We can all agree that Jersey pizza is the best around, but if you ask anyone their take on where to find the best pizza in NJ, it’s sure to fire up some controversy among pizza lovers. So instead of naming what’s the best, we’re highlighting places where pizza in NJ is unique, whether coal-fired or secret ingredients in the crust (we see you mustard). From Coniglio’s in Morristown to Pappa’s Tomato Pies in Robbinsville to Johnny’s Pies in Medford, these places are unique and oh-so-good, any way you slice it. And if you want more delicious bites, check out brunch spots in NJ. (featured photo credit: istock/Juanmonino)
North Jersey Pizza Spots
Coal-fired pizza is always a good idea. Photo Credit: istock/tadphoto
Coniglio’s
Nino Coniglio not only won the World Pizza Championships in Italy but he also was named Chopped Champion on the cooking show “Chopped.” Coniglio is known for round pies and square ones, using the freshest ingredients. Order up Nonna’s Spinach Pie or a Vodka Stracciatella for something different or go for the classic Brooklyn Round.
11 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza
Making over three million pizzas over the years, DeLucia’s only accepts walk-in or phone orders (yes, it’s that good). Their unique combos and classics include three parm-style pizzas—chicken, eggplant, and meatball—and the fan-favorite Clam Pizza.
3 1st Ave., Raritan, NJ 08869
Johnny Napkins
Whether you are looking for a traditional pizza or a Lil Grandma pie with a thinner-than-normal Sicilian crust, Johnny Napkin’s has it. You won’t want to miss their signature pizza, the Johnny Sottosopra, their version of an upside-down Sicilian pizza.
1424 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083
Razza Pizza Artigianale
Known for his commitment to making artisanal pizzas in a wood-burning oven, chef and owner Dan Richer has gained accolades from the NY Times, among others, and published a cookbook. His pies are based on seasonal ingredients, and standouts include The Tomato Pie, Burrata Pie, Yellow Margherita, and The Project Hazelnut Pie, a white pizza with honey, hazelnuts, and mozzarella.
275-277 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Star Tavern
Since 1945, the Star Tavern has been serving up thin-crust pizza slices. You can order their world-famous pizza in regular or whole wheat and choose from toppings like Pesto, Mushroom, or Old School Everything.
400 High Street, Orange, NJ 07050
Tony Boloney’s
With locations in North and South Jersey, this pizza spot is famous for its extreme combos, like Taco Taco Taco pizza or the Heart Attack with chicken mac and cheese, smoked bacon, and ranch. Want to make your own? Order one of their kits with fresh ingredients and follow along in an online class to taste Tony’s at home.
Locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Margate, and Atlantic City
The Vic Tavern
Thin pizzas like their Chile Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, or Margarita are staples on their menu. Or try The Works with all the tasty pizza in NJ toppings.
107 Hobart Ave., Bayonne, NJ 07002
Central Jersey Pizza Spots
More cheese, please. Photo Credit: istock/vasiliybudarin
Conte’s Pizza and Bar
You simply can’t go wrong with Conte’s in Princeton. Their thin-crust pizza, including gluten-free options, is an absolute must-try. Order a plain or customize it to make it your own—red pies rule, and there are simple, not gourmet, toppings. Take a seat at the bar at this fave spot that’s been feeding undergrads and residents since 1936.
339 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies
Established in 1947 and still going strong, De Lorenzo’s has locations in both NJ and PA. Their signature pies have a thin crisp and a slight char. Add toppings like artichokes, Italian tuna, or cherry peppers for an extra zing.
2350 NJ-33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Papa’s Tomato Pies
One of the oldest continuously family-owned pizza restaurants in the United States (since 1912), Papa’s is a jewel in NJ pizza lore and a Pizza Hall of Fame member. The reason? The secret ingredient is mustard in the dough, which gives a unique flavor to their traditional tomato pies.
19 Robbinsville Allentown Rd., Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Peppino’s Brick Oven Pizza & Restaurant
The restaurant started in Bay Ridge, opened in Brooklyn, and now opened a third location in Marlboro, NJ. Be sure to try their famous Pizza I Dunno, half pizza and half calzone.
53 NJ-34, Marlboro, NJ 07746
Pete and Elda’s
Serving thin-crust pizza for over 30 years, they offer a fun way to eat it with the Whole Pie Eater Challenge. If you finish an entire XXL Pie in one sitting (30 minutes or less) by yourself, you win a T-shirt. The Pie is 18 inches in diameter – making each slice almost a foot long.
96 Woodland Ave., Neptune City, NJ 07753
Rosie’s Pizza
After you leave the beach, stop in downtown Point Pleasant Beach for artisan pizza at the Jersey Shore. Choose from the Round Pie or Square Pie cooked well done and finished with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Add toppings like anchovies, fresh sausage, or a fan favorite—vinegar peppers.
620 Bay Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Tatula’s
This husband and wife team started with a backyard wood-burning oven, and now they are a well-known restaurant in Asbury Park. Their Sourdough Pizza, White Pies, and Red Pies with 4-hour tomato sauce are popular choices. They have a variety of pizza add-ons like Calabrian chili, garlic, and basil, or vegan substitutions are available, too.
550 Cookman Ave. #108, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Vic’s Italian-American Restaurant
Vittorio “Vic” Giunco and his wife Carmella came from Genoa, Italy, and settled in Bradley Beach, where Vic stands today. Now, four generations of the family have established a restaurant with their classic thin-crust pizza in large, small, and mini sizes.
60 Main Street, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
South Jersey Pizza Spots
Toppings on pizza personalize the flavor. Photo Credit: istock/Leks_Laputin
Bricco
This is the place for Old World New York-style pizza, where the pie is cooked in a 1,000-degree coal-fired oven that requires a 2-hour pre-lighting process and hourly monitoring. They were ranked #16 by Food & Wine for being one of the best pizza joints in the world, and with pies like Short Rib Pizza, Spicy Chicken, and Create Your Own, it’s worth a visit.
128 Haddon Ave., Westmont, NJ 08108
2110 East Route 70, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Carluccio’s Coal-Fired Pizza
Carluccio’s offers a few different base options—flatbread, thin crust Sicilian, coal-fired, or New York style— with your choice of toppings. Or order up one of their yummy signature pies, like Carluccio’s Way, a sausage and broccoli rabe combo that can be made red or white, or Honey Buffalo Chicken topped with mozzarella, honey-glazed chicken, and blue cheese.
1200 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225
Holy Tomato!
This mother and daughter team serves up the slices with their Original Tomato Pie, Boardwalk Pie, Red Pie, and White Pie. If you want something different, try “The Flip,” where the cheese is on the bottom and the sauce is on the top. Specialty pizzas like The Margarita Pie, Super Veggie Pie, and Chicken Alfredo Pie will keep you coming back for more.
9 S. Blackhorse Pike Blackwood, NJ 08012
Johnny’s Pies
Make sure to order early because this pizza spot is known to sell out. You won’t want to miss toppings like pickled jalapeños or sweet peppers. Or get the White Prosciutto Pie or White Eggplant Pie to try something new. Vegan pies are also available.
32 North Main Street, Medford, NJ 08055
Lillo’s Tomato Pies
This mom-and-pop shop recently was recognized as South Jersey’s Best Pizza and placed second for pizza in NJ in Pizza Bowl IV. Try their Tomato Pies with a variety of toppings from ricotta cheese to bacon. Their specialty pies have flavors like Cauliflower Crust, Clams, Casino Pie, and The Works.
2503 Marne Highway, Hainesport, NJ 08036
Mack’s Pizza
If you’ve been to the Wildwood Boardwalk, then you know Mack’s, where three generations have been making it a worthwhile stop on the Jersey Shore. With combos as unique as Garlic Chicken, Power Veggie, and Mushroom Sausage, the Mack family has maintained the uniqueness of their original take on Neapolitan Pizza for over 65 years.
3218 and 4200 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Marinos of Mullica Hill
Joseph and Dominic Marino set the foundation for their pizza in the South Jersey shop by using the best ingredients and treating their customers like family. You can create your own pizza at this restaurant, and gluten-free options are available. Why not order their Tomato Pie, South Philly Pie, or Harvest Pie with lemon herb vinaigrette and goat cheese?
157-400 Bridgeton Pk., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
People’s Pizza
Independently owned and operated since 1974, People’s Pizza has lots of traditional and specialty gourmet options. White Garlic Pizza, Stuffed Pizza, Gluten-Free Pizza, Old-Fashioned Tomato Pie, and Grandma Pizza are just the tip of the iceberg. Their specialty BBQ Chicken & Peppers, Spicy Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, Eggplant Primavera, and Taco Pizza are worth a taste, too.
1500 Route 38 West & Chapel Ave., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Polozzi Brick Oven
Serving up family original recipes including the “313,” known as their “best and only brick oven Detroit style pizza in South Jersey.” They also hand-stretch Neo-Neapolitan pies, traditional Sicilians, and Tomato Pies.
201 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ 08080
Ricca’s Brick Oven & Bar
A winning comb of coal and wood fire makes this pizza hard to beat. Stop by for the classics and indulge in one of their creative combos, like the Bacon Buffalo Chicken Ranch pizza, Flyin’ Hawaiann with pineapple and ham, or Hot Honey Pizza.
104 Fairview Avenue, Hammonton, NJ 08037
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