9 New Jersey Pizza Joints Worth The Drive
New Jersey is home to some of the best pizza in the country, with many locals claiming it even beats New York’s famous slices. From century-old family recipes to innovative new creations, the Garden State’s pizza scene is bursting with flavor. I’ve spent years hunting down the tastiest pies across the state, and these nine spots are absolutely worth putting miles on your car to experience.
1. Star Tavern – City of Orange
Holy thin crust heaven! This unassuming tavern has been slinging what many consider the quintessential bar pizza since the 1950s. The crispy-yet-somehow-still-chewy crust has a magical quality that keeps fans coming back for decades.
Their secret? A super-hot oven that creates that perfect char on the bottom. I’ve literally driven two hours just for their pepperoni pie, which comes with tiny cups of pepperoni that crisp up and hold little pools of delicious oil.
Pro tip: Don’t skip their pitcher of beer special – nothing washes down this stellar pizza better!
2. Razza – Jersey City
The New York Times once declared this place better than any pizzeria in NYC, and that’s saying something! Owner Dan Richer is obsessed with ingredients – we’re talking locally-milled flour, house-cultured butter, and seasonal toppings harvested at peak ripeness.
My personal addiction is their Project Hazelnut pizza, featuring house-made hazelnut and chocolate spread with ricotta. Sounds weird for pizza? Trust me, it’s life-changing.
Fair warning: lines form early, and they don’t take reservations. But watching the pizzaiolos work their wood-fired magic while you wait is part of the experience!
3. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies – Robbinsville
Forget everything you know about pizza sauce! De Lorenzo’s has been crafting their legendary “tomato pies” since 1947, where fresh tomatoes go on TOP of the cheese, creating a mind-blowing flavor explosion in every bite.
The Robbinsville location carries on the tradition from their original Trenton spot. Their crust is thin and crispy with those beautiful charred bubbles that pizza aficionados go crazy for.
My strategy? Order the clam pie with garlic – it’s not traditional, but it showcases their perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Just remember: no slices here, whole pies only!
4. Papa’s Tomato Pies – Robbinsville
Bragging rights alert: Papa’s claims to be the oldest continuously operated pizza restaurant in the United States! Founded in 1912, they’ve been perfecting their craft for over a century, and it shows in every heavenly bite.
The mustard pie might sound bizarre, but it’s their signature creation. A thin layer of spicy brown mustard goes under the cheese, creating this tangy-savory combination that somehow works brilliantly with the sweet tomatoes.
The current location is modern, but the recipes remain deliciously old-school. When I bring out-of-state friends here, they always leave wondering why Jersey pizza isn’t more famous!
5. Federici’s Family Restaurant – Freehold
Bruce Springsteen’s hometown favorite isn’t just famous because of The Boss – this thin-crust masterpiece has been a local legend since 1921! The Federici family’s century-old recipe creates an impossibly thin, cracker-like crust that somehow still maintains the perfect chew.
What makes it special? They cook the pies on screens rather than directly on the oven deck, creating that distinctive crispy texture. I always order their sausage and onion combo – the sweet caramelized onions play perfectly against the fennel-flecked sausage.
Bonus points for the old-school Italian restaurant vibes complete with red checkered tablecloths and vintage photos!
6. Tony’s Baltimore Grill – Red Bank
Don’t let the Baltimore name fool you – this is Jersey pizza through and through! Originally from Atlantic City, their Red Bank location brings the same old-school magic to central Jersey.
The pizza here isn’t trying to be fancy or artisanal – it’s gloriously straightforward, with a medium-thick crust, tangy sauce, and that perfectly melted cheese that stretches for days when you pull a slice. Their sausage is made in-house, and you can taste the difference.
The restaurant itself feels like stepping back in time – formica tables, vinyl booths, and servers who’ve been there for decades. Cash only, folks!
7. Emil’s Brick Oven Pizza – Cherry Hill
This hidden gem in Cherry Hill is worth every minute of your journey! Emil’s authentic coal-fired brick oven creates that magical combination of slight char and perfect chew that pizza dreams are made of.
Unlike many coal oven spots that focus only on Margherita, Emil’s gets creative with toppings while respecting tradition. Their ‘Nonna’s Special’ with ricotta, mozzarella, and crumbled sausage makes me weak in the knees every time.
Family-owned and operated since 1978, they treat every customer like a long-lost relative. Come hungry – their portions are generous, and you’ll want to save room for their homemade cannoli!
8. Giovanni’s Pizzeria – Paterson
Mamma mia! This no-frills Paterson institution serves up slices that transport me straight to Naples. The Giordano family has been guarding their dough recipe for three generations – and after one bite, you’ll understand why it’s worth protecting.
Their sauce has that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that only comes from Italian plum tomatoes. I’m especially fond of their Grandma pie – a rectangular thin-crust with crispy edges, topped with fresh mozzarella, garlic, and basil.
Fair warning: parking can be tricky, and they close when they run out of dough. But trust me, the early bird gets the best pizza in Passaic County!
9. Napoli Pizza – Hoboken
Just across the river from Manhattan, Napoli brings authentic Neapolitan pizza to the Mile Square City. Their imported wood-fired oven reaches a blistering 900 degrees, cooking each pizza in just 90 seconds – creating that perfect leopard-spotted crust with the soft, airy interior.
What sets them apart is their commitment to tradition. They use 00 flour imported from Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh fior di latte mozzarella. Their Diavola pizza with spicy soppressata is my personal kryptonite.
The tiny space only has a few tables, but watching the pizzaiolo work his magic while you wait is better than any dinner theater!
