Welcome to February. One month down in 2026. It’s freezing cold, the snow will never melt, but I’m not here to bring you down. I’m here to warm you up and talk about pizza. National Pizza Day 2026, to be exact.
I’ve had the honor of being recognized by PMQ Magazine as a top pizza influencer. I’ve also had the honor of giving you recommendations for pizza in New Jersey for the past two years, so as I bring you my 2026 list of 10 must-try pizza spots to visit, I want us to make a promise. Promise me that when the weather breaks, or if you want to hang out with the penguins and the Eskimos, you’ll check these spots out. I truly feel like I’ve created the best list I possibly can.
But before we get to the list, you might ask yourself, what’s the criteria? There is no criterion. I don’t even know what that means. I handpicked 10 spots across the State of New Jersey that are absolute, guaranteed must-tries. Some you’ve heard of, some you may not have, but all of them need to be on your list for 2026. So let’s begin.
One last thing, follow me on my journey across the State of New Jersey on Instagram @thepizzahulk. Also, stay tuned in March when I’ll be running my third Pizza Madness bracket, trying to find the best pizza in New Jersey. Enough ramblin.
Here’s what you came for.
Save these spots ??????
Luigi’s Famous Pizza, Lincroft
@luigisfamouslincroft
Speaking of the Pizza Madness bracket, they are my 2025 champions. Every pizza they offer is a must-try, highlighted by their bar pie, which is clearly a favorite of the Pizza Hulk. Take the trip down the Parkway and make a visit. Send me a pic with a trophy, and I’ll send you a prize.
650 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
Website: http://www.luigisfamous.com/
Corner Slice, Maplewood
@corner_slice
Started in New York and made the right choice moving to New Jersey, adding to an already prestigious list of pizzerias. Corner Slice offers square slices daily, and on Wednesdays, there’s a secret meatball parm sandwich. There’s also the garlic knot that will blow your mind. If you know where their yellow pizza sign is from, please message me.
419 Boyden Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Website: https://cornerslice.pizza/
DeLucia’s Brick Oven Pizza, Raritan
@deluciasbrickovenpizza
A visit by that legendary “other” pizza guy, yes, we were on that same PMQ pizza influencer list. DeLucia’s has been slinging pizzas for generations. Legendary is an understatement. It’s probably still one of the hardest slices to get in the state. Wait for the warm weather and hop on the line. I promise you it’s worth it.
3 First Ave, Raritan, NJ 08869
Website: https://www.deluciasbrickovenpizza.com/
Nola’s, Garwood
@nolasgarwood
You’ve honestly probably never even heard of Nola’s, but everything here is top tier, and a trip to Garwood has become a necessity. Start with a bar pie, no thanks necessary.
607 South Ave, Garwood, NJ 07027
Website: https://www.nolasgarwood.com/
Third Proof, Montville
@thirdproof
The new craze in pizza is sourdough. I can make you a list of people doing it right, and Third Proof is 100 percent on that list. They also offer what could possibly be one of my favorite styles, a New Haven pie. Their plain pie is what I like to call boutique-style, slightly elevated New York-style pizza. Waits are long; order early.
263 Changebridge Rd, Pine Brook, NJ 07058
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdproof/
Grumpy’s, Saddle Brook
@grumpysnj
Backing up that sourdough statement, I present Grumpy’s. Fresh off a One Bite Pizza Review, the action at Grumpy’s is nonstop, and it’s for good reason. Their pizza is exceptional. Secret menu hack: garlic crust. It will absolutely change your life. So will the fried Oreos.
522 Saddle River Rd, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
Website: https://grumpysnj.com/
Brooklyn Square, Jackson
@brooklynsquarepizza
Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way, and nobody spreads love like Peter Pizza, possibly the nicest human being I’ve ever met in my life. Brooklyn Square is pumping out upside-down square pies that will take you on a spiritual pizza journey.
265 S New Prospect Rd, Jackson Township, NJ 08527
Website: https://brooklynsquarenj.com/
Capricci Pizzeria, Howell
@cappriccispizzeriahowell
Capricci’s offers a bar pie called the Thincredible, designed to get me in the door. I’ve been telling the owner I’ll see you soon, and well, soon is creeping up. Hopefully you read this, and you get there too. They just added Detroit-style pizzas to the menu, and I’ll be there before the snow melts.
Friendship Mall, 512 New Friendship Rd, Howell Township, NJ 07731
Website: https://www.capriccipizza.com/
Lucci’s Pizza, Clifton
@luccispizzanj
Lucci’s Pizza is another one of what I like to call boutique New York-style pizza shops. Slightly larger crust, fresh basil, not your average or typical New York slice. It’s elevated, sophisticated, and freaking delicious. PS, they’re open late. In a state once overrun by late-night diners, 2026 brings you late-night pizza.
590 NJ-3, Clifton, NJ 07014
Website: https://www.luccispizzanj.com/
Prima Pizza Kitchen, Somerville
@primapizzakitchen
This is another one of those spots you’ve never heard of, and you’re missing out. Probably the best sauce in the biz, along with maybe the best slice. That’s a highly debatable statement, but I’ll put Prima against anybody. If I don’t win, I’ll definitely change your mind.
131 N Gaston Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876
Website: https://www.primapizzakitchen.com/
Patsy’s Tavern, Paterson
@patsystavern
Do you want to hop in your DeLorean and meet Doc and Marty? Patsy’s is that spot. Slinging pizza since the 1930s, Patsy’s has one of the most unique crusts in the entire industry. It eats like a pastry, crispy on the bottom, while the sauce and cheese float on top just enough for you to think about it, then burn your face off when you take a bite.
72 7th Ave, Paterson, NJ 07524
Website: https://www.patsystavern.com/
I told you I was giving you 10, but I’m throwing in a quick bonus because I’m a nice guy and you deserve it. And I cannot mention a Jersey pizza list without these guys.
Squares and Fare, Somers Point
@squaresandfare
Vinnie’s Pan Pizza, Millburn, and now Brielle
@vinniespanpizza
2024 Pizza Madness Winner
Bucky’s NJ Pizza, Chatham
@buckysnjpizza
The Galley, Asbury Park
@thegalleyap
Casano’s Pizza Parlor, Rutherford
@casanospizzaparlor
