Unearth The Voyage
New Jersey has some of the best pizza in the country, but many people only know about the big chain restaurants. Hidden throughout the Garden State are amazing local pizza shops that make pies so good they put those famous chains to shame. These family-owned spots use secret recipes, fresh ingredients, and old-school techniques that have been passed down for generations.
1. Pizza Town USA – Elmwood Park
Walking into this neighborhood gem feels like stepping back in time to when pizza was pure art. The owners have perfected their dough recipe over decades, creating a crust that’s both crispy and chewy in all the right places.
Their sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, made fresh daily with imported tomatoes. The cheese blend melts beautifully, creating those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls that make your mouth water.
Local families have been coming here for years, and once you try their signature white pizza with garlic and ricotta, you’ll understand why they keep coming back.
2. Star Tavern – Orange
Since 1945, this legendary spot has been serving up thin-crust bar pies that locals consider pure gold. The pizza here isn’t your typical thick slice – it’s paper-thin, crispy, and cut into small squares that disappear faster than you can count them.
What makes Star Tavern special is their no-nonsense approach to pizza making. They use a simple but perfect combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings on their signature thin crust.
The atmosphere feels like a classic American tavern where everyone knows your name. Don’t expect fancy decorations – just expect the best bar pie you’ve ever tasted in your life.
3. Coniglio’s Old Fashioned – Morristown
This family-run pizzeria proves that sometimes the old ways are still the best ways. Their pizza dough is made fresh every morning using a recipe that hasn’t changed in over fifty years.
The magic happens in their brick oven, where temperatures reach perfect levels for creating that ideal crust texture. Each pizza comes out with slightly charred edges and a soft, airy center that’s absolutely delicious.
Recent expansion news shows this hidden gem is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Their pepperoni pizza is legendary among locals, with cups of pepperoni that curl up and hold pools of flavorful oil.
4. Pizzeria ‘Lucci – Belmar
Just blocks from the beautiful Jersey Shore, this authentic Italian pizzeria brings genuine Neapolitan flavors to the boardwalk crowd. The owner’s family recipes came straight from Naples, and you can taste the difference in every single bite.
Their wood-fired oven creates pizzas with those perfect leopard spots on the crust that pizza experts love. The margherita pizza here is simple perfection – San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil that’s picked daily.
Summer visitors often stumble upon this place by accident, but locals have known about this treasure for years. The beachside location makes it perfect for grabbing amazing pizza after a day in the sun.
5. Casano’s Pizza Parlor – Rutherford
Stepping into Casano’s feels like visiting your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, where every pizza is made with love and attention to detail. The family behind this spot has been perfecting their craft for generations, and it shows in every slice.
Their signature square pizza has a thick, fluffy crust that’s crispy on the bottom and soft on top. The sauce is spread generously, and the cheese blend creates the perfect stretchy texture that makes pizza lovers smile.
Recent coverage has brought new attention to this longtime favorite, but regulars aren’t worried – there’s always room for more people to discover this amazing pizza paradise.
6. Razza – Jersey City
Chef Dan Richer has turned this Jersey City spot into a pizza destination that food critics rave about nationwide. Using ancient grains and natural fermentation, Razza creates pizzas that are both healthy and incredibly delicious.
The sourdough crust takes days to develop, resulting in complex flavors that you simply can’t find at chain restaurants. Toppings are sourced locally when possible, creating seasonal pizzas that change throughout the year.
Don’t let the fancy reputation scare you away – the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is welcoming to families. Their mushroom pizza with truffle oil is worth the trip alone, but honestly, everything on the menu is outstanding.
7. Papa’s Tomato Pies – Robbinsville
The name says it all – this place is all about those classic tomato pies that New Jersey is famous for. Unlike regular pizza, tomato pie puts the cheese on the bottom and the sauce on top, creating a completely different but amazing eating experience.
Papa’s has been perfecting this upside-down style for decades, and their version is considered one of the best in the state. The sauce is bright and flavorful, made with the perfect blend of herbs and spices.
Many people drive from hours away just to try their famous tomato pies. Once you understand why New Jersey locals are so passionate about this style, you’ll never look at regular pizza the same way again.
8. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies – Robbinsville
Since 1947, De Lorenzo’s has been the gold standard for authentic New Jersey tomato pies. This isn’t just pizza – it’s a piece of Garden State history that’s been served hot and fresh for over seventy years.
Their tomato pie recipe is a closely guarded family secret that creates the perfect balance of tangy sauce, creamy cheese, and crispy crust. The pies are sold by the tray, encouraging families to share this delicious tradition together.
Multiple locations mean you don’t have to travel far to experience this legendary taste. Food writers from major magazines regularly visit De Lorenzo’s, calling it one of America’s most important pizzerias for preserving authentic regional pizza styles.
9. Nonna’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant – Florham Park
True to its name, Nonna’s serves pizza that tastes like it came from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Every recipe has been passed down through generations, creating authentic flavors that transport you straight to Italy.
The pizza dough is hand-stretched daily, creating a perfect thin crust that’s sturdy enough to hold generous toppings but light enough to eat slice after slice. Their homemade sausage is seasoned with herbs grown in their own garden.
Beyond pizza, their Italian specialties are equally impressive, making this a perfect spot for family dinners. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes every customer feel like part of the family, just like visiting your real nonna’s house.
10. Aquila Pizza al Forno – Little Falls
The wood-fired oven at Aquila reaches temperatures that create pizza magic – crispy, charred crusts with tender centers that showcase true Italian craftsmanship. Each pizza is cooked to order in just minutes, emerging with those beautiful black spots that pizza purists love.
Their ingredient selection reads like a love letter to Italy – imported San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella made daily, and olive oil that’s shipped directly from family farms in Tuscany.
The name means ‘eagle’ in Italian, and this place truly soars above ordinary pizza joints. Regular customers know to call ahead during busy times, but the wait is always worth it for these exceptional pies.
