Best Pizza in N.J.

[ocudoc]

In Ramsey, N.J., try Pizzette, a new, intimate Italian bistro with oak fired brick oven which produces tasty, thin, crispy crust (almost crepe-like) pizza. The red sauces are fresh and intensely flavored. BYOB. Enjoy!

[Rima]

I agree. Lovely, lovely pizza and pasta with rich red sauce. It is located in a strip shopping center in Ramsey, NJ at 31 West Main St [phone] BYOB This is a newly opened "find", sure to become very busy, very soon.

[RP]

Hands down, the pizza at DELORENZO'S on Hudson Street in Trenton.

Perhaps the best in the country, no lie.

[Trentonbooster]

That's no pizza, that's tomato pie! I love it but never confuse the two.

[RP]

Sorry about that; I was translating into North Jerseyese.

[wizkor]

it comes off as pretty parochial to call anything best in the nation. best in the neighborhood or area might be more within the critic's realm.

and that's what delorenzo's is. worth a minor detour. and that's a compliment.

the fact that it's the only decent meal i've ever had in the trenton area, well, that's another reason for the detour.

[RP]

I dunno about that. I have become a pizza fanatic over the course of my 45 years, and from Old Forge-style pizza in NE Penna, to Vince the Pizza Prince in Scranton, PA, to Pepe's in New Haven, CT, to Garibaldi's in Brooklyn to the several great pizza parlors on Arthur Ave in the Bronx to the coal oven pizzas in NYC and Philly, to Tacconelli's and Celebre's in Philadelphia, to Pete & Elda's in Neptune, to the many deep-dish versions in Chicagoland to the North End pizzerias in Boston to the doughy pies in Denver to the wacky Gold Coast pizzas in central and Southern California , I've tried to try them all, and STILL, Delorenzo's on Hudson St. in Trenton (not to be confused with the location on Hamilton Ave.) outshines them all for consistency, superbly smoky crust, judicious use of crushed tomato sauce and mozzarella and careful baking.

And I will keep trying as many new pizzas as I can, but, for now, nothing has been able to knock Delorenzo's off it's top spot.

[EW]

No claim to nationwide title but in my little area - which includes a lot of good pizza - Joe's in Vauxhall (Union) NJ is great.

[Bob Libkind]

Would Joe's be any relation to Jack and Joe's, long since gone from Five Points in Union?

My candidate: Spiritos in Elizabeth.

[Judy]

Spirito's....IS the best pizza on the east coast.....has been for 40 years or so!

[Michael Rieger]

I have been to many great pizza places. Like others, I would have a hard time saying one is better as there are different styles. I remember Pepe's in New Haven, Corky's in E. Hartford (he has since moved to Texas), Giordanos in Chicago, etc....

So far, since moving back to Northern NJ, I have found two excellent but very different pizza places:

Il Forno in Warren has excellent wood fired, brick oven pizza with fresh mozzarella.

Reservoir Tavern in Parsippany serves up a terrific NY Style pizza (best I have had so far) with corn meal on the exquisitely crisped bottom of the pie. Not a fancy place, but great pizza

[dave]

Maruca's on the Seaside heights boardwalk is the best hands down.Huge slices with a swirling sauce that is like a work of art ,delicous high quality cheese and sausage , and they will fed ex a pie to anywhere in the country....maruca's rules!!!

[Cheryl MacIntosh]

I have been searching for my favorite pizza of all time. It use to be Poppy's Pizza in Piscataway Nj. Does anyone know about this pizza?

[Flooky]

I grew up on Washington Ave. in Piscataway and knew Poppy's on Stelton Rd. well. It didn't have a traditional crust, but had a black crispy edge around the pizza. When they had a party at the Eisenhower school up the road, the pizza came from Poppy's. I haven't returend to Piscataway in 30 years, but from looking at the "streetviews" on Google maps, it looks like there's a place called Fratelli's in more or less what I remember as the location for Poppy's.

[flourgirl]

Oh god, i love Maruca's - and now i'm hungry.

[gbean]

Just went to Maruca's at Seaside on the boardwalk and yah, they're the best in that area. Last time we did 3 Bros and it wasn't as good. The sausage is awesome. YUM!

[Basiltown]

I grew up in Parsippany, NJ, and the Reservoir Tavern has the greatest pizza in the area. Big gorgeous crust w/ great sauce and dripping cheese. The wait is too long for me, but if you go at 5:00 during the week, you can get in!

[CarbBoy]

Pepe's was just on the travel channel regarding the coal oven pizza. Thats how I found this site. Funny

[coastiewife]

my vote for best pizza in Northern NJ is Ritacco's in Nutley! I DREAM about their pizza:-D

[HillJ]

Anything from Spirito's is da best! I've had great bar pie there for 35 years!

[CarbBoy]

Yes good chix parm too.

[jfood]

Spiritos is an institution, has over the top good pizza and probably ranks in top 10 in Greater NY pizza. Had my first Spiritos 40'ish years ago as well, but there are a few in NYC and in New Haven that I like better.

[don515]

best rav's on the planet :)

[Paulie Gee]

I agree with you about Delo's on Hudson, but the white clam pie is far better at DeLo's on Hamilton. Have you been to Totonno's in Coney Island?

[CarbBoy]

Just saw Totonno's on the travel channel. Is it worth the drive out to Brooklyn. L&B pizza is worth the trip to Brooklyn. Spimoni Garden is Good too.

[RisaG]

L&B and Spumoni Gardens are the same thing - it is called L&B Spumoni Garden. I grew up a few blocks south of the place. Ate there a lot. Not just great pizza, great Italian fare in general.

Totonno's is so worth it. Definitely excellent.

I live in Warren County now and the best in this area is DeCola's on Route 31 S in Washington. The owner is from Brooklyn, NY. Such good pizza.

Also pretty darned good is Family Pizza in the Port Colden Mall in Washington (it is an outdoor shopping center but it is called a Mall). Also has relation to Brooklyn.

When I was a kid, Lenny's Pizza on 86th off 20th Avenue was the pizza place to go to. It was in Saturday Night Fever. The pictures of Travolta eating their pizza were all over the walls.

[BFoodie]

We love L&B squares and travel periodically from NJ to bring home 1/2 sheets of 18 squares. They last no more than a day with our kids home.

[emilia]

i dream about Delorenzo's white clam pie. add on some cherry peppers and you're in heaven.

[Frank C. Franzonia]

DeLorenzo's pizza is superb, particularly the sweet smack that comes from the generous tomato topping. (I do suspect the tomatoes are from California, not Italy, being a tad overly sweet, but that would be quibbling.)And the crust is amazingly flavorful for a place without a brick oven. If I were to be super critical, however, I would have to rate the cheese definitely not worthy of so exalted a setting. Still, DeLorenzo's is -- or was -- the best old-style pizza parlor in Jersey.

[stack_c]

RP:
My family is from Wilkes Barre PA and everytime they visit we have them bring "trays" of Victory Pig or Pizza Lovin!!! Old Forge pizza is quiet a treat but something you have to experience!
As far as i know u Can't find anything like it down here
My favs our Vics in BB, Pete & Elda's and Dons Pizza King in Belamar. Squan Tavern isn't that bad either. All thin crust though. Nothing like Old Forge!

[beentheredonethat]

delorenzo's Trenton or Fed's in Freehold

[Leebe]

Alas I have heard that Lorenzo's on Hudson Street is closing next week for good. Sigh.

http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/20...

[Val G]

Agreed that Delorenzos in Trenton is the best in USA.

[mchametzky]

Please see my post below, re: new Delo's in Hamilton at Risoldi's SuperMarket :>)

[ParadiseWaits]

Agreed. The best I've ever had. It's all subjective and I've eaten good pie in and around NYC for a long time.

If I'm in the area, it's not a reach to drive the extra couple of miles and grab a pie from this place.

[omal0315]

I'd also have to add Mama Rosa's on Klockner Road in Hamilton NJ!!! There's just nothing like it!!

[xchef]

Agreed, hands down the best in NJ. I'm from New Haven so I can say best in the country ;-)

[christina z]

We could spend hours talking about "THE BEST" pizza in NJ. Some of us would vote for Pete 'n Elda's in Neptune. Others would say Vercelli's in Highlands is best. There's a whole lot of good pizza going on
in NJ so naming one the best is a bit tricky.

[Julie]

I second the Pete & Elda's vote. I'd also add Vic's (Bradley Beach) to this list. I am a thin crust person.

[angelo04]

Had Vic's yesterday on the way to the beach because of the exact thread. I thought it was mediocre. Too much of that orangey oily stuff that you get when too much oil and tomato sauce meet up. Maybe it was an off day?

[jwk2]

one experience at vic's and i'll never go back. rude people made a bad pie taste even worse. you can do much better in the area- Pizza On Main in bradley beach is only 2 minutes down the street.

[CP923]

Vics can be hit or miss for sure!

[big1515]

Third vote ..Now they have some of the same @ the Cabin in Howell

[robert1456]

I agree about Pete & Eldas, but the waits sometimes are not worth it (like they care). Their house salad is sorta blah. Another "best bet" for outstanding Tomato Pie is "Tonys" in Long branch, NJ. They're "Pomodoro Pie" with fresh (real) Mozzarella is really good. Add some real sausage too!

[jlsmi2]

For thin crust I agree with the Pete & Elda's (Neptune) top vote with a close second to Vic's (Bradley Beach). I'd also give some consideration to Vesuvio's in Belmar, though the finished product is sometimes inconsistent.

To stick with the same area I'd also have to cast a vote for best traditional pie to Santino's Pizza Etc in Neptune City. Its better than any of the pizzerias in Belmar or Bradley Beach (other than Vic's).

[CarbBoy]

Yes, Ultra thin crust but needs to be kicked up a little in the taste department.
But I agree its a good pie.

[CP923]

I'm with you on the Pete & Eldas - a close second would be Vics in Bradley Beach.

But then again, I prefer thin crust...

[2chez mike]

For those who like simple, excellent pizza with thin crust: Either Val's Tavern(thin crust) or Briody's(paper thin crust). Both in Rumson.

[CarbBoy]

Good Eats

[robert1456]

I tried Vals since it was sold from the original family. The pies are not the same, and not as good. The crispy thin crust is gone and the everyday cheese makes it tast like a slice from the mall. Too doughy and tastelss Sorry guys. Step it up.

[Jon Altman]

Given the large Italian American population of NJ, it is inevitable that there would be scores of good (and some great) pizza places in the garden state. Hoboken has a branch of the famous Brooklyn pizzeria Grimaldis, for those who wish to stay on the west side of the Hudson. There is also a place on Springfield Ave in Berkeley Heights (Union County) called Marcellos which makes a delicious brick oven pie unlike any I have ever tasted. Thin crust, lots of sauce and fresh ingrediants. One pie is probably enough for two people (they are smaller than their regular pies which are also very good but not spectacular). My favorite is the primavera which has broccoli, artichokes and fresh tomatoes.

[food_for_thought]

Thanks for the Berkeley Heights tip - we've never tried Marcellos but now we'll have to... we like Natale's, also on Springfield Ave (or at that point it may be Valley Road) in Long Hill Twp (on the right, right before the Pathmark shopping center). The guys there are from Calabria, I think, and they make a mean pie.

[Football Fan]

Hey! How about the Star Tavern & Pizzaria on Dodd St. on the border of Orange and Montclair. They have great thin crust pizza, and a large menu of delicious dishes that go great with a pitcher of beer during a game on their large screen TV!

[DK]

In Essex County, the best thick crust pizza is Roman Gourmet in Maplewood. Marty's in Maplewood isn't quite as good, but delivers. Francesca's in Newark is also great for thick crust. Star Tavern has the best thin crust around, but Reservoir in South Orange is alright if you can't get up there, and delivers as well.

[Drifter]

I live in west orange and go to star tavern all the time. Its so far the best pizza i've ever had.

[Jason Glushakow]

I've been to Star Tavern and its pretty great, but the best pizza has to go to Margherita's on Washington Ave. in Hoboken. What a great place.

[bropaul]

Maybe because I grew up eating pizza from the Star tavern, it has remained for me the definition of pizza. The pesto pizza is to die for.

[CarbBoy]

The Star is a Star

[jjm]

Vic's in Bradley Beach, Vesuvio's Belmar, DeLorenzo's (Hamilton St) Trenton are all excellent (as I am sure others mentioned are (I like Val's but those 3 are better), but my favorite is an endangered species in Perth Amboy called Sciortino's. It has one of the last coal ovens in the U.S. and the city government is trying to use its powers of emminent domain to knock down the restaurant. Since you can't move the oven, this would put an end one of the finest pizzerias on the east coast. Get it while you can. (see below)

Link: http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine...

[Stacey in Summit]

I have to agree with jjm's 3 favorites, though I have never had the Perth Amboy Coal oven pizza. Vic's in Bradley Beach is a great pie, as is DeLorenzo's in Trenton. There are soooo many good pizzerias in the Trenton area. It's like going to Brooklyn for REAL pizza. It's worth the trip from North Jersey.

[CarbBoy]

They moved it. They got a waver.

[Clem]

Grew up in the Asbury Park area many years ago and went to two places for pizza..........Mom's Kitchen and Vic's.
I live 65 miles south of Bradley Beach and still go to Vic's. Best pizza in NJ!!!!!!!!!

[Tastebud]

Haven't done a comprehensive pizza tour of NJ but when I am in the neighborhood, I always make a special trip to Old World Pizza in Princeton. Excellent brick oven pizza and they only use fresh mozzarella. Yum!

[christina z]

We've been through this before and the problem is that although your choice for "best" may indeed be excellent there are so many really top notch pizza stores in NJ that it's difficult to dub any one the absolute pinnacle of perfection. We've mentioned Pete 'n Elda's in Neptune, Vercelli's in Highlands and many others. Also, pizza "style" varies from outlet to outlet. Last weekend while I was running errands I was suddenly famished and shakey so I just had to get some food into my body. I stopped into a no-name pizza shop in Hazlet and had one of the most delicious slices ever. You just never know where you'll find true deliciousness.

[Val G]

"I stopped into a no-name pizza shop in Hazlet and had one of the most delicious slices ever. You just never know where you'll find true deliciousness."

Christina, was your no-name pizza shop in the strip mall with Toys R Us on Rt 35? That's Hazlet Pizza. Best traditional pizza in the area. The whole pies are better than the slices.

Also in the neighborhood -- Luigi's on Middle Rd in Holmdel. Slices are nothing special, but their rectangular pie is really good. Make sure you ask for rectangular, not sicilian.

[Dennis]

Hey, how can you leave out DOMINOS!!!! Absolutely the WORSE pizza EVER. No wonder they deliver it within 1/2 hour, they want to be sure you dont change your mind. My dog dont even like it.

[kamn9089]

I agree with you. The box tastes better than the pizza.

[QuiltKat]

Great minds think alike! DOMINOS is awful! And yes, the box tastes better than the pizza!

[HillJ]

Hazlet Pizza's under new ownership and NOT the same.

Angela's in Hazlet, hands down better/better variety.

[SCaron42]

I forgot to mention Spring Lake pizza. They have wonderful regular style pizza, and their vegetarian pies are excellent. It's not brick oven, but if you like traditional pizza it is really EXCELLENT.

[pizza eater]

It's Mack and Manco's in Ocean City, three locations on the Boardwalk. No question.

[JerseyJokes]

Come on...does anyone venture out of south jersey? there is no such thing as good pizza in south jersey...the best pizza in the state is in Avenel on St. George's Ave...Pizza And...its a small hole in the wall with amazing pizza, as good as anything you'll get in the city...

[dan]

hobokens benny tudinos overall price service taste hours

[Dennis]

I agree, Bennys is THE BEST pizza in NJ. The slices are like blankets, they are HUGE and delecious. I highly recommend stopping there whenever you may be in Hoboken

[CarbBoy]

Benny's got size and taste. Good Pie

[tomm]

Maria's in Mansaquan and Vics in Bradley Beach are great. For all those who say they have had great pizza until you have Maria's you have not!

[Priscilla Ewing]

Pizzette in Ramsey NJ uses tooooo much sugar in their pizza sauce!

[dosielee]

hi all. new member so i don't know if anyone has mentioned Sciortino's pizza.originally in Perth Amboy and now in South Amboy. i couldn't understand the raves until i tried it. their special sausage topping and sauce are amazing.

[piccola]

I really wanted to like Sciortino's, but I was extremely disappointed by the pizza. They pile on so much sauce and toppings that the crust becomes soft and soggy. You can't eat it with your hands.

It tastes like expensive Pizza Hut, in my opinion.

[CarbBoy]

If Pizza Hut tastes like a coal oven pie with homemade gravy then Im switching too Pizza Hut. You probably got a bad pie. You have to eat the pizza there. Yes its messy and the sauce is sometimes sweet too. wash it down with a Cold One next time.
Either the pizza traveled and steamed off in the box or the humidity was really high that day.

[Passadumkeg]

We just ate ate Sciortino's in April and had high hopes . My wife looked at Piccola's comment and said "Exactly!" And the Calamari was lousy too. My mom lives in Sayreville and we can't find good pizza. Any suggestions in the area?
Thanks

[CarbBoy]

The sausage pie with a cold one is heavenly.

[ira]

Has anybody mentioned Federici's in Freehold?
To me, that always was the ultimate.

[JNUNZMAN]

I was just going to mention Federici's in Freehold as I just ate there last night. Excellent, but I still prefer Vic's in Bradley Beach. However, I work outside of Trenton and agree that Delorenzo's on Hudson is the best that I've ever had, bar none. I just don't go there at night because I'd prefer not to die while getting my pizza!
Another honorable mention is Pizzatown USA on Rt. 46 in Clifton. A little hole in the wall on the side of the highway that's been making great pie's for probably 50 years. Great calzones and zeppoles too.

[kamn9089]

I also like Pizzatown pizza, calzones that they deep fry and the zepps. If you are in Martha's Vineyard, Giordanos is just like Pizzatown.

[Deb9962]

There's another on Hamilton ave that's not as bad an area...DEB

[ira]

It's all a matter of priorities. I'd risk getting shot for BBQ ribs, but not for pizza.
For those interested, there is a DVD documentary out about Trenton style tomato pie called
"Pie Eyed-The Movie."

[007]

LUIGI'S in Point Pleasant. Thin crust baked to perfection. Very friendly service is a nice bonus. Also, MARIA's in Manasquan is primo. Plus, SQUAN TAVERN in Manasquan is fine as well. All great!!!

[fpatrick]

Conte's bar on Whitherspoon in Princeton for great thin crust pie.

It's the only place that I've consistently had a pie topped with _fresh_ garlic that has never come out a bit bitter.

[angelo04]

Federici's in Freehold is indeed very excellent. Hard for me to say it's the best. Kripsy's on 516 in Old Bridge is excellent, and straight out of Brooklyn. They have an excellent Grandma's Pie. Marcellos in Berkley Heights, also very excellent. None of these can be caled the best because they are all so different from one another. they are all sooooooo good. I need pizza now.

[Angelina]

I absolutely LOVE the Margarita Pizza at Gino's Cafe Capri on Rt. 33 in Millstone. OH SO GOOD!!!!

http://www.ginoscafecapri.com/

The mozzarella is so fresh and the sauce is so tasty!! I can't get enough of this place. You have to check it out if you are in the area.

[Drew E]

You can't talk about New Jersey, North Jersey, or Ramsey pizza without mentioning Kinchley's thin crust on the Ramsey / Mahwah border. Fresh garlic w/ black olives is my favorite

[vtt7]

I agree. I live in Monmouth County but I really think Kinchley's is the best. My son lives in Mahwah. We always go to Kinchley's when I'm up there.

[JessKidden]

Well, since this thread is still active, I thought I'd note that Gino's was sold and is now known as La Bella Napoli and, it's...well...let's put it this way...Gino's was our standard pizza and LBN isn't. The pie tasted, well...I've had better frozen pizza (which their crust resembled in texture).

And I bought two subs there- standard "cold heroes" from their menu, got home and there was *nothing* on them- just meat and cheese. No lettuce, tomato, oil, vinegar, etc. Called up.

"Well, most people ask for that stuff extra." (They DO? In New Jersey? Aren't they the very DEFINITION of a sub/hero/hoagie? Otherwise, isn't just a sandwich on a long piece of bread?)

"But I ordered leaning at your counter, reading off your menu whicht says-
'"All Heroes topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, vinegar unless specified otherwise.' "

[Angelina]

Hey Jess!!! I could'nt agree with you more!!! We were so SAD to see Gino gone. We tried the new place, and forget it!!! The sauce tasted like Hunts tomato sauce with no flavor whatsoever! The chicken parm sandwich was drowing in that horrible sauce and the roll it was on tasted a day old.

My neighbor also tried the sub sandwichs and same as you...nothing was out on it!!!! When she called back, she was told the same as you, but she told me she returned the s*** back..in her words..and demanded her money back. She said the ham was sliced super thick and smelled funny.

Anyway..now we order from Albivi. We certainly do miss Gino!!!!

[JessKidden]

Over two years later- raining, I'm running late, I decide to give Bella Napoli another chance. I mean, c'mon, is it really fair to judge a place based on one mistake during their first weeks of business?

I *know* that I have to ask for lettuce, tomato, onions, oil & vinegar (EVEN tho' that's pretty much the NJ definition of a "SUB" AND that's what their menu SAYS comes on a sub!).

Walk to counter "Can I help you?" Me, reading off their menu:
"I'll have a #2 sub, with provolone cheese (menu says only "ham, cheese, capicola") and lettuce, tom-" Guy at counter had walked away. Waitress says, "I'll take it."

Start over, ""I'll have a #2 sub, with lettuce, tomato, onions and oil & vinegar."

"What kind of cheese."

(Didn't I just say that?) "Provolone."

"Mayonnaise?"

(Mayonnaise? Did I say Mayonnaise? Does your menu state Mayonnaise?)

"NO. No mayo- just oil and vinegar - just everything your menu says comes on a sub." (For the record, the menu says "Italian dressing" not "oil & vinegar".)

You guessed it. Got the sub home slathered in Mayo...

[Epicure]

How about Delucia's in Raritan? It's old school coal oven, and anytime I am visiting from L.A., and while I do agree with allegro805 about any pizza here being the best compared to the alleged best there, I am crazy about Delucia's--and it's still really cheap.
Is there anything else in the Bridgewater/Somerville/Raritan area people like?

[The Engineer]

Manville Pizza has a following, Epicure. They're in back of Dunkin Donuts on Main Street, in Manville. The sauce is very sweet...

[The Engineer]

(Replying to myself... happens all the time off line)
Manville Pizza has moved to Main Street. Its more generic looking, with pictures of the old place on the walls. The pizzas are still sweeter than the pizzaiolos.

[Spaetzle75]

delucias is great pie and calzone. they slice their garlic and cook the sausage right on the pie.

[rromeo49]

Im new to this site but has anyone tried LA STRADA in neshanic station//? chalenging drive but well worth it !
!

[SarahEats]

My two favs are DeLorenzo's (the one on Hudson) and Papa's, both in Chambersburg (Trenton). DeLorenzo's makes a consistently good tomato pie. Papa's has the same vibe, but they do more than just pizza. I used to love going there with my hubby for a pie, a big bowl of antipasto and a pitcher of birch beer on a Friday night.

[garfix]

I've lived out West for a LOOOONNNGGG time and getting a good pizza in Texas is like finding a great Mexican restaurant in NJ. Whenever I get home, the very first place I go without fail has been Vesuvio's Pizza on 10th avenue in Belmar. Vic's and Mom's Kitchen are great ones, too.

[Warthog]

I'm not a NJ resident, and I have not sampled many pizza places in NJ, but I'd like to put in a vote for Alfred's Tomato Pie in Blackwood. Many of the recommendations on this thread seem to cluster in the "close to NYC or the Jersey shore" parts of the state, but Alfred's is a notable outpost of New Haven style pizza excellence in the more southerly portions of the state.

I cannot state from direct comparison based on personal experience whether Alfred's pie would be considered equal in quality to the other notables already mentioned on this thread, but I can state that in my opinion, he puts out an extremely high quality pie, and to meet or beat his product, those other places would need to be very, very good (which I am sure they are!)

And as always, pizza is very much a "personal taste" thing. I don't think there is a single "best". I prefer to think more in terms of there being several places that are equally good, but different from each other, and on that basis, I think Alfred's is richly deserving of mention.

[jfood]

I can only vote for two pizzas in NJ

1 - Star Tavern in Orange on High Street
2 - Spiritos in Elizabeth

[jzerocsk]

Maybe it's happy childhood memories, or maybe it's just that anything tastes great in the humid late afternoon sun after swimming yourself into exhaustion in the ocean, but Mack and Manco's just always tastes amazing.

[PalatineBoor]

Sorry I don't have the name, but the Italian restaurant in the A&P strip mall between Washington and Hampton NJ puts out a very good pizza. Living in WA state, I don't get back in "home" territory very often, but the last time I was there I had one of their pies and the crust and flavor of the pie took me back more than 50 years to the time I was a teenager and getting pies across the highway at the Pantuso's kitchen in the old Blue Roof tavern. Give it a try if you are ever out in the wilds of NW NJ.

[dawner119]

I think you're talking about Desiderio's on Rt. 31 just south of Washingtion? Terrific wood oven pizza... an Italian-transplant friend of mine swears it's the closest thing to "home" (Naples) she has found in No. Jersey.

[Ellen]

I can't say they're the greatest pizzas in NJ but I've found a few that I like pretty well in central and southern NJ. My favorite and the most unique is DeLorenzo's Tomato Pie in Trenton on Hudson St.for a blister-thin crust with crushed tomatoes and garlic. Or try their clam pie. Another is Marcello's on Main Street in Hammonton, which makes a very good relatively thin crunchy crust pie. They also make a killer stuffed cheese steak pizza that truly blew me away. Another place I liked quite a bit is Tony's Baltimore Grill in Atlantic City on Atlantic Avenue. They make a good tasty plentiful sloppy pie with a good crust -- go for the "special" sausage and mushroom. Another place that I've had decent luck for a basic slice is Italiano's in West Cape May. This area of the shore has plenty of pizza places but none are what I would call great or even near great. If anyone knows of any within 30 miles of Cape May (aside from Mac & Manco's, which are closed during the winter, aren't they?), I'd love to hear about it. And don't even get me started on the sad state of Chinese restaurants in the area.

[Heatherb]

Not to get off topic, but if you go to Trenton for DeLo's, maybe you should venture to Princeton for Chinese. Sunny Garden on Route 1 is excellent.

[Ellen]

I worked down Rt. 1 near that place and never had anything I'd go back for. I've been there for lunch and taken out half a dozen times based on other people saying how good it ws and I failed to be impressed with a single thing I had. I finally gave up and just go to Philly's Chinatown instead if I need a fix.

[fpatrick]

North of Cape May, in Ocean View/Seaville on 9, behind the McDonalds, and in front of the Acme, is Mama Mia's. Good pie, especially their speciality bruschetta topping. Also a fine sit-down Italian menu, with a nice antipasto, featuring some good oily tuna and a great white bean concoction. For two, an antipasto and a personal size pizza (which is a thinner crust than the pies out front) make for one of our favorite lunches for two when we're down at our Ocean City place. (By the way, got a bunch of weeks open this summer for rentals - 2 blocks to the ocean and 4-5 blocks to the boardwalk.)

[Ellen]

Great to know. I'll try it. My house is one from the bay and after I'm done rennovations and all the plaster dust it will also be for rent this summer. ;-)

[chef4hire]

"30 miles from cape may" maybe closer to 40...Tulipano's on the WHP in Pomona...excellent slice for a $1.50

[Minalga]

Sam's Pizza Palace on the Wildwood boardwalk.

[TheOakMan]

I've been to nearly good every pizza place in NJ and most of the famous ones in NY.

For NJ, I'd rate them in this order

1. Delorenzo's Hudson St, the best pies I've ever had
2. Brooklyn's Hackensack
3. Chickies and Pete's Bordentown
4. Federici's Freehold, NJ
5. Vic's, Bradley Beach
6. Pete and Elda's, Neptune
7. Delorenzo's on Hamilton Ave
8. Grimaldi's, Hoboken
9. Taconelli's Moorestown
10. Sciortino's, South Amboy

Overall, I'd say for the east coast, it goes like this:

1. Delorenzo's, Hudston St in Trenton
2. Patsy's NYC
3. Luzzo's Coal oven Pizza, East Village
4. Brooklyns, Hackensack NJ
5. DiFara, Brooklyn
6. Chickies and Petes, Bordentown NJ/Philly
7. Arturo's on Houston St
8. Totonnos, Coney Island
9. Frank Pepe, New Haven
10. Sally's, New Haven

[Warthog]

I admire the willingness to put all of these fine contenders in a ranked list. I'm not sure I could ever make up my mind if I tried to do the same!

[food_for_thought]

OakMan, since you seem to be such a pizza aficionado, I would humbly recommend that if you should find yourself on Long Island, you try Ancona Pizza in Valley Stream. It is my favorite pizza on earth and I have not found anything on this side of the Atlantic that I can compare to it.

[RobertinRedBank]

Many great places have been mentioned already including some of my favorites, Vics in Bradley Beach; Delorenzo's (Hudson St) in Trenton; Federici's in Freehold, NJ; and Carmen's Pizzeria at Pete and Elda's, Neptune. Like to add a few more to the list of great pie joints:

The Brothers, West Front Street, in Red Bank...a wonderful thin crust place.

Tony's, insection of Westwood and West Avenues, across street from Tuzzios and Nuzzios restaurants in Long Branch...try his home made sausgage pie.

Frankie Feds, Route 33 (business), Freehold Township...brother of the owner of Frederici's in Freehold Borough....probably a tad better than his bother's excellent place.

[jrogers345]

Federici's is one our favorites. Will have to try his brothers.

Use to go to a place in Garfield???, NJ yrs ago... mid-70's. A tiny place that was just take out.. no seating. I think on Passaic St. Great pizza. Anybody know what place I'm talking about? Wonder if it's still there?

[plv]

For jrogers345; The name of the place is Dannys Pizza in Garfield on Passaic street and it has been closed for a while. Great place!!

[RobertinRedBank]

Many great places have been mentioned already including some of my favorites, Vics in Bradley Beach; Delorenzo's (Hudson St) in Trenton; Federici's in Freehold, NJ; and Carmen's Pizzeria at Pete and Elda's, Neptune. Like to add a few more to the list of great pie joints:

The Brothers, West Front Street, in Red Bank...a wonderful thin crust place.

Tony's, insection of Westwood and West Avenues, across street from Tuzzios and Nuzzios restaurants in Long Branch...try his home made sausgage pie.

Frankie Feds, Route 33 (business), Freehold Township...brother of the owner of Frederici's in Freehold Borough....probably a tad better than his bother's excellent place.

[NJinDC]

I have to vote for Nunzio's in Sayreville. I live in DC now, but everytime I go back home to NJ to visit I have to get a pie, usually half pepperoni, half peppers and onions.

They are always packed which is quite a contrast to the rest of the strip mall, including the Subway's next door.

[Passadumkeg]

I'm a Sewerville boy too. Nunzios is the in town, but still not great. We are frustrated when we visit that in Sayreville, South River and South Amboy we can't find great "Za". Any other recommendations? We feel very fortunate that here in the lousy pizza wilds of Maine we have a local place, Finelli's, run by a Yonkers escapee. But it drives us crazy that we can't find as good in the Sayreville area. Coffero's in South River?

[frackit]

Delorenzo's in Trenton (Hudson St). is the best pizza I've ever had (not to sound like a broken record). Simply amazing stuff, it blows me away every time.

[soigne]

Second the nominations for Pete & Elda's and Pizza Town USA. I want to add Dulsa's in Milltown. The tomato pie is simply incredible. They also make fabulous new-world pizza. The BBQ Chicken and the Buffalo Chicken are heavenly.

I must disagree with all who put Sciortino's on their lists. The toppings are good, but like another poster said, the pizza tastes like Pizza Hut--sweet sauce and horrid cheese.

[jnk]

Capri in Kennilworth makes the best "plain" slice around. Just enough sauce and cheese, and great crust. For "specialty" slices, it's a pizzeria in the Watchung Mall. Gorgonzolla w/chicken, fantastic, then theres the buf. chkn, chkn parm, etc.. But the best slice I've had was a place called "Italian Village" on 1st Aveand 72 Street in Manh (Iknow this is a jersey board). They saute onions for their onion slice, fantastic.

[slickd23]

The best Pizza in Ocean County has always been at Attilio's in Toms River. Used to go there all the time growing up. Really like Via Roma 2 in Howell. The Chicken Marsala Pie is outstanding. The regular pie is not greasy at all.

[tuxedo]

A relative of Pizza Town owns the little place on the corner in Ocean Grove

[michelinaO]

Has anyone eaten at CBO in Bradley??

[OGguy]

Yes, once and it was pretty good thin crust pizza, but I like Vic's and Pete & Elda's better and haven't been back...

[CarbBoy]

THIN CRUST REPORT Bayonne, NJ The Brooklyn of New Jersey. This little city in Hudson County has many great pizza joints. Naples is ultra thin and has great 2 for 1 deals. The Venice is awesome too. The Big Apple Pizza is hard core thin crust.

[CarbBoy]

Sun Tavern is a chain but serves up a good pie too in Union County.

[Gywind77]

CBO (Delponte's Coal Fired Brick Oven Pizza) is the best pizza by far. Very thin & crispy with a smokey flavor from the fire in the ovens. It's been very good each time I've had it. The salads are also very good there. Unfortunately, I only have it when I visit friends who live near Bradley Beach, they need to open another shop farther north.

[Barbarella]

I agree. the pizza from CBO is wonderful. We get it from there all the time. And the salads are good too.

[totoybr1]

For thin crust Vic's in Bradley Beach next I would say Pat's Pizza in Point Pleasant

[CarbBoy]

Thin crust is the way to go. Thanks totoybr1 for the beach pizza joints

[CarbBoy]

Middlesex County has Strawberry's Pub in Woodbridge, Good thin crust pie.

[angelo04]

Can you opine on my experience with Vic's? Went yesterday because of this post and thought it was just OK. I liked the thiness of the crust but too much of that oily goop when oil and tomato meet. Was this just a bad pie?

[CarbBoy]

Union County New Jersey has some good pie too. Costa's in Roselle Park, Spirito's in Elizabeth, Emma's Brick Oven in Cranford, Cioffi's in Union. Capri Pizza in Kenilworth. But the Best is Nancy's Town Tavern in Rahway hands down. Nancy's is Top Dawg.

[HillJ]

Did my heart good to read (in NJ Monthly) that Tom Colicchio has fond memories of Spirito's. Yeah it's dark, dingy and outdated on oh so many levels...but it has garlic salad to die for, ravioli the size of your hand with original gravy and bar pie to order.
Heaven!

[rwaytogo]

Wow...Spirito's... I went there as a teenager and always ordered their veal parm. The plate would come out with a huge piece of veal that was breaded and fried and hung over the plate. mmm delicious memories. The sauce was to die for.. It's been many years but it's nice to know it's still in business. I'll have to make another trip to Elizabeth, this time for Pizza.

[HillJ]

rw...don't forget the garlic salad!...or the ravioli....man...order for me!

[sharon08742]

...or the baked ziti. and for dessert, lemon ice at the little place a couple blocks away. unless it was st. rocco's feast time! remember that??

[CarbBoy]

For You Coal Lovers who want coal fired Italian Bread, Jersey City in Hudson County has a joint but I cant recall the name.

[CarbBoy]

Policastro's is the name

[veganish]

It's super-hole in the wall, but Artillio's in WLB has been the family pizzaria of choice since I was born, and I'm old now!

It's not super-thin crust, but thin crust, more NYC style with lots of cheese, red sauce, and good crust.

BTW--what about the diff. between NYC and NJ style--I've always heard NJ had more of a 'tomato pie' style with more sauce than cheese versus NYC.

[katydid13]

Shady Rest in Bayville

[plove53]

These are my favorites

1- Pete and Elda's (carmines pizza) in Neptune, NJ
2- Max’s Pizza in Cape May, NJ
3- Mr. Bruno’s (BEST sicilian pizza/slices) in Lyndhurst, NJ (my town fav)

-p

[fan4food]

Just ate a pie from Alfred's in Blackwood,NJ after reading Warthogs post. Best pizza in South Jersey.

[Maureen G]

I am dying down here in NC, transplanted from NJ. They do not have pizza here, they have something they call pizza, which is some kind of bread that they put some kind of red sauce on. I long for pizza from Star Tavern, West Orange! The best!

[rosygogo]

Maybe its my Monmouth County roots showing, best Pizza in NJ:
1. Vics
2. Pete & Eldas
3. Tie - Marias and Squan Tavern
4. Star Pizza
5. Brooklyn in Hackensack

My English brother in law needs his Vic's fix everytime he comes for a visit.

[tedlou]

I realize this is an older string, but I am new to this website. There are a lot of posts about DeLorenzo's on Hudson Street, Trenton in this string. I have to say, it is the best on the planet. I happened into the place about 15 years ago, and make a three drive every four months or so to get a pie. After, DeLorenzo's, Pepes in New Haven is a distant second.

[yankeefan]

3 favorites in the state:

1. Roberts of Newark- foccacia slices my personal favorite
2. Divine Pizza in Hamilton- chicken parm is sick
3. Luigi's in Little Silver- xtra large square pie
4. Chuckles in Lawrenceville for specialty pies- really good stuff

[tommy]

does anyone remember CiCi's on the Point Pleasant boardwalk? (not the chain, but the independently-owed pizza shop that, umm, mysteriously caught on fire in the mid 80's). i recall that being some very good jersey shore pizza.

[southernitalian]

Kinchley's in Mahwah!

[xny556cip]

Not bad if you like coal oven,but the cornmeal on the crust ruins it for me.

[michelinaO]

Has anyone tried CBO (coal brick oven) pizza in bradley beach, only been around for a few years, however it's delicious, very small place byob, gourmet style pizza

[xny556cip]

O.K if you like coal oven,but the cornmeal used on the crust ruins it IMO.

[Angelina]

I miss Cafe Capri in Millstone on Rt. 33. Gino sold the place and it has clearly gone hill!!

We miss you Gino!!! You were the best!

[JimmyC]

i live in cali newark native i miss spirtos

[xny556cip]

Amano Neapolitan in Ridgewood .Different from any other Pizza in the state,and the majority in the US.Wood burning oven,minimal toppings and it helps if you are able to use a knife and fork simultaneously.

[TomDel]

Everyone is familiar with the two Delorenzo’s in Trenton (Hudson & Hamilton Aves.). They both make excellent pies. However, there are a number of other places in the Trenton area that are arguably as good or better depending upon your taste. There’s Papa’s on Chambers St., Jo Jo’s at five points, Top Road on Brunswick Ave and the Ivy Tavern on S. Broad St. to name a few. A lot of locals think that Papa’s and/or the old Bartolini’s (now Champions) were better than Delorenao’s.

[meowgal]

Conte's in Princeton is great.

[Deb9962]

Hey tom don't forget to tell'em about Romeo and Juliets of past and the winner Marucas!!!!!!!!!

[TomDel]

Romeo’s and Juliet’s – Jeez is that place still open? It was in North Trenton on or near Calhoun St., wasn’t it. I think I was only there once or twice for functions like a bachelor party or something. I would rather drive through downtown Bagdad than go anywhere near there now.

Maruca’s old neighborhood on N. Olden Ave. is probably not much better these days. They did make a pretty good pie though. Is the Maruca’s in Hamilton run by the same family or is it a franchise? They’re over by the Bromley Inn on Nottingham Way aren’t they?

Another place that had pretty good pies was Azzaros (spelling?) on South Broad St. near Holy Angels church and school. It’s my understanding that the owner was the brother of the original owner of Papa’s on Chambers St.

[BCjr]

Romeo and Juliets made a great chicken cacciatore.
When I was a kid there was a real good pie place on Brunswick Avenue, near the circle. I can't remember the name of it.
My favorite back then (in the 60's) was Azara's on Princeton Avenue near Harney's Corner, where Enzo's is now. Moe could make a mean thin crust pie with just the right amount of olive oil on it.

[TomDel]

You're probably thinking about the Top Road Tavern on Brunswick Ave. As far as I know they're still open and making good pies.

[BCjr]

No. This place was right near the circle, almost across from Top Road barber shop.

[bropaul]

Just came back from a family get together where we had 5 pies from Star Tavern - plain. pesto(2), sausage and pepper and mushroom. Absolutely delicious. Crust was almost burnt - the way I like it. Still the standard by which all other NJ pizza is judged IMHO.

[Angelina]

Where?????????????

[bropaul]

Corner of High St. and Washington St., Orange, NJ.

[sweetteeth69]

Tried the pie at Delponte's Coal Fired Oven Pizza in Bradley Beach last week,and it was very good..They use fresh mozzarella,and the pie was done in like 5 min.I also like Jo Jo's Tavern,and Joey Marucas,in Hamilton..My next visit will be to www.amanopizza.com

[xny556cip]

Delponte's is a new one to me? Bradley Beach seems to have more that its share of pizza joints.A Mano in Ridgewood is my favorite Neapolitan place on the East Coast (Luzzos on 1st ave NYC is 2nd ) .don't even try to compare these to american style pizza though.......It's like comparing a French baguette to a Stop & Shop batard.

[Bohemiac]

Plain and simple. The best pizza in NJ is just about anything north of Ocean County. Outside of 3 Brothers and Maruca's in Seaside, everything south of Monmouth County is sweet, over-spiced, pale imitations of the junk they serve in Pennsylvania. Yuck. Forget about Toms River. Maybe Francolli's... nah, forget it!

[Deb9962]

Was Marucas now Brothers on whitehouse is good but DELORENZOS for zagotts is really up there DEB

[JohnT]

I always enjoy a good Pizza, so heres my list of good Pizza places I like here in the Garden State, not in any particular order, all are excellent places most anyone would enjoy.......

PS: to me thin crust is thin crust, traditional or Neopolitan style would be a "regular" pie square is Sicilian and the rest I consider "Gourmet" style pizza excluding Focaccia.

Donnas Pizzeria - Palisades Park (absolutely tastiest sauce)
Kinchleys - Ramsey (Thin Crust, but of course)
Donnagio's - Saddle Brook
Pats Pizzeria - Point Pleasant Boro (Killer Philly Cheese Steak sandwich too...)
La Gondola - Ramsey (their sauce is bland for my taste - would be awesome if they kicked it up two notches, great Gourmet selection thou! )...
Lido's - Hackensack (Thin Crust)
Brooklyn's - Hackensack
Benny Tudino's - Hoboken
Grimaldi's - Hoboken
3 Brothers - Seaside

definitely need to hit a few more "new" places like Spirito's and DeLorenzo's to compare!

[njmarshall55]

Very late, I know, but I will hearily endorse Lido's in Hackensack. Unbelievable pie.

[sunsetterdottie]

I know I am coming in late on this discussion but having grown up in Perth Amboy I am a die hard Scorintino's fan. I went through withdrawal when they were closed and in transition from Perth Amboy to South Amboy. Thank god they are back! They are the standard we judge all others by. We will try another pizza and say, "It's good, but it's not Scorintino's". I think, having read some of the negative comments, it is an acquired taste and those who love it will have no other. Generally, if you were from that area and did not like it, your alternate choice was Strawberry's Pub on Amboy Ave. on the border of PA and Woodbridge. Now that I am from Monmouth County, I would choose Val's or Brother's. Ocean County, Marucas. But again, all are a differant animal than my beloved Scorintino's.

[njeggy1]

Where in South Amboy is Scorintino's? I can't find any listings.

[cdog]

not sure why people go crazy for the pie at spirito's. born and raised in the town and my folks still live in Elizabeth, so i've had my fair share. i think it is decent and i wouldn't get out of control by calling it the best in jersey and i believe someone said the east coast. i am sure folks in NYC would have something to say about giving it the tag of best on east coast and i believe that there is a place in New Haven Conn that might also take issue with the claim.

it is what it is...good, cheap and an ideal place for a family to share a meal. anything more than that and you would be fooling yourself

[sunsetterdottie]

My spelling skills have gone down the drain lately so that's the first reason you can't find it. Sorry. It's actually spelled Sciortino's Harbor Light, 132 South Broadway, South Amboy NJ

[Passadumkeg]

I'm sorry, it was not the taste. Many good pies have different tastes. The huge puddle of grease could have been overlooked, even appreciated, if the center wasn't raw. The pre-pizza bragging of the waiter as "this has been rated the best pizza in New Jersey", didn't help either. I swear the sauce w/ the calamari(pizza too?) is canned.

[sunsetterdottie]

Acutally, when they were in Perth Amboy you were able to buy containers of their home made sauce. I don't know if that tradition carried over the the next generation that is running the South Amboy location. I always order my pie well done because I enjoy the bit of burnt crust the brick oven gives it so I can't say I ever experianced what you did. So sorry you didn't enjoy it. I guess that's what makes the world go round........we all have our own palates.

[jrd303]

They sold me sauce by request.

I have noticed that the quality is up and down now. I don't ever remember having any issues when they were in Perth Amboy but it seems the place is run kind of sloppily in South Amboy.

[thumper8762]

was there last night and it was my first time. the sauce for the calamari and the pizza was WAY toooo sweet for me. sauce shouldn't be sweet. we got the tray pizza and the eggplant topping we got was cold. which leads us to believe the crust is precooked. the calamari was tender but the sauce was gross. the service was bad. we waited way to long for our drinks each time. If you want a good pie try Santillo's on S. Broad Street in Elizabeth. Its take out only but has been there for many many years. Its still the original brick oven from the 1930's.that they are using. The business was handed down from generation to generation. Al is the owner. Once again its take out only. Try it you will love it.

[love2cookmb]

I am was born and raised in NY where you can get a pretty good slice of pizza on every corner. I really don't get the hype about Kinchleys. I've eaten it as my bf and his family (which brought me to NJ) think it's the greatest thing. Personally, I think it tastes like frozen pizza. Now Roxanne's down the road has the best kalamata olive pizza. It always tastes fresh and the kalamatas give it an entirely different taste than your ordinary canned black olives. So can someone fill me in on why everyone loves Kinchley's so much? What specifically makes it so special?

[mmgpsych]

Congratulations! You have just smacked face first into the same truth all we displaced New Yorkers (I grew up four blocks from Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn, and lived in Manhattan for 20 years) must face: The bar for 'raving' about food in New Jersey is set pitifully low. If someone exclaims about a particular venue's excellence, that same place, by Manhattan standards, may be anything from okay to awful. So, you must always keep in mind that it's 'caveat reader'. Take all reviews with a grain of salt (except mine of course. lol!) and let your own palate be your guide.

[RGR]

Amen, brother!! The hyperbolic use of words like "fabulous" to describe what most of us would consider mediocre fare is rampant.

And, btw, I hate threads where I have to wait until 166 responses load before I can read the one post I'm really interested in -- and, of course, that would be yours! lol

[mmgpsych]

Thanks so much!

[jrd303]

When I find someone who agrees with my taste I click on their name. When the next screen pops up click "all activity" and you can see all their recent posts in chronological order from newest to oldest.

Save the page as a bookmark in your browser and you can use it as a shortcut to see only that persons newest post,

[tommy]

comparing kinchley's to difara is apples to oranges.

the reason people rave about kinchley's so much is that it's exceptional in its class. it specializes in a cracker-crust style of pizza that you don't find outside of NJ very often.

as far as having a pretty good slice of pizza on every corner in NYC, well, my experiences have been quite different. most nyc pizza places are pretty mediocre. exceptional pizza in nyc can be found at difara's no doubt, and at the places that specialize in what might be called the Neapolitan-NYC style (Patsy's and the like). there are very few of them, however. other exceptional pizza can be found at the places striving to create true Neapolitan pizza. then again that style isn't for everyone. most people would rather go to famous original ray's.

[jakeyd]

No love for the Resevoir Tavern in Boonton?

[MelissaC1]

I agree, these people havent had the Resevoir Tavern, they cant compare lol.

By the way, its in Parsippany, not Boonton, but its a border so most people make the mistake. Easier to get to from Boonton exits as well.

[mjbarb]

Live real close to Alfreds in Blackwood...excellent pie, .....and for Mac and Manco's...they do have a 2 stores open thru the winter , 9th and Boardwalk and offshore on Rt 9...but the best always was and still is...Celebres in So. Philly

[jharris]

I'll second Alfred's for a fantastic pie. I wonder why South Jersey isn't getting any love in this thread?? If you want to get a great Buffalo chicken pizza, go for Riccardo's in Washington Twp, close to Five Points.

I should also note that we all see how controversial the pizza subject can be. I am from Jersey but live in Baltimore now, and the topic that's been posted in that forum has also reached over 150 posts. The topic on the Midwest/Chicago board is climbing to 100 posts. And this topic has grown to 170 posts. It's just funny how the pizza subject grabs so much attention and stirs so much controversy. NYC people swear by their pies, CT people think theirs is best, and Jerseyans think there's a pie in the Garden State that eclipses them all. Of course, no one is particularly wrong here. I personally am a fan of deep dish. For me, nothing beats Giordano's in the Chi. In Jersey, Alfred's is excellent and I am curious about DeLorenzos.

[MelissaC1]

You really cant compare NJ (North) thin slice to Chicago deep dish, they are different creatures. Both are good.

The thin slice is as much about the crust than it is the toppings though, so depending on where you live its all about the water. I like Brooklyn thin slice, but I like the one at Willowbrook mall, the guy is from Brooklyn, and he even says it cooks better here (he is gone now, dont know where that place moved)

As for CT, they are deluded lol. Their crust is WAY too soft.

[abatwork]

If Frank Pepe's thin brick oven clam and garlic pizza (now in Fairfield and Manchester) is not bliss I don't know what is. I am ready to be deluded everytime I have had one in the last 40 years. Wooster Square is the real Mecca of pizza in America. I carried one back to NJ a few weeks ago in the back seat. I've had plenty of Delorenzo's and Conte's (Princeton) (# 2 and # 3) and have to give the #4 slot to the Nanuet Restaurant and Bar in Rockland County. A new up and comer at #5 might be La Casa Bianca in Whitehouse Station, which owes a heritage to Pepe's and Sally's according to the owner.
Jersey shore pizzas - now that's delusion.

[fpatrick]

abatwork - since we're in sync on Pepe's and Conte's (haven't tried Delorenzo's), as well as in agreement on shore/boardwalk pizza as of questionable quality (although a bit inland from Stone Harbor/Avalon is Mamma Mia's on Rt 9 in Seaville, who does a real good bruschetta pie), I'm going to have to check out your possible up-an-comer in Whitehouse Station, since it not far from my Somerset County home.

[MelissaC1]

I agree with the Jersey Shore pizza's, they cant get the crust right, they dont have the right water.

But I have have serious issues with CT pizza, the crust is too soft. It doesnt hold to the fold. I have only had 3 kinds. Mystic, because I had to see what the fuss was about, again, soft crust (but the sauce was tasty.

I like specialty pies, but I think the ultimate test for a good pizza is the plain slice, if they cant get that right, then everything else isnt worth trying.

[xny556cip]

"The thin slice is as much about the crust than it is the toppings though, so depending on where you live its all about the water"

"I agree with the Jersey Shore pizza's, they cant get the crust right, they dont have the right water."

Can you enlighten me on the facts behind the water phenomenon as I beleive it's ungrounded, perpetuated BS?

[grampart]

I sampled the pizza at La Casa Bianca a couple of weeks ago and, while the toppings were very good ("wild mushrooms", and a Margherita), the cracker-like crust leaves them out of the running for any "best pizza" award..anywhere! jmho

[EPark]

I have been more and more dissapointed with NJ pizza lately; it definitely lost some of it's legendary pizzaz. Squan Tavern in Manasquan never dissapoints though.

[bgut1]

Has anyone ever heard of Mary's Pizzeria on 155 Washington Ave, Edison, NJ (on the border of Edison and Highland Park)? It's a true throw back located in a residential neighborhood and its actually part of a home. I believe that it's still open and haven't been back in years. Maybe its the product of childhood recollections, but I always thought Mary made the best pizzas I had ever had.

[jrd303]

Wow. I go through this area nearly every day and never had a clue this place existed. It shows up in google maps so I'm guessing it's still open. I'll get down there on Mon or Tue and report back.

[bgut1]

Please do. I would be happy to know if its still good.

[jrd303]

Sorry to say but it appears Marie's is closed. The sign for Marie's was above the door on the old brick building but the lights were out and the place was locked up.

There was a sign in the window that said Melanie's pizza and catering coming soon. I'll stop by when it opens and see if I can find out what happened.. .

[bgut1]

jrd303 - Thanks for checking it out. I would be interested to know what happened.

[jrd303]

Drove through again same sign. Doesn't seem like anythings changed.

[bgut1]

Thanks for the update.

[jrd303]

Went by the other day. Still coming soon =)

[Treesh]

We have loved Mary's pizza for years, but it does appear they have closed. The pizza was wonderful and the ladies inside were so adorable. They are sisters from Italy. One or two were always behind the counter making the pizza, and one or two were at a table right inside the door (it was very tiny inside 2 tables) speaking Italian to each other, always so friendly when you came in. I'm sad to see them go. I guess they retired.

[bgut1]

Thanks for the info Treesh. I too seem to remember them sitting at the table talking and reading the newspaper. It truly was a special place. I'm sad to know that they have closed.

[strawberrysongbird]

bgut1: I have heard my friends talking about Mary's, but not recently.. I think they may have closed down. Are there any other places in the area I could go to? I have a blog about restaurants in the Highland Park area. Thanks!
www.highlandparkeats.blogspot.com

[bgut1]

Nice blog Strawberry. I'd be happy to recommend a few places in a different thread and provided you gave me a few parameters.

[JAF]

Nunzios in Long Branch or Delorenzos in Robbinsville. You will not be disapointed.

[irvingk]

Went to Delorenzos in Robbinsville yesterday. Had the tomato clam pie. Absolutely declicious. This and Pepe in New Haven are the two best pies I have had. Excellent pie.

[yen157]

I'm surprised my NJ #1 hasn't been mentioned on this board:

Pizza Town USA on 46 in Elmwood Park! Great sauce, easy on the cheese, and slight blackening on the crust. It's a roadside dive, but great stuff. My wife prefers Star Tavern in Orange or Kinchley’s Tavern in Ramsey.

We live out in Hunterdon County, so we're not close to any of those, but we do have some very good pizza nearby. Lenny's (formerly Desiderio's) on Rt 31 in Washington and Pizza Como in Clinton. I'm a transplant out there, but everyone from that area claims Pizza Como is the best. Very good, but certainly not better that Pizza Town USA.

Honorable mention in that area goes to La Bella Via (Third St, Phillipsburg, practically under the Rt 22 toll bridge into Easton, PA) and Nicolosi's, also in Phillipsburg.

[grampart]

According to this review on Slice.com, the Via Ponte in Stockton might be a contender.

http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives...

[DinnerChick11]

Mack and Mancos on the boardwalk in Ocean City NJ is the best.

[Tapas52]

Papa's in Trenton has my vote for the best Pizza hands down!

[MGZ]

We had a pizza at Jimmy's in Asbury Park last night. How could it be that no one has mentioned it on this post??? Thin crust - somewhere between Pete & Elda's and Vic's. Excellent sauce. Great balance between cheese and sauce.

We had ours with the fresh basil on it. Simply put, this has to be the most underappreciated pizza in the state. Thin crust fans, try it. You will, like us, leave wondering how you missed this pizza for the last quarter century.

[Tapas52]

IMO Pete & Elders taste like MATZA with Ketchup ...we never will go back there ....
thanks for the review on Jimmy's, although I'm a big Papas Tomato pie affectionado....if I'm in the area I will try a slice of Jimmy's also & report back.

Thanks..

[MGZ]

We thought Jimmy's sauce was much better than P&E - significantly more savory.

[DinnerChick11]

I did not know Jimmy's served pizza--thanks for the tip I will give it a try!

[diablo]

Kate and Al's at the Columbus flea market makes some excellent pie. It's Sicilian style, made on a cookie sheet, heavy on the tmato sauce with just enough cheese. We always get some when we go there. It's located inside the market. There's a fairly non-descript sign for it on the outside, But just follow your nose and look for the crowd at the counter and you'll know you have it.

In fact, The Columbus flea market is a fair cornocopia of food delights, but that's for another thread.

[Heatherb]

Diablo, you're so right about Columbus flea market! I love the Philippino barbecue trucks, among other things.
The pizza at Columbus is weird though. I like both the pizza places that are at either end of the big L-shaped building that is the indoor market - they are both kinda similar quality, although the one that isn't Kate & Al's has more cheese (whose name I can't remember), I think.
There's virtually no seasonings - just crust, tomato and a sprinkling of cheese, I think. And really, I wouldn't order the pizza to go, but I love getting it at the flea market. How's that for weird logic?

[diablo]

LOL Heatherb! You are right about the plainess of the pizza. That's what I like about it. It tastes, I don't know, pure and simple or something. You are right about eating it there, though. It's not the same otherwise!

[rudywill]

I checked the posts and can't believe no one listed King of Pizza in Cherry Hill-one in Berlin and somewhere else too.I don't really like pizza-I like meat-but I go in there once and return 10 times in a month.It's the only pizza I actually EVER crave.At other places I don't even finish slices-I throw them out as unsatisfying.I tried the new Tacconelli's in Moorestown-they burn the crust regularly.

[Mike21NJ]

Our favorite places along the Rt 1 corridor are as follows (bias: we are from Somerset )

DeLorenzos in Trenton
Federici's in Freehold (recommend white with olive and garlic)
Stan Chich's in Bound Brook (sausage topping is the best)
Old World Pizza in Princeton (margarita)
Chimney Rock in Bridgewater (buffalo style - ask for blue cheese to add)
Conties in Princeton
Delucas in Raritan
Lubranos in Somerset
Pizza and Pasta in Manville
Wildflowers Pub in Pennington (recommend the eggplant, feta & ricotta)

Cheers .....

[beentheredonethat]

Pete& Elda's is horrible these days ...take it off the list ...ask around

[bgut1]

hear, hear!

[MGZ]

What's changed at P & E?

We noticed recently that Maria's has been using a new cheese. It has ruined their pizza.

[xny556cip]

"What's changed at P & E?"

Not a lot,it's always been mediocre matzoh cracker.The difference now is peoples tastes are changing and there are better choices and better quality.As long as Grandma tells you Vics,Feds,Sciortinos etc etc. is the best,people will gladly believe it.It's what THEY grew up on!There are more and better choices today,you just have to have your own convictions and seek them out.

[xny556cip]

I forgot about reading this on Craigslist earlier.....maybe they don't measure up anymore !

Pete and Eldas pizza, Neptune - help..

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Date: 2009-07-15, 10:15PM EDT
Reply to: [e-mail] [Errors when replying to ads?]

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I got a large pizza the other day, but think it may have been something else. Anyone who got a large pizza from there in the last few days could you measure the box? I'm curious to know if mine really was large, or if maybe they just shrunk with the changing times! Let me know, thanks.

it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 1272259449

[jrd303]

Fair enough to criticize but you've made no new recommendations for two years! Which places are your top five right now? Amano is no where near the shore which place is your favorite down the shore? Not everyone can travel if you could pick one local which would it be and why?

[xny556cip]

This thread is for the best in NJ,not the shore specifically.There is nowhere I can or would recommend near the shore.P&E's is closer to Roman Style than anything else,they just don't do it very well IMO.It's tasteless.In no particular order my top choices in the US would be:

Keste - Manhattan NY
Spaccanapoli - Ravenswood Chicago
Marco's Coal Fired - Lodo Denver
Il Pizzaiolo - Pittsburgh
Settebello - Henderson Nevada or Salt Lake City
A Mano - Ridgewood NJ

They are all wood fired Neapolitan style.Sorry but you have to travel.Nothing at the Shore comes even close to any of these as far as i've found.As has been stated in many threads on this board,the bar for food is set incredibly low in NJ considering how densely populated the State is (should be VERY competative ) and proximity to New York,fresh produce,wealth of food importers/distributors etc.
If i'm desperate and in the vicinity,the Sicillian slices at Ciao Bella Napoli 1812 Rt-35, South Amboy will satisy a craving,but I would never go out of my way for it - not really my style.To be fair I understand that I prefer a style of pizza that is not widely available,but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate other styles if done well.The dough shoud have flavor due to proper fermentation,The toppings should be balanced and the sauce prepared with care and have the right consistency .IMO.Sadly the fundamentals are generally ignored in favor of producing cash cows.If you know of some hidden gems please enlighten me.I've tried all of the legacy joints ,and have given up somewhat.
It's also been over two years because i haven't heard of anything new opening in NJ that can convince me otherwise.In contrast there are probably half a dozen or so that have opened in NY that are raising the bar and worth checking out.So close and yet so far.

[lutece]

Tried this again for the 2nd time and am sorry we did, The overly friendly waiter was pushing the specials menu on us at lunchtime, 25 dollar osso bucco etc, then took our pizza orders and walked away. The pizza maker was no where in sight. We had to call over the waitress who had to go find him as we sat contemplating our decision to eat there. Finally, out he came and made 2 pizzas one with mushrooms one with artichokes and other veggies.
When asked if the artichokes were fresh, the waiter said, oh they come in the can from Italy and you're the first to get them! OY.
As for the pizza, the veggies are all in containers and pre made. The mushrooms were overly salty , as if they were soaked in soy sauce or something. The crust was not crispy, the mozzarella was the best part, and it was not that good. I would have much preferred a slice at la gondola in ramsey, or Brooklyn down the block, or even the organic place in Rdgwood.. Its nice that they offered buy 1 get 1 free, but we didn't even want to take home the leftovers, thats how mediocre it was.
Then, the waitress was trying to get us to order dessert.
Will not go back.

[vtrip7]

Delorenzos on Hudson Street is the best. The kicker is those who disagree have never been there. You can search this site high and low, you will VERY RARELY encounter anyone that has actually been there and not ranked it number one. I have since moved to south jersey and am still looking for some very good pie..difficult task. I still need to try Tacconellis IN PHILLY...The Moorestown location is horrific, I can mention literally five Trenton area places that destoy it. Again, not even in the same league as Delorenzos...The Freehold people are comical as well. Fed's...took a few life-long loyalists to Hudson Street. They admitted that it is simply in a different league than ANYTHING out there. YOU MUST TRY THIS PIE if you have not done so.

[tom246]

Delorenzoes on Hudson is great but the really good news is that their new place just off Rt 130 in Robbinsville is every bit as good, I think even more consistent .
Plus they also have a bathroom :))
Vtrip, you need to take a road trip up north.

http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com/i...

[gjassman]

V, Who are the other five destroyers in Trenton?

[Heatherb]

I dunno, are there any truly bad pizza places in Trenton? I've always viewed it as a rather Darwinian environment for pizza. The really bad ones just don't survive. Like the place that was right near Simcox flowers several years ago, where Hamilton and Nottingham cross each other. They people were from New York, and they moved here to open a rather mediocre pizza joint. They were out of business in less than a year, I think. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. It was only when I moved away to college that I experienced what could be called "bad" pizza. Everything prior to that point had been moderately acceptable... Such a terrible shock:-)

[Tapas52]

Sorry Ive been to Delorenzos & still enjoy Pappas in Chambersburg 9Trenton) much better. #1 in my book for Tomato Pies in NJ..

[bmanrkg3]

Benny Tudinos in Hoboken on washington... 2 slices and a liter of coke, and you're good to go

[Luzak]

No one can say what is the best pizza because it is something that has different characteristics. DeLorenzo's on Hudson (and now Robbinsville) it so good and light that you could easily eat the whole thing yourself and find the next day that you lost a pound or two on the scale. But there other pies that are totally different and have a great taste. A thicker, chewy crust might be the characteristic someone else's number 1. I've had pies in Chicago and have really enjoyed them. I've enjoyed many pizzas in my 62 years. Most have been great in their own right. To throw out a name of a pizza I enjoyed,
how about John's in NYC. I've been to one in the theater district and enjoyed it. But I also had pies from some of the pizzerias in that area and enjoyed them too. We all love
pizza. It just that we favor certain charactistics better. So I guess the question is really, What is your Ideal pizza? And what makes it such?
Finally, I respect the opinion of many of you pizza lovers!

[Heatherb]

If only DeLorenzo's really was a magic weight-loss pizza! I assure you, I would have attained my own personal version of nirvana.

[coastiewife]

My ideal pizza has always been thin crust, gooey and cheesy that practically slides off and burns the roof of your mouth (face etc.) as you try to eat it and is so greasy the paper plate becomes transparent:-D I know it probably sounds awful but there's nothing like it and I'm in heaven! There used to be a place in Garfield near Passaic next to Roosevelt #7 school and adjacent to a strip mall that had a dance school in it. I think it was called Gina's pizzeria, all the kids ran there for lunch and you could get a 2 slices for $1.90 and then go play Double Dragon and Outrun while you wait for your slices to come out:-D

[cdefranco]

Luzak,
Agree with your message but not with your first selection (DeLorenzo's). Matter of fact this is what finally pushed me to join this board! I took my wife to DeLorenzo's last Friday night...sort of a date, just us and later we were going to see a friend play in a band @ 9 PM. I figured some good pizza and later a beer chaser...what could go wrong? Took a little while to get into the Robbinsville location and then was told that the kitchen was backed up. Still not a problem for the serious pizza lover. (actually builds the suspense!!) Come to think of it, with such a limited menu how can they be so backed up? It is just pizza and 3 salads. The whole freakin' menu fits on the back of a 5X8 photo!!! Anyway, after 20 minutes here it comes...1 regular and 1 clam pie. The waiter tells me I made a great choice with the clam pie..."BEST pizza in the house". He was right. It is just slightly more tasty than the regular but does not taste like fresh clams. At $15 for the "small" I expect fresh clams. Back to the regular. SORRY, I JUST DO NOT GET IT....and forget the old tired argument about pizza vs tomato pie. If my friggin' Irish mother-in law (may she rest in peace) cooked it, I would choke it down with a smile and tell myself "well, at least she tried".....WHO IS KIDDING WHO HERE??? It is very little more than pulpy crushed tomato sauce on a 14 inch cracker with a little cheese hiding somewhere underneath. All this love is either 1) Mass hypnosis. 2) something more sinister. 3) I have taste in pizza that is soo far removed from reality that I cannot be relied on. Though anything is possible, I challenge anybody who does not have a pre-conceived notion of how superior this pizza is to give it a shot and tell me how wrong/right I am. ...Just keep it here though!!!!!!!!!! Matter of fact just down the road get yourself a slice of Brothers Pizza to wash out your mouth afterwards and set you straight with decent pizza taste...all in my h/o.
Now a little history. I used to own a pizzeria on long island in the 1990's. Good pizza ...IMO and the first in the area to have a sweeter sauce. Made $ from day 1 but went back to work on Wall Street where I made more $$. There I first tasted Big Al's Pizza, which to this day is tied with Albert's Pizza (Copaigue) for my top honors.
As Luzak states...I respect the opinion of many of you pizza lovers...BUT I AM JUST TRYING TO KEEP THIS REAL------Go ahead, TELL ME I AM WRONG!!!!

[TomDel]

You’re absolutely right! If you’re in the area again, go down the road to five points and try the pie at JoJo’s, much better in my opinion. Or take a walk on the wild side and go into the Chambersburg section of Trenton to Chambers Street and get a pie at Papa’s. They’ve been there longer than DeLorenzo’s on Hudson St.

[Caralien]

Sotto 128 in Princeton, with Teresa's as a close second.

[JJC42482]

Well over 200 replies to this topic in over 6 years, and not one person mentioned Palermo's in Ewing and Bordentown, NJ. I had Delorenzo's in Robbinsville and Palermo's is better, period. I have yet to try Papa's or Top Road Tavern or Conte's. Mac N Manco in Ocean City is by far the best "pizza" I ever had. The best "tomato pie" is Palermo's so far. I had Alfred's in Blackwood and I wasn't impressed; sauce was too bitter. Delorenzo's sauce was also on theh bitter side and for $14 and for all the hype, it is simply not worth it. Palermo's tomato pie, either in Ewing or Bordentown; trust me!!!

[ira]

Albivi's in Perrineville is a real find in the middle of nowhere..Best in New Jersey? Maybe not THE best, but certainly a worthy contender.

[tom246]

Albivi's does serve a very good pizza and their specialty pizza's are excellent. The rest of the food is also well prepared.Also agree about being in the middle of nowhere, we live about two miles from there :)

[Angelina]

We use to love going to Albivi until the last time we went (nearly 2 years ago) the pizza sauce tasted like they poured a quart of salt into it! Then the dishes were not any better. My husband had a veal dish and the gravy was a brown, thick, flour-y tasting, Heinz gravy.

My chicken parm also was so salty! I know that old trick, salt the meats to make it last longer..GROSS!

When we told the owner that there was too much salt in the food (and we were not looking for anything for free.) she told us we must have never had "Real" Italian food. WHAT?? We are talking about a restaurant that is half pizzeria half Italian -American. I wanted to aks her if she was ever in Italy or Europe for that matter and tasted "Real" Italian food. She was just very ignorant and I never went back.

When a neighbor of mine went there for lunch with her 2 year old and mother, the same owner told her they only have 1 high chair and it is in use, and that the people will probably be a while, so she should come back another day. Needless to say, my neighbor NEVER stepped foot in their again.

Oh well, what a surprise...another BAD wanna be Italian restaurant!

[Heatherb]

I had Palermo's recently, and it was a very good pizza. However, I thought the sauce was a little too sweet. I have come to realize that i prefer my tomato sauces with a minimal amount of sugar. So DeLorenzo's is still my preferred pizza, though I'll probably swing by Palermo's on occasion.

[Caralien]

Definitely try Conte's--excellent pizza with a not-too-sweet sauce, crisper crust, and abundant toppings.

I'll be in Cranbury later this week and was told there was a great place there to try.

[Heatherb]

Oh yeah, I LOVE Conte's, but I'm down in Hamilton, so I'm much closer to DeLo's and Palermo's. Mostly I just go to the Brothers that's closest to me because it's practically around the corner.

[gbean]

Where is Palermo's? There's a new place Corleone's (I think) tomato pies opening up soon in what used to be that tiny jewelry place on S. Olden before the Quik Chek. Any more comments on Joey's pizza on Whitehorse next to Long John Silvers? I go to Brothers across fm Kmart a lot too since it's nearby and they make a decent pizza.

[Heatherb]

To get to Palermo's you take 206 from the Whitehorse circle towards Bordentown. It comes up on your right in one of those little strip malls. I haven't tried anything there but the pizza though.

I've seen the sign for Corleone's too. I'm curious what that will be like.

I've been to Joey's nearl LJS a couple times - very good pie, but I think I still like the Brothers across from Kmart a little better.

[gbean]

I'll have to try Joey's sometime. Curious about the new place too.

[TomDel]

If you live in Hamilton, you definitely have to try Jo Jo’s at Five Points. IMHO they make the best pie around, better than DeLorenzo’s.

[gbean]

I had one there years ago, you're right, it is really good.

[Citizen Rich]

I picked one up and took it home a couple years back, but it didn't do very well in the box. The crust is very thin and went completely soggy before it made it to the table. Now that the place isn't completely filled with cigarette smoke like it used to be, you can actually eat it in there without getting the big C from second hand smoke. It's a pretty good bar pie.

However, I prefer a tomato pie and like to get mine from Mama Rosa's on Klockner in Hamilton. I went to DeLorenzo's once, but they gave me a bit of attitude when I was ordering (It was my first time there and I guess they felt I was taking too long to make up my mind) so I never went back after my one visit. However, (and I'm sure I'll be crucified for saying so) the Mama Rosa pie is a fine tomato pie and I don't know that there's much of a difference between their's and DeLorenzo's. Plus, the people are nice and they've got plenty of parking.

[gbean]

Mama Rosa's pies are good, I agree. I don't go there as much since I moved further away. It's true that Delorenzo type pies have to be eaten fresh out of the oven or they get really soggy.

[Heatherb]

Citizen Rich, I think you were one of the people that sent me to Mama Rosa's a while back for chicken parm (my boyfriend's favorite). It's really great there. And we both love the sauce. Do they use the same sauce on their pizza and do you have any theories on what they put in their pasta sauce? It definitely tastes different. I think I really liked their pizza at the Italian-American festival in Mercer County park, but I have been usually going there for their pasta dishes. (Vodka rig was outstanding when I tried it a couple weeks ago.)

[gbean]

I've never tried the chicken parm at Mama Rosa's but I had some really fresh scallops wrapped in bacon and cooked perfectly. We asked the owner where they get their seafood and he told us they go to Philly a few times a wk for it. Pizza is great there as well. I'll have to go back soon.

[Citizen Rich]

I've never really put alot of thought into what might be in their sauces, or if they use the same sauce for the pizza as the pasta dishes. Now I'm going to really think about it next time I go. I don't really get the pasta dishes too often, other than the occasional lasagna, seafood pasta or whatever specials they might have going on. Most often I'm ordering a pie and my wife works the pasta side.

[ChrisOC]

I like simple boardwalk pizza, and IMHO Mack & Manco on the OC boards has the best!!

[cfv68]

I've been to most of these pizzerias mentioned on this board, but unquestionably the "Best Pizza" title should belong to FATHER AND SON PIZZA in Guttenberg, NJ. This place feels like I've retro'd back to the 60's when a pizzeria was a real pizzeria. (The little Italian pizzaman and all). The sauces are red and vibrant, not burgundy like other pizzeria's, including Domino's and the rest of those nasty chains. The pizza cheese is nice and white like snow and the slices melt in your mouth!!! The pizza slice stays up nice and firm when you hold it, not flimsy and greasy like the others. I'm fanatical about pizza and have tried it all over the world including in Naples for over 30 years. But I must tell the world that when someone mentioned this little back in time pizza parlour to me, I had to go and try it for myself! Without any reservations I must name Father and Son Pizza as the absolute best pizza in New Jersey and for sure beyond! Oh, by the way... their dinners are definitely to die for. I can drink the sauce with a straw!!! Check it out, you definitely will reply to my posting.

[nightflower]

Wow, this thread was started in 2002. NJ is very passionate about our pizza. i have to say the best pizza is at JoJo's in Galloway NJ. I swear they put crack in it. Its completely addictive. I ate it at least once a week when I was in college (It is located near the front entrance to Stockton College).

I also have to say where the best pizza is not. I have yet to find a good pizza place in Hammonton. Its all way too sweet for my taste. Anyone know of any pizza places in Hammonton that don't taste like they added sugar to the sauce?

[The.Macher]

Bruni's?

[nightflower]

Bruni's doesn't do it for me. Not as sweet as some but still too sweet. I haven't been in Hammonton for all that long so I am hoping there is some hidden gem I am missing.

[Caralien]

.

[Caralien]

I'm bored, and this is what I was able to find from what people have listed (apologies if I couldn't find your place). Doing my best to add links for my own selfish pleasure.

[shabbystorm]

Great list! Thank you for this research.
Interesting Article about good pizza and the water
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyl...

[gbean]

Went to DeLorenzo's (Hamilton) on Hamilton Ave for the first time in long time today. Large garlic pie is our fave. Still as good as ever!

[niia]

Kinchley's in Mahwah. Awesome. And I never say anything is awesome. Old roadhouse, super thin crust. Cannot be beat anywhere.

[headshoes]

I didn't see this mentioned.. but Kate & Als in Columbus.. has a tomato pie, nice sauce covering the entire pie.. minimal cheese.. they only sell sicilian only..

[phone]
2919 Route 206 # 104
Columbus, NJ 08022

Also.. Sciortino's is open in SOUTH AMBOY now on the corner of broadway-John St..
732-721-8788

[njfoodies]

I have still yet to try this place, and drive past there all the time. Will have to give it a whirl one of these days... -mJ

[24601]

I've been to at least 75 different pizza places in NYC and New Jersey. Dominick's pizza in Bridgewater/Raritan has the best pizza outside of NYC that I've had. There regular cheese pizza is "ok", but their margherita pizza is by far the best that I have ever had inside of New Jersey. It is inside of a strip mall in the Somerville circle. I drive from west Hunterdon county to get pizza there a couple times a month.

The address:

307 US Highway 202/206
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

[kevinkin]

Mr Federici passed away recently. We lived in Freehold for 17 years and had many enjoyable Friday nights at the bar eating the thin crust pizza and a salad.

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...

[pktaske]

Read through the entire post and NOT ONE mention of the brick oven pie at Cranbury Pizza? The light marinara is the key. Crust, fresh moz and basil.

http://www.cranburypizza.com/Cranbury...

Don't the NY snobbery on this post get you down! Yes, there are a lot of sub-par places in Jerz but it just means you have to work harder to find the good stuff. To boast that the city has a lock on top shelf food is a joke (especially since we can't stem the tide of all these NYC 'experts' flooding into NJ). If you don;t liek the food, please go back! lol. <]:^)

[mchametzky]

New DeLorenzos in Risoldis Super Market's (new) cafe addition (in Hamilton, on Quakerbridege Road)! They're tied to the Hamilton Ave shop (the pie man told me); had a large sausage, garlic, mushroom, and basil (or maybe rosemary?) pie last night (it's one of their "gourmet pizzas) and it was terrific! The real thing.

They don't seem to have publicized it much, for some reason, so it's very easy to order and get your food without the long waits at any of the 3 other Delo's places. I almost hate to give up this "secret", but I want them to succed. Go for it tomato pie lovers, it's there!

MC in Hamilton

[Tapas52]

Thanx for the heads up....although Papa's in the burg will always be my #1...I will try this new DeLorenzos when I get in the area.

[gbean]

Oh! I haven't been yet but a friend went and had told me she recognized one of the guys from DeLo's behind the pizza counter. Wow, so close to where I work ( I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing!)

[mchametzky]

An additional point: unlike the other Delo's, this one sells slices as well as whole pies. There's a wide range of other stuff available too, from the new Risoldi's cafe, including a salad bar, sandwiches, etc. None of that stuff is made by the Delorenzo's people, of course. They continue to sell only pizza (tomato pie, to be precise).

[gbean]

I was thinking about that slice issue and came to the conclusion that they'd really have to sell them in that kind of venue...not many people have time to wait for a whole pie to be cooked. I'm a happy camper! Also surprised Risoldi's hasn't put a shout out for this new section. At least I hadn't heard anything except by word of mouth.

[Heatherb]

gbean, trust me, it's a bad thing. I walked in, bought a small pie, took it home and proceeded to eat the whole thing. It's a bad, bad thing, in a very good way! It's pretty much the same as what you get in the restaurant.

[gbean]

HeatherB, bad, but oh so good. We ran in and got some slices but then also spotted some pretty good looking ribs at the hot bar. Oh my, both were delicious but I think next time we'll call ahead and order a whole pizza to eat there. And maybe hit the salad bar to go with it.

[Heatherb]

Have you gotten around to Corleone's yet? I think they're actually open now...

[Tapas52]

I had a few "ORIGINAL" slices on the boardwalk in Seaside the other day at Maruca's Pizza.... YUMMMY!......it's still my second favorite pizza in NJ after Papa's in Trenton.

[gbean]

I still haven't gotten to Papas but am anxious to try it. Maruca's is great Jersey Shore pizza, I agree.

[Tapas52]

gbean.....maruca's white cheddar/Mozzarella Mix is the secret ;)....but if you get a chance try Papa's in the Burg it's the real deal and 2nd oldest Pizzeria (Tomato Pie) in the USA 1912 !

[gbean]

Sounds awesome...gotta get over there! Ju makah me ongry!

[gbean]

I haven't been yet but I remember someone on here wrote not to bother? And haven't heard any other opinions since, so wasn't feeling in a rush to get there. Have you tried Joey's on Whitehorse next to KFC/LJS?

[gbean]

Sorry, the above was in response to Heatherb re; Corleone's

[Heatherb]

Hey gbean, I haven't been to Joey's in its current incarnation. Has it actually changed hands since last year? When I ate there winter 2008, I found the pizza to be quite good. But I'm under the impression that it changed hands as well as names...

[gbean]

Oh, I didn't notice if it did. Did you try Peasants www.peasantsofhamilton.com yet? I highly recommend, however I have not tried their pizza.

[Heatherb]

Haven't gotten there yet. Argh. For some reason I always forget about it as an option when friends want to go out to dinner. It's in a weird location for me, mentally. I rarely pass by it in my everyday activities, so out of sight/out of mind.

[niia]

Have loved the old roadhouse Kinchley's in Mahwah since the 1970s. Great retro atmosphere and super thin crust pizza that's divine. Had not changed a bit since then!

[livingloving]

I have to agree after reading about Delorenzos for 10 years in Zagat's It's off the chart I have to say best in NJ and i have been to many. I went to the Robbinsville location which was nice BTW

[njfoodies]

We mix it up between the Hudson Street and Robbinsville locations at least twice a month. Still love them both, and the pies are nearly identical. -mJ

[RPMcMurphy]

I have to say, I traveled Italy for a month last month. Ate a lot of pizza....and I still think Delo's is number 1...(ok, number 2...there was 1 place in Radda in Chianti, not Naples surprisingly, that served the best pie I've ever had...'da michelle' )

[njfoodies]

People just don't get it, but tehre is nothing like Delo's! We did have a pie that was absolutely incredible in Rome while we were on our honeymoon. I would kill to find the name of this place. I just remember sitting out in the alley where they had tables set up, and at the end of the alley was a weird suit shop that worked out of a warehouse looking one car garage with a rollup door. Possibly one of the best pies I've ever had. I think it was close to the Spanish Steps, but don't remember for sure. Totally different from Delo's, but darn good! I think we're spoiled to have Delo's so darn close! =) -mJ

[tommy]

How can you even compare Delorenzo's with da michelle? they are two totally different products.

[RPMcMurphy]

Da Michelle in Radda i'm talking about....I'm comparing because the pizza is THE most comparable to Delo i've ever had. Seriously, Same exact style....its the only pizza I ever had apples to apples. I'll post pictures...

[tommy]

i didn't read closely enough. thought you referring to da michele in naples. great pics!

[RPMcMurphy]

Ate there too..and it was actually one of the worst we had in Italy. ;)

http://rtimko.smugmug.com/Vacations-a...

[tommy]

it's a style that apparently doesn't appeal to everyone.

[RPMcMurphy]

http://rtimko.smugmug.com/Vacations-a...

[nycclarabel]

I am in Jersey for work pretty often, and since I love pizza, I've tried a lot of the places recommended on Chow. But I still have to try A Mano recommended in this Best Pizza list (http://www.examiner.com/x-13029-Newar...), and someone from Jersey at my company told me I went to the "wrong" Delorenzo's. Which is the "right" one?

I'll be heading to what looks like the middle New Jersey shore region, and am looking for good pizza recs there. I took note of some from this list, but another Jersey person told me there is a really good place on the Boardwalk. Is the Boardwalk open in the winter? If not, I guess I'll try the place that has the contest.

[njfoodies]

This debate goes back and forth often. To me, the "right" Delorenzo's is the one at 530 Hudson Street. -mJ

[seal]

That pizza place in Rome sounds like a good description of Dar Bafetto.

[tommy]

The Sawmill in Seaside is open in the winter. Not sure which part of the shore you're talking about though.

[nycclarabel]

Thank you for the info about the place in Trenton. I don't have to go there for awhile (thank goodness), but I think I did go to the other one.

I'll be near Lakewood, which looks like it's in the middle of Jersey and I'll be close to the ocean.

Sorry, here's a working link:
http://www.examiner.com/x-13029-Newar...

[TomDel]

Just to clarify things, for a long time there were two DeLorenzo’s in Trenton, one on Hudson St. and the other on Hamilton Ave. I think the owners were related but the businesses were separate. About two years ago, the owner’s of the Hudson Ave. place opened a new restaurant in Robbinsville on Rt. 33 near the border of Hamilton Twp.

I’m guessing that you went to the one on Hamilton Ave. If you’d like to try the other one, I’d strongly recommend that you go to their new location on Rt. 33. The Hudson Ave. location is in a deteriorating neighborhood where parking and security are a problem and the place is so old is doesn’t even have restrooms. I also think the hours of the Hudson Ave location have been cut since they opened the Robbinsville place.

[NJfoodLover]

One of our Favorites Pizza's is the Grandma's Style (thick with the sauce on top) from Mario's Pizza in Maywood

[tupaloop]

Quite a few years ago we went to DeLorenzo's to find that it was closed so we ended up at an amazing place in Trenton called TRIONFETTI'S. It was the best pie I've ever had. But it seems the place has disappeared off the map! Does anyone know if it's still open? If anyone remembers, it was a tiny hole in the wall but they had lots of cool photos of famous people eating there (mainly the Rat Pack). Where did it go???

[TomDel]

I think Trionfetti’s was bought about 20 yrs. ago and is now Amici Milano’s. I haven’t been there in about a year or so, but they’ve always had outstanding food. In fact, along with Rossi’s they are one of the few Italian restaurants left in the Chambersburg section of Trenton.

The Delorenzo’s that is on Hudson St. now has a second new restaurant on Rt. 33 in Robbinsville http://www.delorenzostomatopies.com . The other Delorenzo’s on Hamilton Ave. in Trenton is still open and packing them in.

If you want to experience a little history and enjoy a great pie, try Papa’s on Chambers St. in Trenton. They’ve been there since 1910 or so and were one of the first “Tomato Pie” restaurants in NJ and probably the country.

[Tapas52]

Papas is my all time favorite!!

[frogman2]

I think my favorite NJ Pizza is Nick's Pizza in Brick. Located off of Lanes Mill Rd, its in a small plaza(forget the name). I always get the white pizza with either plain white, broccoli, or tomatoes. Simply the best I've had around. Its soft filling and soo good!

Also Tina's in Hamilton has great buffalo chicken pizza. One of the best Buffalo's I've had!

[HillJ]

Munchmobile Pizza Patrol report is out!
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dining/index.ssf/munchmobile_pizza_patrol/

What a great gig for NJ pizza lovers.
http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives...

[flourgirl]

And the pizza patrol named my favorite pizza place the best plain pie - DeLucia's in Raritan.

[HillJ]

Can't argue with that, DeLu's pie is fantastic.

[johnlockedema]

Well, I'll have some roadtrips to plan-but my go to is still the Resevoir Tavern in Boonton. Sausage and onion pie is terrific.

[HillJ]

One of my favorite combos; sausage & onion. I've never been to the Tavern in Boonton but I hear their brick oven is one of the most celebrated in NJ!

[tommy]

Reservoir Tavern has a real brick oven? I would have thought they were gas deck ovens.

[HillJ]

tommy, perhaps johnlockedema can answer that. I've yet to have the pleasure, as I said this is what I heard. I'm planning to go when work gets me in that community. John?

[johnlockedema]

I'm not sure, but some internet posters say it is. The crust has the yeasty flavor of really good bread.

[grubberoo]

The Res has a rotating platform oven not a brick one.

[GraydonCarter]

Finally took the opportunity to stop at DeLucia's with my crew. If was fine. Everyone liked it, although the canned mushrooms were flavorless. One of the members of the Pizza Patrol had said it was too crispy, and that was the opinion of one of my guys, too.

The biggest surprise was that when we walked in for lunch at 12:30, they told us we would need to hurry and eat because they left at 1:00pm. They kick everyone out and lock the doors. The reason he gave is that they turn off the ovens before starting baking and won't make any more pizza after they cool down too much. I suppose in a blue collar town, lunch hour is early, but still - kicking everyone out? - it was a little too much time pressure to try to be out the door just twenty minutes after the pies arrived!

[flourgirl]

I still love their pizza, but their hours are a PITA.

[ira]

Anybody been to La Piazza in Allentown, NJ?
No, not the best in NJ, not even the best in Monmouth County, but clearly much better than average pizza in a funky old town.

[meemo18]

if ur around central jersey and go to rutgers, hit up the RU grill and pizza. the buffalo chicken slice is AMAZING! :-) i always go there after i hit the bars with my friends.

[JohnF]

The Star Ledger did an extensive "Best Pizza" in NJ and it looks pretty accurate for the ones I've been to. Wonder what y'all think? The place in Belleville looks amazingly like the Spumoni Gardens pie in Brklyn. Can vouch for "The Star" in Orange. The whole article with a great video is on following link -
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/dinin...
their summary:
Best plain pizza: DeLucia's Brick Oven Pizza, 3 First Avenue, Raritan NJ;
Best sausage pizza: De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies, 530 Hudson Street, Trenton NJ;
Best Margherita pizza: La Rustique Cafe, 611 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City NJ;
Best Sicilian pizza: Mr. Bruno's Pizza & Restaurant, 439 Valley Broad Road, Lyndhurst NJ;
Best thin-crust pizza: Star Tavern, 400 High Street, Orange NJ;
Best specialty pizza: La Sicilia Pizza & Ristorante ("the Palermo, a heavenly blend of fresh mozzarella, marinara, garlic and grated cheese"), 155 Washington Avenue, Belleville NJ;

[njfoodies]

Finally made it to Conte's in Princeton last night, and they have a nice thin crust pie there. I definitely will not crave it like Delorenzo's, but it was a good pie. Good place, just don't go there for the ambiance...unless you are craving feeling like you're hanging out in your local Elk's lodge or VFW...but if you go there for the pizza, I don't think you'll be disappointed. -mJ

[jrd303]

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010...

Guess it means I'm a food junkie when I read this story and wonder how the pizza is at this place. Has anyone been there?

[bkfan16]

I'll always love Brother's Pizza on Rt 18 in East Brunswick....

[njfoodies]

May not be the best pie in Jersey, but if you want a heck of a good bar pie, check out The Cool Cricket in Fieldsboro. Fieldsboro borders Bordentown for those who do not know where it is.

Had their bar pie over the weekend there, and it was delicious. Great sauce, really nice thin crust, and good cheese! And a heck of a nice family that owns the bar. They took what used to be a seedy hang out, bought it, renovated it, and turned it into a great place. Their weekend entertainment is good as well with karaoke on Friday nights, and live bands on Saturday. We ended up ordering two pies for takeout again on Sunday because we enjoyed them so much! YUM! -mJ

[chezzie5]

HI!! I'm "new" here (but NOT new to good food!!!!!)

The BEST pizza in NJ is really 5 miles north of the Bergen County border: The Nanuet Restaurant, on Middletown Road (just south of the Nanuet Mall), in Nanuet, NY (Rockland County). I have been ENJOYING their wall-to-wall REAL mozzarella cheese, flavorful homemade tomato sauce, and THIN, crispy, FLAKY "pie-crust" like crust since July, 1964. If you go (and I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you do!!), don't expect a "fancy-schmanzy" place. This is a DIVE in the truest sense of the word, and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!! Go, try it for yourself, and ENJOY!!!!!!!! (OH!! Their peppers/eggs/onions/mushrooms (ask for this to be added) hero on toasted Italian bread with a smidge of tomato sauce, is FABULOUS, too!!!!)

Happy eating!!!!! ~

Cheryl in NJ

[MarkB618]

Can you guys help me out? I went to Trenton to get a birth certificate from vital statistics and within walking distance I had a few slices of great pizza. The pizzeria was huge and if I remember right it had a big staircase going up to a second floor. I wish I could remember the name because I want to go back. thanks

[Citizen Rich]

The only place I've been around there is Columbus International. It's a good pizza and sandwich shop on Warren street.

[tonyv]

Went to the Star Tavern yesterday for lunch. Having enjoyed both Kinchley's Tavern in Ramsey and Nellie's Place in Waldwick, the Star is just a notch above in a very close race of great thin crust pies.

[ftrain]

I'm going to have to try Star Tavern again sometime. Two years ago we took friends visiting from LA and it was SO BAD, I seriously questioned if we were in the right place. We had never been before, but had read so many great things about it that we felt like it would be a fun place to take the out-of-towners. Let me be clear, this wasn't "I'm being a pizza snob" bad--I'm really not one (I will not wait in hour-long lines for slices of pizza). It just wasn't good. It was so starkly unimpressive that it has actually become a running joke with those friends. The sauce was tasty, but the crust was literally floppy mush--you couldn't pick up the slices. It was just bizarre. No idea if we just got a bad pie, or if they had put too much sauce on it, or what happened. Maybe we'll need to give it another shot and see if we have a better experience. We live in Morris County and there is hardly any good pizza here--we would LOVE to find a place that lived up to the hype Star Tavern gets.

[JayinPortland]

Native New Jerseyan coming back home for a visit in September or October. Quick question - how's Capri Pizza on Boulevard in Kenilworth holding up these days? Used to be one of my favorites about ten years ago, and after Santillo's in Elizabeth and the Star in Orange it's gonna be the third pizza I want that week.

Heh, and yes I'm probably gonna eat pizza every day while I'm back there. Portland, OR's got much better pizza these days than even just a few years ago, but it's still not Jersey pizza here.

Anybody in the area or been to Capri recently? How's it doing these days?

[eatwithpete]

jay - here's the Pizza Patrol report from our visit there. Watch out for those meatballs . . .

We were assured the meatballs at CAPRI PIZZA (524 Boulevard, Kenilworth; 908-276-7494) are homemade. If they are, they need to board up that house. Bruno likened the meat to "Swanson's Salisbury steak.'' The sausage tasted nutmeg-y. The plain is the way to go. Wiener called the crust "most enjoyable.''

Pete Genovese
Munchmobile
The Star-Ledger

[MarkB618]

Can you guys help me out? I went to Trenton to get a birth certificate from vital statistics and within walking distance I had a few slices of great pizza. The pizzeria was huge and if I remember right it had a big staircase going up to a second floor. I wish I could remember the name because I want to go back. thanks

[njfoodies]

I saw your post on another topic about this and am curious as well. Doesn't seem to be a ton downtown, but I am not sure which building vital statistics is in. Would be curious to check it out though if anyone figures out what place it is! -mJ

[bgut1]

I think vital statistics is located at 120 E. Front St. The only place I could find nearby is Covello's Pizza at 308 S. Broad St. I've never been so I can't tell you whether that is the place.

[HenryH_]

I've been to Spirito's, Grimaldi's, Vics, and a lot of other "best pizza in NJ" contenders all over the state. I've also eaten at Frank Pepe's in New Haven. In my opinion, the best two pizza places in NJ are DeLorenzo's on Hudson Street in Trenton, and Nomad Pizza on East Broad Street in Hopewell.

Nomad is off the beaten path and is still relatively unknown, but their ingredients are extraordinarily fresh, and they have exceptionally good specialty pizzas. Some of the toppings are grown on-site. If you haven't been, I can't recommend it enough. It's easily in the same league as DeLo's, Frank Pepe's, or any of the top places in NYC. They even serve Mexican Coke, which is the best kind! The only downsides are that it's kind of pricy, and that it's only open from Thursday-Saturday.

[bifpocaroba]

Star Tavern, Orange...The best hands down.

[Tapas52]

I have read thru all these reviews and been to many of these places....
but for me Papas Tomato Pies in Trenton NJ will always be my #1... well worth the 35 drive from my when I want Great Pizza!

http://www.papastomatopies.com/

[fourunder]

Tapas,

I haven't been to Papas, and I know you have mentioned it many times before. I have been to both DeLorenzo's ...and I'd have to say I'd give the edge to Hudson Street. Two questions please.....

* why do you prefer Papas over either DeLorenzo location

* have you been to any Northern NJ Pizza Places that have impressed you?

[TomDel]

The wife and I stopped at DeLorenzo’s on Rt. 33 last night and had a pie with sausage.

At risk of being burned at the stake as a heretic and a heathen, I have to say that I just don’t get it. I like a thin crust, well done pie, but to me (and my wife) their pie tasted like tomato and cheese on a large, burnt saltine without the salt. I don’t like a chewy or bread like crust but it seems like their dough is unleavened or made without any yeast. It’s just too extreme in its cracker like texture.

We both much prefer Pappa’s and our favorite, hands down, is JoJo’s at five points in Mercerville.

[fourunder]

TD,

Thank you for that review......your comments about your Route 33 experience are exactly what I was thinking the first time I made it to Hamilton Avenue location.....I find of the two I prefer Hudson Street, but I would not rush to go back.....Canned clams, a skimpy amount of sausage and a plain cheese for take-out was more than 50,

bucks from my recollection. Tag on the wait I had to endure and it's only an option....not a destination.

Next time I'll give Pappa's for pizza......or Rossi's a try for a burger.....since my old haunt, Pete Lorenzo's demise

[TomDel]

Quite frankly, I don't go out for pizza much anymore since I've been making them at home.

[Tapas52]

TomDel I'm feeling you...just started making my own also...Yum! :)

[grampart]

Me too.

[Tapas52]

grampart is the middle one pesto? yum..

[joonjoon]

This is exactly how I feel about Pete & Elda's pizza...

[Tapas52]

fourunder,........ it's the second oldest Pizzeria in the USA 1912 for a reason...To me.it's simply tastes better then any other place I've been to including De Lorenzo's....the place hasn't changed in years and gives you that old style feel as soon as you walk in... I always order a Plain pie & a Sausage & fresh garlic..its so good we always end up ordering a 3rd pie as well before we leave .....nothing fancy, just delicious Tomato pies old school style !!
I getting hungry just thinking about it have to go back right after the holidays.....
ask for Nicky the owner he'll treat you right!

[fourunder]

Tapas,

Thanks for responding and I'm looking forward to trying it sometime. Hopefully my buddy will invite me to Jasna and I can make it there for dinner.

[markslady]

There is nothing like walking down the long driveway to get to the side entrance of Santillo's pizza in Elizabeth on South Broad St. and just smelling the aromas coming from their pizzeria/home. They have been around since I was a kid. Take out and delivery only and I promise you that you cannot drive away without eating at least one slice in your car before getting to your destination. They have one of the largest brick ovens in NJ and the pies are crisp and very tasty. their Sicilian is the most famous of the many they make and the pie that my family ate once a week for almost 30 years when we lived nearby.
P.S. Jay Leno was a driver for them when he was just starting out as a comedian and they have stayed friends all these years. Pretty cool to know that he delivered to my house.

[GraydonCarter]

Do they serve bread? or is it "bread pizza"?

[fourunder]

I do not believe he uses the exact same dough to make his bread and pizza. The last time I was there, Al gave me a day old loaf, and it was still pretty soft. The bread was fine reheated. The next time there, I'll have to try his meat breads. I agree, his pizza are excellent.

[robert1456]

This is by far the best that Ive had. We've been there about 10 or 15 times so far. One night we sat near the bar at a high top table and the service was horrible. Apparently the bartenders were also being waiters, and that created problems so we dont sit there anymore. If your in Red Bank, its at the Galleria near the train station on the west side. Park in the back and arrive early, they get very busy. We usually arrive between 5 & 6.....I hate waiting. Trust me, you will be glad you went!

[GraydonCarter]

I'm guessing.

[JustJake]

If it is Tommy's, there's nothing coming out of that oven and which is round to get excited about .

I've been to the one in Oakhurst, and it was fine, nothing memorable, that would cause me to go out of my way for it - not with the quality places that are doing excellent pies north, south, east & west of the Oakhurst locale.

[maxthegreat]

Last night my husband and I went to Denino's Pizza Place 1077 highway 34 NJ 07747
[phone]. The pizza was excellent, one of the best pies that I have had in a long time. The crust was nice and crispy. The cheese tasted fresh, the sauce was good. If you go the on the weekends go early as they get crowded.

[fourunder]

I like Denino's.......but they could stand to zip up the sauce a little bit. It's rather bland.

[angelo04]

The sauce on Krispy's round Fresh Mozz or Grandma's pie is pretty tasty. Located on 516 in Old Bridge.

[fourunder]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll add it to the short list.

[JustJake]

is this Vitale's?? We were at a BD party last nite (was at Federici's South and it was my first time - good pie), and my SIL commented about how much she liked Vitales (which is also on #516) after I offered up that she should try Denino's a little further down the road in Matawan. Same place???

[JustJake]

It is excellent. Now in my Top 3 down here at the shore.

[maryanne06]

Patsy's Tavern, just off Route 20 in Paterson, has the greatest thin crust pizza.........making it even better now than "back in the day". Mangia!

[fourunder]

too bad I can't fit in the booths to enjoy their pies.

[tommy]

Very cool spot. I'm not a huge fan of the pizza or the food, but it's a great old-school north jersey italian-american place, that hasn't changed in decades.

[fourunder]

maryanne,

Have you ever been to Mario's in Clifton? If so, who has the better pizza, Mario's or Sun-Ray? Mario's has the thinnest crust I have ever had without being a flour tortilla or cracker.

[maryanne06]

I haven't been to Mario's in many years, but I did enjoy many a thin crust pizza there on a Friday evening years ago....I just don't remember many details about those tasty pies, other than they were good. Sun-Ray has a wonderful square pie.....we get it with sausage.....very tasty, too. The crust is not as thin as Mario's. I think that you are correct when you point out just how thin the Mario's crust is. Sun-Ray's crust is thicker....and their sauce is neither too sweet or too spicy.....it's just right.

[fourunder]

In your neck of the woods, Bruno's also gets some worthy mention for their square sausage pie.......I like Lodi Pizza's version myself.

[MommyLovesToEat]

Marios in Maywood on West Pleasant Ave has a great Grandma's pizza...The slice is rectangular like a Sicilian, but half as thick. And Mangiamo! in Paramus on RT 17 (NOT MAggianos) has a great White Bruschetta Pizza. It is a delight. Also try Italian Touch Deli in Washington Twp, its also a favorite for a standard pie...Monday & Tuesday Pizza: $7.45. Gotta love a good deal.

[risag50]

I have finally made it to Federici's in Freehold. I was there last month and then again last weekend and all I can say is....fabulous pizza. The best I have had since pizza in Rome, Italy in 1972. I always thought I knew great pizza. BUT not until I went to Federici's. It is extra thin crust - like a cracker. The large size pie is smaller than any other restaurant. They have 3 sizes - Individual, Medium and Large. Individual is 4 small slices. Large is 8 medium sized slices IMHO. The only bad part is that it is the most expensive pizza I have ever eaten. We had 2 large pies, 1 individual with pepperoni, 1 soda and 1 coffee and 1 small order of Mussels Marinara this time and it came to $58. Last time we had 1 individual, 1 large with 2 toppings, and 1 soda and it was over $40. I think that the pizza by itself is not that expensive but the toppings are priced in two different groups. One more expensive than the other. If you have one from each it makes the pie close to $18 for a large pie. For such a thin crusted pie that is crazy.

If it wasn't so good, I wouldn't go back. I really don't mind paying it as it is wonderful pie BUT they should not charge as much as they do. Next time we go we are only getting the pizza, no drinks and no appetizers.

I am thankful for the recommendation on the thread. I appreciate it. My family appreciates it. A great suggestion. For anyone that is going to be in the Freehold area, there is no reason to go to Romeo's OR even Dusal's (which is wonderful for all its entrees and appetizers), as Federici's is the Bomb!

[rc23neen]

Ah'Pizz Montclair - Best!

[rich smith]

See Azzaro Brothers, Monroe NJ. On rt 130 next to Shoprite. A must do

[NY212]

Kinchleys, located in Ramsey, NJ!! Have been going here forever and the pizza is always the best!

[BooBoo732]

gennaro's in edison on rt 27 (they also have great gyros)

[johndecker61]

Try Capri Pizza in Egg Harbor Twp in South Jersey. 37 years and the best.