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Best Pizza in Ocean County NJ (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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The bar is usually set pretty high when it comes to pizza, so I’m pleased to report that I’ve found twelve places in Ocean County NJ that all offer delicious version of the beloved food.

I’m a bit of a pizza purist, so my reviews will focus on delivering a flavorful experience with an emphasis on quality ingredients and skillful execution. But don’t worry, I like to keep things lighthearted and humorous too, so there’s plenty of fun and laughter to go along with the tasty pies.

Let’s dig into the best pizza in Ocean County NJ!

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of New Jersey

#1 ESPO’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILLE

The pizza is so amazing that I almost thought I was back in Italy. The sauces are out of this world and the cheese is perfectly melted every single time. The toppings are fresh and generous, making every bite truly magical.

But the best part about ESPO’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILLE isn’t just the pizza; it’s the atmosphere. The restaurant itself is cozy and inviting, with friendly staff who always make me feel at home.

Overall, ESPO’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILLE is one of my favorite places to get pizza in Ocean County NJ! Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner or a quick slice on the go, this place definitely has something for everyone.

If you’re willing to go an extra 8 miles, you can get to 14 more pizza places in Seaside Heights!

#2 Pondrelli’s Pizza And Kitchen

The first time I went in, I couldn’t believe my eyes. From the wooden tables and chairs to the intricate tile work on the floor, it had a classic Italian aesthetic that was both inviting and cozy.

I wasted no time getting to the food, of course. Their pizza pies are works of art – thin crusts cooked perfectly with endless topping options! The pizzas come in all sorts of sizes too, so you can get exactly what you want from personal size up to a 12 inch. My personal favorite is their Hawaiian pizza with fresh pineapple, olives and roasted red peppers!

The atmosphere at Pondrelli’s has also been something special. It’s always lively with local patrons discussing the recent game or sharing stories about their families. Every visit has been really enjoyable – friendly faces and good conversation make this place a great spot for dinner or catching up with friends.

Overall, Pondrelli’s Pizza And Kitchen really sets itself apart by offering some of the best pizza in Ocean County NJ. With delicious pies, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, this restaurant deserves more than just five stars!

#3 Mia’s Pizza Toms River NJ

The first thing that struck me upon entering Mia’s was the tantalizing smells coming from the kitchen. The staff were friendly, and I immediately felt at home – a good sign for any pizza place!

On to the pizza – there were so many delicious options to choose from it was hard to decide. In the end, I decided to go with their signature dish, Meat Lover’s Pizza. Wow, I’m glad I did! It was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had – it was loaded with toppings and cooked just right – crunchy on the edges and perfectly chewy in the middle.

If you’re looking for great pizza in Ocean County NJ, look no further than Mia’s Pizza Toms River NJ. You won’t regret it!

#4 Rosie’s Pizza

When I arrived at Rosie’s, I was quite impressed with the atmosphere. It was a great spot for tourists and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Plus, they had some vegetarian options which is always a plus!

Unfortunately, they don’t offer delivery, so if you’re in the mood for pizza you’ll have to make the journey to Rosie’s yourself. But trust me, it’s worth it! The dough was cooked to perfection and their unique blend of toppings made every bite delicious.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Rosie’s Pizza to anyone looking for an amazing pizza experience. Who knows, maybe it will become your new favorite spot too!

#5 That’s Amore Trattoria Italiana

I was first lured in by the smell of fresh-baked dough before I even reached the entrance. When I walked inside the restaurant it felt like a piece of Italy had been transported to New Jersey – with décor reminiscent of an Italian countryside cafe and walls covered in classic photos of Italy.

The pizza here is definitely something special. Thin and crisp crust topped with juicy tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fragrant herbs that just scream ‘Mamma Mia!’. Every bite was perfection, and they don’t skimp on the quantity either — it’s loaded with toppings that are just begging to be devoured.

The service here is top notch too. Everyone (including the chef!) was friendly, attentive and eager to answer my questions – which there were many! All in all, a wonderful experience at this little slice of Italy right here in Ocean County NJ. If you’re looking for an unforgettable pizza experience, That’s Amore Trattoria Italiana needs to be your destination!

#6 Sal’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, which makes it a great spot to catch up with friends and family. The staff are always friendly and helpful.

As for the pizza–it’s phenomenal! Their pizzas have the perfect amount of cheese and sauce, making it ooze with flavor. They offer a variety of toppings so everyone can find something they like (I personally love their pepperoni!).

But what really sets Sal’s apart is the crust. It’s so light and fluffy, but still has that crunchy bite that only a true Italian pizza can have. And let me tell you, it’s one of the best crusts I’ve ever had!

Overall, I highly recommend Sal’s Pizza Restaurant & Pizzeria for anyone seeking the best pizza in Ocean County NJ. You won’t regret it!

#7 Denino’s South Pizzeria

The staff here make this place special. Every time I’ve visited, they’ve been warm and welcoming – almost like we’re friends catching up. It’s easy to tell that they take great pride in the food they serve and really care about creating a positive experience for each customer.

I was immediately impressed with their menu selection. From the classics including Margherita and Sausage to more adventurous options such as BBQ Chicken, there is something for everyone here! The pizzas are always cooked to perfection – the crust just the right amount of crispiness, the sauce flavorful without being overpowering and the toppings plentiful but not overwhelming.

Finally, the presentation of their dishes is beyond compare – each pizza looks like it belongs in a gourmet restaurant rather than a pizza shop. I don’t think I’ll ever have a bad meal at Denino’s South Pizzeria!

If you’re willing to go an extra 9 miles, you can get to 30 more pizza places in Toms River!

#8 Naples Pizza & Restaurant

I stopped by a few weeks ago to try their famous deep-dish pizza, and let me tell you: it was out of this world! The crust was perfectly crunchy on the outside, airy and doughy on the inside. Topped with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and flavorful toppings of my choice (I went with pepperoni – yum!), it truly was an Italian delight!

But the star of the show? The Naples Pizza & Restaurant staff. Not only were they friendly and attentive to my needs throughout my visit, but they never once skimp on quality while crafting their delicious pies.

All in all, if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Ocean County NJ (or anywhere!), I can’t recommend Naples Pizza & Restaurant highly enough! So make sure you stop by next time you’re in town – your taste buds will thank you!

#9 Capone’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta

I was truly impressed by the quality of their ingredients and their flavorful sauces. Their dough is light, fluffy and perfectly crispy, while their cheese is a true delight. And they don’t skimp on toppings either – their selection is top-notch!

The atmosphere at Capone’s is also second to none – it’s warm and inviting with a perfect blend of Italian comfort food and modern sophistication. The staff were super friendly and made sure to check in on us regularly to make sure we were having a great experience.

All in all, I’d happily recommend anyone looking for some of the best pizza in Ocean County NJ to check out Capone’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

#10 Rosato’s Pub & Pizzeria

From the moment I stepped into Rosato’s, I knew it was something special. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was incredibly friendly. But what really stood out was the pizza – the crust was perfectly thin and crispy, the toppings were fresh and flavorful, and the sauce… well, let’s just say that it put a smile on my face!

I sampled a few of their specialty pies, including the ‘California Dreamer’ with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. It was an absolutely perfect combination of flavors! I also tried their sausage pie, which came topped with sweet peppers, onions and extra cheese. Needless to say, I’m still dreaming about it!

As for drinks? Rosato’s has a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as wines from around the world. No matter what your preference is in beverages, you’re sure to find something you love at this establishment.

In short: if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in Ocean County NJ – look no further than Rosato’s Pub & Pizzeria!

#11 Johnny G’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

The first thing that strikes you when you walk in is the cozy, yet authentically Italian ambiance. The aromas from the wood-fired ovens make it obvious that this is a place that takes their pizza seriously. I was also impressed by their friendly staff, which really goes out of its way to make sure every customer feels welcome and taken care of.

As for the pizza itself, I’ve never tasted anything like it! Their signature pies are truly a work of art, with delicious and balanced toppings layered on top of beautifully cooked crusts. Their Margherita Pizza is especially noteworthy – the tomatoes practicaly burst with flavor and the mozzarella cheese has this amazing milky sweetness. But don’t stop there – they also have an incredible range of specialty pizzas as well: white pies, veggie pizzas and more.

In short, Johnny G’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is quite simply one of the best pizza places I have ever had the pleasure to visit. If you’re ever in Ocean County NJ, be sure to check it out – and tell them Edward sent ya!

#12 Dario Pizza Pasta Panini

The first thing I noticed was the atmosphere. The restaurant is warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It really gave me a homey feeling, something you don’t always get in other pizza places.

Moving on to the pizza – wow! Out of this world. Whether you like your crust thin or thick, it was cooked just right. The marinara sauce had a great flavor, as did the freshly-sliced mozzarella cheese. And if you want something unique, they have plenty of customizable toppings to choose from.

One of my favorite things about Dario Pizza Pasta Panini is that they offer gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy their delicious pizza. Plus, their paninis are to die for! They toast them to perfection and the combination of flavors will make your taste buds go wild!

To sum up my experience at Dario Pizza Pasta Panini: best pizza in Ocean County NJ? Absolutely!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Mangia Brick Oven Pizza – Toms River, NJ

Upon entering this joint, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked dough and simmering tomato sauce. I swear, the scent alone made my mouth water like a leaky faucet. I rushed to a table like a kid on Christmas morning, already salivating at the thought of sinking my teeth into their legendary thin crust.

As I admired the cozy atmosphere, I couldn’t help but notice the friendly staff, who were eager to guide me through their extensive menu. They seemed genuinely thrilled to have a connoisseur like me in their midst. I asked them what made their thin crust stand out, and they whispered an ancient, pizza-making secret that had been passed down through generations. If I told you, I’d have to eat you.

Finally, my pizza arrived, and it looked like a masterpiece. The thin crust was so thin that I could see through it, just like my excuses for skipping the gym. I took a bite, and it was love at first taste. The crust was perfectly crisp, like biting into a cloud that had been bronzed to perfection. The toppings were fresh, bursting with flavor, and the cheese was stretchier than a yoga instructor on a rubber band.

I devoured the entire pizza within minutes, leaving no evidence behind except a satisfied grin and a trail of crumbs. Mangia Brick Oven Pizza has officially stolen a fat slice of my heart. If you’re ever in Toms River, NJ and craving the best thin crust pizza in town, don’t waste your time anywhere else. Go straight to Mangia. Your taste buds will thank you, and your waistline will curse you, but it’ll be worth every bite.