New Jersey was recently wrapped up in something of a scandal. The official Twitter account for the state of New Jersey tweeted out a bold claim... New Jersey is the pizza capital of the world. This caused quite a stir and states like New York and Illinois were outraged. Politicians and food columnists even weighed in on the debate. The consensus was that New Jersey pizza is a contender. The Garden State is home to several delicious styles of pizza and focuses on quality over quantity...the New York market is saturated and Chicago has only got deep dish. Let's take a look at what makes New Jersey-style pizza the best of the best.
To create the perfect pizza, the dough needs to be just so. That starts with the flour. You also want quality cheese.
Other states offer that but New Jersey has got the best tomatoes, which make the best tomato sauce.
If we're talking fresh, local ingredients, New Jersey has other states beat. According to Garden State food writer Pete Genovese, Jersey-style pizza is what New York-style pizza aspires to be.
I have to agree. I've had pizza all over and the best slice I've ever had was at Old Judge in New Jersey. It closed ages ago but we still have some incredible pies.
DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies is a classic. Located in Robbinsville, it's been a local favorite since 1947. A bit different than traditional pizza, the sauce goes on after the cheese.
Kinchley's Tavern in Ramsey has a great thin crust pie. It's perfectly crispy!
The bar pie at Star Tavern in Orange was named among the best pizzas in America by The Daily Meal...
Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth also made that list as did Razza in Jersey City, the aforementioned DeLorenzo's, Papa's Tomato Pies in Robbinsville, and Bread And Salt in Jersey City.
Federici's in Freehold, Grimaldi's in Hoboken, Pizza Town USA in Elmwood Park, and Reservoir Tavern in Boonton are also favorites.
If you're in the shore area, check out Manco & Manco Pizza in Ocean City and Pete & Elda's in Neptune City.
So, what about it? Did we convert you, or did you already agree with us that New Jersey pizza is the best possible pizza out there? Where do you think that the best pizza in New Jersey can be found? Let us know so we can check it out!
Turns out, pizza isn't the only thing that we do a great job at in New Jersey. Take a look at our list of other iconic New Jersey foods and try out a few! We highly recommend sitting down at a diner for a Taylor ham sandwich and a big side order of unbeatable disco fries.
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