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."
The Quest for the Perfect Slice: Where to Find the Best Pizza in New Jersey
New Jersey holds a special, almost sacred, place in the hearts of pizza aficionados. From bustling cities to charming shore towns, the Garden State's pizza scene is incredibly diverse and fiercely debated, with passionate proponents for every style. Whether you're a connoisseur of crispy crusts or a lover of gooey cheese, this guide will help you navigate the rich landscape of New Jersey pizza, ensuring a memorable dining experience regardless of where your cravings take you.
Understanding New Jersey's Pizza Landscape: A Slice of Styles
Before diving into specific recommendations, it's helpful to understand the various pizza styles that have found a home and loyal following across New Jersey:
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Authentic Neapolitan: This is the purist's pizza, typically cooked swiftly (around one minute) in a wood-fired or brick oven at scorching temperatures (near 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit). The result is a light, crisp, and chewy crust with a beautifully puffy, slightly charred "cornicione" (end crust). Authentic versions use simple, high-quality ingredients: crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
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Authentic Tuscan: While still considered thin-crusted, Tuscan-style pizza offers a slightly thicker, more bread-like crust than its Neapolitan cousin. It tends to be saucier and is often adorned with a variety of cheeses, a meat garnish, and fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley.
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New York Neapolitan: An Americanized take on Neapolitan, this style differs by being slightly larger and thinner, with a more pronounced crispness and char. It's typically served with a more generous application of cheese and sauce. Baked at a lower oven temperature than authentic Neapolitan (around 600 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes), it achieves a crispier, more charred crust that often suits American tastes.
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New York Style: This is the iconic "slice" pizza, known for its large, hand-tossed, foldable slices. It features a moderately thick body and a crust that is soft, crisp, and chewy, with a distinct bread-like flavor. To maintain the crust's integrity, New York-style pizzas generally have no more than two toppings, often featuring abundant oily yellow trails from fresh Grande mozzarella cheese. The classic version is simply cheese.
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Sicilian Style: A hearty, rectangular pizza characterized by its thick, focaccia-like crust. Toppings are often baked directly into the crust, and it commonly features garlic, offering a robust and satisfying chew.
The Best Pizza Restaurants Across New Jersey
Here are some top-notch establishments that consistently deliver outstanding pizza across the state:
Best Northern New Jersey Pizza
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John's Boy Pizzeria (Glen Rock, NJ): In Northern New Jersey, John's Boy Pizzeria stands out as a true gem. This charming establishment is celebrated for its quintessential New York-style pies, achieving that perfect balance of a crisp crust and delightfully gooey cheese. Beyond their stellar pizza, they also offer an array of classic Italian dishes sure to please any palate.
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Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant (Nutley, NJ): Another cherished spot in Northern New Jersey is Ralph's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant. This cozy eatery provides an authentic traditional Italian experience, serving not only delicious pizzas but also a delightful selection of other Italian culinary favorites. Its intimate atmosphere and BYOB policy make it a popular choice for a romantic evening or a relaxed night out with friends.
Best Central New Jersey Pizza
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DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies (Trenton, NJ): If you find yourself in Trenton, a visit to DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies is an absolute must for an authentically Central New Jersey pizza experience. This renowned institution serves up Neapolitan-style tomato pies that are widely regarded as some of the best in the region. The crispy yet delightfully chewy crust, combined with their signature generous toppings, makes every bite a sheer delight for pizza lovers.
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Conte's Bar ( Princeton, NJ): Princeton is home to Conte's Bar, a classic tavern-style restaurant with a long-standing reputation for serving fantastic pizza in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The rustic charm of Conte's Bar significantly enhances the overall experience, making it a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a cold drink, and savor a truly delicious pizza.
Best Southern New Jersey Pizza
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Tacconelli's Pizzeria (Maple Shade, NJ): For those venturing into Southern New Jersey, Tacconelli's Pizzeria in Maple Shade is a mandatory stop. Famous for their consistently excellent thin-crust pizzas, generously topped with fresh cheese, flavorful sauces, and delectable toppings, Tacconelli's is a cherished favorite among both locals and visitors alike.
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Tony's Baltimore Grille (Atlantic City, NJ): In the vibrant city of Atlantic City, Tony's Baltimore Grille holds a special place as a beloved local favorite. Not only do they serve consistently excellent pizza, but their menu also features a diverse range of traditional Italian dishes, all offered at remarkably affordable prices. This winning combination of quality and value has earned them a dedicated and enthusiastic following in the area.
Regardless of where your New Jersey journey takes you, these outstanding pizza restaurants promise to satisfy your cravings and provide a memorable dining experience. So, whether you're a seasoned pizza aficionado or simply looking for a delicious and comforting meal, be sure to check out these top-notch establishments across the Garden State.
