You can argue about a lot in New Jersey—Taylor ham or pork roll, where the shore actually starts—but one thing nobody fights about is how good the pizza is.
We know it. We live it. And if you’ve ever folded a perfect slice or wrestled with a gooey Sicilian square, you know exactly why.
Since we’ve kept the gems hidden long enough, without further ado, these are the pizzerias New Jerseyans swear by—the ones worth the extra drive, a little wait, or eating in your car because you couldn’t make it home.
1. Razza, Jersey City
275 Grove Street, Jersey City
Let’s start with a place that’s practically become a landmark in Jersey City—Razza.
Sitting across from the historic City Hall, this pizzeria has been perfecting its craft since 2012.
Dan Richer’s focus on quality shows in every detail, from the airy, crisp dough to local toppings like roasted heirloom squash, fresh mozzarella, and ricotta salata.
And seasonal pies, like their pumpkin pizza with breadcrumbs and shaved onions, is a take on a pie you won’t forget, but the Margherita is a classic they do not fail to hit the nail on the head.
This is what the best pizza in New Jersey looks like.
2. Talula’s, Asbury Park
550 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Talula’s in Asbury Park is a local favorite for sourdough pizzas; try one, and you’ll know what people are on about.
Owners Steve and Shanti Mignona make everything in-house, from their cheeses (yes, even the vegan ones) to pickled vegetables.
You’ll love that their wood-fired crust is soft with just enough char.
And their Beekeeper’s Lament, topped with spicy soppressata, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and a drizzle of honey, gets the sweet-and-spicy combo down perfectly.
But on the white pie side, the Got Yer Goat mixes roasted garlic goat cheese, squash purée, caramelized onions, kale, and pumpkin seeds; this is a pie you didn’t know you needed.
Plus, it’s BYO, so grab your favorite bottle and head over for some of the best pizza NJ has to offer.
3. Round Pie, Old Bridge & Matawan
2323 Route 516, Old Bridge
1124-N Route 34, Matawan
Round Pie has been serving some of the best pizza New Jersey locals know since 2019.
Run by brothers Kash and Bek Miftari, whose Staten Island roots show in every pie, this spot prioritizes quality over flash.
And their Signature pie is a staple for a reason: cornmeal-dusted crust, fresh tomato sauce, Wisconsin mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and basil.
At Round Pie, it’s about the basics done right.
Not to mention, the Old Bridge location has a mural nodding to the community, while the Matawan shop, which opened in 2020, sits across from Denino’s, another Staten Island favorite.
Oh, and both locations are BYO, so they’re a great place for a chilled-out evening.
4. Queen, Newark
122 Halsey Street, Newark, BYO
Queen has served pizza in Newark for over 40 years, and they call Halsey Street home.
It’s close to the Prudential Tower and a few local colleges, so it’s a regular stop for students, locals, and anyone who appreciates solid pizza.
Joe Coutri, who grew up in Calabria, Southern Italy, uses a blend of three mozzarellas to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
And his sauce, with a mix of secret spices and a touch of Parmigiano-Reggiano, has been perfected over decades.
The pizzas are baked in an original Baker’s Pride gas-fired oven that has been running since the beginning, and breakfast is on the menu if you stop by early enough.
5. Poppi’s, Wildwood
4709 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood
Poppi’s in Wildwood has quickly become a pizza joint that has gained the love of most people who’ve eaten there.
Brendan Sciarra, whose family has been part of Wildwood for decades, partnered with World Pizza Champion Giulio Adriani to bring Neapolitan-style pies to the Jersey shore.
One standout is the Parmigiana pie, which is layered with fried eggplant on a perfectly crisp crust.
Perhaps the most important thing is that the kitchen keeps things running fast and smooth, but the quality of every pizza shows its care.
6. Porta, Asbury Park & Jersey City
911 Kingsley Street, Asbury Park
135 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Porta is one of those places that feels like it’s been around forever—in a good way.
With locations in Asbury Park and Jersey City, it’s known for producing Neapolitan-style pies from its wood-fired ovens that strike just the right balance of crispy and chewy.
If you’re into simplicity, start with the Marinara; sure, it’s simple, but that’s where the beauty lies if you ask me.
And if you’re willing to flip the script a little, the Carbonara, topped with guanciale and a soft egg, is the best move.
But you can’t miss out on their seasonal pies; the Betty pie always brings something fresh, like brussels sprouts or heirloom tomatoes, depending on when you go.
7. Reservoir Restaurant, South Orange
106 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, BYO
Reservoir has been a part of South Orange since 1965, and its pan pies keep people coming back.
Crispy and satisfying, they’re the kind of pizzas that don’t need a lot of fanfare to impress.
The veggie combo—topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and broccoli—has been gaining popularity lately.
Co-owner Barbara Camarata, whose grandparents opened the original restaurant in Newark in 1935, says it’s been a hit with newer residents in town.
But whether you’ve just moved in or grew up around the corner, Reservoir is proof that some of the best New Jersey pizza comes from places that stay true to what they do best.
8. The Pizza Terminal, Verona
150 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, BYO
We’re wrapping things up with The Pizza Terminal in Verona, a joint quietly making some of the best New Jersey pizza.
It might not grab your attention right away—it’s tucked into a strip mall on Bloomfield Avenue—but step inside, and you’ll find plenty to get excited about.
And the Nikki Norker is the star here.
It’s a square pie topped with their signature grandma tomato sauce, house-made mozzarella, and pepperoni, with crispy edges that balance out the soft center.
That said, if you’re into classic round pies, those are just as solid, with a chewy crust that keeps locals coming back.
Now You Know Where to Find the Best Pizza in New Jersey
New Jersey doesn’t mess around with pizza, and we’ve seen that today.
Whether it’s the crispy-edged squares at The Pizza Terminal in Verona, the comforting pan pies at Reservoir in South Orange, or the inventive sourdough pizzas at Talula’s in Asbury Park, every spot on this list has earned its reputation the hard way—by making pizza that sticks with you.
And without question, this is where you’ll find the slices and pies worth making the trip for.
Now’s the time to get out there, grab a pie, and see why New Jersey is a state full of pizza lovers who know exactly where to go.
