National Pizza Day 2025 just happens to fall on the same day as a very popular football game. That might take the fun out of venturing out to your favorite spot—unless, of course, you’re a NY Giants fan like me and can’t bring yourself to watch the Philly football team. Or maybe you just don’t want Taylor Swift in your life anymore. Don’t worry—I’ve got your travel plans covered.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am ThePizzaHulk, a nationally recognized pizza influencer. OK, that might be a bit much, but for real—I was featured in PMQ Magazine as a top pizza influencer of 2024. I’m here to offer you 10 New(ish) Pizza Spots you need to check out in 2025.
What are the criteria for being on this list, you ask? I’ve picked 10 spots that are new to the NJ pizza scene but are already making a name for themselves—some I’ve been to, some I haven’t—but I’m putting my pizza reputation on the line and recommending them anyway!
Come along for the ride, and be sure to follow me on my pizza journey: @thepizzahulk on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. I also host a weekly pizza podcast highlighting my excursions, called Smashing Slices.
Add these pizza joints to your bucket list for 2025.
- Bucky’s – Chatham, NJ
📍 @buckysnjpizza
The undisputed new kid on the block, Bucky’s is slinging some of the best pizza in the state, less than a year into their official pizza journey. They started as a pop-up and have now found a home in Chatham. Bucky’s has put the entire state on notice with elite-level Detroit-style squares.
- Casano’s Pizza Parlor – Rutherford, NJ
📍 @casanospizzaparlor
Owner Dave is no newcomer to the NJ pizza scene, but Casano’s is! They’re bringing ‘80s Grandma’s house vibes—think phone booths, pull-arm cigarette machines, and floral couches. But here’s the catch: No slices—only pre-orders. They even host pop-ups with NJ pizza legend Al Santillo.
- Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza – Nutley, NJ
📍 @emilios_woodfirepizza
Neapolitan wood-fired pizza has become one of my favorite styles over the past year, and not many people in the biz are doing it like Emilio’s. They feature a bar pie called “The Lisa”, and it’s an absolute game-changer.
- Francesca’s Pizza – Elmwood Park, NJ
📍 @squarednj (Ghost kitchen inside @franpizzanj)
A secret ghost kitchen located inside a pizzeria? YES, SIGN ME UP! @squarednj is pumping out top-tier Detroit-style pizzas. If you haven’t noticed, Detroit-style is something to take seriously. Follow them on social media and order one immediately—thank me later.
- L’Olivia – Farmingdale, NJ
📍 @lolivia_pizzeria
A lifelong pizzaiolo finally took the leap and opened his own spot—and he hasn’t looked back. L’Olivia, named after his daughter, is bringing the flavor with every round pie he’s pumping out. He’s putting Farmingdale on the pizza map.
- Meli’s Thin & Crispy Pizza Co. – Marlboro, NJ
📍 @melispizzaco
Thin & Crispy—it’s right in the name, and yes, it’s speaking to me. I’ve never really heard much about Marlboro, NJ, but Meli’s is trying to change that. I might need to update my Google Maps, and maybe you should too!
- Pizzeria Lucci – Belmar, NJ
📍 @pizzerialucci
Pizzeria Lucci is quite possibly the hottest spot in the state. It’s extremely difficult to grab a seat, but when you do, you’ll be blown away by what is presented to you. If you’re lucky enough to get in—call me, I STILL NEED TO GO!
- Slice Shop – West Orange, NJ
📍 @bagelsnyjarrett
Yes, BXJ was featured on this same list last year—but that was for his bagel shop pizza. Now he’s officially entering the pizza scene with Slice Shop. And in true BXJ fashion, it’s going to be a scene.
- Squares and Fare – Somers Point, NJ
📍 @squaresandfare
Another double-featured spot on this list! This new brick-and-mortar shop has officially opened, serving some of the absolute best square pizza you will find ANYWHERE. Somers Point is calling your name.
- The Pizza Project – Montclair, NJ
📍 @thepizzaprojectnj
@ThePizzaProjectNJ is a collaboration of home bakers featuring one of my favorite pizza pop-ups, @incarbzwetrust. On Sundays, they operate out of @rabblerise (AKA Montclair Bread Company). It’s a limited release, sells out super fast, and is only available through Instagram ordering!
Final Thoughts: Go Eat Some Pizza! 🍕🔥
There you have it—10 new(ish) pizza spots in NJ that you need to check out in 2025. Whether you’re into Detroit-style squares, thin & crispy, Neapolitan, or something completely unique, this list has something for every pizza lover.
Now, it’s your turn! Get out there, try some new pizza, and let me know what you think. Tag me in your pizza adventures @thepizzahulk on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts—I want to see what you’re eating!
Happy National Pizza Day (and, let’s be real, every day should be Pizza Day). 🍕👊 #SmashingSlices
