New Jersey Pizza Trail: A Guide to the Garden State's Best Pies

Best Northern New Jersey Pizza

1. Pizza Town USA (Elmwood Park, NJ)
   • The Vibe: Step back in time at this iconic, retro-themed pizzeria. A North Jersey landmark since 1958, Pizza Town USA is a classic counter-serve joint with a patriotic theme and a no-frills focus on what matters: delicious, consistent pizza.
   • The Pizza: Expect a classic, thin-crust pie that has satisfied generations of regulars. It's a taste of nostalgia and a must-visit for any New Jersey pizza pilgrimage.
   • Location: 89 US-46, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
2. John's Boy Pizzeria (Glen Rock, NJ)
   • The Vibe: This storied, family-owned parlor offers a comfy and classic neighborhood pizzeria experience. John's Boy Pizzeria is a beloved local institution known for its welcoming atmosphere.
   • The Pizza: Specializing in fantastic New York-style pies, they serve up perfectly foldable slices with a great crust-to-sauce-to-cheese ratio, alongside other classic Italian dishes.
   • Location: 203 Rock Rd, Glen Rock, NJ 07452

Best Central New Jersey Pizza

3. DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies (Robbinsville, NJ)
   • The Vibe: A true New Jersey institution with a legendary history originating in Trenton. While the original location has closed, the family legacy continues stronger than ever in Robbinsville. Expect a bustling, popular spot where the focus is entirely on the pizza.
   • The Pizza: This is the place for an authentic Trenton Tomato Pie, where crushed tomatoes are ladled on top of the cheese and toppings. DeLorenzo's is famous for its crispy, cracker-thin crust and high-quality ingredients.
   • Location: 147 Sloan Ave, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
4. Conte's Pizza and Bar (Princeton, NJ)
   • The Vibe: A beloved, classic tavern that has been serving the Princeton community for decades. Conte's is the ideal spot to gather with friends or family for a great pizza and a cold beer in a lively, old-school atmosphere.
   • The Pizza: They are famous for their thin, crispy, tavern-style pizza. It’s the perfect shareable pie that has earned a fiercely loyal following.
   • Location: 339 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08540

Best Southern New Jersey Pizza

5. Tacconelli's Pizzeria (Maple Shade, NJ)
   • The Vibe: A South Jersey spin-off of the iconic Philadelphia original, Tacconelli's in Maple Shade brings that legendary pizza legacy to the Garden State. It's essential to call ahead to "reserve your dough" for the day.
   • The Pizza: Known for its signature thin-crust pizza that has a unique, slightly chewy, and bread-like texture, finished with fresh cheese, robust sauces, and quality toppings.
   • Location: 27 W Main St, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
6. Carluccio's Coal Fired Pizza (Northfield, NJ)
   • The Vibe: This popular BYOB spot near the Jersey Shore offers a wide variety of pies and Italian favorites in an airy, rustic-modern atmosphere.
   • The Pizza: The main draw here is the coal-fired oven, which produces pizzas with a distinctively crispy, perfectly charred crust that's hard to replicate.
   • Location: 1200 New Rd, Northfield, NJ 08225

New Jersey's position in the "Pizza Belt" is well-earned. From the retro charm of Pizza Town USA in the north to the historic Tomato Pies of the Trenton area and the coal-fired creations near the shore, the state offers a delicious and diverse pizza journey. Whether you're a local or just passing through, exploring these top-tier pizzerias is a must for any true pizza lover.