special; with peppers, onions, mushrooms, meatballs, sausage, and pepperoni.
Nunzio’s Pizza
Location: Long Branch
Details: It’s not an authentic Italian origin story if it doesn’t involve a big family. Thelma and Nunzio Chiafullo opened Nunzio’s in 1953, but before that they were married in 1930; spending every day taking care of their eight children. Now, the family business and Long Branch landmark delights locals with their signature pizza pies. Their classic, plain pie in either 14″ or 16″ is a favorite. But for folks who love pizza crust, they offer a Double Dough pie.
Pete and Elda’s Bar | Carmen’s Pizzeria
Location: Neptune City
Details: It’s a two-for-one double feature at this Neptune City staple. Pete & Elda’s / Carmen’s Pizzeria offers their famous Whole Pie Eater Challenge, for which the rules are simple. Anyone that can finish an entire XXL pie (18″) alone, in one sitting, gets a numbered t-shirt. At this point, the restaurant has designed over 250 limited edition shirts for the club. Thin crust is the specialty of this pizzeria, however, they make thick crust pies by request.
Roman’s Pizza House
Location: North Cape May
Details: Roman’s Pizza House serves crispy, thin-crust pizza. Under the current ownership (operating the spot since 2018), this pizzeria says their secret ingredient is love. But we think patrons really respond to their great selection of signature pies. For instance, the House Favorite Supreme is loaded with red sauce, mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. They can also make their pizzas using vegan cheese by request.
Rosie’s Pizza
Location: Point Pleasant Beach
Details: Sometimes, you can tell how “legit” a pizzeria is just by looking at the menu. Rosie’s dispenses with the notion of a large menu in favor of drilling down and focusing on the pizza. In fact, their “Everything Else” section of the menu consists of just meatballs a la carte and a house salad. They don’t even have any specific specialty pies, they simply let patrons choose between square or round pizzas; Then select from a choice of available toppings.
Schiano’s Pizza
Location: Toms River
Details: Schiano’s has a selection of tradition, gourmet, and specialty pizzas. For something different, try Mike’s Grandma Pizza. Unlike other grandma pies, this one includes plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni cups, basil, EVOO, and Mike’s Hot Honey. As for their gourmet pies, Schiano’s has a few standouts. There’s the Sweet Chili Chicken, the Tortellini Vodka Alfredo, the Chicken Bacon Ranch, and the well-done “Trenton” Style Pizza.
Talula’s Pizza
Location: Asbury Park
Details: Talula’s is home to the sourdough pizza, which they serve as 12” pies. There is quite a selection of both red and white pizzas, in addition to optional topping add-ons. All of their pizzas are exotic and have interesting names. For example, the Beekeeper’s Lament includes tomato sauce, hot Calabrian soppressata, fresh mozzarella, and local honey. However, the menu frequently features new pies, which means endless flavor combinations for patrons.
The Brothers Restaurant
Location: Red Bank
Details: Come to The Brothers Restaurant for their authentic Italian cuisine, but stay for the terrible pizza puns. (Their website features lines like “Penne for your Thoughts” and “Buy our Pizza, we Knead the Dough!”) This spot specializes in thin crust pizza, with over 25 pies to choose from. Their menu ranges from the Italian Hot Dog or Chicken Caesar pizza to the Supreme Pie. The latter features fresh ricotta, sauteed spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant
Location: Bradley Beach
Details: Though Vic’s says they are an Italian and American restaurant, their pizza has an old-school Italian flavor. The menu has evolved since first opening in 1947, and now includes crust options like whole wheat and gluten-free. But what has never changed is their famous, homemade dough and sauce. Fans love it so much, Vic’s doesn’t even have to offer any kind of specialty pies. They offer cheese pizza, then let patrons pick from a short list of toppings.
South Jersey
Brooklyn Original Pizzeria
Location: 908 W Kings Hwy, Haddon Heights
Details: Brooklyn Original Pizzeria (formerly known as Brooklyn Pizza & Grill) has a ton of different pizzas. In fact, they have over 30 different pies spread across categories like Classic, Meat Lovers, Chicken, and Veggie Lovers. From Brooklyn style square pies to traditional round pizzas, this spot has it all. Some of their more unique pies include the Cacio Pepe, Fili Ribeye, Pollo alla Padrino, and Big Joe’s Favorite. The latter comes with onion, anchovies, kalamata olives, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
Why I like it: New to the menu, Brooklyn Original Pizzeria now offers a whole wheat pizza crust option.
More info: Click here to visit their website or you can click here to give them a call.
Bricco
Location: Westmont
Details: Bricco is another coal-fired spot that uses aged dough to deliver a perfectly crispy crust. Or as they say, “Old World New York-style Pizza”. They offer over a dozen different signature pies, all of which have a unique flavor profile. There’s the Short Rib, Carbonara, Diavolo, and Spicy Chicken, as well as The Sailor and the Ava Bella. Aside from these options, Bricco has a few coal fired tomato pies in red, white, and marinara. The latter has no cheese.
Carollo’s Family Restaurant & Pizza
Location: Franklinville
Details: Some of the signature pies here sound familiar at first, but Carollo’s puts a unique spin on most. For example, their Cheesesteak Hoagie pie is a white pizza with lettuce, tomato, onion, oregano, oil, and vinegar. Meanwhile, their Seafood pie comes with sauteed jumbo shrimp and chopped clams, tomato, garlic, parsley, and mozzarella cheese. Aside from their white pies, they have traditional pizza slices like Chicken Parm and Margherita.
Eric’s Restaurant & Pizza
Location: Vineland
Details: The chefs at Eric’s Restaurant are real pan-handlers. By that we mean, they are experts at making thick crust pan pizzas. Their selection of gourmet pies includes the Greek Pizza with feta cheese, diced tomatoes, oregano, onion, sliced olives, and anchovies. Then there’s Eric’s Favorite Seafood, which features crab meat, shrimp, and scallops. But we say to go for either the California (a white pie) or the Taco pizza with seasoned ground beef.
Gia Nina’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Location: Woodbury
Details: Gia Nina’s is known not only for their pizza, but also for providing an outstanding customer experience. Both friendly staff and the restaurant’s ownership greet every table to check on patrons during their meal. As for specialty pies, their Jack Mac pizza features mozzarella, sauce on top, Romano, and a sesame crust. For something with a little heat, the Cajun Pizza has chicken, tomato, hot peppers, onions, mozzarella, cheddar, and Cajun crust.
Grindstone Restaurant
Location: Williamstown
Details: Grindstone is a BYOB brick oven pizza restaurant with a focus on small plates. This means that everything is made to be shared, from the starters to the pizza and desserts. Their pizza menu features unique flavors such as the Fig & Prosciutto Pie, and the Chicken Caprese Pie. The latter is a white pie with roasted chicken, sun dried tomatoes, ricotta, pesto, and a balsamic drizzle. But most regulars say to simply order their classic White Pie.
Holy Tomato
Location: Blackwood
Details: Holy Tomato is, of course, known for their tomato pie. But they have plenty of other classic and specialty pizzas. For instance, the thin crust Red Pie features hand crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil without any cheese. Patrons love the Honey Buffalo Chicken Pie with mozzarella, garlic, shredded chicken, plus sweet and spicy honey buffalo sauce. For something different, try “The Flip” with cheese on the bottom and sauce on top.
Joe’s Pizza
Location: Woodstown
Details: Owner Ciro della Ragione brings a piece of his Italian homeland to Salem County with Joe’s Pizza. Over 20 years later, patrons are still coming back to order gourmet pies like the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Other popular picks are the Baked Ziti, Philly Cheese Steak, and Hoagie Pizza. The latter is two baked pizza crusts stuffed with ham, capicola, salami, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. We say to try the new Upside Down Pizza.
Kate & Al’s Pizza
Location: Columbus
Details: For nearly 60 years, Kate & Al’s has been serving a Tomato Pie that keeps customers coming back. (In some cases, for generations.) They offer pizza by the slice, half pie (5 slices), small pie (6 slices), and whole pie (10 slices). As far as specialty options, their Breakfast Pizza comes with either bacon or sausage, plus egg and cheese. They also have a Broccoli pie, which includes cheese and garlic. Plus an Everything Pie which comes with… a lot.
Lillo’s Tomato Pies
Location: Hainesport
Details: This South Jersey spot specializes in Trenton-style flavors. That’s because the mom and pop behind it grew up in the Trenton area. Of course, this means they serve Tomato Pies (18″ only) with optional meat and veggie toppings. In addition, they have an assortment of specialty pies. The options include Clams Casino, Mustard, Buffalo Chicken, White, Sicilian, Meat Lovers, The Works, and more. But we say it’s hard to beat the classic Tomato Pie.
Milanese Pizza
Location: Riverton
Details: Milanese has bounced from building to building over the past 30 years, but their commitment to quality never wavers. Their current location offers an expanded menu that includes over a dozen specialty pizza pies. The list features classics like Meat Lovers, Hawaiian, and White, as well as Barbecue, Chicken Cacciatore, and General Tso’s Chicken. Then there’s The Works, with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, green peppers, and onion.
Palermo’s
Location: Bordentown
Details: The specialty at Palermo’s is the Trenton-style tomato pie. This pizza is made with a thin crust as well as a hearty tomato sauce and mozzarella. But they also serve traditional pies and gourmet pies. Some standouts include the BLT — bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion — as well as the Italian Hot Dog. This pizza comes with all beef hot dogs, potatoes, peppers and mustard. Vodka sauce fans should try both the Vodka Rigatoni and Vodka Margarita pies.
People’s Pizza
Location: Cherry Hill
Details: The name People’s Pizza may sound familiar, but this family-owned spot is unaffiliated with the national chain. Serving their community since 1974, People’s Pizza makes traditional, pan, and Sicilian pies in a variety of styles. Chicken lovers will be in pizza heaven, as they offer 13 different pies with some style of chicken. This includes BBQ Chicken, Chicken Parm, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Bruschetta, Chicken Cheese Steak, and many more.
Riccardo’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Location: Brown Mills
Details: Riccardo’s is inching closer to celebrating 50 years in Brown Mills after first opening in 1974. A family-owned business, original owner Salvatore Russo has since passed the pizza making down to his son, Vito. The recipes remain the same to this day, offering options such as the Brown Mills Tomato Pie. However, Vito introduces new pies as well, from the Salvo Pizza to Mike’s Honey Roni Cup. The latter uses a sweeter sauce, and Mike’s hot chili honey.
Rosalia’s Pizza
Location: Berlin
Details: The pizza options at Rosalia’s come in many shapes and sizes. For instance, they have round pies, square pies, pan pizzas, and even pizza turnovers (not the same thing as calzones). Feeling spicy? Try the Hot & Wild Pizza, with pepperoni, jalapenos, garlic, sauce, and mozzarella. However, their signature pie is Rosalia’s Pizza, topped with grilled chicken, pesto, and sun-dried tomato. In total, they offer 24 specialty pies, plus four cheese pies.
Sicilia Pizza
Location: Clayton
Details: Many of the pies at Sicilia Pizza are familiar, with favorites such as Four Cheese and Chicken Parm. But they do have a few unique pies like The Don White Pizza. This comes with fresh tomato filet, fresh garlic, broccoli, spinach, mozzarella, and ricotta. They also serve a Chicken Alfredo pie, with sliced chicken, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and taco seasoning. The rest of the menu consists of wings, stromboli, calzones, subs, and more.
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Best Pizzerias in New Jersey FAQs
Best of NJ curates a list of The Best Pizzerias & Pizza Pies in New Jersey. Our website features the best pizzerias in every region of the state. For instance, our list features fan-favorite spots like The Pizza Terminal in Verona and DeLorenzo’s Pizza in Hamilton.
Many of New Jersey’s pizzerias offer unique and original pizza pies. For instance, Grumpy’s EAT BIG in Saddle Brook offers gigantic size pies. Meanwhile, Dolce Pizzeria in Fords creates signature pies like the Shrimp Scampi, plus The Dolce Special with pepperoni and sausage.
Some say it’s the water, while others say it’s the sauce. But we think what makes New Jersey pizza the best is the love and dedication that goes into making each pie. New Jersey pizzerias spare no expense to prepare their pizzas. Some import their ovens from Italy, while others use generations’ old recipes and cooking techniques to make each pie.
Top Photo: © Arturo’s Osteria / Website
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
Boardwalk Pizza / Facebook
Dolce Pizzeria / Facebook
Brooklyn Original Pizzeria / Facebook
