New Jersey’s Pizza Scene Is Full Of Standouts, But These 9 Spots Really Deserve A Visit
In New Jersey, pizza debates can get oddly scientific. Sauce on top of the cheese?
Perfectly acceptable. A crust so thin it snaps?
Also valid.
Somewhere, a physicist is probably developing an equation to determine how many slices count as a reasonable dinner.
The state’s pizza obsession runs deeper than a pineapple argument at a family gathering. Old neighborhood taverns, college-town favorites, and shore-side kitchens all have their own ideas about what belongs on the perfect pie.
Personally, I’d rather settle the debate one slice at a time.
From crackling wood-fired crusts to tomato pies that flip the usual formula upside down, New Jersey has enough variety to keep even the most opinionated pizza lover busy.
The only experiment worth conducting now is figuring out which spot deserves your first slice.
1. Razza
Jersey tomatoes and local ricotta get star treatment at this Grove Street pizzeria, and the wood-fired oven does the rest. Expect a crispy crust, a sauce with real flavor, and just enough cheese to keep things balanced.
Razza keeps the room intimate, so the focus stays on the pies. The menu leans artisan without getting fussy, which is a nice trick to pull off.
Seasonal small plates round out the meal when you want something besides pizza. Freshly made bread also earns plenty of attention here, so don’t skip it just to save room.
Timing matters at this Jersey City spot. Dinner reservations are recommended, and a wait is common, especially on weekend evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Weekday service starts at 5 p.m., while Friday through Sunday doors open at 3 p.m. That earlier weekend start is handy if you’d rather eat before the dinner rush.
Takeout and delivery are available when you’d rather eat on your couch. Outdoor seating is another option once the weather turns friendly.
Families are welcome, with high chairs on hand for small diners. Big groups also fit the vibe, so this works for birthdays as easily as a solo pizza night.
Address: 275 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
2. Star Tavern
Thin crust is the name of the game at this longtime City of Orange tavern, and it plays to win. Pies come out crisp and light, the kind you can finish faster than you planned.
Star Tavern has been part of the neighborhood for a long time. Booth seating and a classic tavern feel give the place an old-school charm that fits the pizza perfectly.
Beyond pizza, the kitchen turns out Italian dishes and sandwich specialties. Wings also pull serious weight on the menu, so plan on sharing a plate.
Friendly staff help make this a relaxed stop for lunch or dinner. People from many backgrounds gather here, and the welcoming crowd adds to the easygoing mood.
Games on TV make it a fun pick for sports nights. A kids’ menu and high chairs mean the whole family can tag along.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so a wait can happen during busy hours. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings draw the biggest crowds, while Monday mornings stay calm.
Doors open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday.
Lunch here is a smart move if you’d like a booth without the evening bustle.
Parking is rarely a headache, with a free lot and plenty of street spaces nearby. Takeout is available, but delivery isn’t, so pick up your pies in person.
Address: 400 High St, City of Orange, NJ 07050
3. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies
Since 1947, the De Lorenzo name has been tied to one of New Jersey’s proudest pizza traditions, the tomato pie. Today the Robbinsville location keeps that legacy rolling with thin, crispy pies and chunky sauce.
Building your own pie is the main event here. You pick the toppings, and the kitchen handles the crisp, careful bake.
Sausage is a strong choice if you can’t decide. Its bold flavor pairs nicely with the creamy cheese and that hearty tomato sauce.
Seasonal salads add something fresh to the table. They’re a smart counterweight when your group orders one more pie than strictly necessary.
The tomato pie style runs deep in the Trenton area, and this spot is often named among its legends. Eating here feels a bit like taking a tasty history class with no homework.
Plan your visit around the schedule, because it’s a little unusual. The restaurant is closed Mondays, serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, and opens at 4 p.m. on weekends.
Reservations aren’t taken, and a wait is common. Friday evenings are the busiest, so a weekday lunch can be the easier route.
Families fit right in, with high chairs available for little ones. A free parking lot helps, too, since circling the block is nobody’s favorite appetizer.
Takeout is available if you’d rather enjoy your pie at home. Delivery isn’t offered, so swing by and grab it while it’s hot.
Address: 2350 NJ-33, Robbinsville Twp, NJ 08691
4. Brooklyn Square Pizza
Twelve squares, cheese on the bottom, sweet tomato sauce on top. The signature Brooklyn Square pie is nicknamed ‘the upside down,’ and it flips pizza expectations in the tastiest way.
Fans of fluffy, thick dough will feel right at home in Jackson. The sauce is bold, and toppings land with a generous hand.
Pizza by the slice makes a quick lunch easy. Pepperoni is a popular pick if you want something classic alongside your square.
Not in a pizza mood today? The menu also covers Italian favorites like pasta, panini, and chicken marsala.
Brooklyn Square Pizza keeps the setting down-to-earth and casual. A private dining room is available, which helps when your crew is too big for one table.
Reservations are accepted, and curbside pickup is offered for busy days. Delivery and outdoor seating give you even more ways to eat.
Kids get their own menu, and parking is free on site. That combination makes this an easy family dinner with very little stress attached.
Address: 265 S New Prospect Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
5. Pete & Elda’s Bar / Carmen’s Pizzeria
Super thin is the house specialty at this veteran Neptune City pizzeria, and it’s no exaggeration. These pies are famously slim, so ordering more than one per person isn’t as wild as it sounds.
Pete & Elda’s / Carmen’s Pizzeria serves its pies in a bustling, no-frills setting. Nobody comes here for fancy decor, and that’s part of the fun.
Sausage, peppers, and onion is a standout topping combo. It’s hearty without weighing down that thin, crisp crust.
Meatballs earn plenty of love here, too. Grilled cheese, fries, wings, pasta, and sandwiches fill out the rest of the menu.
Families have their own seating area, separate from the tavern side. Kids can order from a dedicated menu and wash it down with a big soda.
Night owls, take note. The kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11 p.m. the rest of the week.
Sports fans can catch a game while they eat. The place stays lively most evenings, so expect company.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and a wait is common. Weekday mornings are the quietest time if you prefer a calmer lunch.
Lunch starts at 11 a.m. daily, so an early pizza after a beach morning is entirely possible. Bring friends, because sharing makes it easier to try more.
Takeout and delivery are both available when you’d rather eat at home. Free parking on site makes a quick pickup easy near the Jersey Shore in summer.
Address: 96 Woodland Ave, Neptune City, NJ 07753
6. Federici’s Family Restaurant
More than a century of family history sits behind the thin crust at this Freehold landmark. Federici’s Family Restaurant dates back to 1921, and the family is still running the show.
The pizza is the headliner, with a crust that’s famously thin and crisp. Cheese stretches right to the edge, giving you crunchy bits around the rim.
A plain pie is a great first test. It lets that crust and cheese do the talking without any distractions.
The lasagna is another crowd favorite worth ordering. Salads deserve attention too, especially with the homemade ranch dressing.
Prefer fresh air with your pizza? Outdoor seating on the patio lets you enjoy downtown Freehold while you eat.
Groups can book the private dining room for parties and gatherings. Catering is also available if you’d rather bring the pies to your own event.
One scheduling tip matters most, since the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. Other days, lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., and dinner runs into the evening.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are ready for the tiniest guests. It’s the kind of New Jersey spot where three generations can share one table happily.
Takeout and delivery are offered when a night in sounds better. A large plain pie travels well and keeps the household happy.
Address: 14 E Main St, Freehold, NJ 07728
7. Talula’s
Sourdough isn’t just for bread bakers with jars on the counter. At Talula’s, homemade sourdough forms the base of pies loaded with gourmet toppings.
The space on Cookman Avenue is roomy with an industrial look. It feels casual and trendy, a good match for downtown Asbury Park.
Fresh, organic ingredients show up across the menu. The result is pizza that tastes thoughtful without feeling stuffy.
The Marinara pizza keeps it simple and meat-free. If you’re craving something other than pizza, the Reuben sandwich has plenty of fans.
Doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch. Pizza before noon sounds perfectly reasonable in a beach town like this.
Got a four-legged sidekick? Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, so your pup can join the people-watching.
Dinner reservations are recommended, since a wait is common. Weekend afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretches.
Parking can be tricky downtown, so give yourself extra time. Paid lots and street spaces are your best options.
Catering is offered for parties, too. A spread of sourdough pies could make your next get-together the one people remember.
Don’t skip dessert if you have room. Takeout and delivery are also available when the beach has worn you out.
Address: 550 Cookman Ave #108, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
8. Tacconelli’s Pizzeria
Thin crust takes center stage in Maple Shade, and Tacconelli’s Pizzeria treats it like a main event. The pies are crisp, light, and serious business, which counts for a lot in New Jersey.
The menu splits between classic pizzas and signature creations. That gives you a safe pick and an adventurous pick on the same order.
Homemade pasta is another reason to visit. It’s fresh, hearty, and a great choice for anyone at the table who wants a fork instead of a slice.
Salads help balance a pizza-heavy meal. Then come the Italian-style desserts, which make a strong case for one last course.
The dining room stays busy, so plan ahead. Reservations are accepted, and they’re a smart idea on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Hours are specific, so double-check before you drive. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and opens for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Friday is the only day with lunch service, running from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a sweet little window for a midday pizza break.
A private dining room works well for parties and family celebrations. High chairs are available, so even the youngest guests can join in.
Service is known for being quick and friendly. That helps when hungry kids are counting down the minutes until the first slice lands.
Free parking makes arriving easy. Takeout is offered too, so your pies can ride home with you if the tables are full.
Address: 27 W Main St, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
9. Conte’s Pizza
Crispy is the word at Conte’s Pizza, where the thin crust has a crunch you can practically hear. The toppings hold up their end of the deal, too.
This Princeton favorite has history going back to the World War II era. Old-school decor keeps that nostalgic feeling alive inside the big, cavernous room.
The space is roomy and bustling, so it handles groups well. Students, families, and longtime locals share the dining room here.
Meatballs are a strong side order. Pair them with a pie and you’ve got an old-fashioned feast.
Sports fans can catch the game on TV. It’s a fun place to watch a big matchup while working through a pie.
Friendly servers keep things relaxed, even when the room fills up. Counter service is also an option if you’re grabbing a quick bite.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and a wait is common. Friday evenings are the busiest time, so an early weekday lunch may be smoother.
Weekday service begins at 11:30 a.m. On weekends, the doors open at 4 p.m., so don’t plan a Saturday lunch here.
Takeout is available, but delivery isn’t offered. Grab your pie hot from the counter and drive carefully home with it.
Parking includes a free lot and street spaces. That’s a nice bonus in a busy college town like Princeton.
High chairs are available for little ones. It’s a fitting final stop on a New Jersey pizza tour, crunchy, friendly, and full of stories.
Address: 339 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542