Exploring New Jersey’s Top Pizzerias: Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Ratings Highlight the State’s Best Pies. New Jersey has long claimed a spot on the national pizza map, and Dave Portnoy’s “One Bite” series has spotlighted just how deep that tradition runs. Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has sampled hundreds of pies across the Garden State, rating them on crust, sauce, cheese, and overall flavor. His reviews often make headlines, as he ranks local favorites alongside the country’s top pizzerias.
Among Portnoy’s highest-rated New Jersey pizza destinations, DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza in Raritan stands out with an impressive 9.4 score. This classic, old-school pizzeria has been delighting locals for decades. Portnoy praised its thin, crispy crust, perfectly balanced sauce, and consistently flavorful toppings, calling it “100% in the conversation” for the best pizza he’s ever tasted. The pizzeria’s blend of tradition and quality has made it a must-visit for serious pizza enthusiasts.
Another standout is De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies in Robbinsville, which received a 9.1 from Portnoy. Serving its signature tomato pies since 1947, De Lorenzo’s has become synonymous with old-fashioned Italian flavor. Portnoy highlighted the firm, crisp crust and richly seasoned sauce, noting that it ranks among his top pies nationwide. Both DeLucia’s and De Lorenzo’s illustrate how New Jersey’s pizzerias combine classic techniques with consistent execution, earning national recognition.
Several other New Jersey pizzerias have earned high marks and are worth exploring. Brooklyn Square Pizza in South Brunswick scored an 8.9, thanks to its distinctive Sicilian-style pies that emphasize a thick, airy crust and generous toppings. Calabria Pizzeria & Restaurant in Livingston also earned an 8.9 for its thin-crust offerings, praised for a perfectly crisp edge and flavorful, well-seasoned sauce. Similarly, Conte’s Pizza in Princeton impressed with an 8.9 rating, showcasing a mastery of thin-crust pizza that balances crispness with chewiness.
Portnoy’s attention to detail extends to several other highly-rated spots across the state. Ralph’s Pizzeria in Nutley scored an 8.9, offering a classic bar-style pie that keeps locals coming back. Federici’s Family Restaurant in Freehold earned an 8.8, celebrated for its traditional approach and fresh ingredients. Angeloni’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Caldwell, with an 8.8 rating, and Nancy’s Townehouse in Rahway, also rated 8.8 for its standout bar pies, highlight the diversity of styles and flavors found in New Jersey. Columbia Inn in Montville rounds out this group with an 8.7 score, demonstrating that even smaller or less-known establishments can deliver exceptional pies.
What sets New Jersey apart is its wide range of pizza styles. From thin-crust Neapolitan-inspired pies to thick, Sicilian-style squares, and from traditional tomato pies to creative modern toppings, the state offers something for every palate. Local pizzerias continue to thrive by emphasizing fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and consistent quality—a formula that Portnoy’s One Bite series has repeatedly recognized.
For pizza lovers planning their next culinary adventure, Explore New Jersey provides a complete guide to the state’s best pizzerias, along with detailed reviews, locations, and tips for sampling the top-rated pies at Explore New Jersey Pizza. Whether you’re a casual fan or a serious pizza connoisseur, New Jersey’s pizzerias offer some of the most memorable and flavorful pies in the nation.
