9 New Jersey Pizza Places Worth The Extra Mile
New Jersey has earned its reputation as a pizza paradise, where generations of pizzamakers have perfected their craft. From thin-crust tavern pies to authentic Neapolitan creations, the Garden State offers flavors that rival anywhere in the world.
I’m taking you on a delicious journey to nine incredible pizzerias that will make any drive completely worthwhile.
1. Razza
When locally sourced ingredients meet wood-fired perfection, magic happens on your plate. Chef Dan Richer has created something truly special at this Jersey City gem, earning recognition from The New York Times as one of America’s finest pizzerias.
Every pie showcases seasonal ingredients from nearby farms, resulting in flavors that change throughout the year. The crust strikes that perfect balance between chewy and crispy, with just enough char to add complexity.
2. Star Tavern
Since the 1950s, this Orange establishment has been serving pies so thin and crispy they practically shatter under your fork. You won’t find thick doughy crusts here – just paper-thin perfection topped with unexpected combinations.
Their signature eggplant, garlic, and ricotta pizza surprises first-timers who expect traditional toppings. Locals have been making pilgrimages here for decades, and one bite explains why.
3. Bivio Pizza Napoletana
Authentic Neapolitan tradition comes alive in Montclair, where imported Italian ingredients meet time-honored techniques. The wood-fired ovens here reach temperatures that create those signature leopard-spotted crusts pizza enthusiasts dream about.
Each pizza follows strict Neapolitan standards, from the San Marzano tomatoes to the buffalo mozzarella. You’ll taste the difference that centuries of Italian pizza-making tradition brings to every bite.
4. Blue Steel Pizza Company
Detroit-style pizza has found a passionate home inside Bloomfield’s 7 Doors Down restaurant. These square beauties feature thick, airy crusts with edges that caramelize into crispy, cheesy perfection against the pan.
Creative topping combinations push boundaries while respecting the Detroit tradition of cheese-to-edge coverage. The result is a pizza experience completely different from traditional New Jersey pies, yet equally crave-worthy.
5. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies
Trenton’s tomato pie tradition lives on through this beloved institution, where sauce goes on top of the cheese in classic style. The family has been perfecting their recipe since 1936, creating a legacy that spans generations.
Their pies arrive with that distinctive tomato pie appearance—bright red sauce glistening on top. The thin crust provides the perfect foundation for this regional specialty that puts Trenton on the pizza map.
6. Bread & Salt
Jersey City’s pizza scene gets even better with this artisan spot that balances tradition and innovation beautifully. The Neapolitan-style pies come topped with both classic combinations and adventurous seasonal creations that surprise your palate.
A cozy atmosphere welcomes diners who appreciate carefully crafted food made with intention. Each pizza tells a story through its thoughtfully selected ingredients and expert preparation.
7. Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza
Elizabeth’s oldest continuously operating pizzeria has been firing pies in the same brick oven since 1918. Family recipes passed down through generations ensure every pizza tastes exactly as it should – authentic, honest, and delicious.
The brick oven imparts a unique flavor impossible to replicate with modern equipment. Watching the pizzamaker work this antique oven is witnessing living history in action.
8. Kinchley’s Tavern
Ramsey’s legendary tavern has been serving their signature thin-crust pies since 1938, creating countless memories over decades. The crispy, cracker-like crust comes topped simply, allowing quality ingredients to shine without unnecessary embellishment.
This is honest tavern pizza at its finest—no frills, just exceptional execution. The no-nonsense approach has kept customers coming back generation after generation for good reason.
9. Papa’s Tomato Pies
Another guardian of Trenton’s tomato pie tradition, Papa’s has been serving their distinctive style since 1912. Their approach remains refreshingly unchanged – simple, quality ingredients arranged in the time-honored tomato-pie fashion.
The family still runs the operation, maintaining standards that have satisfied customers for over a century. Sometimes the old ways really are the best ways, as every bite proves.
