- Shanahan%27s Bakery Cafe makes homemade sauce for their thin-crust pizza.
- DeLucia%27s Brick Oven is family-owned and operated.
- Dusal%27s Italian Restaurant and Pizza makes a popular vodka grandma%27s slice.
Pizza isn't the most sophisticated dish that the culinary world can offer. A flinging of dough, a helping of sauce and some melted cheese bring about the slices that lunchgoers crave.
Even with its simplicity, however, no slice is exactly the same as the next. At least, that's what our readers told us in a robust conversation as they nominated different pizzerias and restaurants for who makes the best pizza in Central Jersey. Though we had many nominations, no one eatery came out as a decisive winner.
Instead, favorites were named depending on whether that customer was a fan of thin crust, homemade sauce, famous vodka grandma slice or Sicilian pizza.
No matter your pizza preference, thank you for sharing with us which pizzerias you will gladly drive a few extra miles for to eat!. Don't forget to check out all of the responses as well as a photo gallery at MyCentralJersey.com.
Manville Pizza and Restaurant at 31 S Main St., Manville
"I started my life in Manville where I was lucky enough to experience Manville Pizza. It's 50-plus years later and I live in Hunterdon County. I've been to more than a few different pizzerias but I will always drive to Manville to get the best pizza ever. Why Manville Pizza? Because their pizza is outstanding. The crust; they will make it the way you tell them to make it, either thin or thicker, well-done, crispy or not as crispy. The sauce is not bitter nor bland — it's truly tasty. They are also generous on the cheese that makes the whole pizza experience just perfect. Manville Pizza has got my vote."
Lisa Payne, Neshanic Station
"They been around forever and the quality is always great."
Gary Skirkanish, Manville
"I reside in NYC, the home of 'the best pizza' yet I LIVE for trips to visit family, to get this pizza. Not only is the pizza the best, but Anthony truly goes above and beyond to help his town and community. My vote goes to him — today, tomorrow, always."
Melissa Mleczko, New York, New York
"I moved here from Queens, N.Y. 12 years ago, and I have found that Manville Pizza is the best pizza around."
Anthony Scarpantonio, Manville
Francesco Pizza at 23 N Main St., Milltown
"Look no further then the greatest little town in the county, Milltown. Francesco's is THE best by far authentic Sicilian-Italian restaurant this side of Europe. The family-friendly service coupled by great food makes this a must stop. Try the buffalo pizza. You will not be disappointed. Another favorite is the cheesesteak slice. In fact, every slice of every pizza they make is made with love. After all they are the 'Home of the olive oil crust pizza." Tell them Neil sent you."
Neil Raciti, Milltown
Stan Chitch's Cafe at 14 Columbus Place, Bound Brook
"Hands down, the best pizza in New Jersey is at Stan Chitch's in Bound Brook. I've been going there since I was a kid, and I'm 62 now. The pizza hasn't changed a bit in all those years. Paper thin, crispy crust, a sauce to die for, and just the right amount of cheese. Have never gotten anything but plain. I live in Pennsylvania now, but frequently make the hour long trip for a couple pies. So thanks a lot! I'm gonna have to make a trip now to get a couple!"
Ralph Erickson, formerly of Somerville
Luca's Pizza and Restaurant at 115 Harris Ave., Middlesex
"Always a friendly face when you walk in. The owner Joe, has been making pizza his entire life so he knows what he is doing. The sauce, cheese, and dough is amazing. My favorite personally is just a plain pizza but, I also love the Sicilian pizza there. The cheesesteaks have to be some of the best in the state too. Overall great atmosphere with a family-oriented feel. Great place, great food, great people, Luca's Pizza."
Joe McNulty, Middlesex
La Rosa Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant at 335 Lake Ave., Metuchen
"I was born and raised in Metuchen, and although there are several excellent pizza places in the area, none compare to La Rosa Pizza. Their combination of crust, sauce and cheese are what I call the very definition of what a pizza should be. The pizza is so good, that it doesn't even need a topping! But if I am in the mood for a topping, no one can beat their sausage pizza, ether. Many people that I have known over the years don't refer to it as a pizza, they just call it 'a LaRosa.' I don't get back to Metuchen very often these days, but when I do, the first stop I make is always to La Rosa Pizza for a large plain!"
John Morton, formerly of Metuchen
Dusal's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria at 100 Ryder's Ln., Milltown
"The best pizza by far is Dusal's. They have the best specialty pies around. My personal favorite is their vodka grandma slice. If you get a chance try and thank me later! I know the only place I want to eat is at Dusal's."
Jeffrey Lynch, Milltown
Bella Roma Restorante Pizza & Pasta at 66 Main St., South Bound Brook
"I live in South Plainfield and travel to Bella Roma for pizza. Good pizza and a friendly family atmosphere. Always good good good!"
Michael Hajduk, South Plainfield
Sciortino's Harbor Lights at 132 S Broadway St., South Amboy
"Originally in Perth Amboy, a few years ago it moved to South Amboy and they also have a small pizza parlor in Perth Amboy once again. They were forced to move from Perth Amboy because the city wanted to build a new police station. They were beloved so much by the community of Perth Amboy that there were petitions and rallies trying to stop the demolition/moving of Sciortino's. Til this day I drive to Sciortino's just for their pizza. Ask around and other people with tell you about this place. Please check this place out! I don't know how it has not been on the Top 25 best pizzas in the state of NJ. I've tried many on the list and only a handful can compete with Sciortino's. Their sausage pizza is awesome!"
Lorenzo Cardona, Perth Amboy
Shanahan's Bakery Cafe at 84 N Main St., Milltown
"Shanahan's Bakery Cafe in Milltown has amazing pizza. Its thin crust and homemade sauce can't be beat."
Todd Mayo, South Brunswick
Rome Pizza at 334 North Ave., Dunellen
"I travel a couple of towns over each week to savor their delicious pizza. My Wife Cathy thinks that I am crazy but the crust is fantastic and the cheese is greater than most pizzerias' extra cheese. When you order a topping, Rome doesn't skimp at all. I remember once getting a pie with the 'works' and I couldn't believe the weight of the pie."
Kevin Keane, South Plainfield
De Lorenzo's Tomato Pie at 2350 Rt. 33 #105, Robbinsville
"We go there every two weeks from Edison and it is well worth the trip. Pie is nice and thin and very crispy. Absolutely the best!"
Pat Novak, Edison
DeLucia's Brick Oven at 3 First Ave., Raritan
"Delucia's Brick Oven Pizza in Raritan is the best I have ever tasted. It's been family-owned and operated for a very long time and they are great people. The flavor from that brick oven is to die for! Pick up fresh or frozen to cook at home. You just can't beat it!"
Lisa Humphrey, Hillsborough
Tony's Pizza and Restaurant at 716 Oak Tree Ave., South Plainfield
"By far the best pizza you could ever wish for. He has been around since the '70s that I can remember. You gotta try it. It's a 10."
Joanne Trembly, South Plainfield
