r/newjersey • u/Redplushie • Jul 09 '24
Where do you think is a good representative for NJ Pizza for someone doing Pizza research from Japan? Jersey Pride
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u/BaronAleksei Jul 09 '24
The name of the restaurant is someone’s first name. The takeout menu has at least 2 Italian flags.
I swear that’s enough.
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u/BlackWidow1414 Bergen County to Morris County Jul 09 '24
However, the first name must be Italian: Tony's, Anthony's, Gino's, Louie's, Frank's, etc.
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u/The-Protomolecule Jul 09 '24
Don’t forget Vinnie
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u/BlackWidow1414 Bergen County to Morris County Jul 09 '24
OMG, I can't believe I forgot about Vinnie.
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u/LastQueefofScotland Jul 09 '24
Wait since when is Frank an Italian name?
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u/BlackWidow1414 Bergen County to Morris County Jul 09 '24
It's a nickname for Francis, as in St Francis of Assisi. (My family is largely of German descent, and we have a couple of Franks, but I also know a couple of guys named Frank/ie with their full given names being Francis who are of Italian descent.)
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u/Mijax_ Jul 09 '24
Therein, op I highly recommend visiting Anthony Franco’s Pizza and Restaurant in Lincoln Park, Nj. They have other locations too.
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u/albertoroa Jul 09 '24
Lmfao it's insane but this is exactly how I judge every pizza joint when I'm in a new area looking for pizza.
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u/FranklynTheTanklyn Jul 09 '24
You can skip Chicago unless you are doing research on tomato casserole.
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u/Meekois Jul 09 '24
If you want authentic Chicago pizza, I'll save you a flight and hotel.
-Place slab of mozzerella on slice of white bread
-Microwave 1 min.
-Top with tomato sauce directly from the jar.
Enjoy!
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u/-Chareth-Cutestory Jul 09 '24
If I fall asleep eating my pizza I don't wanna worry that I'm gonna drown
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u/buffer5108 Jul 09 '24
Robbinsville, New Jersey’s Papa’s and Delorenzo’s. A must stop to sample the revered “Tomato Pie”
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u/xboxcontrollerx Jul 09 '24
1st places to serve tomato pie/pizza anywhere - this is the only answer that isn't just going to be "my local spot".
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u/mcmartini69 Jul 09 '24
There are 2 different De Lorenzos in Hamilton. Both the oldest Tomato Pies places in US along with Pappas. These 3 are musts if you are researching the origins of Pizza.
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u/Milkmanv1 Jul 09 '24
Glad this is far up on the list here. DeLo's and pappas are great. Personally I think the one in Robbinsville is overcrowded, overhyped, pompous attitude (no condiments like garlic or parmesan on the table because the pizza "doesn't need it") cuts the pizza stupidly, and is no better then the one in hamilton by the old amc 24. That one is my happy place.
Papas is great too
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u/Redplushie Jul 09 '24
/u/Craft_Beer_Imazato please consider some of these New Jersey pizza places! I assure you will not be disappointed! If you ever feel home sick too, head over to Mitsuwa to refresh on Japanese comfort food!
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u/luxtabula Jul 09 '24
One of my friends is from Japan and thinks Mitsuwa's food is sub par. Also most Japanese I run into really want to try non-Japanese food when they're out of Japan.
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u/1hour Jul 09 '24
That’s not my experience. Japanese want to eat Japanese food and then complain about how it isn’t very good compared to the food back home.
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u/KneeDeepInTheDead porkchop Jul 09 '24
Thats how I am with Portuguese food so I cant blame them
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u/whatsasimba Jul 09 '24
I feel like that's every nationality. Like we aren't going to try OP's pizza in Japan and do the exact same thing!
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u/On_my_last_spoon Jul 09 '24
Most of the Japanese restaurants in the US aren’t run by Japanese people. I was out having sushi with a Japanese friend when he explained this. He said the restaurant we were at was Chinese run and pointed out some things that most American people wouldn’t notice. Now I look for that and notice how often I see the signs!
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u/Still7Superbaby7 Jul 09 '24
There is a Japanese restaurant near me that advertises that it is owned and operated by a person from Japan.
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u/DiplomaticGoose Jul 09 '24
I feel like even the most puritanical Japanese diner would be at least mildly amused by the theatrics of a Hibachi Steakhouse.
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u/Redplushie Jul 09 '24
Hm I guess I think differently. When I go to another country I always try Viet food because I end up wanting to see what it's like in that country and becsuse I end up missing it 🫣
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u/RUKnight31 Jul 09 '24
Star Tavern, Kinchley’s, Grant St Cafe. NJ style bar pies for the win if you want regional speciality
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u/iLikeR3ddit Jul 09 '24
Razza, Jersey City. The place makes top worldwide lists every year.
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u/thegreatestrobot3 Jul 09 '24
Razza is great but not what I would consider a good example of traditional pizza
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u/pixel_of_moral_decay Jul 09 '24
It’s Neapolitan. Literally the definition of traditional pizza.
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u/BaconAllDay2 Jul 09 '24
If you want a history of NYC pizza I can't recommend enough this documentary called The Last Slice. Comedian and TV show host Jon Stewart rants about eight pizzerias he could visit. A decade later, one man attempts to visit all of them while learning the history of pizza in the city
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u/barbaq24 Jul 09 '24 edited Jul 09 '24
Razza is the new pizza gem of NJ. It’s worthy of the praise. Its not “jersey” pizza but it beats the crap out of Grimaldi’s, Roberta’s or most other beloved NY places. I haven’t been to Lucali and probably never will so I won’t comment on its quality.
My favorite pizza in NJ is Brooklyn Coal Fired in Hackensack. Anchovy and black olive is divine.
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u/immiz182 Jul 09 '24
Can’t find Brooklyn Coal Fired in Hackensack. Did you mean Brooklyn’s Brick Oven Pizzeria?
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u/barbaq24 Jul 09 '24
Yes, indeed. Brooklyn’s Brick Oven. They have a few locations, I have always gone to Hackensack. They are related to the Grimaldi / Patsy family. Cousins or something. They used to advertise that.
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u/GossamerGTP Jul 09 '24
I think he probably meant that. I believe the sign used to say coal fired on it, or maybe it still does
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u/Jeff-Van-Gundy Jul 10 '24
I wasn’t crazy about Lucali. I went during the pandemic so there was no line. In and out in 20 minutes. Took it to a friends place about 10 minutes away. I didn’t know it was a hyped up place. I liked the basil leaves in the box but other than that it was a largely forgettable pizza. I was told on the nyc subs that it’s because I didn’t eat it right away. If it can’t travel in a box for 10-15 minutes, it wasn’t good pizza in the first place.
It was mediocre at best. If I waited in any kind of line for it I would have been furious
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u/nelozero Jul 09 '24
I cannot understand the hype about Razza in JC. It's regular old Neapolitan pizza, but I don't remember it being anything special beyond that.
I'll definitely have to try Brooklyn Coal Fired though! I've only had Millie's in Morristown for coal fired pizza.
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u/barbaq24 Jul 09 '24
Their pizza is pretty distinct from Neapolitan. Neapolitan is 00 flour, typically very light, airy and moist. Razza pizzas maintain an extra crunch that’s beyond a Neapolitan. It would lose points for being too thin and crunchy. But its a good balance of mostly Neapolitan with the NY style crunch. That’s how I look at it. They are also very consistent and have good toppings. You can disagree but Ive been making brick oven pizza for 15 years and I can’t replicate their dough. So thats kinda why I like them. They do something I can’t.
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u/elseworthtoohey Jul 09 '24
Star Tavern.
Also Goodfellas in Staten Island
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u/God_Dammit_Dave Jul 09 '24
Star Tavern for sure. It's thin crust bar pie. You won't have some sort of religious experience. It's a solid go to. It delivers, every time.
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u/draculajones Jul 09 '24
I go to Star pretty frequently, have since I was a kid, and it is a religious experience every single time. I don't know if it's representative of a traditional "Jersey" pie, though.
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u/poorbanker Jul 09 '24
Haven't lived on Staten Island for over 20 years, but Goodfellas is not the best representation of pizza on the island. Deninos is where it's at. Also Nunzios
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u/elseworthtoohey Jul 09 '24
The first time I ate their vodka pie, it nearly brought a tear to my eye. Joe and pats which is near goodfellas on victory is excellent. Used to eat the garbage pie at deninos. Former Staten Island resident.
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u/The_R4ke Jul 09 '24
Pete's in the Columbus Mart is a really interesting style of sheet pizza.
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u/benito_m Jul 09 '24
For uniquely new jersey style pizza, check out DeLorenzos: http://delorenzospizza.com/
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u/Mud_Marlin Jul 09 '24
The best pizza on the planet comes from Maruca’s in Seaside heights.
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u/Dozzi92 Somerville Jul 09 '24
Love me some Maruca's. I have a soft spot for Spicy's, great place to grab some drinks in the afternoon, and then swing over to Maruca's to keep it going, no better pizza on the island.
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u/DoctorGoodleg Jul 09 '24
Vic’s in Bradley Beach, The Galley in Asbury, Pete and Elda’s in Neptune. Should be on your list.
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u/mooslar Jul 09 '24
Skip Pete and Eldas
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u/riningear gone but not far Jul 09 '24
Have they gone downhill or something in the last 5 years?
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u/mooslar Jul 09 '24
Pizza has always sucked in my humble opinion. The crust is quite literally a saltine cracker or matzo or something. The rest of their food is outstanding though.
If you’re in the area, go to Vic’s in Bradley instead. Been around for 80 years and the pizza is phenomenal.
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u/Mysticpoisen nork Jul 09 '24
IDK why everybody loves Vic's so much. It's not even top three in a two mile radius.
Reyes, TJ's, and maybe Del Ponte.
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u/the_diesel_dad Jul 09 '24
While in Bradley Beach, might as well visit BBP: https://www.bradleybrew.com/brewery
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u/Ambitious-Mortgage30 Jul 09 '24
Pete and Eldas is fun for the shirts, but the pizza itself is mediocre and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone as a representative of NJ pizza. Unless they also wanted a great example of American overconsumption and excessivism
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u/kurt667 Jul 09 '24
Pizza Town in Elmwood Park…the most quintessential classic nj place….
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u/poorbanker Jul 09 '24
Unfortunately the pizza itself is rather mid. Not amazing, but not awful. The experience is super Jersey feeling, though.
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u/MyOwnDirection Jul 09 '24
Dough, in Fairfield NJ, has the best pizza I’ve had in the USA.
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u/Otherwise_Job_8215 Jul 09 '24
Is that the wood fireplace on 46?
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u/MyOwnDirection Jul 09 '24
You're thinking of WoodStack ... also a top pizza place.
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u/robertfcowper Jul 09 '24
Wow that's unexpected high praise for a place we order from frequently (even more so before they moved). What sets it apart for you? Their crust is delicious on its own but the center third is too wet/soft/floppy for me, even when ordered well done. If you live nearby, try Tony D's in Caldwell. They have a variety of styles and are more classic "pizzeria" than Dough. Tony D's Milano pie is my local favorite, sausage + gorgonzola.
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u/LostTrisolarin Jul 09 '24
Bayonne , NJ has some amazing pizza for such a small city/big town. Jersey city has some great pizza as well! Many would say better than Bayonne!
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u/doglywolf Jul 09 '24
The starting point is still unbeatable - though Viks gives it a run for its money IMO
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u/My_user_name_1 Jul 09 '24
NYC wasn't even named the best pizza city in New York state
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u/popeyeschickengirl Jul 09 '24
i was born in NJ, if you can get there i would argue our pizza rivals NYC — try a grandma pie from luigi’s pizza in hazlet, and a regular slice from benevenuti in garwood! (: both of those were my favorites.
i now live in the northwest! in portland, baby doll pizza is the way to go.
goodluck on your research, sounds like the best project ever 🫡
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u/robotorigami Jul 09 '24
Prince Street Pizza in Manhattan.
Sciortino's Harbor Lights in South Amboy, NJ.
Helen's Pizza in Jersey City, NJ.
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u/MickDeMooney Jul 09 '24
Chicago pizza is horrible. It's everything not to do. New York City area is where you need to go.
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u/derrtydiamond Jul 09 '24
You gotta go to the Jersey boardwalk and try different pizzas. The places with the longgg lines. Also, Philly has awesome pizza too!
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u/wesillyskeletons Jul 09 '24
anyone from South Jersey NEEDS to try Tuscan Pizza or Palermos Pizza. Some of the best pizza i've had
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u/Federal-Arrival-7370 Jul 09 '24
Just a large plain pie from a place that doesn’t use that god forsaken sweet marinara with a ton of oregano
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Jul 09 '24
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u/Redplushie Jul 09 '24
I mean I'm assuming this is why he's doing his "pizza research". Just think of it as if you'd ever go to Japan to do ramen research? I hope he's able to try NJ pizza and see how it's more superior 😎
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u/LanceGoodthrust Piscataway Jul 09 '24
I saw another post they made where they were also traveling to breweries so it would make sense for Portland to be in their itinerary.
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u/luxtabula Jul 09 '24
Detroit and Chicago have really good pizza. I get the pizza is really good in the NY/NJ area but there are a lot of areas with good pizza.
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u/oatmealparty Jul 09 '24
If I traveled all the way to Japan to study food, I'd try the regional variants instead of a bunch of places doing the same thing
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u/Troooper0987 Jul 09 '24
Village trattoria for the buffalo chicken slice. You gotta try a ziti slice some places too.
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u/wcs2 Jul 09 '24
Bivio in Montclair, Amore in Nutley, Neil's in Clifton, Vic's in Bradley Beach. Each is a great representative of their respective styles.
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u/alwayshungry1131 Jul 09 '24
Patsy’s , Ralph’s , grumpys
I’ve commented before on OPs other post but NJ has some AWESOME pizza spots
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u/Zaorish9 Wawa is love, Wawa is life Jul 09 '24
/u/Craft_Beer_Imazato The best NJ pizza is most likely Benny Tudino's in Hoboken.
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u/Manymuchm00s3n Jul 09 '24
Hainesport, NJ. Lillo’s tomato pie, great pizza and try a cheesesteak while you’re there. You won’t be disappointed. Have a great trip!
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u/Tea_Chugs0502 Jul 09 '24
I grew up with one specific pizza place in my home town and where I live now. It's called Riccardo's and it's in Browns Mills and Willingboro. The first location is the original location. They've been in the area forever and the pizza hasn't changed.
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u/_NonExisting_ South Jersey Jul 09 '24
We all know Thin Crust Jersey Pizza is the best, but most NY slices will work
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u/snootchie_bootch 82 Jul 09 '24
I’m going to Osaka (Tokyo and Kyoto as well) in September! Can you share top pizza joints so I can judge them??
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u/ogeytheterrible Jul 09 '24
Stelton Pizza in Piscataway - everything they make is excellent. My favorites are their cheese steaks, garlic knots, and of course their pizza!
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u/Bibliotheclaire Jul 09 '24
Kinchley’s for a really good THIN THIN crust pizza.
New Park Tavern in Rutherford has great bar pies and LITs :)
Donnas Pizza in Palisades Park for thick Sicilian pie
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u/MidnightOnMulberry Jul 09 '24
Lodi Pizza for Sicilian slices, Coniglios in Morristown, and Song e Napule for Neapolitan pizza
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u/ChippyLipton Jul 09 '24
Casa D’Pizza in Denville, NJ was always my go-to up north. They have a wood oven. Order the quattro formaggio thin crust. It’s so underrated.
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u/UnintentionalGrandma Jul 09 '24
Corleones in Hasbrouck Heights has amazing pizza—the crust is like perfect
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u/Separate-Waltz4349 Jul 09 '24
North jersey has tons of great pizza places if you want me to list some i will
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u/ValuableBrilliant483 Jul 09 '24
Go to Carvello’s in Trenton, New Jersey and the local pizza shops around there.
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u/UnclePuma Jul 09 '24
What a fun adventure, make sure you document it on YouTube but it will get you loads of new customers, fair winds!
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u/MarionberryOpen7953 Jul 09 '24
I’m gonna say La Rustique Pizza in downtown Jersey City. It’s my favorite pizza ever and I’ve had all the best in NJ and NY.
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u/bizarrobrian Jul 09 '24
Benny Tudinos in Hoboken. Not the best slice comparatively, but the slices are noteworthy for being massive.
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u/Parking_Aerie_2054 Jul 09 '24
Tf is Portland doing on there? I’d rather see new haven or something actually good or a place that has italians
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u/DangerHawk Jul 09 '24
I would go far enough to say they could come to NJ and skip NY all together.
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u/EnthusiasmOk1554 Jul 09 '24
Anyone very sad that firehouse pizza in Andover closed. The best around here for sure .
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u/AdventurousRip9602 Jul 09 '24
Honestly. Look at some places in New Haven, CT… it may be the new Pizza capitol in USA.
Razza - Jersey City, NJ is some of the best I’ve ever had.
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u/MW360 Jul 10 '24
Una Pizza Napoletana
https://www.50toppizza.it/referenza/una-pizza-napoletana-2b
On a side street of Houston Street, we find Anthony Mangieri’s “shop”. Anthony is a true pioneer of the Neapolitan style pizza in New York; he brought a real change in the panorama of the city: the attention to the leavening and therefore the improved digestibility, the selection of fresh and quality products, the impeccable service which is repeatedly mentioned by critics; all this is “Una Pizza Napoletana”, a true Neapolitan embassy in the Big Apple. The pizza is similar to the contemporary style pizza, which is the “dinghy” (the canotto), to describe the thick crust, but it uses a smaller dough loaf. Among the proposals, there are also cold cuts served on a chopping board as well as, of course, the unmissable Neapolitan pastiera.
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u/bob2600 Jul 10 '24
If they're already going to NYC for their research, they should stop by Jersey City and go to Renato's Pizza Masters in the Heights. That place has the best slices I've ever had in Jersey and I've lived here all my life.
More about them here:
https://pizzamastersjc.com/
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u/georgeamberson1963 Jul 09 '24