Photo by Instagrammer amydcurie.
New York City may be considered the pizza capital of the world by some, but New Jersey’s pizza scene is definitely one to watch -- and consume. There are over 2,000 pizzerias in the state, and unlike the city, you don’t really have to search for the gems within a sea of average slices. Similar to the Jersey bagel scene, there is a real sense that walking into most any pizza place in New Jersey will not disappoint. We wanted to create a list of some of our favorite pizzerias located in some of our favorite suburbs! We’d love to hear your reviews and find out your favorite spots, so clue us in with the hashtag #SEARCHtheBurbs on your social channels.
Arturo’s Osteria and Pizzeria
Located in Maplewood, Arturo’s used to be a slice joint that current owner Fred Shandler turned into one of the best brick oven pie places around. For ten years now, Arturo’s has been giving an amazing standard Marghertita pie along with seasonally inspired, unique creations. You can call to see what seasonal offerings they are making, but some great pies that are always on the menu include the Santo (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, sausage, onion, chili oil) and the Maple Bacon (Fresh mozzarella, heritage bacon, shaved onions, a splash of PA maple syrup, parmigiano).
For more information, you can visit their website here!
Photo by Instagrammer annaburratta.
Bivio
Located in Montclair, this shop was originally opened by professional jazz musician Tomasso Colao in Little Falls, NJ. The original shop was open from 2011-2015 and the current Montclair location opened in late 2017. They specialize in Napoleon style pizza, which cooks for a couple of minutes in a wood-fire oven. Colao compares the process to that of a jazz solo: “You have to get in and get out and make a statement without carrying on forever.” Even if the pizzas cook quick, don’t feel the need to rush your meal! They run a select regular menu with rotating pizza specials that will keep you coming back.
For more information, you can visit their website here!
Massa
Located in Scotch Plains, Massa specializes in Roman style square pizza, and these pizzas are not for the faint of heart. These 18”x24” pies are made from dough comprised of imported Italian flour, water, and yeast which is left to rise for 72 hours; this creates a springy, bread-like crust that ends up being three times as much dough as your average pizza! Because the dough process is so involved, they only have a limited amount of pies available per day, but with twelve slices each and an amazing lineup of specialty flavors, it is well worth the wait -- and a great place to bring a group! Notable pies include the Ortolana (San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, basil, EVOO) and the Ciccia e Blu Pizza (San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, sausage, blue cheese, pecorino, basil, EVOO)
For more information, you can visit their website here!
Photo by Instagrammer coastiewifey.
Razza
Located in Jersey CIty, this favorte spot is currenlty only open for take out and contactless delivery -- but their artisinal pies are just as amazing at home as they are in their restaurant. They are made in a woodburning oven and seek to challenge the common methods of making pizza with every pie. They have been featured in publications such as the New York Times and NJ Monthly, and in 2019 they were named The Best Pizza in America by 50 Best. The owner, Dan Richter, is also releasing a cookbook, The Joy of Pizza, out in October. Their menu follows the Italian tradition of letting the seasons and location guide the menu; two notable pies available now are the Guancia (tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, guanciale, pecorino) and the Corn Pie (NJ corn, fresh mozzarella, shaved onions, scamorza, fermented chili paste)
For more information, you can visit their website here!
The Brick Oven
Located in Westfield’s amazing downtown, The Brick Oven has been known for their extremely thin crust pies since 1993, and considers their customers family. It is a business that brought together two families through Aurelio Cardoso and Frank Vasafailos, though Vasafailos tragically died in 2010. They describe themselves as a restaurant that redefines casual comfort food -- but the quality of their food is nothing short of first rate! Their pies are classic flavors that are executed with ingredients like homemade mozzarella and sausage. When the food is that good, you can keep things simple. One tip: make sure you bring some cash if you don’t have an Ameriacn Express card. And if you want to branch out, their pasta dishes are impeccable!
For more information, you can visit their website here!
Photo by Instagrammer signorcolin.