In New Jersey, pizza is more than a meal. It is a point of pride, a neighborhood institution, a family tradition, and for many residents, a way of life. Across the Garden State, independent pizzerias continue to define local communities while simultaneously fueling one of the most passionate culinary cultures in America. From classic boardwalk slices and old-school Italian-American pies to bar pizzas and artisan creations, New Jersey remains one of the undisputed capitals of pizza excellence.
That reputation received another boost recently when Barstool Sports founder and One Bite pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy visited Union County to sample two local favorites: Pompeii Pizzeria in Clark and Garwood Pizza Co. in neighboring Garwood.
The reviews once again placed a national spotlight on the remarkable depth of New Jersey’s pizza scene, reinforcing something local residents have known for decades: some of the best pizza in America can be found right here in the Garden State.
Portnoy’s One Bite series has become one of the most influential forces in the pizza industry. What began as a simple social media concept has evolved into a cultural phenomenon capable of driving thousands of customers to independently owned restaurants. His reviews have become required viewing for pizza enthusiasts, restaurant owners, and curious food lovers alike.
While Portnoy’s scoring system remains famously unpredictable, a rating in the mid-to-upper sevens is considered a strong endorsement. Scores above 7.5 often indicate a pizzeria worthy of repeat visits and capable of standing out in highly competitive markets.
That is exactly where both Union County establishments landed.
Pompeii Pizzeria earned a score of 7.6, placing it comfortably among the many respected neighborhood pizza destinations that continue to define New Jersey’s food culture.
During his review, Portnoy focused heavily on the pie’s thin, light structure, characteristics that consistently perform well within his ranking criteria. The pizza featured a crisp crust that maintained structural integrity while avoiding the excessive flop that often lowers scores. Portnoy repeatedly noted how easy it would be to consume an entire pie because of its lightness and balance.
For pizza enthusiasts, that observation speaks volumes.
A truly great thin-crust pizza achieves a difficult balance. It must be substantial enough to support toppings and flavor while remaining light enough to encourage bite after bite. According to Portnoy’s assessment, Pompeii successfully delivered that experience.
The review also highlighted something that has long distinguished New Jersey pizzerias from their competitors elsewhere: hospitality.
In one of the lighter moments from the visit, Portnoy praised the staff for allowing him to use a restroom that was technically marked out of service.
While seemingly minor, moments like these often reveal the personality behind family-owned restaurants and neighborhood establishments. In New Jersey, personal service remains part of the dining experience, helping create loyal customer bases that span generations.
Local customers appear to agree with Portnoy’s assessment.
Many regular patrons consistently praise Pompeii’s crisp undercarriage, restrained use of grease, balanced sauce profile, and dependable execution. Those characteristics have helped establish the restaurant as a reliable destination within Clark and the surrounding communities.
Just a short drive away, Garwood Pizza Co. also found itself under the One Bite spotlight.
Portnoy awarded the Garwood establishment a 7.8 score, placing it slightly ahead of Pompeii while positioning it among the stronger recent reviews in the region.
His evaluation focused on the pie’s resemblance to a classic New Jersey bar-style pizza, a format that remains deeply woven into the state’s culinary identity. Known for its crisp texture, thin crust, and highly shareable format, bar pizza occupies a special place within New Jersey’s pizza landscape.
Portnoy described the pie as flavorful and satisfying while noting that it carried slightly more weight than some of the thinner pizzas he typically favors.
Yet the story surrounding Garwood Pizza Co. proved nearly as compelling as the pizza itself.
The owner’s journey attracted considerable attention during the review. Before opening Garwood Pizza Co., the pizza maker spent time working at another highly regarded New Jersey pizza operation. That previous experience became part of the narrative as Portnoy reflected on earlier reviews and the challenges that often accompany launching an independent restaurant.
Adding to the positive atmosphere was a recent personal milestone.
The owner had proposed to his longtime girlfriend just one day before the review, creating a celebratory environment that naturally became part of the conversation. The interaction offered viewers a reminder that behind every successful pizzeria is a story involving hard work, sacrifice, family, and personal commitment.
These stories are a defining characteristic of New Jersey’s pizza culture.
Unlike chain restaurants or corporate concepts, many of the state’s most beloved pizzerias remain family-owned businesses built by individuals who dedicate years, and often entire careers, to perfecting their craft. Customers are not simply buying pizza. They are supporting local entrepreneurs, family legacies, and community institutions.
That connection helps explain why New Jersey consistently performs so well in national pizza rankings.
The state’s pizza culture benefits from a combination of factors rarely found elsewhere. Generations of Italian-American culinary traditions remain deeply embedded throughout communities. Access to major metropolitan markets has encouraged constant innovation and competition. Local consumers possess exceptionally high standards and are unafraid to express strong opinions about crust, sauce, cheese, and technique.
The result is an environment where quality becomes essential rather than optional.
Restaurants must continually earn customer loyalty.
Those standards have helped create one of the most vibrant pizza ecosystems in the country.
Whether visiting a decades-old neighborhood institution, a modern artisan operation, a classic boardwalk slice shop, or an emerging independent concept, diners frequently discover extraordinary quality and craftsmanship. Every town seems to have its own favorite. Every community has its own pizza debates. Every region offers subtle variations that contribute to New Jersey’s broader pizza identity.
The recent One Bite reviews reinforce that reality.
Neither Pompeii Pizzeria nor Garwood Pizza Co. received astronomical scores that dominate national headlines. Instead, they received something arguably more meaningful: validation that they are producing quality pizza worthy of recognition within one of America’s most competitive food categories.
For local businesses, that recognition can have a significant impact.
One Bite reviews routinely attract new customers eager to experience highly rated pies firsthand. Visitors often travel considerable distances after seeing a favorable review, helping introduce independent restaurants to audiences that might otherwise never discover them.
For New Jersey as a whole, these reviews serve another purpose.
They continue highlighting the state’s status as a premier culinary destination.
While New York frequently dominates national pizza conversations and Chicago remains synonymous with deep dish, New Jersey quietly continues producing some of the country’s most diverse and consistently excellent pizza. The Garden State does not rely on a single style or signature format. Instead, its strength lies in variety, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
That commitment is visible in places like Clark and Garwood.
It is visible in countless pizzerias stretching from Bergen County to Cape May.
It is visible in family recipes passed down through generations and in young entrepreneurs developing new interpretations of classic techniques.
Most importantly, it is visible in every carefully crafted pie that emerges from ovens across the state every day.
As Dave Portnoy continues his search for great pizza across America, New Jersey remains one of his most reliable destinations. Time and again, the state delivers quality, consistency, and memorable experiences that reinforce its standing among the nation’s pizza elite.
The latest reviews of Pompeii Pizzeria and Garwood Pizza Co. are simply the newest chapter in that ongoing story.
For New Jersey pizza lovers, however, it is hardly surprising.
The Garden State has been proving its pizza credentials for generations.
The rest of the country is simply catching up.
