Tacconelli’s in Maple Shade Brings a Century of Brick-Oven Tradition to South Jersey

In Maple Shade, where long-standing neighborhood institutions still shape the local dining culture, Tacconelli’s Pizzeria continues to earn its reputation as one of South Jersey’s most respected destinations for thin-crust, brick-oven pizza. This family-run restaurant represents far more than a place to grab dinner. It is a continuation of a baking legacy that began more than 100 years ago and has been carefully preserved across generations.

Tacconelli’s Maple Shade location reflects a deliberate commitment to tradition rather than trend. From its pared-down approach to service to its unwavering focus on technique, the restaurant appeals to diners who value craftsmanship, patience, and authenticity. It has become a frequent stop for pizza enthusiasts traveling throughout the state, often alongside other notable destinations highlighted in Explore New Jersey’s ongoing coverage of standout local spots in its pizza section.

The Maple Shade restaurant operates as a cash-only, BYOB establishment, reinforcing its old-school sensibility. While an on-site ATM offers convenience, the experience is intentionally simple and centered on the food. Dinner reservations are recommended, particularly during peak hours, as the dining room fills quickly with regulars and first-time visitors alike.

Hours are structured to prioritize consistency and quality. Tacconelli’s is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, opening Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with Sunday service running from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. These limited hours reflect a kitchen that values precision over volume, ensuring each pie receives the attention it demands.

The menu begins and ends with pizza defined by its thin, crisp crust and carefully controlled char. Each pie is cooked well-done in a brick oven, producing a texture that is sturdy yet light, with just enough blistering to enhance flavor without overwhelming it. The Signature Pie, a white pizza topped with spinach and chopped tomatoes, is a house favorite that showcases balance and restraint. The Margherita remains another standout, relying on proportion and freshness rather than excess.

Beyond pizza, Tacconelli’s Maple Shade location expands the experience with a selection of homemade pasta dishes that feel rooted in family tradition. Gnocchi and other house-made offerings bring warmth and substance to the menu, while salads arrive with scratch-made dressings that underscore the kitchen’s attention to detail. Desserts, including house-prepared gelato, provide a fitting conclusion to a meal built on heritage rather than shortcuts.

Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The dining room favors comfort over spectacle, encouraging conversation and lingering meals. It is a space that feels connected to the community, where repeat guests are as common as newcomers drawn by word-of-mouth and long-standing reputation.

The story behind Tacconelli’s begins in Philadelphia in 1918, when Giovanni Tacconelli emigrated from Chieti, Italy. By the 1920s, Giovanni and friends had constructed a massive brick oven to support a growing bread business, using techniques he carried from his homeland. That operation paused during World War II when Giovanni’s sons were drafted into military service, but the oven remained at the center of the family’s future.

In 1946, Giovanni transformed that oven into the foundation of a new venture, using a tomato pie recipe taught to him by his mother in Italy. What began as a practical decision soon evolved into a defining chapter of the family’s history. The business passed from Giovanni to his son Anthony, then to Anthony’s son Vince, each generation preserving the core recipe and philosophy.

In 1998, leadership shifted once again when Vince and his wife Barbara retired and handed the Philadelphia operation to their son, Vince Tacconelli Jr. Five years later, Vince Jr. and his wife Doris opened the first New Jersey location in Maple Shade, bringing the family’s brick-oven tradition closer to home. That decision marked a significant expansion of the Tacconelli name in New Jersey and laid the groundwork for future growth.

Today, while the Philadelphia and New Jersey locations operate independently under different branches of the family, they remain united by Giovanni Tacconelli’s original vision. The Maple Shade restaurant stands as a testament to that vision, offering thin-crust pizza and house-made dishes that honor the past while continuing to define what great New Jersey pizza looks like in the present.