This is what I’m talking about, this is by far my absolute favorite assignment of the year. The border of New York and New Jersey is a mecca for Italian-American cuisine. The Pizza and Italian food in this region is unparalleled, period. There is a slice for every pizza snob out there.
We will dive into NY thin crust, Sicilian, Grandma, Personal Pies, Jersey Bar Pizza, Margherita Pizza and various gourmet pizzas. At this time, we will not be reviewing California Style, Detroit Style, Chicago Deep Dish, St. Louis style nor New England Greek Style, for obvious reasons.
Originally this list was going to be a “Top 15”, however, after some near fist fights with my colleagues, we increased it to a “Top 25”. Yes, it’s that serious. Let’s talk about the rules. Our formula takes into account:
Consistency, Quality, Location (one per county minimum), Flavor (proper cheese to sauce ratio), Crust, and Customer Satisfaction. There is absolutely no way to make everyone happy with our picks. That being said, sit back and enjoy the list!
Emilio’s of Morris Park
This location is mad Italian. Love it. Morris Park: Branded as the “Real” little Italy of NYC. Delicious gourmet pies and a one of a kind Margherita with the freshest mozzarella and possibly the best crust on the list.
1051 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY (Morris Park)
(718) 822-6758
L&B Spumoni Gardens
The BEST Sicilian slice around. Perfect sauce to cheese ratio with some sauce on top of the cheese. Crust is perfection. They also have entrees and an ice-cream shop, we’ll save that for another article. The place is an institution.
2725 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY. (Bensonhurst)
(718) 449 1230
Lucali
Well done classic New York thin crust pizza with fresh basil on top. Expect a wait, but it’s definitely worth it.
575 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (Carroll Gardens)
(718) 858-4086
Classic NY slice with one of the best sauces. Pizza is not sold by the slice.
524 Port Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302 (Elm Park)
(718) 442-9401
Patsy’s
On the corner of First Ave and 118th lies Patsy’s Pizzeria a landmark and staple in East Harlem.
2287 First Avenue, New York, NY 10035 (East Harlem)
(212) 534-9783
John’s on Bleeker
Serving absolutely incredible coal oven thin crust pizza since 1929. Wonderful selection of slices.
278 Bleeker Street, New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-1680
Lucia Pizza
Nostalgic Italian joint offering high quality thin-crust pizza, calzones & baked pasta in an unassuming setting.
136-55 Roosevelt Ave, Queens, NY 11354 (Flushing)
(929) 282-1983
Mercato Tomato Pie
Laid-back venue serving oven-baked pizzas, pasta & brews in a spacious, modern interior.
212 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 424-9000
Napoli’s Pizza
One of the best Neapolitan brick oven pizzas we tried on the list. They now have two locations (Downtown and Uptown Hoboken)
133 Clinton St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 479-0440
Grimaldi’s
An off shoot of the legendary Patsy Grimaldi. This is one of the more upscale pizzerias and restaurants on the list. Classic pizzas and fantastic entrees.
411 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 792-0010
Gino’s Pizzeria
Decades-old family owned restaurant serving pizza & classic Italian dishes in a casual setting. Great Daily Specials.
380 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
(201) 659-6464
Bergen Brick Oven Bar & Grill
Home of the “Old Judge Pizza” and a list of quality specialty pizzas. They also have a bar and grill if you are in the mood.
290 Huyler St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606
(201) 678-1010
Pizza Mania
Casual Italian place offering signature & traditional pizzas along with subs, pasta, wings & panini.
390 Midland Ave, Garfield, NJ 07026
(973) 859-0855
Kinchley’s Pizza
The quintessential classic thin crust – Jersey bar style pie. Old school decor with rich wood. In my humble opinion, it has to be on your Bergen County short list. God bless who ever makes that sauce, Mamma Mia!
586 N Franklin Tpke, Ramsey, NJ 07446
(201) 934-7777
Patsy’s Tavern & Restaurant
Thin-crust pizza, pasta & other Italian classics served amid an old-school neighborhood vibe. They also serve beer. Same great pizza for over 50 years!
72 7th Ave, Paterson, NJ 07524
(973) 742-9596
Taormina
Old-school storefront pizza parlor delivering classic New York-style pies on paper plates.
301 Madison Ave, Paterson, NJ 07524
(973) 742-1163
Johnny’s Pizzeria
Since 1942, a cash-only spot for NY-style pizzas in a basic space with Yankees memorabilia.
30 W Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550
(914) 668-1957
Pizza Barn
Veteran Italian restaurant & pizzeria offering ginormous slices, sandwiches & pasta in a simple setting. A Westchester staple.
70 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10705
(914) 378-1400
Abatino’s
Neighborhood staple for pizzas & home-style Italian fare in a basic space.
670 N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603
(914) 686-0380
Franco’s
Casual place for pizza & a variety of Italian dishes served in a suburban strip-mall storefront.
312 NY-59, Nanuet, NY 10954
(845) 623-5690
Tony Boffa’s
Family run Italian restaurant offering up classic red-sauce fare in basic surroundings.
75 Railroad Ave, Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 343-8842
Annabella’s Pizza & Restaurant
Great all around pizzeria with an extremely large menu. BYOB
329 Smith Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 887-3040
Village Trattoria
Bustling neighborhood spot offering Italian food favorites & pizza in a laid-back environment.
2 Inwood Pl, Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 761-7711
Eddie’s Pizza
Vintage local joint serving up thin-crust pizza, including personal “bar pies,” in a basic backdrop.
2048 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
(516) 354-9780
La Margherita Pizzeria
Spacious Italian eatery starring pizza from a wood-burning brick oven & familiar Italian dishes.
1231 Station Rd, Medford, NY 11763
(631) 924-0048
Written by: Christopher Santini and Seth Goldstien of NYNJ.COM
Did we forget anyone? Email us at media@NYNJ.com and let us know and they will be considered for the 2019 List. Please make sure to reference the article “NYNJ’s 2018 – Top 25 Pizza Spots on the Border of New York & New Jersey”
