One Man’s Take On Where To Find New Jersey’s Best Pizza

I am on a seemingly never-ending journey on where to find New Jersey's best pizza.

But there's a bit of a problem - I will admit it right now - I am a pizza snob.

When it comes to beer? Smithwick's is my preference but I will gladly drink whatever happens to be cold. So your fridge only has something like Natty Light? You say it's cold? I say bring it on.

I don't drink a lot of hard liquor, but when I do it's rarely top shelf.

But pizza? That's a whole 'nother story. I am CONSTANTLY looking for New Jersey's best pizza.

DISCLAIMER - I lived in the Bronx for nearly eight years, two of them just a couple of blocks away from Arthur Avenue in the Belmont section, also known as Little Italy. I was completely spoiled by the experience.

Restaurants like Mario's, Dominick's, Ann & Tony's - all of them are simply incredible. And don't even get me started on the bakeries. Artuso's Pastry Shop alone is worth the trip across the George Washington Bridge.

MANGIA!

(TRAVELER'S ADVICE - if you're out of the area and you see a sign advertising that they have NYC-style pizza, rest assured that they don't.)

All that having been said, I've found a few places here in New Jersey that come close, and one in particular that gives NYC pizza a run for its money.

La Gondola is in the Ramsey Square Shopping Center on Route 17 North along with Kohl's and Staples. This is hands down the closest I've gotten to the pizza I enjoyed in the Bronx. The crust isn't too thick, the cheese is generous, and the sauce is outstanding. I've driven out of my way more than once going through Bergen County to enjoy a couple of their slices.

https://www.lagondolapizzeria.com/

Another Ramsey pizza place! King Pizza North is a little harder to find as it's tucked away on a side street in the center of town, away from Route 17 and Franklin Turnpike.

The pizza crust is pretty close to NYC-style pies and if you're in the mood for something else, I highly recommend the chicken parm sandwich.

https://kingpizzaramsey.com/

Like your pizza with a thin crust? Star Tavern in Orange is legendary! Great pizza and cold beer is a killer combination. Even if you're out of the Essex County area, it's definitely worth the drive.

https://www.startavern.net/

Located adjacent to the Hyatt Hills Golf Complex on Raritan Road in Clark, Oh' Brian's On the Green has some tasty bar pies that are an underrated part of the menu which also includes pub grub and a really good craft beer lineup.

And though I have no idea what "Detroit Style Pizza" is, Oh' Brian's has a Sausage & Ricotta Detroit Style bar pie that is outrageously good. There's also an outstanding selection of beers on tap, a friendly wait staff, and live music on the weekends.

https://www.ohbriansonthegreen.com/

And yet another Ramsey pizza place!

Kinchley's ultra-thin crust pizza is simply outstanding. And there are TEN TAPS with a terrific selection of beers.

https://www.kinchleyspizza.com/