Philadelphia, PA
- New Jersey is fortunate to have many Pizza restaurants. With a large Italian population and close to New York on the northeast and Philadelphia on the southwest, New Jersey lies in the heart of what is known as the country's" Pizza Belt."
Where to Find The Best New Jersey Pizza
Regardless of where you find yourself in New Jersey, these outstanding pizza restaurants will satisfy your cravings and provide a memorable dining experience. So, whether you're a pizza aficionado or simply looking for a delicious meal, check out these top-notch establishments.
Types of Pizza Popular in New Jersey
Authentic Neapolitan – Typlicy cooked in a wood-fired or brick oven, good Neapolitan pizza has a light, crisp, bubbly, chewy crust with a puffy lip or end crust that is slightly charred. Authentic Naples pizza is baked in an oven at 1,000 degrees for one minute to produce the perfect crust. Crushed tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil are used.
Authentic Tuscan - While still considered a thin-crusted pizza, it has a thicker crust, more bread-like, than Neapolitan pizza. The pizza is saucier and usually has cheeses with a meat garnish and fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley.
New York Neapolitan - An Americanized style of Neapolitan pizza that differs by being slightly larger and thinner, more crisp and charred, and served with more cheese and sauce. Baked with a lower oven temperature than the authentic Neapolitan Pizza, around 600 degrees, for 2-3 minutes to produce a more crispy, charred crust that suits American taste.
New York Style - Thicker in body and crust with a soft, crisp, chewy crust on the outside with a bread-like taste, generally with no more than two toppings to maintain the crust's crispiness. You can find it with abundant oily yellow trails from the fresh Grande mozzarella cheese. The regular or standard New York-style pizza has no toppings, just cheese.
Sicilian Style - A rectangular pizza with a thick crust and toppings baked directly into the crust usually has garlic.
The Best Pizza Restaurants in New Jersey
Best Northern New Jersey Pizza
John's Boy Pizzeria, Glen Rock, NJ
In Northern New Jersey, one standout is John's Boy Pizzeria located in Glen Rock. This charming establishment is celebrated for its New York-style pies with the perfect balance of crisp crust and gooey cheese. Not only that, but they also offer an array of classic Italian dishes that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, Nutley, NJ
Another gem in Northern New Jersey is Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant in Nutley. This cozy eatery is perfect for those seeking a traditional Italian experience, offering not only delicious pizzas but a delightful selection of Italian cuisine. The intimate atmosphere and BYOB policy make it a popular spot for a romantic evening or a casual night out with friends.
Best Central New Jersey Pizza
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies, Trenton, NJ
If you find yourself in Trenton, DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies is a must-visit for a genuinely authentic Central New Jersey pizza experience. This renowned institution serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas that are widely regarded as some of the best in the region. The crispy yet chewy crust, along with the generous toppings, make every bite a delight for pizza lovers.
Conte's Bar, Princeton, NJ
Princeton is home to Conte's Bar, a tavern-style restaurant with a reputation for serving great pizza in a laid-back atmosphere. The rustic charm of Conte's Bar adds to the overall experience, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious pizza.
Best Southern New Jersey Pizza
Tacconelli's Pizzeria, Maple Shade, NJ
For those heading down to Southern New Jersey, Tacconelli's Pizzeria in Maple Shade is a must-try. Known for their thin-crust pizzas topped with fresh cheese, flavorful sauces, and delectable toppings, Tacconelli's is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Tony's Baltimore Grille, Atlantic City, NJ
In Atlantic City, Tony's Baltimore Grille is a beloved local favorite. Not only do they serve excellent pizza, but their menu also features a range of traditional Italian dishes, all at affordable prices. This combination of quality and value has earned them a dedicated following in the area.
