AMAZING brick oven pizza on the Jersey Shore (with buffalo mozzarella even!?)
Ok, so I stayed in point pleasant, NJ for a long weekend this past weekend. I was about a mile south of the boardwalk, in a little place not near anything consequential. In walking to get some snacks at a 7 Eleven, I happened to notice this dinky little place on the other side of the parking lot, attached to the back of a bar. It was called pizzeria napolitana, and it advertized hand made dough. Made a mental note and decided to go back there instead of the overpriced, underwhelming boardwalk food later that evening.
Wow. I mean, WOW. I don't know that I've ever just stumbled on a place quite this special. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the huge stockpile of wood next to a wood burning brick oven. A wonderful light smoke scent permeates the little place.
There are all of four items on the menu - four different kinds of pizza. Margherhita, napolitana, bianca and... I can't remember the fourth. All come with - get this - buffalo mozzarella. Real buffalo mozzarela. So, I'm at this point totally stoked at the prospect, but a little nervous that I'll somehow be disappointed.
After you order, he makes the pizza while he chats you up. The guy that was there when I went there wasn't the owner. He was costa rican and obviously takes a lot of pride in what he does. He loves to talk about it. (says the dough is naturally risen... not sure what he meant - says it takes all day, so maybe it is a natural leavening, ala sourdough.)
Fresh tomato sauce with a tang to it. fresh basil, and then wonderful tangy chunks of that buffalo mozzarella cheese. he brushes back the coals in the oven, then throws in the pizza. About 4 minutes later, it is done.
The best way to describe it is it tastes a lot like difara's pizza in brooklyn. Tangy, fresh, smokey... perfect.
And in the most hidden, bizarre location possible in point pleasant.
The guy there said they are open every day of the week during the summer, but from now until next summer season, they are only open thursday, friday, saturday and sunday.
If you find yourself within 30 minutes of the this place, you just have to try it. man, I want to go back just for the pizza...
I can't remember if they take credit card or not. I doubt it.
Pizzeria Napolitana [sic]
1901 #1 Rte. 35,
Point Pleasant, NJ, 08742
732-714-1508
I searched this board and can't find any mention of it. has anyone been? Anyone know about it?
