New Jersey Shore Pizza Slices Everyone Craves
The Jersey Shore isn’t just famous for its beaches and boardwalks-it’s a pizza lover’s paradise too! From traditional tomato pies to creative gourmet slices, the Shore’s pizzerias serve up some of the most mouthwatering pizza in the country.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, these legendary pizza spots should top your must-try food list during your next Shore trip.
1. Lenny’s Pizza
Summer crowds form long lines at this Lavallette staple for good reason. Their thin-crust masterpieces feature the perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures that only decades of pizza-making experience can perfect.
Locals swear the secret lies in their well-seasoned ovens that have been cranking out pies since the 1960s. The classic cheese slice remains their bestseller-simple yet unforgettable with just the right amount of tangy sauce.
2. Maruca’s Tomato Pies
Famous for their signature spiral sauce pattern, Maruca’s has been a Seaside Heights institution since 1950. The distinctive swirl isn’t just for show, it ensures every bite delivers the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio that fans travel miles to experience.
Family-owned for generations, their massive slices require two hands and plenty of napkins. The crust somehow maintains its structure despite generous toppings, a feat of pizza engineering that keeps customers coming back.
3. Seaside Social House
A newcomer compared to some Shore legends, Seaside Social House has quickly built a reputation for elevated pizza creations. Their artisanal approach brings unexpected flavor combinations to traditional Shore pizza.
The Clam Casino slice perfectly represents their ocean-meets-Italian philosophy. What makes their slices special is the attention to quality ingredients, with locally-sourced toppings whenever possible and dough that ferments for 48 hours before baking.
4. Joey Tomato’s
Joey Tomato’s stands out in Point Pleasant Beach for slices big enough to cover an entire paper plate. Their dough achieves that magical New Jersey pizza quality, thin in the middle with a puffy, chewy crust around the edges.
The Grandma slice deserves special attention with its square shape, crispy bottom, and generous layer of garlic-infused olive oil under the cheese. Summer evenings here mean watching pizza makers toss dough high into the air.
5. Pete & Elda’s / Carmen’s Pizzeria
No Shore pizza list would be complete without Pete & Elda’s, home of the famously paper-thin crust that crackles with each bite. Their pizza is so thin that finishing an entire pie solo earns you a free t-shirt, a challenge countless visitors attempt each summer.
Operating since 1961, this Neptune City landmark serves slices that extend well beyond the plate’s edge. The Extra Extra Cheese slice demonstrates their philosophy perfectly: minimal crust supporting maximum flavor.
6. Vic’s
Stepping into Vic’s feels like traveling back to 1947 when they first opened their doors. Bradley Beach’s oldest pizzeria still uses the original brick ovens that give their slices a distinctive char and smoky flavor impossible to find elsewhere.
The sauce recipe remains a closely guarded family secret passed down through generations. What’s not secret is how they serve their slices-cheese on the bottom, sauce on top in the authentic tomato pie style.
7. Qua Pizza
Wood-fired perfection awaits at Qua Pizza, where each slice emerges with leopard-spotted char marks that pizza enthusiasts travel miles to experience. Sourdough crust develops for 72 hours before meeting the intense heat of their imported Italian oven.
The Honey Pie slice demonstrates their innovative approach-featuring hot soppressata, spicy honey drizzle, and fresh basil that creates a sweet-spicy-savory symphony. Despite being relatively new to the Shore pizza scene, Qua has quickly established itself as essential eating for serious pizza lovers.
8. Mack’s Pizza
Since 1953, Mack’s has been the pizza that generations of Wildwood visitors associate with summer memories. Their slices, best enjoyed on the boardwalk with the sounds of the ocean and amusement rides in the background, represent Shore pizza in its purest form.
The cheese slice needs no fancy toppings or gimmicks. Just the perfect balance of tangy sauce, whole-milk mozzarella, and a crust that somehow stays crisp despite the humid ocean air.
9. Porta
Asbury Park’s revival owes something to Porta, whose authentic Neapolitan pizza helped transform the city into a dining destination. Their wood-fired oven imported from Italy creates the signature soft, pillowy crust with charred edges that defines true Naples-style pizza.
The Margherita slice showcases their minimalist philosophy-San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. What sets them apart is their commitment to traditional techniques.
10. Federici’s
Not technically on the Shore but worth the short drive inland, Federici’s has been serving their unique ultra-thin crust pizza since 1921. The historic downtown Freehold restaurant maintains an old-world Italian charm that complements their legendary pies.
Their slices arrive with a distinctive cracker-thin crust that somehow supports a generous layer of toppings without bending. The secret family recipe hasn’t changed in over 100 years. A testament to getting it right the first time.
