Best Pizza in New Jersey: Expert Picks of Must-Try Pizzerias

New Jersey, affectionately known as the Garden State, has a diverse culinary scene that boasts a myriad of flavors and specialties. Among these gastronomic delights, pizza holds a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. With an estimated 2,000 pizzerias across the state, there is no shortage of options for those craving a delicious slice.

The state’s rich pizza tradition is well-documented and widely acclaimed, featuring local favorites and hidden gems that offer tantalizing takes on this classic dish. From the iconic Trenton Tomato Pie to the mouth-watering slices found in smaller, family-owned establishments, each region of New Jersey has its own unique spin on pizza that keeps people coming back for more.

As a pizza enthusiast, I have tried many pizzerias throughout New Jersey, and I’m excited to share my top 10 picks for the best pizza in the state. I’ve also done some research and included popular choices from various sources, which allows me to confidently present this list.

Best Pizza Restaurants in New Jersey

My first pick is Arturo’s Osteria & Pizzeria in Maplewood. This classic spot offers authentic pies made with naturally leavened dough and local, seasonal ingredients. I highly recommend the Tartufi pizza, topped with mozzarella, sausage, mushrooms, and white truffle oil; it’s simply divine.

For a historical experience, I suggest visiting Conte’s Bar & Pizzeria in Princeton. Founded in 1936, they claim to have introduced pizza to the town in 1950. The glass-block bar and formica-topped tables add to the charming ambiance, giving patrons a taste of the past.

In Hoboken, Benny Tudino’s has earned my praise for their massive, delicious pizza slices. When I visit, I feel like I’m transported to a true New York-style pizzeria with mouthwatering thin-crust pies.

Here’s a brief look at my remaining top picks for pizza in New Jersey:

• Bacci Villas Back Bay Bistro in Lakewood: Known for their traditional Italian flavors and friendly service.
• Bacoli in Garfield: A hidden gem, offering a variety of tasty pizza options and other Italian delights.
• Barcelona’s in Nutley: Great atmosphere and even better pizza, perfect for a night out with friends or family.
• Belle Piazza in Hoboken: Don’t miss their incredible grandma-style pies – trust me.
• Big John’s Pizza in Millville: A local favorite, serving up delicious slices to be enjoyed in their cozy environment.
• Bim’s Pizza in Bernardsville: A must-visit for any pizza lover looking to expand their palate with unique toppings.

Exploring these pizzerias has been a fantastic culinary journey for me, and I’m convinced that they truly represent the best pizza New Jersey has to offer.

Neapolitan Pizza

In New Jersey, you can find authentic Neapolitan pizza that follows the traditional Italian recipe. This style is characterized by its thin crust, simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Cooked in a wood-fired oven, Neapolitan pizzas have a light, airy crust with a slight char.

Sicilian Pizzas

Sicilian pizzas, also known as square pies, have a thicker crust compared to Neapolitan pizza. They are rectangular in shape and have a generous amount of toppings. New Jersey pizzerias often serve Sicilian pies with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and various toppings like sausage, peppers, and onions.

Grandma Pizzas

Grandma pizzas are similar to Sicilian pizzas but with a thinner crust and a more rustic presentation. These pies are typically made with a combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. New Jersey pizza lovers appreciate the homemade taste of Grandma pizzas, with their crispy crust and fresh ingredients.

Brick Oven Pizzas

Brick oven pizzas are cooked in a brick oven, giving them a distinct smoky flavor and a crispy crust. These brick oven pizzas are popular in New Jersey for their airy dough and slightly charred edges. Toppings vary, but the high temperature of the brick oven enhances the flavors of each ingredient and creates a unique taste.

Bar Pies

New Jersey is also famous for its bar pies, which are thin-crust pizzas that are typically served in bars and taverns. These pizzas are cut into small squares or triangles and are perfect for sharing with friends over a drink. The crust is crispy, and the toppings are usually kept simple, focusing on a delicious balance of sauce, cheese, and a few additional ingredients.

Mustard Pies

A true local specialty, the mustard pie is unique to New Jersey. Mustard pies start with a layer of mustard spread directly onto the dough before adding tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. The tangy kick from the mustard adds an unexpected flavor that distinguishes this pizza style from others. Mustard pies are a must-try for pizza enthusiasts visiting the area.

The New Jersey Pizza Scene

The Garden State is known for its vibrant pizza scene, boasting a diverse array of pizzerias that serve up slices to satisfy even the most discerning pizza enthusiasts. With an estimated 2,000 pizzerias located throughout New Jersey, residents and visitors can relish in the broad options of pizza places.

In North Jersey, Central Jersey, Jersey Shore, and South Jersey, you’ll find a mixture of traditional Neapolitan pizzerias and establishments experimenting with unique flavors and toppings. Razza in Jersey City has been consistently ranked among the top pizzerias in the state, and in the nation as well, making it one of the must-try places for pizza in New Jersey.

The state’s pizzerias not only impress locals but have also caught the attention of national publications. In 2021, Food & Wine declared New Jersey the “best pizza state in America”, further solidifying the Garden State’s reputation in the pizza realm.

Pizza options in New Jersey include classics like Margherita, Sicilian, and meat-lover’s pies, along with innovative creations that fuse various cultures and culinary traditions. For those interested in exploring the best pizza in the state, a wide variety of specialty pizzerias and pizza shops, such as Morganville’s Angelotti’s Pizza & Trattoria, Parsippany’s Anthony Franco’s, and Maplewood’s Arturo’s Osteria and Pizzeria, can be found in every corner of the state as per PBS Food.

In conclusion, the New Jersey pizza scene showcases the state’s culinary diversity and commitment to providing top-notch pizza experiences for every taste. The wide range of pizzerias in the Garden State ensures that there is a slice for everyone, making New Jersey a true pizza lover’s paradise.

Ingredients and Toppings

New Jersey is known for its delicious pizza, which boasts a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The state’s pizzerias take pride in using top-quality cheese, tomato, and sauce options in their creations. One can enjoy a classic Trenton-style pizza with its thin, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly melted mozzarella, or explore a wide array of unique toppings and flavors.

Mozzarella is the star cheese choice for many pizzerias, and in some cases, it is even made from Jersey water buffaloes. Classic tomato sauce lays the foundation for many delicious pizzas in the state. From there, pizzerias experiment with creative toppings, such as specially-bred hazelnuts or even a locally inspired twist with pesto as the base instead of traditional tomato sauce.

Aside from cheese and tomato sauce, New Jersey pizzerias offer a plethora of mouth-watering toppings. A visit to Elizabeth or Robbinsville will leave you with a satisfying experience, whether it’s loading up a pie with sausage, pepperoni, or trying out unique options that elevate the overall pizza experience. For example, diners can enjoy a bruschetta pie with grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This adds a touch of the Jersey Shore’s diverse culinary offerings to each slice.

Combinations such as the pepperoni pie with vinegar peppers provide a tangy kick to an already popular topping. Moreover, pizzerias in New Jersey keep up with nationwide trends such as California-style, Connecticut-style, and Detroit-style pizzas, adapting and incorporating regional favorites into their menus.

To conclude, New Jersey pizzerias impress with their diverse range of crusts, sauces, and toppings, perfect for an authentic pizza experience. So whether you’re craving a classic slice or in the mood to experiment, rest assured that the Garden State has something unique and delicious to offer.

Pizza Making and Artisanal Techniques

Pizza making is an art form that has been perfected over the years, with skilled artisans crafting their dough, sauces, and toppings to create the perfect slice. In New Jersey, pizza lovers enjoy the exceptional taste and quality of pizza artigianale, which refers to the use of traditional and authentic techniques in pizza making.

One of the most critical aspects of a good pizza is the crust. Artisanal pizza makers invest a significant amount of time and effort in crafting the perfect dough, often using special yeast or sourdough starter for a distinct flavor profile. They also allow the dough to ferment for a longer period to develop better texture, resulting in a light and crispy crust.

When it comes to toppings, quality and freshness are paramount in artisanal pizza making. From locally-sourced vegetables to high-quality meats and cheeses, pizzaiolos meticulously choose the best ingredients to bring out the natural flavors in each dish. The sauce, too, plays an essential role in the overall taste of the pizza. Artisans devote time and care to crafting their homemade sauces, selecting ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to achieve a well-balanced flavor profile.

In New Jersey, pizza lovers can find some of the best examples of artisanal pizzas at Razza Pizza Artigianale and Aquila. These eateries are known for their commitment to artisanal techniques and phenomenal flavors.

The art of pizza making is not only about the ingredients but also the cooking process. Traditional wood-fired ovens such as those at Nomad Pizza in Hopewell, NJ offer high temperatures that effectively cook the pizza—resulting in a crispy crust with slightly charred edges, while still maintaining a moist and delicious center.

In summary, the art of constructing the perfect pizza relies on a combination of traditional techniques, high-quality ingredients, and attention to detail in every step of the process. The best pizza in New Jersey is undoubtedly crafted by artisans who value these principles and are devoted to delivering mouth-watering, flavorful pies.

New Jersey Pizzas in Popular Culture

New Jersey has long been a hub for delicious pizza, boasting a wide variety of pizzerias and styles. This storied history of local pizza culture has attracted attention from notable food critics and gained widespread recognition, making it an integral part of New Jersey’s identity.

One individual who highlights New Jersey’s pizza scene is Jeremy Schneider. As a native of Trenton and a food expert, Schneider has made it his mission to introduce people to the amazing culinary gems that can be found in the Garden State. He currently hosts an Emmy-nominated video series called “NJ All Day”, where he explores various local businesses and eateries, with a strong focus on the state’s best pizza offerings.

A prominent online publication that showcases New Jersey’s pizzas is nj.com, which features rankings of the top pizza spots in the state. By exploring a variety of pizzerias and evaluating their taste, quality, and innovation, this platform serves as a valuable resource for both locals and tourists looking to try out the best pies in New Jersey.

Additionally, New Jersey’s pizza culture has become increasingly connected through the concept of a “pizza trail.” This unofficial route highlights some of the state’s most iconic pizzerias and allows pizza enthusiasts to embark on a culinary journey. This concept has further cemented New Jersey’s status as a bastion of pizza excellence and made it easier for people to experience the captivating flavors and distinct styles of its pizzerias.

In conclusion, the prominence of New Jersey’s pizzas in popular culture demonstrates the state’s pride in its delectable offerings and rich culinary heritage. People like Jeremy Schneider, platforms like nj.com, and concepts like the pizza trail have all contributed to shining a light on this flavorful aspect of New Jersey’s identity.

Bonus: Best Diners in New Jersey

New Jersey is not just known for its outstanding pizzerias, but also for its iconic diners. These diners offer a great alternative to pizza joints and provide a variety of delicious dishes to satisfy your cravings. While visiting the Jersey Shore or exploring the state’s numerous pizzerias, you might consider stopping by one of these classic diners for a unique dining experience.

Tops Diner in East Newark consistently garners recognition as one of the best diners in the state, and even the nation. With its comprehensive menu that goes beyond typical diner fare, patrons can expect mouthwatering dishes and exceptional service.

Doo Wop Diner in Wildwood is another standout establishment that transports you back in time with its nostalgic 1950s decor and atmosphere. Located near the Jersey Shore, this diner is known for its delicious breakfast options and friendly staff, making it a must-visit spot when in the area.

If you happen to be an aficionado of traditional Italian cuisine, several New Jersey diners offer not only American classics but also Italian-inspired dishes. For instance, some diners serve Margherita pizza, a timeless classic that reflects both Italian flavors and New Jersey’s passion for pizza.

In conclusion, while exploring the various pizzerias in New Jersey and the Jersey Shore region, be sure to also pay a visit to these exceptional diners that offer something for every taste. Satisfy your appetite with unique culinary experiences and a touch of classic American diner culture.

FAQ

Where can I find top-rated thin crust pizza in NJ?

New Jersey is known for its delicious thin crust pizza. Some of the best places to enjoy a thin crust pizza include Aquila in Little Falls, which offers wood-fired, hand-shaped pizzas in a variety of flavors.

What are the best pizza places in Northern New Jersey?

A number of great pizzerias can be found in Northern New Jersey. For instance, Nomad Pizza in Hopewell is renowned for its delectable Neapolitan-style pizza.

Which pizzerias in Jersey City are highly recommended?

Many pizzerias in Jersey City have garnered praise from pizza enthusiasts. To find the best pizza in this area, read this guide, which lists the top voted pizza places in New Jersey, as per PBS fans.

What makes New Jersey pizza superior to others?

New Jersey pizza boasts high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. It is often praised for its thin crust, which offers the perfect balance of crispness and chewiness.

What are some must-try pizzerias in Bergen County?

While there are many fantastic pizzerias in Bergen County, some stand out due to their unique offerings and rave reviews. To find the best pizza spots in the area, consult this list, which highlights the top 56 pizzerias in the state.

Where can I find award-winning pizza in New Jersey?

To sample some award-winning pizza in New Jersey, seek out pizzerias with accolades and positive reviews. One of the best ways to find these establishments is by exploring articles such as this one, which discusses the best places to grab a slice in the state.